International Committee Chair and Board Member Represent IFA at UAE Franchise Conference
International Committee Chair and Past IFA Chair Mike Isakson and current IFA Board Member Tabbassum Mumtaz, President and CEO, Apex Restaurants Management, Inc. represented IFA at the inaugural "“The International Franchise Conference” November 6th and 7th in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the conference sought to raise awareness of franchising among Emirati firms, introduce the latest worldwide franchising standards and offer a range of franchise opportunities to assist in the development of the UAE economy. His Excellency Mohammed Helal Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber expressed “Franchising is one of the most prominent systems, practices and mechanisms of a successful global economy in expanding businesses to new economic zones and diverse economic fields, which franchising achieves from transferring techniques, practices and capabilities in management, marketing and expertise across the globe.” Chairman Isakson made presentations to the conference on the role of franchising in global business development and types of franchising. Tabbassum Mumtaz joined Isakson's lecture on the role of franchising to share his experience as a successful franchisee. During the conference, Mike Isakson signed an MOU expressing IFA's support of ADCCI's efforts to develop and promote franchising in the UAE. Isakson and Mumtaz also had private meetings with Mohammed Helal Al Muhairi and members of the ADCCI Board.