Abrakadoodle’s annual franchise conference focused on dreamy programs, outreach and achievements

Sterling, VA, November 2017 — Abrakadoodle’s annual conference “Dreams Take Flight,” held November 3-5 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, celebrated Abrakadoodle’s dreamy impact on its students; franchise owner dreams and achievements, as well as best practices and trends in art education. The art education franchise company celebrated its 2017 Silver Honor recognition and cash prize in the Impact and Innovation category from the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchising Gives Back program, honoring Abrakadoodle’s system-wide leadership in bringing art to children facing disadvantages through its ongoing Arts for All campaign. Abrakadoodle also previewed additions to its popular and well-respected STEAM art curriculum and culturally diverse and rich art programming. STEAM recognizes that ART is a key component that drives innovation, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration – a range of critical 21^st century learning skills that are intended to help all children to be college and career ready. Abrakadoodle China participated at Conference and shared their impressive growth and solid program adoption, reaching more than 200,000 children. Abrakadoodle also welcomed new trainees Mariana Igartua and Jose Andres Ferraez Quintanilla, who will be bringing Abrakadoodle programming as the new Master Franchise owners of Mexico.

“This year’s Conference theme, “Dreams Take Flight,” really resonated with where Abrakadoodle is positioned at this time,” remarked Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc. She added, “It all starts with a dream, and this year we have seen a number of really impactful and big dreams come true.” Ms. Hartnett reflected on the big dream for Abrakadoodle to bring art education classes, camps and events to as many children as possible to include the company’s annual Arts for All Scholarship that enables disadvantaged children access to Abrakadoodle programs that children who would not otherwise be able to participle. Another component of Abrakadoodle’s Dream is supporting franchise owners in creating more outstanding partnership opportunities to deliver large-scale art classes and camps that will reach more students who will benefit from art education in academic and community settings.

Abrakadoodle’s veterans are also seeing their dreams for their respective business taking flight.

Abrakadoodle’s vast curriculum that exceeds National Standards for Visual Arts Education is an important key to the company’s expanded program reach. A recent article published in September 2017 by the Education Commission of the States cited research that shows arts education fosters deeper learning skills, such as collaboration and perseverance in students. It further defines deeper learning skills to include: greater mastery of academic content; critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills and communication skills and a more academic mindset. According to Ms. Hartnett, “It is particularly noteworthy to mention that these deeper learning skills have shown to be particularly significant in at-risk populations.”  Abrakadoodle is seeing an upsurge in sizable opportunities won by its franchise owners to provide comprehensive art education programming. Thanks to ever-expanding curriculum development to include World Monuments, European Masters, Dreamy Art, Little Kids on Canvas, Do-Re-Me Music and Art, as well as STEAM-based art kits, a clay series and Designer Kids, Abrakadoodle remains at the forefront of top-notch art education. Conference sessions once again included hands-on art, business development sessions, as well as student safety, which is always a priority.

“I find it very gratifying to recognize strong franchisee performance through our conference awards and to share tools and resources that will help our owners make the most positive impact in the communities we serve,” Hartnett continued. Abrakadoodle conferred a number of awards for exceptional performance, creativity, community service, leadership and more. Please visit Abrakadoodle’s blog for complete list of 2017 award winners with photos. The company also announced plans to continue its system-wide Arts for All campaign in communities nationwide during 2018.

Founded by two award-winning women, Mary Rogers, M.A.Ed. (ret) and Rosemarie Harnett, CFE, President, Abrakadoodle delivers innovative, mobile art education classes, creativity camps, in-school field trips, arty parties, events and more for children and adults through its network of franchises operating in the U.S. and in several international locations.

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Media Contact: Karin Machusic, Corporate PR, Karin@abrakadoodle.com; mobile: 925-708-2179