1. Hotel Information
The conference will be held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront; Phone 410/385-3000 - Guest Fax 410/895-1900. Arrangements for childcare can be made by contacting the hotel’s concierge. Visit the hotel’s website at www.baltimoremarriottwaterfront.com for further information.

2. Hotel Reservations

The Forum on Franchising has negotiated a special room rate of $260 per single/double room at the Marriott Waterfront. A 12.5% sales tax will also apply per night. To make your hotel reservations online, please follow the instructions on the registration form. You may call the hotel directly at 800-266-9432 and mention the ABA Forum on Franchising 2011 Meeting. We have reserved a limited block of rooms through September 26, 2011. You must register for the conference prior to making your hotel reservation. After this date, the Hotel Reservation Office will assign rooms on a space available basis. All changes and cancellations to guaranteed hotel reservations must be made by 6:00 p.m. on the scheduled day of arrival to avoid a one night cancellation charge.


3. Air / Ground Travel
Air Travel:  Airfare discounts to ABA meetings are available through ABA Online Travel. To access ABA Online Travel, go to www.americanbar.org, and click on the link at the bottom of the ABA Calendar Box. At ABA Online Travel you will have automatic access to meeting airfare discounts, web fares and web book only airlines. The ABA's toll-free number for Orbitz for Business (OFB) is 1-877-222-4185.

Ground Travel: The Marriott Waterfront is only a 12 minute drive from the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, a 45 minute drive from Ronald Reagan Airport and a 52 minute drive from Dulles Airport. Taxis are available at a rate of $30, $110 and $150 each way from the respective airports. On-site self-parking for guests at the Marriott is $26.00 per night and $40 for Valet.

4. Program Registration
To register for all programs and events described in this brochure, we encourage you to register online at www.americanbar.org/groups/franchising. Confirmations will be emailed to you within 72 hours of registration receipt. In order to be included in the list of program attendees, you must register by September 26, 2011. Guest tickets for special events are available for an additional fee. Please see the registration form for price details.

5. On-Site Check-In
Beginning Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., attendees may check in at the ABA registration desk to pick up badges and course materials.

6. On-Site Registration
On-site registration is available for those persons who missed the registration deadline. If you plan to register at the door, please call Kim Nelson at 312/988-5666 on or before Friday, October 14th, to confirm that space is still available. Failure to call in advance may preclude admission to a sold out conference. On site registrants must pay the registration fees by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. NO registrations will be accepted without payment.


7. Tuition Information

Tuition for the intensive programs is separate and in addition to the main program registration fee. Intensive program tuition includes course materials, box lunch, and welcome reception. Tuition for the main program includes admission to the two-day program, welcome reception, continental breakfasts, beverage breaks, lunches, course materials and the Annual Reception/Dinner. The Forum will be providing this year’s program materials in advance electronically in an effort to help “green” the environment.


8. Cancellation Policy
Registrants who are unable to attend the conference will receive a refund less a $50 administrative fee if written cancellation is received by September 26, 2011. Cancellations may be e-mailed to aba@trexperts.com or faxed to 630-262-1520. No refunds will be granted after September 26, 2011. Substitutions are acceptable, or conference materials will be sent in lieu of a refund after the program. The ABA reserves the right to cancel any programs and assumes no responsibility for personal expenses.

9. CLE Credit

CLE accreditation has been requested for this conference from every state with mandatory continuing legal education requirements for lawyers. Please be aware that each state has its own rules and regulations, including its definition of CLE. Check with your state agency for confirmation of this program's approval. Attorneys seeking to obtain CLE credit in Louisiana and/or Pennsylvania will be required to pay state accreditation fees directly to these states. You may contact your respective state(s) for confirmation of the number of CLE credit hours requested by the ABA or credit approved by any particular state.


10. Membership
To encourage registrants to join the ABA Forum on Franchising, the reduced member's tuition rate will be extended to registrants who join the Forum when they register for the conference. Forum membership dues are $50 for attorneys/associates and $10 for law students. Membership in the ABA and one Section is a prerequisite to Forum membership. Please include a separate check (payable to the American Bar Association) for membership dues.

11. Additional Course Materials
Materials for all programs may be available for purchase after the conference by calling the ABA Service Center at 1-800-285-2221.

12. Forum Policy Regarding Self-Promotion and Conflicts
In order to insure a spirit of collegiality at the Annual Forum, please respect the Forum on Franchising's policy which provides that no individual, group or entity (other than the ABA) may engage in any type of self promotion or conflicting activities (such as giving gifts; hosting group functions i.e., more than six guests including meals, parties, sporting events, meetings or seminars; or displaying or distributing advertising, marketing materials, books, articles, case reports or anything of value or scheduling non-Forum sponsored group meetings) at or in connection with the Annual Forum or any Forum sponsored events (i.e., from the time the first event or program starts to the time the last event or program ends), in or near the city where the Forum event is taking place. The 2011 Annual Forum starts at noon, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 and concludes at the end of the Community Service Event on Saturday, October 22nd at Noon.

13. Tax Deduction for Educational Expenses
In the United States an income tax deduction may be allowed for educational expenses undertaken to maintain or improve professional skills. This includes registration fees, travel, meals and lodging expenses (see Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.162-2) Coughlin v. Commissioner, 203 F.2d 307 (2nd Cir. 1953.)

14. Americans with Disabilities Act
If special arrangements are required for disabled individuals to attend this program, please contact Kimberly Nelson in writing by September 26, 2011 at the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60610 or kim.nelson@americanbar.org.

15. Dress
In keeping with Forum tradition, participants are encouraged to wear business casual attire during the programs and to the special events.

16. For the Latest Program Information
Please visit the Forum on Franchising at www.americanbar.org/groups/franchising. For further information on the city, travel, activities and entertainment options, visit www.baltimore.org.

17. Questions
If you have questions or require additional conference information, please call 312/988-5666. Fax: 312/988-5677; E-mail: kim.nelson@americanbar.org.