Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue II, 2016 | Page 8

Chairman’sNote See You in Vegas! T he 2016 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, the year’s premier event for multi-unit and multibrand operators, is shaping up to once again raise the bar. I am humbled to be part of this event and believe strongly that this conference will exceed the expectations of everyo ne who comes. If attending this year for learning or motivation, you are in for a treat. On Wednesday, one of the world’s most recognized and dynamic speakers, Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and Great by Choice, will be speaking about the foundations of building great organizations. This alone will be worth the price of admission. His message on building greatness that lasts has always resonated with me. His common-sense approach is applicable, provokes new thought, and inspires action. On Thursday morning Joe Theismann, former NFL quarterback, sports commentator, speaker, and restaurateur will address and inspire this year’s attendees with a power-packed message on building winning teams. Those attending for the networking opportunities, capital solutions, or new brand opportunities are also in for a treat. The Exhibit Hall—sold out 3 months earlier than ever before—will offer multiple opportunities for operators to meet with 200 franchisors and suppliers eager to put their brands, products, capital, technology, and services on display. These exhibitors, along with more than 30 conference sponsors, will be competing for the attention of an anticipated 600 multi-unit franchisees, whose businesses run the gamut from restaurants to consumer products to retail and service brands. The subject matter for the educational breakout sessions will include attracting, developing, and retaining talent; capital acquisition for businesses of all scales; preparing to buy or sell a business; the do’s and don’ts of selecting brands; and many more, chosen by our Conference Advisory Board of multi-unit franchisees. “The Money Room”—a new session for franchisees seeking development or expansion capital— makes its debut this year, providing franchisees with a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with capital sources to discuss real-time partnerships and turn ideas into action. Other attractions include a charity golf tournament on Tuesday, Franchise Update’s annual MVP Awards, and franchisee-only events that include a “Meet & Greet” for first-time attendees. Public policy sessions will include panels on the NLRB and its joint employer rulings, minimum wage, SBA lending, and overtime rules. There also will be a panel on building partnerships with professional athletes, who represent a potential new source for capital, brand recognition, and expansion. Our speaker and panel lineup is as dynamic and diverse as ever, full of those who have gained experience through having done it. The opportunity to learn from the most experienced, successful franchisees, legal resources, lenders, brokers, and brand executives will be delivered in a format that allows attendees to choose topics relevant to their business and current challenges. Whether you’re attending out of curiosity or with a very specific agenda, the talent, content, and efficient format of this event will deliver. Nearly every franchise I speak with talks about their desire to grow their business, yet few of them actively do. “If it is important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” See you in Vegas! Michael Kulp President/CEO KBP Foods 6 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S UE II, 2016 muf2_d_chairmansnote(6).indd 6 4/2/16 2:13 PM