FranConnection – The Franchise Conference Dedicated to Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

May 18-20, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Maryland

SPONSOREDUpdated 9:09AM • 05/26/16

All franchising conferences are not created the same. Some focus specifically on development, while others cater to consumer marketing, financing or emphasize specific industry verticals. And while all these conferences provide tremendous benefits to attendees, the team at FranConnect decided it was time for something more. Something that strikes the right balance between thought leadership and inspirational content with hands-on, interactive learning that could help fill the gap between knowing and doing across the entire franchise lifecycle.

Enter FranConnection, the franchising conference specifically designed to spark interaction and actionable idea generation. From May 18-20, attendees will gather at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Maryland to engage with members of the industry who challenge the status quo and drive innovation in their organizations. These top experts have come together because they want to share what’s working for their brands with you so you can immediately apply relevant knowledge to your organization.

“The number one response to conference surveys is that attendees don’t walk away with practical and actionable information that they can apply right away,” said Keith Gerson, President and Chief Customer Advocate at FranConnect. “Each year, we attend, exhibit and present at many conferences across the franchise industry, and while there are great ideas and meaningful discussions that come out of them; there can sometimes be a real gap between the content and the ability to apply information immediately to your organization. FranConnection fills that need.”

Held biennial since 2006, FranConnection is a true forum that balances expert advice with practical application in a collaborative setting. Franchising thought leaders do not sit on a stage far away, but are actually engaged in sessions, sharing ideas and facilitating the exchange of information between all attendees.

"I always walk away with an incredible arsenal of ideas. It is refreshing to hear other franchisors' points of views and how they overcame the exact same obstacles for the same reasons,” said La Quinta Vice President of Franchising and Development Administration Oliver Evancho. “I can honestly say that this is the one conference that I leave with pages of notes that are distributed within a day of getting back to our entire team here."

Highlights of this year’s FranConnection include a Private Equity Panel of the Pros that will give participants critical insight into how private equity firms evaluate brands and apply strategies that will change the trajectory of a business post-acquisition. Discussion will also cover what private equity firms look for in a CEO while addressing how these firms typically interact with a franchised business. The panel will feature Kevin Wilson, CEO of Mosquito Joe*, along with Riverside Company Principle Jeremy Holland, and AlphaGraphics Executive Chairman and Operating Partner at Blackstreet Capital Management, Gay Burke. FranConnect’s CEO Christopher Fountain will round out the panel with his extensive and practical knowledge of working with and for private equity firms in his career. .

Furthermore, guests will be treated to an Undercover Boss Panel of the Pros where panelists including Nader Masadeh, president and CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings, Byron Stephens, president and COO of Marcos Pizza, Shawnan Bella of Nestle Tollhouse Café, and Nick Powills, chief brand strategist at No Limit Agency* will share insights on how to create a kind of Undercover Boss transformation within your organization without being under the spotlight and control of producers and editors.

Moreover, International Franchise Association (IFA) President and CEO Robert Cresanti will deliver a personalized update on the association’s strategic objectives while answering some of the industry’s most pressing questions. IFA Chairman and Managing Partner of NRD Capital Aziz Hashim will kick things off with an opening keynote presentation about changing the narrative surrounding franchising. Hashim, one of the most respected executives in franchising, will share his inspiring personal story of perseverance and how franchisors and franchisees can realize the most value out of their business.

Interactive breakout sessions, receptions and networking opportunities will round out the three-day conference.

"I find the FranConnection conference to be one of the best I have ever attended. The speakers are well chosen,” said former Vice President of Franchise Development for Comfort Keepers Jim C. Brown. “The location, social opportunities, business networking and content are all top notch.”

For more information about FranConnection and to register, click here.

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.

FranConnection – The Franchise Conference Dedicated to Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

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