-8 6 Y L U J th
th
2022 Annual Franchise Conference
THE NEXT 25 YEARS
Mor e Produc ts | Mor e Su pport | Mor e Mon e y
N EW FRO
Last year, we were celebrating our 25th anniversary, and the franchise network responded in a HUGE way, with record sales, and an all-time high engagement in our other service lines. In 2022, we kick off the NEXT 25 years as we continue our adventure into “New Frontiers”. We chose the “New Frontiers” theme because the whole world has changed at an accelerated pace the last two years. We continue to be faced with new competition, pricing pressure, labor challenges, and the ever-present battle to hold our top position of the holiday decorating market. While adhering to some of our age-old principles, we must respond to market demands in terms of product options, technology, and service. Year-round engagement, and more interaction with existing and new clients, will lead to higher growth, and easier transition into the holiday season. If you’re not leading the market into these New Frontiers, you’re following someone else, and that is not where we want to be. This year’s conference is FULL of new content, more opportunities to network, and great exposure to new ways to grow your business. Let’s have a great, productive time in Nashville.
ONTIERS
K E Y N O T E
S P E A K E R
ANTHONY “AB” BOURKE
Major Anthony “AB” Bourke is a highly accomplished and decorated F-16 fighter pilot who flew tactical missions in service to our country all over the world. He has accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flight time in various high performance aircraft and was one of the first pilots to fly an F-16 in homeland defense efforts over New York City in the aftermath of September 11th. Following his impressive military career, AB applied the tools and techniques that made him one of our nation’s premier fighter pilots to the competitive world of business. He ascended rapidly to become the top producing mortgage banker in the Western US for a prominent lending institution. His success in the mortgage banking industry led to an opportunity with a California based start-up where his team dramatically grew annual revenue from $500,000 to $65M in just three years. Following these two endeavors, AB combined his love of business with his passion for tactical aviation to
build Afterburner Seminars, a global training company based on the lessons he learned in the military. While President & CEO, Afterburner grew into a best-inclass training company that was twice named one of Inc. magazine’s 500 fastest growing companies. Currently AB serves as CEO & Founder of Mach 2 Consulting and has shared his message of peak performance to more than 100,000 people in twelve different countries. AB brings his tactical knowledge and business acumen to the forefront of the management training world to share how fighter pilots, and other organizations where performance truly matters, can develop a feedback system to ensure continuous improvement and peak performance. His wealth of experience and ability to connect with audiences landed AB in Inc Magazine’s 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference.
F R A N C H I S E
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Everyone knows someone! Our most valuable competitive advantage in our industry is our national network! We want to grow our service footprint with people JUST LIKE YOU!
If you refer a friend and we bring them into the franchise network, we will pay you $3,000! Simply give an introduction to your Franchise Consultant and we will handle the rest!
Meet Your Decor Speakers!
B l a ke S m i t h
CEO and Founder
Gary Fouts
Franchise Consultant
B r a n d o n St e p h e n s President
D ave D o l a k
Franchise Consultant
Michelle Smith
Supply Chain Director
D e n n i s F a n n i ng
Franchise Consultant
G e n ev i eve D i e h l Director Product Development
J o s h Tr u i t t
Franchise Consultant
PRE-CONFERENCE: Opening Reception at Water’s Edge Restaurant.
Wednesday, July 6 at 5pm - 8pm As usual, we are kicking off the conference the right way with our Opening Reception. The event will be hosted at the Water’s Edge Restaurant in the main Atrium. We will have heavy appetizers, a cash bar, and a cool environment--and the networking will flow!
OWNER’S MEETING
Wednesday, July 6 at 4pm - 5pm We are going to do this a bit different this year, in that we will divide up into FC groups, and we will have a directed discussion so you can get to know your neighbors and your FC better. Before you arrive, think through any regional challenges you may face, and be prepared to discuss those items. Your FC will chair the meeting and get everyone’s creative juices flowing before the start of the 2022 Conference!
PRE-CONFERENCE: (...continued) Commercial Training
Wednesday, July 6 at 9am - 12pm The Pre-Conference Commercial Training will give you an overview of best practices for launching your business into commercial sales/installations. We will start with about 45 minutes of classroom training to give you an introduction, then we will spend the next couple of hours with hands-on assembly of some of our new FDS products. This is a great way to get exposed to what successful franchise operators are doing to grow their commercial book of business, while getting your hands on some unique products.
SALES SUMMIT
Wednesday, July 6 at 9am - 12pm For residential clients, the sales process is very systematic. But for commercial work, it requires a different approach—not just for pricing, but for what is important to the client. The decision-making process shifts from emotional to practical, so you have to be very methodical with how you present to the client. Plus, you have to be creative and flexible, as sometimes they want to own certain displays, while leasing others. In this session, we will discuss best practices in larger/commercial sales, and we will share with you the tools that we’ve put together to help you put your best foot forward with clients.
LightRight Cloud
Wednesday, July 6 at 9am - 12pm We will overview the onboarding process which includes how to manage your leads and customers; Review the dashboard and KPI’s and how it can help you visualize your data. We will also review the new Sales App and how to manage your quotes. LightRight Cloud now has a Crew App that allows you to get real-time install and take down times. We will look at how to dispatch a job for a crew to adjust your scheduling when needed.
MARKETING SUMMIT
Wednesday, July 6 at 1:30pm - 4pm The Decor Group’s service lines are no longer seasonal - you MUST have year-round engagement to create momentum, to protect your client base, and to build your revenue. In the Marketing Summit, we will look at how the calendar should look to maximize incoming leads, added services, and retained clients. Bring your questions and ideas for discussion!
NTD/DS/PL365 WORKSHOP
Wednesday, July 6 at 1:30pm - 4pm We’ll cover NTD’s newest fixtures and lamps, including the complete RGB line of landscape lights. This will be followed by DS introduction of a new bistro system, wall washers, and its marketplace. We will introduce for the first time the PermaLites 4 wire system, how much easier to install, control, and service SIPP, SOAP contracts and the new Event Service package.
GETTING INVOLVED IN NTD - DS - PL365
Wednesday, July 6 at 5pm - 6pm We’ve identified one of the biggest opportunities for existing franchises - and it is to engage in additional service lines throughout the year, so that you can generate revenue, keep people plugged in, and maintain the core of your specialty operation for 12 months. We will discuss how YOU can benefit from offering Nite Time Decor, Decor Smart, and PermaLites365.
Christmas Decor Discovery Day
Wednesday, July 6 at 5pm - 6pm This is a meeting for new contractors who want to join our franchise network! We will cover the benefits of our program, and candidates who are pre-qualified and attend this meeting can sign and stay for the remainder of the event.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS Josh Truitt
Gary Fouts
Decor Smart Basic
The Christmas Decor Sales Process In LR Cloud From Start To Finish
In this sesion you will learn how to set up a simple Bluetooth system using the new app. How to download the app, create networks, pair devices into groups, schedule groups, as well as a basic app tour.
Decor Smart Advanced App Training
In this session you will get advanced training within the app itself. We will go over how to effectively use the installer options and other key features such as reapplying schedules, locating specific devices with command center and much more.
The Christmas Decor sales process is designed to be systematic and can be even more effective when implemented through the LightRight software, as you can build a base of information to help improve upon your delivery. This breakout will take you through the sales process when using of the software, noting critical instances where you are documenting progress, schedule groups, as well as a basic app tour.
Implementing The Service Commitment Checklist
In this session you will learn how to set up a simple Bluetooth system using the new app. How to download the app, create networks, pair devices into groups, schedule groups, as well as a basic app tour.
Data has shown that you can have a positive impact on the client, and thus on sales closing rates and retention, through the delivery of the key service components in the Service Commitment Checklist. In this session we will review the checklist and discuss how to implement it and what is important to your clients.
Decor Smart RBG for Rooflines:
Production-Based Pay For Installers
Decor Smart Basic
RGB for rooflines are here and we don’t want to miss out. Join us as we walk through projects used in roof lighting. We discuss how to set up a job for c9s and discuss the advantages of having these products in your arsenal against competitors.
Production-based pay is the new standard for how we pay installers. When implemented correctly, both you and your installers win big! This session will introduce you to how production-based pay works, and how you can manage it.
Dave Dolak Commercial for New Franchises & Beginners - the Need to Know Guide for Commercial Work:
Find out everything you need to know to get started doing commercial jobs including insurance requirements, safety, product considerations, marketing and sales. This is a session for franchisees that haven’t done much commercial work and are looking to expand into the commercial market. We will discuss all the basics of Marketing, lead generation and who are the best targets, how to bid and doing sales presentations. We will look at installations and talk about design and best practices for installation. You will learn how easy it is to get started, and why you want this type of work in your portfolio.
Advanced Commercial Panel Doing Specialty Holiday Light Parks: Veteran Franchisees Discuss All Aspects of doing Specialty Holiday Light Parks.
This will be a moderated type panel but we will allow for questions. You will hear how some existing franchises have done extremely well setting up and partnering on Holiday walk thru light parks.. You will also get their perspectives on what worked best for them in finding a location and setting up the deal to the installation and management during the season. This should be a great discussion and very beneficial to anyone wanting to get into this specialty type of project.
RGB in the Commercial Market: Learn about creating stunning and animated light displays using RGB & Twinkly Technology
Learn how RGB lighting is being used, all the different options and styles of lights. Understand the different controllers and powering options. Learn about the rules you must know to design and install RGB jobs
Panel of Pros: Commercial Case Studies-Profiles of Commercial Projects from Start to Finish:
You will hear how existing franchises have done extremely well working in the commercial market. They will describe how they prospected, bid and sold large commercial jobs. They will discuss the installation process and removal and storage. This should be a great for anyone wanting to get into doing bigger or specialty projects. You will be able to ask questions
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (...Continued.) Dennis Fanning
Brandon Stephens
LightRight Cloud: A complete overview, and what I need to do to get started ASAP
KEYNOTE: Recognizing and Eliminating Clutter in your cockpit.
Here we will do a broad overview of what The New LightRight Cloud looks like and how it can help your company follow the processing of a lead all the way thru Take Down. Presented twice.
Its a secret! Attend the class to find out.
LightRight Cloud: I just got access to LightRight Cloud… Now what?
We will review the basics of lead generation for both residential and commercial targets. This is a great session to review the basics, and to ask questions to round out your efforts.
This session will cover details relating to company setup and will show how to process a lead to a customer.
LightRight Cloud Sales App: Working in an Online and Offline environment to create the Sale!
Light Right Cloud works in both an online and offline world to facilitate the sales force. Come see how the Sales App can help increase your closing probabilities offline and then be able to sync back up with the cloud.
Christmas and Nite Time Photography 101:
Wish you could take better pictures of your jobs, but not sure what you need or how to do it. Come to this session, and we will show you how to be successful and create your own photos that you can use in your marketing.
The Fundamentals of Residential & Commercial Marketing
Year-Round Sales Strategies
In this session, we will discuss the opportunities to build sales throughout the year. For franchises who want to engage in other service lines, this is a great place to discuss best practices, and how the business fits together, from a sales standpoint.
The Marketing Calendar: YearRound Lead Generation
We’ve proven for over a decade that engaging prospects and clients throughout the year leads to stabilized sales and growth opportunities. We will dive into a year-round ‘schedule’ to attack opportunities from January through December, and how to run a more seamless year-round specialty service company.
Blake Smith, Michelle Smith, or Genevieve Diehl FDS
By far the biggest brand differentiating product line we’ve ever introduced! If you haven’t taken advantage of this product yet, this is the breakout session you must attend! If you’ve taken advantage of this line, this is still a must attend breakout session. Meet Giannis and learn why FDS is the best and what makes FDS different from the rest of the products out in the market. Learn how to sell, install, and repair this must-have product.
Expanding Profits with Specialty Products (Barcana, FDS, Pre-Decorated)
Learn how to maximize the use of Barcana and other specialty items on both residential and commercial projects. In addition to FDS, these products that set Christmas Decor apart and are often items that close a sale. We will discuss best practices for design, sales and pricing. Also, we will introduce our new imported predecorated greenery program. Better quality, better UV production, MUCH lower price.
New Product and Exciting Product Development Updates
We have taken our Product Development department to the next level! Come meet Genevieve our new Director of Product Development. We will be having in-depth discussions on all the new products for 2022, ways to incorporate new product into your business to maximize sales, innovative ways and multiple uses to increase ROI, trends, marketing and pricing. Genevieve will also be discussing a sneak peek into products in play for 2023. We will have an open discussion the last 30 minutes of the breakout session for what you need or would like to see us consider in 2023.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Location
PRESIDENTIAL BALLROOM D
RYMAN STUDIO ABC
Category
PRODUCTS
FIELD OPS
Speaker
BLAKE, MICHELLE, or GENEVIEVE
GARY
9:00am - 12:00pm
COMMERCIAL TRAINING
THE NEW LIGHTRIGHT
12:00pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
1:30pm - 4:00pm
NITE TIME DECOR WORKSHOP
4:00pm - 5:00pm
FC MEETING-GARY
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Getting Involved In NTD – DS - PL
6:00pm - 8:00pm
OPENING RECEPTION at WATER’S EDGE
THURSDAY, JULY 7 7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast
8:30am - 8:45am
Opening General Session
8:45am - 10:15am
Keynote Speaker: Anthony “AB” Bourke
10:25am - 11:40am
FDS Product Review
11:45am - 12:45pm
Lunch
12:45pm - 1:30pm
VISION
1:30pm - 2:05pm
Survey/Departments
2:15pm - 3:30pm
Expanding Profits with Specialty Product Lines
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Awards Reception
6:45pm - 9:30pm
Awards Banquet
Production-Based Pay For Installers
Making the Most Of Your Christmas Decor Franchise
FRIDAY, JULY 8 7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast
8:30am - 8:45am
Opening Session
8:45am - 9:45am
Panel of the Pros
9:55am - 11:10am
FDS Product Overview
11:20am - 11:50am
Show and Tell
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00pm - 2:15pm
New Product and Product Development
2:25pm - 3:45pm 4:00pm - 4:20pm
Production-Based Pay For Installers
Key Performance Indicators: Things You Need To Track For Success CAPSTONE EVENT: GARY
Final General Session
RYMAN STUDIO F
RYMAN STUDIO G
RYMAN STUDIO E
RYMAN STUDIO I
COMMERCIAL
MARKETING/SALES
ADMINISTRATIVE
TECHNOLOGIES
DAVE
BRANDON
DENNIS
JOSH
FC MEETING-DENNIS
FC MEETING-JOSH
SALES SUMMIT
MARKETING SUMMIT FC MEETING-DAVE CHRISTMAS DECOR DISCOVERY DAY
Commercial for New Franchises & Beginners: Need to Know Guide for Commercial Work
KEYNOTE: Recognizing and Eliminating Clutter in your cockpit
New LightRight Cloud: Complete Overview
Decor Smart Basics with the NEW APP
RGB in the Commercial Market
The Fundamentals of Residential & Commercial Marketing
PHOTOGRAPHY 101
DECOR SMART RGB FOR ROOFLINES
-
Commercial Case Studies Panel
Year-Round Sales Strategies
LightRight Cloud Sales App
Decor Smart basics with the new app
Advanced Commercial Panel: Specialty Holiday Light Parks
The Marketing Calendar: Year-Round Lead Generation
The New Lightright Cloud Basic Access
Decor Smart Advanced App Training
CAPSTONE EVENT: DENNIS
CAPSTONE EVENT: JOSH
CAPSTONE EVENT: DAVE
YOUR GUIDE TO GAYLORD OPRYLAND’S
Convention Center, Meeting & Exhibition Space Level M (Convention Center) A
Presidential Mezzanine
Jackson A-F Lincoln A-E Presidential Boardroom A & B Washington A & B
B
Delta Mezzanine
Bayou A-E Canal A-E
Level M (Magnolia Mezzanine) Belle Meade A-D Belmont A-C Cheekwood A-H Davidson A-D Hermitage A-E Magnolia Ballroom Magnolia Boardroom A & B
B
A
D4 Does Not Connect
P1
Delta Island Delta Island A-F Delta Island Boardroom
Does Not Connect
E F
D
M2
P1
D4
C
Level 2 (Convention Center) C
Tennessee Section
Tennessee Ballroom A-E Tennessee Lobby & Reg Desk
I
D Presidential Section
H
Presidential Ballroom A-E
Presidential Chamber A & B Presidential Lobby & Reg Desk
E
Governor’s Section
F
Delta Section
Governor’s Ballroom A-E Governor’s Chamber A-E Delta Ballroom A-D Delta Ballroom Lobby & Reg Desk
J
G
P1
D4
Level 0 (Convention Center) G
Ryman Ballroom A-F
H
Ryman Studios A-R
Below the Tennessee Section
Below the Tennessee Section
I
Ryman Below theExhibit Delta SectionHall B1-B6
J
Ryman Exhibit Hall C1 & C2
Below the Presidential Section
KEY
Magnolia Canopy
Concierge
Airport Shuttle Complex & Downtown Shuttles
Shuttles 100-1
Taxi/Rideshare
Presidential Portico
30
Lift
Airport Shuttle Car Rental
Magnolia Section
CONVENTION CENTER
Tennessee Section
Presidential Section
Restrooms ELV
7
Elevator
MAGNOLIA
Escalator
Magnolia Portico
AED
9
Mezzanine Level
Mezzanine Level
AED
SoundW av Ticket es Desk
Accessible Route
8
Ryman Exhibit Hall - Lower Level AED
AED
ATM
Lower Level
5
3
363 -39 5
6
3 0 0 -3 3
N2
1
18
5
6
Business Center
AED
E3
Business Center 30 200-2
Governor’s Section
AED
Delta Section
332 -36 2 E4 AED
Mezzanine Level
4
15
E2
11
19
20
21
4 Delta Island
3
GARDEN CONSERVATORY
70
E6 10
14
150-1
000-0
06
53
054-1
TM
E5 12
Delta Island Mezzanine
E1
AED
12
029-0
057-0
56
001-024
76
N3
0 2 5 -0
38
8
4 -1
8
Delta Portico
Grand Ole Opry Shuttle
Grand Ole Opry House
96 077-0
(Not to Scale)
AED Level 0
097
CASCADES
-12
28 001-0 140-1
Self-Parking
N1 71
107-1
16
039-076
05
1
2
6
078-1
13
39
General Jackson Shuttle Canopy
Registration
Walkway
AED
Cascades Portico
Self-Parking Shuttle Pick-up
To Opry Mills Mall & Grand Ole Opry House
Lift
Cascades Shuttle Canopy
AED
Spa, Pools & Fitness Center (Level 2)
Gaylord Opryland Events Center
Lift
2
Airport Shuttle Complex & Downtown Shuttles
1
Use Cascades Skywalk or C1 Elevator
Get our app for directions. NavigateGaylordHotels.com
FOOD & DRINK Cascades American Café 2 Wasabi’s Sushi Bar 3 Solario Cantina (Lower Level) 4 Ravello (Lower Level) 5 Conservatory Café Bravo Gelato Fuse Sports Bar 8 Jack Daniel’s Findley’s 10 Stax Burgers 1
Paisano’s Pizzaria & Vino Old Hickory Steakhouse 13 The Falls 14 Conservatory Wine Bar (Lower Level) Library Lounge C American Craft Tavern Delta Marketplace Carvel / Auntie Anne’s Cinnabon 11
1
RECREATION Spa & Fitness Center (Level 2) Cascades Outdoor Pool (Access through Spa)
2
3
SHOPPING Cascades Necessities N 3 Delta Necessities 4 Delta Island Shops N 2 Magnolia Necessities 5 Magnolia Shops • The Opry Shop • Johnston & Murphy • Swarovski • Amelia’s Boutique • Savannah’s • Kids’ Korral • Cowboys & Angels 6 SoundWaves Signature Store N1
Indoor Pool (Access through Spa) SoundWaves (Resort Water Attraction) Magnolia Outdoor Pool Delta Riverboats Delta Fountain Show Gaylord Springs Golf Pick-Up Arcades (Cascades Lower Level and The Bass-ment at SoundWaves) WSM 650 AM
NAVIGATE GAYLORD HOTELS
E1
EVENT LOCATIONS Crystal Gazebo
E2
Lion’s Head Fountain
E3
Magnolia Courtyard
E4
Delta Pavilion
E5
Delta Landing
E6
Water’s Edge