Why you should have franchise conferences

Bringing together your network of franchisees at an annual conference is a perfect opportunity to learn and strengthen the business

Why you should have franchise conferences

What makes franchising unique compared to many other business sectors is the sense of community at its very heart. Every year franchisors, as well as the bfa, provide a platform through annual conferences for their network to come together, share experiences, build and renew friendships and partnerships, overcome challenges and celebrate success in business.

The common theme is collaboration and it’s a crucial part of what makes franchising flourish in the UK. A franchisor’s success is dependent on the franchisees at local level being successful so of course it makes sense to get franchisees together so they can share what is working in their businesses. After all, franchising is all about a proven business model. If a franchisee has an idea or a new marketing initiative that they have developed and proven, then why would a franchisor not want them to share it with the wider network so everyone can reap the rewards?

This is the same principle when it comes to overcoming challenges. When a franchisor first sets up their business they go through the pain of making the expensive mistakes so a franchisee doesn’t have to. The joy of franchising is that it isn’t just about having the franchisor help out: there is an entire network of other franchisees that will be at varying stages of growth and may well have faced the same situation. Developing friendships and partnerships in a franchise network at annual conferences and other events is advantageous to franchisees as many collaborate to get the job done.

Many conferences in franchising are structured in the same way and we as an association have followed a similar format. Main sessions are developed using keynote speakers with messages centred on the key theme of the event. The CEO will give an update on the development and direction of the business. Concurrent sessions will feature experts or case studies on the ‘how to’ of different topics and then comes the celebrations: the annual awards.

In the case of the bfa, our awards form the centrepiece of the event and celebrate the success of both franchisors and franchisees against a variety of categories. Many franchisors do the same, celebrating newcomers to their network, growth and many more.

The franchise community is always willing and able to share their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the franchising colleagues and the industry as a whole. Being in business can be a lonely existence but being in franchising, you’re not alone. The bfa community shares a common goal – to champion ethical franchising and achieve the promotion and recognition that this industry deserves.  /></p>
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pip Wilkins
Pip Wilkins
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