Connections, Experts and Experiences

National Franchise Conference ConnectXperience 2024 round-up

Opening this year’s National Franchise Conference, psychologist Greg Nathan set the tone for ConnectXperience, inviting thought and connection from the offset at the Bay of Plenty event.

Among the many stand-out keynote addresses, US-based international speaker Mary Kennedy Thompson was a popular highlight. Mary captivated the audience at Mercury Baypark with the story of her personal journey into franchising, her varied past - including her time in the US Marine Corps. Her expert take on leading through change and uncertainty engaged delegates at all stages of leadership. 

A rich mix of presentations, panels, sessions, round tables and networking sessions provided something for everyone. The Trade Exhibition zone was abuzz, attracting strong attendance from familiar and new businesses, all ready to support the franchise community.

Entertaining elements were added by a Star Trek-styled introduction involving FANZ Chair Brad Jacobs, CEO Robyn Pickerill, and event MC Robert Mignault. The outer space theme was continued via on-table props and ongoing references throughout the July 28-30 conference. 

A networking night sponsored by Bunnings Trade gave guests the chance to extend conversations into the evening of day one. On day two, a networking dinner sponsored by Paramount Services – complete with musical entertainment in a theatre setting – wowed diners and provided plenty to discuss on the final day.

Newcomers to the world of franchising and national conferences were quick to express their appreciation for the level of learning on offer, and the warm welcome they received from exhibitors and fellow delegates. 

With an attendance of over 200 people over the course of the three-day offering, and a strong showing of franchise systems, the national conference truly was the place to connect with franchising in New Zealand.

National Franchise Conference 2025 will be held in August in Hamilton.

29th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards 

The Franchise Association is looking forward to presenting the 29th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards on Saturday 9 November at the lavish Cordis Hotel, Auckland. 

These prestigious industry awards recognise and celebrate the very best of franchising in New Zealand each year. They also provide franchise systems, franchisees and specialist service providers with an opportunity to reflect on achievements, identify strengths / weaknesses, and receive feedback from respected franchising and business leaders.

Details of this year’s finalists will be released by FANZ on 27 September. 

Tickets for the 9 November gala night will go on sale from 13 September.

Look before you sign

If you are looking to invest in a franchise, a reliable way of ensuring it is committed to best practice is to ensure the franchise system is a member of the Franchise Association. Membership demonstrates that they are operating in accordance with the FANZ Code of Practice and the FANZ Code of Ethics and are committed to best practice in Franchising. Look before you sign!

FANZ AGM – New board elected

New faces were welcomed to the Franchise Association of New Zealand board at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting this winter.

Held online on Wednesday 21 August, the meeting saw familiar faces remain and several new recruits take their seat at the table. 

New to the board is Julie Evans, shareholder CEO of Rodney Wayne. Julie has been involved in the hair and beauty sector all her working life. She joined Rodney Wayne as a franchisee before moving on to the franchisor team. She is now proud CEO of this iconic New Zealand franchise brand.

The General Manager of New Zealand’s largest home services group, Green Acres and Hire A Hubby NZ, Jason Hill has also been appointed to the FANZ board. Jason owned his own franchisee business for 16 years before joining Green Acres in 2014. 

Also appointed is Samantha Pollock. Samantha has been a member of the franchisor team at Cookie Time for 11 years and is now National Sales Manager of the franchised distribution network. Samantha was co-opted onto the FANZ board in 2023.

Darryl King, partner at Jackson Russell Lawyers, was elected again. Darryl leads the firm’s franchise law team, which helps established franchisors and people looking to franchise their business.  

FANZ Chair Brad Jacobs, of The Coffee Club, stays on for the year ahead, with Dr Callum Floyd of Franchize Consultants as Vice-Chair, and Scott Jenyns, board member. 

FANZ CEO Robyn Pickerill said, “On behalf of all our members, I would like to sincerely thank our departing board members who have put in many voluntary hours to ensure the best outcomes for our FANZ membership, and franchising in NZ, over the last few years. 

“A sincere thanks to Dawn Engelbrecht, Michelle van Gaalen, and Greg Paget.”

New FANZ members

This quarter, FANZ welcomes new member LegalVision, a New Zealand-based commercial law firm that assists NZ businesses, startups and corporates with their legal needs. 

It also welcomes Pirtek, world leading supplier of premium fluid transfer solutions.

Dates for your diary

Saturday 9 November, Westpac Franchise Awards Gala Dinner, Cordis Hotel, Auckland

Wednesday 4 December, FANZ Christmas Party

For more: www.franchiseassociation.org.nzcontact@franchise.org.nz 09 274 2901.   

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Contact details for Franchise Association of New Zealand

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Keynote speaker Mary Kennedy Thompson with Stewart Germann, international speaker sponsor

Service: Service Providers

Contact: Robyn Pickerill

0-9-274 2901

FANZ member: no

Area serviced: national

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