The next National Franchise Convention will take place in May 2024 in Cairns, a strategic move that takes the conference to an internationally recognised destination.
Matthew Monaghan, Franchise Council of Australia CEO, told Franchise Executives, “The main objective, given this was a really positive outcome this year, is to look at things that have international relevance, for next year as well as for the 2023-26 strategic plan we will be launching soon.
“As an Australian destination, Cairns will provide an opportunity for international perspectives. We are really excited about next year.”
Monaghan said an international slant and a focus on education would be key for future conferences.
NFC 2023 topics ranged from AI to high performance culture
This year’s event, held at the Gold Coast, brought more than 520 delegates together.
Monaghan said the conference started with conversations about community, and extended to the application of AI and the importance of collaboration.
“It emphasised the importance of a sector learning together,” he said.
Sessions ranged from cyber risk management, developing a high performance culture, optimising franchisee financial management to the future of consumerism, unlocking franchise growth in regional Australia, and who is your future franchisee.
The legal symposium was integrated into the main conference program and included a case update, marketing and cooperative funds, effective change management, and end of term issues.
Keynote speakers and Hall of Fame inductee
Inspirational keynote speakers over the two days included Thai cave rescue diver and anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris; entrepreneur Pauline Nguyen, the co-founder of multi-award winning Vietnamese restaurant Red Lantern; and Amna Karra Hassan, the co-founder of women’s AFL team Auburn Tigers.
The event finished with a gala dinner at which the latest tranche of Certified Franchise Executives were presented with their certification. The FCA also announced this year’s inductee into the Hall of Fame, John Forsyth AM, the owner of Dymocks. Forsyth began his entrepreneurial career at a young age, starting a printing firm while still at school. He bought the Dymocks business in 1980 when it was a two-store chain.
Forsyth still heads up Dymocks which is now a diversified business group.
Accepting the award, Forsyth said “When I acquired Dymocks it was listed, and I privatised it. We opened eight or nine stores and started to try franchising. We opened in Bondi and then sold to a franchisee; sales rose more than 20 per cent per square metre.
“Franchising is a wonderful industry. I regard this as a real honour.”
Forsyth is the 41st Hall of Fame inductee.
