Despite restrictions
imposed because of lockdown, there was no
stopping the popular annual Franchise
Fest from taking place in 2020,
only this time it had to be staged virtually.
It was a Franchise Fest with a difference, but a Franchise Fest nonetheless.
The 2020 edition may not have been like anything witnessed before, but it was well received, well attended and brought the house down – as usual. This year’s Franchise Fest, organised once again by Coconut Creatives, was a virtual affair staged online and held over one day instead of the traditional two.
Because of social distancing restrictions, imposed in the wake of Covid-19, Coconut Creatives had to live up to their name and become creative when planning this summer’s fest which took place on Thursday, July 23rd.
This annual gathering is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the entire franchising calendar, except this time there could be no physical gathering of attendees. However, it was still a roaring success with some of the franchising industry’s big beasts joining forces to conjure up another masterpiece.
The team at Coconut Creatives put together another fantastic line-up of speakers and workshops, which came close to replicating the usual annual two-day fest which is tailored specifically to franchisors. These fests allow movers and shakers of the franchise industry to network and develop business contacts for the years ahead.
Among those who spoke at this year’s fest included Pip Wilkins (CEO of the British Franchise Association), Catherine Monson (chair of the International Franchise Association), Greg Nathan (founder of the Franchise Relationships Institute), Red Boswell (president of the International Franchise Professionals) and Adam Lovelock (head of digital marketing at Coconut
Creatives) – plus many others.
And Adam paid tribute to those in charge of organising this event: “The team really pulled this one out of the bag. It’s been amazing to hear from speakers all over the world and to be able to interact with everyone on such a personal level, without physically being together.
“Franchise Fest is always one of the most popular events of the year, and it remained so this time. We can’t wait to see you all, in person, next year for an even bigger and better event.”
The evening session is normally given over to entertainment, when visitors can sit back, relax, grab a drink, watch some live music, and perhaps take to the floor for some serious dancing. And there was no exception in 2020, with a number of live acts performing for those sitting or dancing, and perhaps drinking, in front of their computer screens. An audience in excess of 100 enjoyed both the daytime chat and evening fun, and the good news is they’ll be doing it all over again next year – but hopefully in one central location.
