First Conference for Master Franchisees Set for April 6-7, 2001, in England (8/00)

The first conference designed to discuss the issues of importance to master franchisees will coincide with the British & International Franchise Exhibition, April 6-7, 2001, in London, England, it was announced in Master Franchising newsletter, the lead sponsor of the event.

Master Franchising newsletter is published quarterly and mailed free to approximately 2,000 master franchisees worldwide. The newsletter is underwritten by sponsors, including Mail Boxes Etc., Tumbleweed International, Quizno's Subs and IFX Online. The newsletter is also distributed at franchise exhibitions in the USA and Europe.

"There's a community of master franchisees who are developing regions and countries of the world, but they are without a platform for addressing their specific needs," explains John P. Hayes, Ph.D., publisher of Master Franchising newsletter. "In surveys conducted by the newsletter, we've identified the concerns of master franchisees and established that the members of this community are looking for opportunities to network with each other, to share their successes and failures, and in general to learn how to grow their businesses. The conference is a step in that direction."

The two-day conference will be conducted during the morning hours only, allowing the conferees to participate in the exhibition. Many of the master franchisees will also be exhibitors as they are looking for franchise prospects to recruit into their networks. Existing and prospective master franchisees, as well as their management teams are invited to participate in the conference. Franchisors and vendors may also participate.

Hayes explains the topics covered in the conference program will be subjects of most interest to master franchisees. "Again, we are relying on the results of our surveys. The master franchisees are setting the agenda. Sales, as well as the marketing of Franchises are two primary concerns of this community."

The organizers of the event, including London-based Venture Marketing Group; Peter Stern of Pinsent Curtis; and Angela Bachfeld of FranFIND and the Business Link London West, are seeking sponsors for the event, and also speakers. Interested parties should contact Hayes in the USA or Bachfeld in England.