ATLANTA— More than 100 Franchise Advisory Council leaders, member representatives and brand executives turned out for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) inaugural FAC summit earlier this week to discuss the current issues facing franchising. AAHOA, which now boasts more than 7,000 member hoteliers, created the forum for hotel owners, FACs and brand executives to speak openly and honestly about some of the most sensitive issues in the hotel business. AAHOA executives set the tone of the gathering by pushing the message of partnerships, cooperation and honesty and derailed attempts by some audience members to turn the summit into a brand roast. “The ultimate goal is that the winner must be franchising,” said Fred Schwartz, president AAHOA, adding that only by openly discussing the “concerns” in the industry will solutions be found the “entire franchising system” will be enhanced. Echoing Schwartz, Hitesh Bhakta, chairman of AAHOA, said “we have to be more collaborative, but we cannot be one sided. What is essential is that the communications between FACs and member representatives remain honest and open. It’s not about one group dominating over another. It’s not about compromises, it is about getting creative,” he said. Two guest speakers gave their perspective on the issues with Rupert M. Barkoff, a partner with Kilpatrick Stockton, taking the franchisor’s perspective; and J. Michael Dady, founder of Dady & Garner, to present the franchisee’s perspective. Summing up the one-day event, perhaps JP Rama, president of JHM Hotels said it best. “Franchise relationships need to be improved. Let’s come together to achieve our mutual goal of increasing our business. What we are doing here today is a step toward that,” he said.
Fred Schwartz