2012 IFA Annual Convention
Orlando, FL, February 11-14, 2012

For more than 50 years, the International Franchise Association has worked to protect, promote and enhance franchising by advocating on behalf of the industry and hosting exceptional educational programming and networking opportunities. This year’s event will be no exception. Attendees will leave inspired, optimistic and ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. Learn best practices; engage your peers; and chart the future.

To learn more, visit: http://www.franchise.org/convention.aspx

Upside Group Co-Presenting for Stark & Stark’s
2011 Best Practices Seminar – Moneyball for Franchising
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, December 6, 2011, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

As detailed in the bestselling novel and major motion picture, “Moneyball,” the Oakland A’s discovered a way to compete in major league baseball through modernizing its analytical and statistical approach toward evaluating baseball talent and prospect selection. Through this new system, the Oakland A’s were able to assemble a competitive team at a fraction of the salaries being paid by richer clubs.

Join us for a complimentary, full-day seminar to explore how franchise systems can adopt some of the lessons from Moneyball to profile and recruit better quality franchise prospects.

PRESENTED BY:

Mario Altiery, CFE, President – Upside Group
Ronald Feldman, CFE, CEO – Franchise America Finance
Ricardo Roman, Vice President – Caliper Corporation
Adam J. Siegelheim, Esq., Shareholder – Stark & Stark

Registration is required. RSVP by November 30th to
Megan at (609) 895-7307 or mearney@stark-stark.com

West Coast Franchise Expo
Los Angeles, November 4-6, 2011

The West Coast Franchise Expo brings together hundreds of the leading franchise companies along with thousands of entrepreneurs, interested in starting a business, from California plus a dozen western states. It’s a unique chance for prospective franchisees to meet face-to-face with from the most exciting franchise concepts, available at every investment level, full time or part time, you'll find the franchise that’s right for you at WCFE.

There’s a franchise to fit every lifestyle - so make your plans to visit the WCFE at the Los Angeles Convention Center, November 4-6, 2011.

To learn more, visit: www.wcfexpo.com or www.mfvexpo.com.

Upside Group to present at the 2011 ABA Forum on Franchising
Baltimore, October 19-21, 2011

Upside Group will present at the 2011 ABA Forum on Franchising October 19-21 in Baltimore. The Mission of the ABA Forum on Franchising is to be the preeminent forum for the study and discussion of the legal aspects of franchising. Upside Group is the only franchise consulting firm which has been asked to present at this year’s conference. An Upside executive will discuss “The Use of Consultants and Paraprofessionals in Franchising: Are you Aiding and Abetting the Unauthorized Practice of Law.”

To learn more, visit: http://www.americanbar.org

Upside Group Sponsoring IFA’s Annual Convention
Las Vegas February 13-16, 2011

IFA’s 51st Annual Convention theme, Building the Future Together, reflects the meeting’s focus on solutions to position the industry for the future as the economy begins to improve. Franchise industry experts and business and management professionals will share with convention attendees multiple strategies to recover from the recession and how to drive sales. Mitt Romney and Steve Forbes are the scheduled keynote speakers for this year’s event.

Upside Group is proud to serve as a primary sponsor for IFA’s 51st Annual Convention. Mario Altiery, our President and Founder, has been selected as a Facilitator for the Convention’s Business Solution Roundtables for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, several USG staff members have been asked to serve as Ambassadors during this year’s convention.

For more information on this event, please visit: http://franchise.org/convention.aspx

Franchise Expo South in Miami on January 14, 2011
Presenter: Mario Altiery of the Upside Group

Your Questions Answered! - Most Requested Topics for 2011
Presented by Mario Altiery - President, Upside Group Franchising Consulting

With the start of a new year and an ever-changing business climate, we have created the first and only franchise education seminar that addresses the most requested topics submitted by both established and early stage franchisors, as well as those thinking about franchising an existing business. Don’t miss the Franchise Expo South’s only customized, multi-topic seminar and an opportunity to interact directly with your peers, business associates and other industry professionals.

For more information, please visit: http://www.franchiseexposouth.com/FES_FS_Friday.asp

The West Coast Franchise Expo
November 5th - 7th, 2010
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

Join thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners at the WEST COAST FRANCHISE EXPO, the largest franchise expo in the west. Meet hundreds of proven franchised businesses. Every investment level.

Register now for the largest franchise expo in the west.

Turning Franchise Portal Leads Into Franchise Candidates -
Beginning October 14th, 2010
Presenter: Mario Altiery of the Upside Group

Franchise Gator will be hosting a series of webinars, the first of which will take place on October 14th, 2010 at 2:30pm. The focus of the series will be Turning Franchise Portal Leads Into Franchise Candidates. In this series of sessions we don’t want to simply instruct, we want to use real life examples, including a review of your lead follow up emails and one-on-one consultation.

Franchise Business Network Event
September 21, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ

On September 21, 2010 Upside Group Senior Consultant, Larry A. Schwartz gave the feature presentation at the Franchise Business Network (FBN) Event in Phoenix. The event was sponsored by Upside Group Franchise Consulting, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., and the International Franchise Association. The event attracted a variety of individuals from the Arizona franchise community including local franchisors, franchise attorneys and suppliers as well as those thinking about franchising an existing business. The focus of the event was on one of the key elements of franchise development, the Discovery Day. Industry experts led in-depth discussions and answered questions regarding some of the most effective Discovery Day strategies and associated compliance issues. Feedback was extremely positive and attendees eagerly voiced excitement about attending future Phoenix area Franchise Business Network Events.

IFA Annual Public Affairs Conference
September 13 - 14, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ

On September 13 - 14, 2010, Upside Group Senior Consultant, Larry A. Schwartz attended the International Franchise Association Annual Public Affairs Conference at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. Primary issues discussed included increasing access to capital, reducing the tax burden on small businesses and creating new programs to assist Veterans interested in owning and operating their own businesses. These issues, among others confronting the franchise industry were tackled by a committed group of franchise executives in the intimate two day conference. Larry Schwartz reports that in addition to spending two full days tackling these issues, he and his fellow conference attendees made the trip to Capitol Hill to meet with members of the House of Representative and Senate. These meetings provided an opportunity for Congressional Leaders and franchise industry executives to discuss these important issues head on as well as pending legislation supported by the IFA.

IFA Franchise Business Network Breakfast Roundtable
Thursday 9:00 AM, August 10th at the SLC Conference Center
352 7th Avenue (30th St.), 16th Floor, New York, NY

Mario Altiery will be a guest speaker at IFA’s next Franchise Business Network Breakfast Roundtable in New York, NY on August 10. The topic: “How to Help New Franchises Succeed.” This program will focus on providing practical advice for helping new franchisees to succeed, even in a difficult economy, including advice regarding training, location selection, construction and build out, computer systems, suppliers, grand opening, advertising, and the processes for selecting new franchisees.

Reserve your space by no later than Friday, August 6, 2010. See linked form for registration details.

Arizona Hunger Campaign
Thursday, May 6th, 2010 10:00 AM at the US Airways Arena

On May 6, Lift Up America will help launch the Arizona Hunger Campaign, a one-year effort to help alleviate hunger in the greater Phoenix area. Along with partners Jerry Colangelo, the Arizona Broadcasters Association, local food banks, area churches and businesses, and the public, the campaign hopes to raise five million pounds of food to help the 1 in 5 children in Arizona who are struggling with hunger.

http://liftupamerica.org/upcoming-events/other-events

Social Networking for Franchisors: Pitfalls and Potential
April 6, 2010, 11:45 AM, Las Vegas, NV - Bali Hai Country Club

This is a complimentary forum on social networking sponsored by Armstrong Teasdale LLP featuring attorney Craig G. Moore. As a franchisor, you recognize the vast potential in social media for hiring, retention, name recognition, credibility, and PR. With social media growing at an exponential pace, the new opportunities for you in this arena are endless. But you must be aware of the risks. The release of confidential data, regulatory violations, and public relations disasters can all but cause a business to fail.

The Franchise UnConference
March 3 - 5, 2010, Newpark Resort, Park City, Utah

Join us March 3-5, 2010 (which many people will choose to extend through Sunday, 3/7) in Park City, UT for an exciting event hosted by Fisher Zucker, Fishman PR and Hot Dish Advertising. We are expecting franchisors, multi unit franchisees and suppliers to gather at the Newpark Resort, a brand new and amazing mountain resort, for a networking event conducted around a ski trip. Networking is by far the highest rated part of any industry conference and we have heard a recurring comment by attendees that often you are forced to bear an overwhelming amount of programming to get to the networking events. Well that is about to change!

Registration deadline is February 20, 2010 12:01am [Mountain Time]. To register or to learn more about this event click here.

IFA Convention in San Antonio, TX
Feb 4th - 5th, 2010 San Antonio Convention Center & Marriott Rivercenter Hotel

Our very own Mario Altiery of the Upside Group spoke on February 5th at the IFA Convention in San Antonio. Mario along with Lorne Fisher, CFE, CEO/Managing Partner, Fish Consulting lead a session titled: “Brand Marketing and Franchise Recruitment - Putting Your Best Foot Forward”. Three of us were also roundtable facilitators at the convention. Larry Schwartz lead a discussion titled: “Moving your prospects through the sales process.” Heidi Bohi lead a discussion titled: "What Marketing programs today provide the best Return on your investment." Mario Altiery led a discussion titled: “Selling your first franchise”.

Mario Altiery, President of Upside Group Franchise Consulting, was invited to a special private reception as a major contributor to FranPAC for former U.S. President George W. Bush during the International Franchise Association Convention on February 6, 2010. President Bush was the keynote speaker at the International Franchise Association's 50th Annual Franchise Convention held in San Antonio, Texas from February 5 - 8. During Mr. Altiery’s private time with the President they discussed baseball and franchising. Following the private FranPAC reception, President Bush delivered his keynote address to the 2,400 International Franchise Association members in attendance on his experiences with other world leaders, the nature of public leadership and his candid insights on his eight years living in the White House. The International Franchise Association Convention, in addition to celebrating their 50 year milestone, was praised by those in attendance as informative, educational and validating the vital role franchising has played in the initial stages of turning around the troubled U.S. economy.

Franchise Business Network Event
January 19th, 2010 Tempe, AZ at Historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja

Join us for the first Franchise Business Network Event of 2010. This event is sponsored by The International Franchise Association and Upside Group Franchise Consulting.

While we’ve all been immersed talking about the challenging economy, there are many growth strategies that with proper execution can lead to exceptional corporate and unit level growth. This outstanding event will provide you with the information and tools you need to meet your development goals and establish your franchise system as an industry leader. We have assembled a team of experts who will lead in-depth discussions and answer your questions on some of the most effective strategies available.

The Emerging Franchisor Conference (EFC)
November 5th - 9th, 2009 NSU Main Campus, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL

The Emerging Franchisor Conference (EFC) is designed to address the challenges and opportunities unique to franchise systems with 200 or fewer franchisees. Aimed at founders, CEOs, COOs, presidents, key senior staff members, entrepreneurs, and potential franchisors, the EFC is a prime networking and educational conference for franchisors that are ready to grow their systems. The EFC provides peer-based, tested ideas that work; hands-on learning filled with take-home value; and an unparalleled networking opportunity.

2009 Athlete’s Investors Show
June 25th and 26th, 2009 Palms Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Come join us for the 2009 Athlete’s Investors Show at the Palms Hotel. This conference focuses on a handpicked group of franchisors and investment professionals who will have the opportunity to present to both current and retired athletes who are interested in learning more about their industries. The event will allow each participating company dedicated time to present their offering in both a business and social setting.

Athlete’s Investors Show
Jan 15th, 16th, 17th, 2009  Palms Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

In the News:

• Athletes show the money with interest
• Professional Athletes and Franchise Companies can be great teammates!

IFA Convention in San Diego
Feb 14th – 17th, 2009 San Diego, CA

Nova University Franchise Development Seminar
October 23rd - 25th, 2008 Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

This program allows you to implement methods to position your system for growth in the domestic and international marketplace, enhance the franchisor/franchisee relationship, and know what legal questions you should be asking and how to stay on top of current legal hot topics that could affect your system.

In the News:

• IIFE Emerging Franchisor Conference Agenda EFC 2008 - Fort ...

Hard Hitting Tools For More Effective Selling – July 31, 2008
Presenter: Mario Altiery of the Upside Group

In our kick-off session, Mario discussions why franchise sales are a more difficult sale than most other industries, facts and misconceptions about the viability of leads, and the reality of awarding franchises vs selling them. Mario also talks about the core competencies of the franchise sales process, including staff training, lead tracking, and goal setting. Lastly, Mario touches on what ongoing tasks are an important part of a successful sales program.