WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3


5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Welcome Reception
JW Marriott Pool Deck

Welcome to L.A. Live – where the Forum on Franchising comes to celebrate! In the heart of the city synonymous with entertainment, L.A. Live offers world class music, film, sports, dining and accommodations. Gather with colleagues and friends for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the rooftop of the JW Marriott which overlooks the L.A. Live complex. Complimentary for all attendees and their guests.


6:45 pm – 10:00 pm
Newcomers’ Networking Night
Perch Restaurant

Transportation Provided

Come soak up the lights of downtown at one of L.A.’s trendiest rooftop restaurants and lounges. Young lawyers (that is, those lawyers under the age of 36 or who have been admitted to practice for less than 5 years) and first and second time attendees to the Forum always enjoy meeting and socializing after a long day at the intensive programs! This year we are off for dinner and cocktails at Perch, a French inspired rooftop bistro with uninterrupted views of the city. Sitting 15 floors above downtown L.A.’s Pershing Square, Perch features stunning views of the downtown skyline, along with multiple fireplaces and fire pits. There really is something for everyone! Come for the entertainment and networking and enjoy some alfresco cocktails. Don’t get left behind! Additional fee for attendees and guests.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

7:00 am – 8:15 am
Women’s Caucus Breakfast
Networking Intensive Breakfast: Greet old friends, meet new ones.


This year, the Women’s Caucus Breakfast is getting back to its roots of networking, mentoring and collaboration. Our focus this year is on creating new connections for everyone in attendance. Roundtable discussion topics will facilitate introductions and spirited discussion of issues each of us face in the business of law. The format will ensure that you have a chance to truly meet more than just those at your own table. We guarantee that you’ll make new contacts. Please join us! Additional fee for attendees.


9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Guest/Spouse Tour
The J. Paul Getty Museum
 
Transportation Provided

Discover the Getty Center in Los Angeles, one of the world’s premier cultural destinations! See masterpieces of art in the J. Paul Getty Museum and breathtaking views of the historic Sepulveda Pass. Enjoy spectacular, tranquil gardens, magnificent architecture and a variety of exhibits. There’s always something new at the Getty Center! You will begin with a guided 45-minute overview tour of the architecture and gardens, followed by lunch in the restaurant and then you will have time to yourself to explore those exhibits that pique your interest. Additional fee for attendees.


11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Diversity Lunch

The Diversity Caucus invites all diverse members, and those interested in diversity of the Forum to join us for a lunch discussion about how to get involved in Forum related activities such as writing, speaking and much more. Come with your suggestions about how we can support our diverse members and reach more diverse members to get them involved.


5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Networking Reception
Sponsored by Litgation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Division


All attendees of the 35th Annual Forum on Franchising are cordially invited to a networking reception on Thursday afternoon hosted by LADR. LADR is the Forum’s committee for issues concerning litigation and ADR. Renew old acquaintances and make new ones at this reception while unwinding from the day’s seminars before heading out to the Annual Reception. Complimentary for all attendees.


5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Corporate Counsel Reception


The Corporate Counsel Committee will once again host a cocktail party for this year’s member event. You will not want to miss out on the only event at the Forum intended specifically for, and restricted to, in-house counsel. The goal of the event is to create a networking opportunity for in-house counsel and to share the unique challenges, perspectives and experiences that in-house counsel face in their daily work routines. This will be a relaxed, casual atmosphere complete with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. Do not miss this very special opportunity to spend some quality time with your in-house peers. Only attendees with tickets will be admitted. Additional fee for attendees.


6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Annual Reception/Dinner
The Belasco Theater
Transportation Provided

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles resides an unparalleled host of rediscovered historic theatres—and the Belasco Theater is L.A.’s newest "old” gem to be lovingly restored. Transporting modern Angelenos to another time, the theater’s rich and diverse history is evident to anyone who steps through its storied doors. Inside the Belasco are a variety of stand-alone spaces such as the main ballroom and the vintage wine bar, each housing its own unique atmosphere and entertainment. Your visit to the Belasco Theater will truly be a visceral—and visual—experience. Join us at this amazing landmark for good food and live entertainment! Complimentary for all attendees. Additional fee for guests.


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5


7:30 am - 8:45 am
International Franchise and Distribution Division (IFDI) Breakfast
Getting Paid


The Forum’s International Division provides an opportunity for education, networking and the exchange of ideas among franchise lawyers from around the world. This year’s Division breakfast program will focus on the challenges that franchisors face when entering international markets and dealing with the critical issue of how to get paid. The breakfast program will consider appropriate due diligence in the development phase, proper legal structure and agreement language, and the practical hurdles business people face when putting “collection” into practice. A panel of speakers with a wealth of international franchising experience will discuss both the successful and the not-so- successful strategies they have pursued in the course of their international franchise activities across various jurisdictions. Additional fee for attendees.


7:30 am – 8:45 am
Solo and Small Firm Breakfast


The Solo and Small Firm Network is open to attorneys who are members of or employed by law firms of ten or fewer attorneys. This dynamic group will meet over breakfast to network and exchange ideas. Our focus will be on current law practice management issues facing solo and small firm franchise attorneys, with an emphasis on technology, client development, use of social network tools and a solo/small referral network. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know other solo/small firm practitioners, share knowledge, and get face to face input from your peers in roundtable and open meeting discussions. Participants can expect to gain ideas and information that will help them build more successful and efficient practices. Registrants are asked to bring hot topics, issues and ideas to discuss with the group. Additional fee for attendees.


6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Reception/Dinner
Celebrate the Power of Music!
Target Terrace at the Grammy Museum


The Grammy Museum is an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music occupying a vibrant new space in downtown Los Angeles. Four floors of cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience — engaging, educational, celebratory and inspirational. Whether you’re a fan of Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Ray Charles or the Rolling Stones, you will be amazed. We will rock on with drinks and dinner on the Target Terrace which is above the Grammy Museum and offers incomparable 360 degree views, under the stars and city lights, from Downtown to the Hollywood Sign together with exclusive access to the Museum’s exhibits throughout the evening. Additional fee for attendees.


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Community Service Event
Transportation Provided

Ever donated canned food and non-perishable items but wonder what happens next? Participate in the ABA Forum on Franchising’s 10th Annual Community Service Event and find out! We’ll assemble food packages at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, which will distribute them to those in need. The Food Bank has served the local community for 39 years, and last year distributed 60 million pounds of food through 640 partner agencies with over 1,000 sites, including abused and abandoned children homes, battered women shelters, senior centers, local food pantries, soup kitchens, AIDS hospices and more. This event is a wonderful opportunity to socialize while working side-by-side with other Forum attendees by donating your time to the community we are visiting. Also, please consider making a donation to this worthwhile cause by dropping off a check (made payable to the L.A. Regional Food Bank) or cash at the ABA Registration Desk on behalf of your firm, yourself, or on behalf of someone you know!