The American Franchisee Association (AFA) has set its fourth Franchisee Legal Symposium for April 26 and 27 in Philadelphia, Penn. Franchisees who register on or before Dec. 8 will receive $10.00 off the registration fee.

Besides being an opportunity to network with franchisees from other chains to learn how they are working to improve relations with their franchisors, the event is an opportunity for owners of franchised businesses to meet and mingle with some of the best franchisee lawyers in the country. Besides hearing their formal presentations, franchisees will be able to meet one-on-one and question them regarding specific issues.

Among the topics to be covered are:
• Why do franchisors pick on good franchisees?
• Forming an independent franchisee association.
• Assessing how franchisees have fared in

state courts and legislatures.
• Arbitration and other ways to deal with your

franchisor without resorting to litigation.
• Exiting the system — techniques to leave

amicably and without hostility.
• Franchise agreement terms — what to keep

out and what to get in.
• Making QSCs and QARs work for you.
• How franchisors use operational reviews and

how franchisees can avoid problems later.
• Problematic relations — franchising and the law

of incomplete contracts.
• The ten most oppressive clauses in

franchise agreements.

There will also be a leadership summit on April 25. Franchisee leaders from around the country will meet to discuss issues and exchange ideas on the effective operation of independent franchisee associations. Franchisees thinking about forming an association will be able to attend as observers to learn from others who’ve already been in the start-up stage.

For more information on the event, or to make reservations to attend, contact the AFA at (312) 431-0545 or EMullenixAFA@aol.com.