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In a matter of weeks our world has been drastically changed by a disease that was unknown just a few months ago. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on populations across the globe, killing thousands and making many more thousands ill. And while the economic toll will be far reaching and long lasting, human life and well-being are more valuable than dollars and cents.
As you know, Franchise Update Media and the Conference Advisory Board have decided to postpone the 20th annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, originally scheduled to be held April 14–17 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
As of this magazine’s printing, the conference has been rescheduled to Sept. 1 - 4 at the same venue. Our hope is that this worldwide pandemic will be under control by then, and a sense of normalcy restored throughout our country and the world.
The rescheduled conference will include most, if not all, of our originally scheduled speakers, panelists, sponsors, and exhibitors, who have reconfirmed their commitment to be on board when the conference is relaunched. You will not want to miss NASA astronaut Captain Scott Kelly talking about his year in space; Kevin O’Leary, author and investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank”; Dunkin’ Brands Chairman Nigel Travis; and Flynn Restaurant Group CEO Greg Flynn—along with many other influencers in the franchising world who will be on hand to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MUFC.
This conference is unlike any other because it is designed specifically for multi-unit franchisees to network, share successes, and solve some of the challenges facing franchise operators, investors, brands, and suppliers. We are all dealing with unprecedented challenges with Covid-19. We will be sure to cover the impact of the coronavirus on our businesses, and how franchisors and franchisees are coping.
This will be my 15th year attending the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, and it seems every year is better than the one before. That’s the result of a great team at Franchise Update Media, and my fellow franchisees who have diligently served on the Conference Advisory Board over the years. Together, they know what content and value the franchisees, sponsors, and franchisors seek at this conference.
The knowledge shared during the conference will far exceed any value you hope for, with inspiring stories, franchising updates, varied business approaches, and a wealth of experience on display to be shared and learned from.
In times like these, we must unite as business leaders, as Americans, and as human beings. Let’s all do so at this year’s MUFC.
Tony Lutfi
2020 MUFC Chair