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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.