Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue IV, 2011 | Page 50

By Kerry Pipes Empire Builders Multi-Unit Franchising Conference Advisory Board meets to plan 2012 conference M ulti-unit franchisees dominate the franchise landscape today. They are the bread and butter of franchise expansion. These business people are smart, sophisticated, and determined—and their success proves it. That’s why some of the best in the business have been tapped to serve on the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference Advisory Board. The group gathered in September at Chicago’s historic Palmer House to map out the 2012 conference and plan the theme and educational direction of the annual conference, which will be held in Las Vegas, April 24–26 at The Mirage. The upcoming 11th annual MultiUnit Franchising Conference is a growing endeavor that’s become a top event in the franchising world. Two of the key factors in the continuing success of the conference have been its on-target topical 48 network with “Toother brands allfranchisees from over the country - food, service, fitness. I look for the nuggets to help me in my business. I also found a brand I am now doing business with as a result of the conference. I suggest other franchisees attend for the same reasons I go. If you are looking for a new concept, this is the place to go and be able to network with franchisees of those concepts.” – Ken Leese timeliness and the opportunities to network with fellow multi-unit franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers. Next year will be no exception. In Chicago, board members held lengthy discussions on many topics, including how a growing governmental presence is affecting the day-to-day business of franchisees. Mandated healthcare, burdensome taxation, and a government that has simply grown too large were hashed out and identified as prime material for conference sessions and seminars. There also was a general sense that credit is finally beginning to loosen up, which would open more opportunity for franchise expansion and growth. Board members agreed that their employees are their most important assets, and that they are always on the lookout for improved tools to help recruit and retain better employees, said incoming Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue IV, 2011 muf4_f_boardmeeting(48-49).indd 48 9/23/11 6:25 AM