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As we enter 2026, it’s time to reflect on the goals we set last year. We need to make honest assessments and look at both the reasons we succeeded and the challenges that caused us to fall short. As I set my business goals for the coming year, I wonder what I could do better to overcome some of those challenges:
These are important questions, and the franchising community offers a variety of ways to answer them. Your franchisor could help. A mentor might offer insights. A vendor partner could help you create an action plan for the upcoming year.
Where is the best and most effective place to meet a franchisor partner, mentor, or vendor? Every year, my answer is the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas. It’s one place where you can find the knowledge and support you need to grow and thrive.
I have always found that the MUFC has great sessions designed and delivered by franchisees for franchisees. This year, you can learn how to scale your enterprise, prepare your network for financial growth, and effectively integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into your business. And that’s just a small sampling of session topics.
While walking through the amazing exhibit hall, you’ll have plenty of time to meet with potential vendor partners. If you’re looking to expand into a new brand, franchisors will be ready and willing to talk with you.
And I can’t forget to mention the speakers, who can fire you up while also helping you see your business from a different perspective. Brittany Hodak, author of Creating Super Fans, will highlight the impact of customer experience; magician Jon Dorenbos will challenge your perceptions; and Jim Craig will draw on his experiences on the gold-medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team to help your organization reach its goals.
It’s a new year with fresh aspirations, challenges, and questions. Let’s find answers together at the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas, March 24–27. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Mitch Cohen
MUFC 2026 Chair