Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2014 | Page 68

WIN CITY 2014 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference rocks it in Vegas F BY KERRY PIPES AND EDDY GOLDBERG ranchise Update Media’s 13th annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC) has grown steadily into a powerhouse that has become the must-attend event for multi-unit franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers alike. But as many of the 1,400 attendees noted during the three-day event, MUFC still retains its personal, boutique feel as a place to reunite with old friends and make new ones. This year’s theme was “Planning For Growth: Your Pathways to Success.” The conference was held in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, April 23–25, and will return there next year, April 8–10, 2015. 80 franchisees, industry executives, and suppliers soaked in the sun at the nearby Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock. The tournament was one of three fundraising events at the conference (see sidebar). After a post-golf meal at Arroyo, the golfers headed back to Caesars Palace for a franchisee-only welcome cocktail reception, complete with masseuses. Wednesday: Came the dawn Teeing off in the desert The conference kicked off on Tuesday with a pre-conference, shotgun-style golf tournament, sponsored by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Jersey Mike’s Subs. More than 66 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S UE III, 2014 Conference Chair Aziz Hashim As morning rolled around, the registration desk buzzed with activity, and attendees gathered for the formal start of the conference. Franchise Update CEO Therese Thilgen welcomed the crowd and shared the numbers about the attendees and exhibitors (see sidebar) before welcoming this year’s Conference Chair Aziz Hashim to the stage. Hashim introduced the conference and its themes of opportunity management, risk management, and collaboration man-