If there was a franchise event happening and I had the time and budget, I would be there. But recently, I’ve taken a step back to reflect: Why did I keep showing up? What was I really getting out of it? Why do I always recommend that people in franchising do the same?
The questions I always asked myself before going were simple but important:
- What will I gain?
- Why does this matter?
- And what will I miss if I don’t go?
When I first entered the franchising world, I was a new franchisee with minimal knowledge of the industry. I had run a business before, but franchising was unfamiliar territory. So, I did what many in my position have done — I learned. From my franchisor, from peers, from anyone who had walked the path before me. That learning never stopped, even after I sold the business.
Later, when my husband and I franchised his company, we surrounded ourselves with experts — a knowledgeable franchise consultant and a brilliant lawyer who helped us build a model that would stand the test of time. But creating the model wasn’t enough — we knew it had to shine. So we talked to everyone we could. We absorbed ideas, borrowed the best, and created fresh opportunities for our franchisees. We strived to earn that elusive 5-star feedback. And while the internet now offers endless blogs, podcasts, and professional opinions, I’ve learned there’s simply no substitute for being in the room.
That’s where the magic happens. The franchise industry is filled with extraordinary individuals who are willing to share their insights, experiences, and hard-won lessons. And it’s at live events that those connections are made and those conversations come alive.
Take Empowering Women in Business, for example — a recent event that reminded me exactly why showing up matters. It brought together women (and a few great men!) who offered practical advice and shared personal stories of overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries. I had the honour of hosting a panel featuring seven incredible women who’ve been in the trenches. Their candour, best practices, and passion lit up the room.
And it’s not just this one event. The Elite Franchise 100 awards, celebrating the best in franchising, is a social event not to be missed. The networking, celebration and encouragement in the room is energising. The British Franchise Association offers a calendar of seminars where franchisors, franchisees, and professionals come together to explore topics ranging from legal updates and leadership development to exit strategies and innovation. Combined with their awards programme, there are numerous opportunities to develop best practice and learn new skills. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, there’s always something to take away — often something you didn’t know you needed.
I’ve seen it time and again: people who think they’ve “heard it all before” walk away from events with a new idea, a fresh perspective, or a connection that changes everything. Sometimes the value isn’t in the keynote or the handout — it’s in the offhand comment over coffee, or the conversation in the hallway that sparks a breakthrough.
There’s a reason many professions require CPD (Continued Professional Development). Shouldn’t we, as business owners, apply the same principle? Growth doesn’t stop. Learning doesn’t stop. And neither should we.
So, whether it’s being inspired by someone else’s journey, learning a legal update that could save your business, or just sharing a drink to celebrate a fellow franchisor’s success, being present matters. These events are more than just dates in the diary. They’re opportunities to evolve, connect, and thrive.
So, show up. You never know what – or who – might be waiting for you.
