Is Southern Steer required to conduct a Brand Conference?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
chisee or its Operating Principal and its Designated Manager as further described in Section 6.1; and
- (j) Providing Franchisee with guidance, strategy and advice for Franchisee's Southern Steer Business at Franchisee's reasonable request during Franchisee's regular business hours via the telephone, e-mail or other means determined by Franchisor.
- 10.3. Continuing Services. Currently, the continuing services provided by Franchisor, its Affiliate or designee after Franchisee's Required Opening Date will include:
- (a) Providing on-site assistance as described in Section 10.4;
- (b) May, but is not required, to conduct an annual Brand Conference and Periodic Conferences and Seminars as further described in Section 6.7;
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, Southern Steer is not required to conduct an annual Brand Conference. The FDD states that Southern Steer "May, but is not required, to conduct an annual Brand Conference and Periodic Conferences and Seminars".
However, if Southern Steer does hold a Brand Conference, franchisees are required to pay a Brand Conference Fee for themselves, their Operating Principal, or their Designated Manager to attend. Franchisees must also pay a fee for any additional attendees they elect to send to the Brand Conference, as well as covering all travel and living expenses for all attendees.
While attendance at a Brand Conference is not mandatory, Southern Steer franchisees should factor in the potential costs of attending such a conference if it is held, including the Brand Conference Fee and travel expenses. This is a common practice in franchising, where franchisors often hold conferences to provide training, updates, and networking opportunities, but attendance is not always compulsory.