Let's welcome MPI South Florida member Keith Lefkof with insight into what is becoming one of the more desirable and unique ways to hold that conference or meeting.
Smart franchisors know that a collaborative and inclusive culture makes for a stronger
and more productive franchise system. That’s why so many franchisors hold fun
conferences and events bringing franchisees together in an enjoyable way. These
events give franchisees and corporate employees an opportunity to meet face-to-face,
get to know each other better and share best practices. Essentially, by inviting everyone
for a few days of fun, relaxation and team building, a franchise system can turn itself
into more of a franchise family.
Franchisors are starting to think outside of the box (or, in this instance, outside of the
hotel’s conference room), and choosing unique venues for their annual conferences and
events.
Keith Lefkof, franchisee of Cruise Planners, www.landnseatrips.com, explains
this shift. “Franchise conferences and events have traditionally been held at hotels and
resorts in cities or travel destinations, but now franchisors are getting creative by
offering more memorable experiences designed to really bring people together,” he
says.
Hosting an annual franchise conference on a cruise ship is an amazing way to make a
lasting impression and build a strong franchise family foundation. Cruising is family
friendly, where you can bring franchisees, corporate team, plus everyone’s families (if
desired) together in one place, with lots of aged-based activities that you could never
find at a typical resort or hotel.
These days, cruise ships are much more than slot machines and shuffleboard. They are loaded with activities and fun things to do. Some have extreme water slides and rock-climbing walls, and most have activities such as beer or wine tasting, dancing, car racing, spa services and endless possibilities for team building. “Then of course, there are the excursions, which, depending on the ship and destination, can run the gamut, from zip lining in the rain forest to dog sledding on a glacier.” As part of Lefkof’s tailored service, he negotiates offshore excursion packages and beach privacy for the group.
Even though a three-to-seven-night getaway would be tempting for most people,
franchisors still have to entice some franchisees to come to their events. There are
always obstacles that get in the way, especially family obligations. The advantage of a
cruise conference offers a significant advantage because cruise ships are extremely
family friendly and offer built-in childcare. Typically, the ship offers babysitting, camps,
teen lounges and other activities to keep kids cared for and entertained throughout the
day and even into the night. “With everything a cruise ship offers, taking time off from
daily life becomes far more adventurous,” he says.
Franchisors can save significant money and host far more impressive events on cruise
ships than they could elsewhere.
“Franchisors can save at least 30% off their bottom line, which is a great value,” Lefkof says. “And the price can include meeting rooms, AV equipment, cocktail hour, team building, Wi-Fi and adult drinks, which are usually extras".
Cruise Planners offers a one-stop conference planning service for its clients. Their team works hand-in-hand with the franchisor to meet their goals and objectives. They do all the heavy lifting by matching the right trip with the best deal with the ideal cruise itinerary. Lefkof recommends booking well in advance -- in the neighborhood of 6 to 18 months ahead of the event -- because of high demand and to ensure the franchisor’s destination of choice.
For more information, visit www.landnseatrips.com or contact Keith Lefkof at 561-327- 4494 or Keith.Lefkof@CruisePlanners.com.
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