Organising a franchise conference is one of the most difficult jobs in a franchisor’s head office, and one with significant responsibilities. When done well, a good conference can help lift network sales, franchisee satisfaction, compliance, and provide an overall positive impact on the network. When done poorly, a bad conference can have the opposite effect. But despite their status as a flagship activity of the franchisor, many franchise conferences are organised hurriedly, without adequate planning and resources.

Session Description

Over the course of this interactive two-evening workshop, participants will gain practical strategies and real-world insights into planning and delivering successful franchise conferences. Here are just some of the topics we’ll explore: Why conferences matter and how to establish clear objectives; developing a compelling conference theme; maximizing franchisee attendance and engagement; venue selection and contract negotiation; the role of sponsorship and how to leverage sponsor partnerships; effective ways to promote the conference; gathering meaningful feedback and measuring success; preparing for the unexpected!

Session Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to plan conferences that create meaningful engagement and lasting value for their franchise network.

Who Should Attend

• Franchisors involved in the organisation of franchise conferences, from concept to execution.
• CEO’s, Managing Directors and Senior Finance Officers
• Franchise and Operations Managers
• Business Development and Field support personnel
• Marketing Managers and Event Coordinators
• Public Relations and Senior Administrators
• Master Franchisees

CFE eligible | 200 CFE credits

Speaker:

Jason Gehrke

Jason Gehrke is a seasoned franchising expert with 25 years of experience across franchisee operations, franchise system development, and advisory work for major Australian franchise brands. He is the Director of the Franchise Advisory Centre and a former CEO of a national franchise group.

His extensive contributions to franchising and small business include leadership roles with the Franchise Council of Australia, representation on the World Franchise Council, and long-term involvement with the ACCC Franchising Consultative Panel. He also serves as a director of Inspirations Paint and is an active publisher, columnist, and educator—delivering more than 50 franchise education events annually and lecturing at Griffith University.