Last week, I had the opportunity to attend my first Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC) and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. It was a true pleasure to spend time with clients, both current and former, make new industry connections, and gather insights from experienced multi-unit franchisees. Being able to hear directly from operators will always be valuable for us as consultants, as it gives us a chance to get a pulse on the latest obstacles they are faced with day-to-day and identify ways to better support their businesses.
Coming out of MUFC I am inspired to make a difference for our clients and their franchisees, and a lot of that inspiration is thanks to the keynote speakers Franchise Update Media secured for the conference. On day one, author and business leader, Jim Collins provided a speech built around the learnings from his book, Good to Great, which examines why some companies make the leap and others don’t. Then, on day two, Jeff Henderson, a former imprisoned drug dealer turned award winning celebrity chef and best-selling author, captivated the audience with his journey of redemption. Both speeches had the room fully engaged, and there were several takeaways that applied to everyone, whether franchisor, franchisee, or supplier.
Beyond the keynotes, here are some of the other reasons why MUFC 2024 was a memorable experience for me.
The Power of Networking & Meaningful Connections
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend several conferences since joining Fish back in 2021, and I must say that my favorite part is seeing clients face-to-face and building relationships beyond the video chats we have every other week. There’s even another layer at MUFC, as it is the primary opportunity for us to meet or reconnect with our clients’ franchisees. Additionally, being relatively new to the franchise conference circuit, the show floor was a great opportunity for me to meet franchisors that we don’t currently work with.
Adaptability is Key
Even three years removed from the COVID-19 pandemic, franchisees are still adjusting based on how that time period impacted each segment of our industry. Because of this, it’s became clear to me through each of the panel discussions that adaptability is much more than a buzzword, it’s a survival skill. There’s no question that successful multi-unit franchisees are those who can pivot quickly, embrace innovation, and stay ahead of the curve.
Never Stop Learning
The world of franchising is dynamic and ever evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s attending workshops, listening to keynote speakers, or participating in panel discussions, the conference reiterated the importance of continuous learning. It’s easy to tell that the most successful franchisees are lifelong learners who approach every challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve.
MUFC was an experience that left me informed and eager to make a positive impact. I’m excited to apply the learnings to my public relations work and look forward to the next opportunity I get to connect with clients and their franchisees.
Till next time!
