FIRST ANNUAL
EUROPEAN
MULTI-UNIT CONFERENCE
Going international ? So are we ! This past December , Franchise Update Media co-produced its first conference in Europe , partnering with the Best Franchisee of the World . The First Annual European Multi-Unit Franchising Conference was held December 2 – 3 at the beautiful , historical Palazzo Borghese in Florence , Italy . Attendees included franchisees , franchisors , investors , association heads , and government representatives from across the world .
“ This event was created as a platform for continued education and sets the stage for upcoming trends that are important to franchisees ,” said Franchise Update Media Chairman Gary Gardner upon his return home . “ Our goal was for franchisees to go home with new ideas to help take their businesses to the next level .”
For nearly two decades , Franchise Update has presented conferences in the U . S . for franchise sales and development professionals , multi-unit franchisees , and marketing executives , along with hundreds of magazine articles reporting on international franchising .
This new conference provided attendees with information-packed sessions , networking opportunities , and plenty of time to meet with sponsors from around the world . The sessions and speakers covered global multi-unit franchising
growth trends , as well as an overview of the master franchising model as a vehicle for international expansion .
An international panel of multi-unit operators addressed the benefits and challenges of building , growing , and operating multi-unit and multi-concept companies . The panel included three members of Franchise Update ’ s Multi-Unit Conference Advisory Board : Michael Kulp ( KBP Foods ), Tony Lutfi ( MarLu Investment Group ), and John Metz ( RREMC and franchisor of Hurricane Grill & Wings ).
U . S . sponsors for the inaugural event were Denny ’ s , Dairy Queen , Carl ’ s Jr ./ Hardee ’ s , MSA Worldwide , and Sky Zone Trampoline Park .
“ For being the first conference in
Europe , I think it went extremely well . I worked a little , learned a lot , and met some very interesting people ,” said attendee Daniel Alley .
Historical note : The Palazzo Borghese , a beautiful facility located in the historic center of Florence , is characterized by its unique 16th century architecture , enhanced by ongoing renovations in the ensuing centuries . The Reception Hall , a true architectural and artistic jewel , contains more than 2,000 square feet of frescoes , plasters , bas-reliefs , niches , statues , columns , and draperies .
Stay tuned for more details and information about next year ’ s event .
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