Registration Now Open for 8th Annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

"Playing to Win" in Today's Market

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 20, 2009 - Franchise Update Media Group, the leading industry resource for franchise development, today announced that registration is now open for the 8th Annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference. The conference will be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, April 15-17, and this year's theme is "Playing to Win."

"This is still the only conference in the country exclusively focused on multi-unit franchising, and offers attendees the unique opportunity to build and develop relationships with industry peers, discover insights from franchise experts, engage with leading vendors and partners, and sharpen their management skills," said Therese Thilgen, president of Franchise Update Media Group. "Anyone who is serious about growth and interested in finding out about new concepts, trends, opportunities and service solutions should attend."

The conference content was developed by a think tank of seasoned multi-unit franchisees, representing food, retail and service brands, as well as an experienced franchise attorney. This year's keynote speakers, workshops and sessions focus on strategies and initiatives that will help multi-unit franchisees of all sizes gain an edge in today's uncertain economy.

"We built the two-and-a-half day conference program around the most pressing business issues multi-unit franchising is facing today - and what we need to be thinking about for tomorrow," said Gary Grace, 2009 conference chairman and multi-unit franchisee for Supercuts and Cost Cutters. "I know your time is valuable and there are a lot of conferences one could attend, but this is the one I find myself coming to year after year."

"Our line-up of keynote speakers this year is tremendous, and will provide insights into how multi-unit franchisees and franchisors can continue to grow and generate value even in the tough economic times we are currently experiencing," Thilgen said.

Conference keynote speakers and topics are: Herman Cain, CEO and president of THE New Voice, Inc., "Navigating the Changing Business Environment;" James Bradley, author of "Flags of Our Fathers," the number one New York Times best-seller, "Doing the Impossible;" Russ Umphenour, president and CEO of FOCUS Brands, "Great Franchisees = Great Brands;" Jim Sullivan, founder of Sullivision.com, "How Multi- Unit Managers Get Great and Stay Great;" and Tom Feltenstein, CEO and founder of Power Marketing Academy, "Back to Black: Increasing Top-Line Sales."

The conference will also offer break-out sessions that address the most pressing business issues that multi-unit franchising faces today, as well as an exhibit hall where attendees can network with other franchisees, as well as partners and vendors.

Online registration is available at http://www.multiunitfranchisingconference.com/register.asp and those who sign-up by Feb. 28, 2009 can save $100.

About Franchise Update Media Group

Founded in 1988, Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) produces online franchise sites, magazines, research, books and conferences in franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print and in person, FUMG delivers a unique combination of education and lead-generation sources that helps franchisors, multi-unit franchisees and suppliers achieve their growth objectives. For more information, please visit www.franchiseupdatemedia.com.