Franchise execs to confront big issues at Australian Franchising Summit

Current economic, regulatory and reputation challenges for franchised businesses will be the focus of discussion at the Australian Franchising Summit. This franchise executive-only gathering brings together top brand leaders and franchise executives to connect, learn, and collaborate on effectively dealing with the critical challenges currently facing franchise systems and businesses in general in Australia.

Some of the questions being put to participants are: 

  • How do we demonstrate to key stakeholders that franchising is one of the best business models?
  • Do franchise businesses understand the implications of impending code review changes?
  • How do we proactively ensure that we are not ‘asleep at the wheel’?
  • Can we count on associations or others to protect our interests (and our franchisees and the families those businesses feed)?
  • What are the critical risks and opportunities for the next 12 months in franchising and what is shaping consumer demand?

Franchising’s credibility challenge

Evidence is that Australian franchising currently has a credibility problem. Stories of phenomenal growth and entrepreneurial success have been replaced by a media focus on inappropriate conduct and franchisee failure, especially in QSR franchise systems. Potential consequences include further regulatory intervention, with the potential to undermine the competitive advantage of the business model itself. 

At an interactive forum led by franchising law and policy expert Stephen Giles, attendees will discuss and debate:

  • The reasons behind franchising’s credibility challenge
  • Perceptions of franchising among regulators and government decision-makers
  • How the media views franchising and why negative stories dominate
  • How franchise systems and broader franchising might respond
  • Professional standards, complaints handling, education and monitoring

Economic data and trends revealed

Staying informed about economic trends and franchising data is essential for making informed strategic decisions and capitalising on emerging opportunities. ANZ Bank senior economist Catherine Birch and Darryn McAuliffe will provide insightful data taking a deep dive into the latest economic data and trends impacting the franchising sector.

This session will deliver current economic analysis with franchising insights to equip participants with actionable intelligence for driving growth and success – key economic indicators, market dynamics, and industry benchmarks that can inform their strategic planning and decision-making processes. 

There will also be an in-depth analysis of the latest consumer spending trends in the Australian market, drawing on key data and insights from ANZ and ANZ Worldline, discussing evolving consumer behaviour patterns, highlighting significant shifts and emerging trends shaping the retail landscape. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how economic factors, digital transformation, and changing consumer preferences are influencing spending habits. The focus is actionable insights to support strategies that will navigate the current market dynamics and drive business growth. 

Emerging trends and innovative concepts

There will also be the opportunity to explore the opportunities ahead in franchising for 2024-25 and beyond. This forward thinking session, will delve into emerging trends, innovative concepts, and transformative shifts that promise to reshape the franchising industry in the coming years.

Franchise leaders, industry experts, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs will envision the future of franchising and identify the opportunities that excite them most. From groundbreaking technologies to evolving consumer preferences, they will explore the forces driving change and the possibilities they present for franchisees, franchisors, and investors.

Crafting brand identity

One of the engaging sessions for franchise businesses will look into the art and science of building market-leading branding and culture that resonate with customers and employees alike. Led by branding experts, and culture champions, this session offers a deep dive into the essential elements of crafting a compelling brand identity and nurturing a vibrant organisational culture that sets your business apart from the competition. 

As well as addressing the critical issues facing franchising in Australia, the Summit will explore solutions to drive positive improvement and promote the growth of franchised businesses more broadly. This will include recognition and discussion around the International Franchising Association’s key messaging  to underpin the future of franchising:

  • Protecting the business model
  • Strengthening the business model
  • Promoting the business model

If you are the leader of a progressive and successful franchise, don’t overlook this opportunity to hear insights direct from the experts and join your peers to discuss strategies and actions that will underpin your business reputation and drive business growth.

Register for the event on 26 August here.