Global Conference 2018

Helen Doron International Franchise Conference Focuses on Growing Sales in New and Existing Markets

Franchisees from around the world convened to discuss creating long-lasting success based on personal relationships.

Scenic Lake Maggiore, Italy was the setting for the 33rd annual Helen Doron International Franchise Conference, which took place March 7-10, 2018. How does a successful, worldwide franchise continue to grow sales? By focusing on core values, and that focus was the driving force behind four intensive days of lectures, workshops and discussions at the annual gathering, where franchisees met to learn more about taking a customer-centric approach to running their businesses.   With enthusiastic participants from over 30 countries, and a wide variety of presenters, the atmosphere was animated and motivating.

Selling Helen Doron Educational Group programmes is unlike selling anything else, as franchisees are not only marketing a unique learning experience and effective methodology, but also values and skills for life.  The more than 4,500 specially trained teachers prepare children to become responsible citizens of the world who can interact, work and create together, not only by sharing a common language, English, but also by possessing common values. Selling this precious “package of skills” is unique and challenging.  During the week of the conferences, conventional sales strategies and tactics were explored and discussed, as well as more progressive, creative approaches that synergize the values Helen Doron stands for.

Keynote Speaker and workshop presenter, Steve Yastrow, author of the widely renowned books Ditch the Pitch and Brand Harmony, is a seasoned Franchise Consultant and offered a fresh approach to marketing, customer relations and sales, including concrete tools to better engage customers and drive business results.

Anne Gordon, VP of Business Development, commented on the international franchise’s steady growth, and the importance of continuing to provide support on all levels. “As our network grows, steadily adding new locations and cultures, we must focus on helping all franchisees grow their businesses and increase profits. We presented our franchisees with new perspectives on selling and provided a myriad of ideas for everyone to take home and use. This past year we welcomed Chile to our family, and added three new Master Franchise areas in China, three in Russia and an additional area in Italy. All told, we now have more than 1,000 Learning Centres.  Ongoing training and new ways of selling become even more essential across the diverse markets represented, as we continue to increase our global presence.”

A formal cocktail party featured recognition of outstanding achievements of Master Franchisors and Learning Center Franchisees in the areas of growth, retention and branding. There was a dedicated “Golden Kevin” Awards ceremony to distinguish those demonstrating excellence in the categories of: Student Growth, Teacher Retention, Teen Programme Growth, Best Branded Premises, Best All-around Start-Up and Best Marketing Campaign.

Helen Doron English pioneered an innovative, unique methodology teaching English to babies, children and teens using the highest quality learning materials supplemented with state-of-the art apps. With more than 1,000 Master Franchise areas, Helen Doron English is the largest provider of quality English after-school education for children and teenagers. Helen Doron enables entrepreneurs to start their own franchises and join a leading business network with a solid niche in the English-as-a-foreign language industry. The Helen Doron franchise is a proven business model with franchise life cycles among the longest and strongest in the franchise industry.

View highlights of the conference

Breaking New Boundaries in Children’s Education
Founded in 1985 to teach children English as a Foreign Language, the Helen Doron Educational Group has more than 1,000 learning centres and kindergartens in 36 countries worldwide. Helen Doron’s innovative and proven methodology is the creative inspiration behind the company’s flagship franchise, Helen Doron English, along with Helen Doron Kindergartens, MathRiders, and Ready Steady Move!  To date, the Group has taught more than two million children to speak English, master maths, experience nature, and learn through movement. The Group seeks franchisees and business partners to expand its rich educational content and continue breaking new boundaries in children’s education.