Franchise Update Magazine Issue IV, 2014 | Page 44

Grow Market Lead

FOUNDATIONS
FOR GROWTH
16TH LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON FUNDAMENTALS

B

BY KERRY PIPES & EDDY GOLDBERG

uilding a solid foundation
is essential for any growthminded business. And in
the fast-paced, high-tech
world of franchise development, it’s easy
to overlook the fundamentals. That’s why
the theme of the 16th annual Franchise
Update Leadership & Development Conference was “Foundations for Growth.”
The event was held at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, October 15–17.
Franchise development executives and
their sales teams expect quality learning
opportunities and a rich venue for networking when they attend the annual
conference—and that’s what they got,
with two outstanding keynote speakers

Greg Vojnovich, conference chair

CONFERENCE
BY NUMBERS

380

ATTENDEES

242

FRANCHISOR EXECUTIVES

131

SPONSORS
John Teza, Tom Wood, Art Coley

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Franchiseupdate ISS U E IV, 2 0 1 4

7

OTHERS

and dozens of expert panelists who both
challenged and encouraged attendees.
Topical and timely sessions filled the
two-and-a-half days as knowledgeable,
experienced speakers shared their stories
and insights in packed meeting rooms.
The conference continues to post
strong numbers each year. More than
240 franchise sales executives joined
more than 130 sponsors and exhibitors
for what has become a premier event for
system growth and development teams.
Extended hours in the Expo Hall provided attendees ample time to explore the
solutions being offered and to network
with their peers.
Greg Vojnovic, chief development
officer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen,