May 07 - 09, 2023

International Franchise Association

IFA - 2023 Legal Symposium

This event has already occurred.
Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC
1000 H Street NW
Washington, DC

Venable proudly supports the 2023 IFA Legal Symposium and invites you to meet us in Washington, DC, as several of our partners will attend and speak during this year’s meeting to share their insights and recommendations.

As the world's largest membership organization for franchisors, franchisees, and franchise suppliers, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is proud to provide industry-leading events, advocacy, education, and growth opportunities to the franchise community. The attendees of the 2023 Legal Symposium can earn CLE credits and exchange ideas with peers during networking events.

Our IFA Team

Barry Blum, Partner
Aaron Blynn, Partner
Nina Greene, Partner
Michael Joblove, Partner
Jessica S. Erenbaum, Counsel
Elizabeth McIntosh, Associate
Allaire Monticollo, Associate

Our Speaking Engagements

Judicial Update – Notable Franchise Cases From the Past Year
Monday, May 8 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Speaker:
Nina Greene, Partner, Venable LLP

Join us for the always popular Judicial Update, where our speakers will identify key franchise legal trends that are impacting the franchise community and examine what the most important cases mean for the future of franchising’s legal and business operations.

Rising Legal Professional Meet-up Breakfast Program
Monday, May 8 | 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Moderator:
Elizabeth McIntosh, Associate, Venable LLP

Speakers:
Karen Saterlee, Senior VP, Assistant General Counsel, Hilton
Ted Pearce, Franchise and Corporate Counsel, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Kristin Corcoran, VP of Corporate Counsel, Marco’s Pizza

A breakfast professional development program for rising franchise law professionals with up to 5 years’ legal experience. Meet up with colleagues who are at a stage in their careers similar to yours. Build your network, share best practices, and learn from seasoned in-house and outside counsel how to grow your career in franchise law.

Commissions, Rebates, and Disclosure: Oh My!
Tuesday, May 9 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Moderator:
Marion Coldonat, Senior Corporate Counsel-Supply Chain & International, Focus Brands

Speakers:
Aaron Blynn, Partner, Venable, LLP
Toni Brown, Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
David Humphrey, IFA Chair; CEO, ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc.

With an increasing focus on supplier rebates and commissions to franchisors from franchisees and regulators seeking to impose stricter and more specific disclosure requirements, it can be difficult for franchisors to navigate, and they may need to reevaluate their sourcing and distribution relationships. This session will also discuss best practices for the use of rebates and other supplier payments.

Navigating Privacy Regulation and Franchise System Implications in 2023 and Beyond
May 8 | 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 9 | 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Moderator:
Allaire Monticollo, Associate, Venable LLP

Speakers:
Norah Phillips, Former FTC Commissioner
Mara Zusman, Vice President, Global Privacy, Data Security, Incident Response, and Human Rights, Hilton

This session will discuss developments in Privacy and Data Security, including new state laws, recent federal data privacy legislative activity, and the FTC’s advance notice or rulemaking. The panel will also offer practical tips and best practices for complying with unique issues faced by franchisors, including balancing joint employer issues with brand standards.

Roundtables

Michael Joblove will lead discussions on enforcement of system standards in franchise systems.

For more information and to register, please click here.