Conference—Symposium 5

SEIZING INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT: FIVE WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT THROUGH INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING
International development remains an intriguing and potentially profitable strategy for many franchisors. In exploring international expansion, how can franchisors maximize their return on investment (ROI)? What steps should franchisors take now in developing or redefining their international development strategy to avoid common costly mistakes? This session will explore 5 common issues which can impact franchisor’s ROI and identify best practices in addressing those issues to maximize ROI. Issues addressed will include optimal structure for expansion, planning and budgeting, brand adaptation, due diligence, and other topics.

All course materials are in English only. All symposium attendees receive free admission to the exhibits on all three days. .

Dates
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Rates
Advance: $199 includes exhibit hall admission and seminars
On-Site: $230 includes exhibit hall admission and seminars

Individuals enrolled in the Certified Franchise Executives program will earn 100 education credits towards completion or recertification of the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation by attending Seizing International Opportunities in Today's Environment: Five Ways to Maximize Your Return on Investment Through International Franchising. For more information about the Certified Franchise Executives program, please call or email Rose DuPont (202-662-0771 -- rdupont@franchise.org) or visit www.franchise.org/certification.aspx.

Who Should Attend
Franchisor executives and sales personnel and prospective international master franchisees pursuing or exploring international franchise development or otherwise considering new strategies to expand system growth.

This Symposium Will Look At
Maximizing Franchisor ROI through International Development
  1. Examining Current Strategies for Growth
    • What is your current game plan to grow your franchise system?
    • What opportunities and challenges does your company face?
    • Where does international development fall on your priority list?
    • What roadblocks do you perceive in developing or expanding an international growth strategy?
  2. Preparing an International Growth Strategy – Internal Viewpoint
    • Examining the health of your core concept
    • Assessing available corporate resources and needs for international development
    • Establishing a forward-looking business plan for growth
  3. Preparing an International Growth Strategy – External Viewpoint
    • Marketing your program overseas – opportunities and challenges
    • Protecting your core assets in foreign countries
    • Examining target markets and developing a priority list for expansion
  4. Creating the Ideal Format to Maximize Success
    • What options do you have in structuring your international plan?
    • Comparing the economic and legal advantages and challenges in selecting the ideal format
    • What format maximizes the use of your company’s resources?
    • How your international franchise prospect shapes your format choice
  5. Implementing Your International Plan
    • Strategies in pursuing your targeted markets
    • Finding and selecting the right foreign partners/franchisees
    • Removing barriers to success – operational, legal, economic challenges and tactics to overcome these challenges
    • Negotiating the deal
    • The role of franchisees in market research and planning
    • Establishing an operational compass for future success

Presented by: Gaylen Knack, Principal, Gray Plant Mooty and Carl Zwisler, Partner, Gray Plant Mooty
Panelists: Leonard N. Swartz, Senior Advisor, The iFranchiseGroup and Peter Holt, Chief Operating Officer, Tasti D-Lite
Gaylen Knack
As a principal in Gray Plant Mooty’s 25 person franchise group, Gaylen has devoted over 20 years in assisting franchisors in structuring domestic and international franchise and distribution programs and advising clients on related business and regulatory issues. He also assists franchisors in developing domestic and foreign supply chains and advises clients on related international trade and trademark matters. Gaylen’s combined experience in private practice and as a franchise executive provide him with a unique understanding of the complex business and legal issues that franchisors face. He has been active in various IFA activities and committees and has spoken and authored numerous articles on a variety of franchise-related topics. Gaylen has been recognized as a leading international franchise attorney by both Chambers (Global and USA editions) and International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers.

Carl Zwisler
Carl is a principal in GPM’s Franchise & Distribution practice group and focuses his practice on the representation of franchisors, manufacturers, and investors in structuring, negotiating, and enforcing domestic and international franchise, licensing, distribution, and acquisition agreements. He also assists executives and general counsel in more than 65 industries or industry segments with creative solutions for developing and implementing business expansion strategies. With more than 35 years experience, Carl has worked with clients in every phase of domestic and international franchising, licensing, and distribution programs, frequently advising companies entering the U.S. market and U.S. companies expanding abroad. A former IFA General Counsel, Carl is listed in the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers.