Conference huge success for NZ franchise world

‘I can’t get over how helpful and friendly everyone is! There’s so much information here, from the presentations to the panel sessions, and even just talking to people at the breaks. I’ve met some of the most experienced people in franchising and everyone has made me feel very welcome. This is a great event.’

That was what one first-time attendee had to say about the National Franchise Conference in Wellington in August, and it reflects exactly what the organising team set out to achieve.

‘We were so happy to be able to bring over 200 people together in the capital, and it felt like everyone was so happy to be there, too,’ says Robyn Pickerill, CEO of FANZ. ‘We have had so much incredible feedback.’

After a welcoming address from opposition leader Christopher Luxon, the Conference (held at Te Papa) featured a variety of case studies, panels, keynote speakers and round tables to ensure there was something for everyone, whether new to franchising or long-established. ‘With the re-opening of the borders, it was wonderful to be able to welcome our international speakers, Ned Lyerly from the USA and Greg Nathan from Australia, both of whom were with us for the full two days and happy to share their experiences and insights over the breaks as well as in the formal sessions. We also had speakers and panellists from every sector of franchising,’ Robyn smiles.

With the theme Stronger Together in a New Normal, this year’s Conference always promised to be different, and so it proved. After all the challenges of the last two years, there was a focus on franchisees’ mental as well as financial health, upon sustainable products as well as sustainable profits, upon learning from the recent past as well as planning for the future, and on how franchises can contribute to a better world.

At the same time, there were hard-hitting sessions on increasing regulation, managing financial information and the changing role of field managers, as well as 18 different round table sessions on specialist subjects and 21 trade stands from specialist service providers.

‘If you are involved in franchising, or want to talk to people in the franchise sector, the Conference is the place to be,' says Robyn. 'The 2023 event will be held in Christchurch next August – details will be published on our website as soon as they are available.’