Introduction
Attending the 2025 ABA Forum on Franchising in Orlando felt like stepping onto Platform 9¾— full of anticipation, a dash of nerves, and the sense that I was about to enter a new world. With the conference’s playful Harry Potter theme as a backdrop, I joined a bustling “Great Hall” of franchise professionals for three days of learning, networking, and a little bit of wizardry.
Sorting Hat: Key Takeaways for Newcomers
Much like a Hogwarts student discovering their house, the world of franchising sorts you into new roles and responsibilities. Here’s what stood out as keys to success worth sharing with a “first-year” franchisor from my first ABA Forum:
- FDDs Are Living Spellbooks: Franchise Disclosure Documents aren’t static tomes. Regulators expect them to be updated with the precision of a Potions Master— especially Items 5, 6, 7, 11, and 19. Transparency and accuracy are the magic words.
- Beware the State Addenda Maze: Each state may require its own addendum to the FDD and franchise agreement. Missing or miscasting these can lead to regulatory “Howlers” (delays or enforcement actions).
- Speak Plain English, Not Parseltongue: Both federal and state authorities want FDDs to be clear and accessible. Ditch the legalese— your audience isn’t made up of wizards fluent in arcane language.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Franchise Regulatory Updates in 2026
The regulatory landscape is as ever-changing as the Forbidden Forest. This year’s “Regulatory Update” session highlighted:
- Full Fee Disclosure: If a fee isn’t in the FDD, it shouldn’t appear in the operations manual or anywhere else. Regulators are on the lookout for hidden “dark magic.”
- Non-Compete Guidance: New NASAA guidance means post-term non-compete clauses must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geography. Overly broad restrictions are under the Inquisitor’s scrutiny.
- Economic Realities: Fluctuations in costs, supply chains, and timelines must be reflected in updated FDDs. Disclaimers won’t protect you from the consequences of outdated information.
Practical Magic: Advice from the Franchise Bar
The real magic at the Forum was the generosity of experienced practitioners. Here’s what I learned from the “Order of the Franchise Bar” that I would want to make sure any new franchisor knows:
- Build Your Network Early: Don’t wait for the Yule Ball— introduce yourself to other franchisors in the community to help build a support team as you start this journey. The same way a simple “I’m new to the Forum” opened doors to mentorship and camaraderie at this event for myself can make magic happen for your new venture.
- Ask Questions Without Fear: If something isn’t clear, raise your hand and try to find comfort in knowing that it’s impossible to have all of the answers from the start—every wizard started as a Muggle. Particularly on legal matters, clarity is key.
- Stay Ahead of Trends: Subscribe to NASAA updates, FTC guidance, and state bulletins. The regulatory “curriculum” changes quickly.
- Invest in Practical Tools: Working with franchise lawyers to build out internal checklists for FDD updates and state addenda compliance are your Marauder’s Map—saving time and reducing risk.
- Balance Technical Knowledge with Business Insight: At Endereza, we understand both the law and the operational realities of franchising— like supply chain challenges and unit economics. Even if you’re not an expert in the legal side of the business, understanding what you don’t know about franchise compliance can be the key to saving yourself from legal hassle.
Conclusion: The Real Magic
Looking back, my first ABA Forum on Franchising was a whirlwind of new faces, new rules, and new opportunities. While the Harry Potter theme added a sense of fun, the true magic was in the practical knowledge and professional connections I gained. For other lawyers considering attending for the first time, my advice is simple: embrace the experience, stay curious, and be ready to learn. For new franchisors, while a law conference may not seem like an enchanting journey, the same openness I practiced at ABA is important in your early days of franchising. Always be open to learning and gaining new skills from other franchisors, legal professionals, or even experienced franchisees. It can lead to a sense of belonging, the same way my time at the forum helped me find a community dedicated to making the franchise world a little more transparent—and maybe even a little more magical.
