NIFA Dives Into the On-Demand Economy During the 2018 November Luncheon
December 7, 2018
The Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA), co-founded by Jamie and Lauren Izaks and Andrew Bleiman, recently hosted its 2018 November Luncheon at Somerset in the beautiful Viceroy Chicago. The Luncheon allows NIFA to continue its work educating the Chicagoland community about the most pressing franchise-related topics of the day.
With more than 60 guests in attendance, the November Luncheon included a delicious lunch, followed by an insightful panel discussion during desert entitled “The On-Demand Economy.” Franchise Times editors Tom Kaiser and Nicholas Upton facilitated the panel, featuring the following panel of industry professionals with diverse connections to the on-demand economy:
- Stacey Snyder Murray, Vice President of Brand, Naf Naf Grill
- Dino Northway, National Director Off-Premise, Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- Jim Phillips, Regional Manager, Ritual
- Lee Kleiner, Multi-Unit Franchisee, Dairy Queen and Which Wich
- Dennise Vaughn, Franchisee of Homewatch CareGivers of Naperville
- Greg Gosman, Regional General Manager, DoorDash
Key issues and trends related to restaurants, franchising and third parties stood as a major focus among panelists, including the need for technology, innovation and ensuring an effective customer experience. Upcoming 2019 trends, such as the role of technology, loyalty programs and the sustainability in delivery, were also thoroughly evaluated. Guests enjoyed the unique perspectives shaped by the panelists’ expertise and roles in the on-demand economy.
In addition to the panel and the delicious meal, attendees enjoyed free valet parking sponsored by All Points PR and Marks & Klein, as well as lively networking sessions before and after the panel. The event was sponsored by Bank of America.
Stay tuned for details on the upcoming November 2018 NIFA luncheon, and visit www.northernilfranchise.org for more information about the organization.
