AAHOA to hold second franchise advisory council summit

Hotel & Motel Management, Oct 18, 2004 by Nash Patel

The Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. will hold its second annual Franchise Advisory Council Summit Oct. 28 in Atlanta, followed by a vendor summit on Oct. 29. The FAC summit is an opportunity for hotel owners to discuss the issues that affect them as owners. The vendor summit allows dialogue between AAHOA allied members and the association and allows vendors to ask questions and make suggestions regarding issues and opportunities they face.

In addition to FAC leadership, franchisor leadership has been invited to attend the FAC summit and will have the opportunity to weigh in and add to the depth of the discussion, providing their perspective.

Through positive dialogue, franchisors and franchisees can learn from one another and further develop their FACs' effectiveness. The event is not opportunistic from a hotelier's perspective, but is well balanced, addressing what's good for the entire industry.

Last year, when AAHOA played host to the first summit, more than 100 FAC leaders and top-ranking franchisors attended. The role of FACs was explored and dialogue was expanded within the franchising system.

The event includes distinguished speakers who represent all sides of franchising. In fact, the entire event can be summed up with one of the 2004 speaker's titles, "The winner must be franchising." In addition to speakers, attendees will have an opportunity to speak with the panelists during a question-and-answer session. This allows discussion on broad-based issues affecting all brands, including how to leverage the force of the hospitality industry regarding legislative issues.

As a result of last year's first-ever FAC summit, FACs and member representative organizations were asked to work together to go beyond issues relative to their specific brands. The 2005 summit looks to expand on the successes enjoyed last year.

FACs have the ears of their owners and have a strong base from which to draw legislative power. FACs are particularly important for promoting legislative issues, including the Small Business Administration loan program and minimum wage. The summit will explore legislative issues and ways to leverage FACs for the good of the industry.

This year's speakers will address topics, including optimizing franchise systems, mediation as a dispute-resolution choice and third-party reservation systems. A panel discussion with franchise advisory groups will explore the role of the FAC.

It is important that we are active on issues that affect us and work with franchisors on issues that affect our brands and the industry. AAHOA believes that if FACs can become the "eyes and ears" of hospitality, on behalf of all owners, the potential benefits for the whole industry--franchisees, franchisors and independent hoteliers alike--are endless.

AAHOA recognizes the important and valuable role that FACs play in our industry, including representing the franchisee, being responsive to the franchisee and franchisor, and extending the brand's effectiveness while insuring a return on investment.

hmm@advanstar.com

Nash Patel, president and c.o.o. of LHS Cos., based in Pensacola, Fla., is chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. He can be reached at nash@lhs.com.