Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2011 | Page 60

Planning
for Tomorrow

Multi-Unit Franchising Conference shatters records
By Kerry Pipes

M

ulti-Unit Franchising Conference, my how claimed in his opening address, “The quality of this conference just continues to grow every year, and I know I
you’ve grown!
More than 900 franchisees, franchisors, sup- wouldn’t miss it.” As a veteran attendee of this annual event,
pliers, and franchise executives gathered in April for what he said, “People ask me ‘What should I expect to get out
has grown into the pivotal franchise event of the year for of attending this conference?’ and I always say, ‘It depends
multi-unit operators. This year’s numbers set a new record on what you put in.’ If you bring the right attitude it can
be tremendously valuable.” And, says Smithgall, he can’t
for the 10-year-old annual event.
The conference, held at The Venetian Las Vegas from wait to get home and apply the new ideas he’s learned from
other franchisees.
April 27–29, once again offered a unique opWhile in-the-trenches education, discusportunity for multi-unit operators to participate
THE
sion, and open dialogue are always priorities,
in cutting-edge sessions and seminars—while
prominent guest speakers also play an imporstill allowing time to hear dynamic keynote
tant role at the conference. This year featured
speakers and plenty of opportunities to netMULTI-UNIT
Domino’s Pizza CEO J. Patrick Doyle, futurwork with fellow operators. The educational
FRANCHISING
ist Jim Carroll, and Sean Touhy, the real-life
tracks have continued to evolve and now cover
CONFERENCE
father from the blockbuster movie, The Blind
franchising fundamentals such as employee
Side. Each offered fresh and inspiring insights
recruiting and managing unit performance,
as well as emerging trends and developing technology in from completely different perspectives.
This year’s event got off to a swinging start on Tuesday
areas such as financing growth and social media marketing.
Charles Smithgall III, the 2011 conference chair, pro- with a scramble-style golf tournament that provided ample

10TH ANNUAL

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Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue III, 2011