Franchise Executive Summit

AUSTRALIAN FRANCHISE SUMMIT (3024 x 756 px) (2)

The Franchise Executive Summit is the premier new event for franchise executives to connect, learn, and collaborate on solving critical challenges and seizing opportunities.

This franchise executive-only gathering brings together top brand leaders, providing exclusive insights and inspiration outlining their strategies and actions to drive progressive growth in their businesses. With over 400 franchise systems invited to participate in this jam-packed program, this event is a must-attend on the Australian business calendar.

PROGRAM – Monday 23rd March 2026

8:00am

Registrations Open

8:45am – 9:00am

Opening Remarks

9:00am – 10:00am

Unveiling Opportunities: Economic and Franchising Data Insights for Strategic Growth

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying informed about economic trends and franchising data is essential for making informed strategic decisions and capitalising on emerging opportunities. Join us for an illuminating session that combines economic analysis with franchising insights to equip participants with actionable intelligence for driving growth and success.

Led by Adelaide Timbrell, ANZ Bank senior economist and Darryn McAuliffe, this session provides a deep dive into the latest economic data and trends impacting the franchising sector. Participants will gain valuable insights into key economic indicators, market dynamics, and industry benchmarks that can inform their strategic planning and decision-making processes..

Adelaide Timbrell – Senior Economist, ANZ Bank

Darryn McAuliffe – CEO, FRANdata

10:00am – 10:45am

How Leading Brands View the Economy, Market Dynamics, and Strategic Risk

Senior franchise leaders will examine the current economic environment, emerging market conditions, and the strategic risks and opportunities shaping the sector.

Grounded in operational and commercial experience, the discussion will explore shifts in consumer behaviour, responses to inflation and cost pressures, and the broader economic factors influencing business investment and network performance. The session will also address how established brands are adjusting their models and decision-making frameworks in response to ongoing market change

Olivia Elsley – Managing Director, Boost Juice

Gavin Culmsee – Managing Director, Bed Shed

Fiona Hayes – Chief Executive Officer, 7-Eleven

10:45am – 11:15am

MORNING TEA

11:15am – 12:00pm

Young Guns of Franchising: The Next Generation of Brand Leaders

Bold, ambitious, and redefining what franchise success looks like — this session shines a spotlight on the new wave of franchise leaders driving impressive growth and innovation across the sector.

Hear directly from some of the industry’s young guns — dynamic founders and emerging franchisors who are rapidly scaling their brands, shaking up traditional models, and bringing fresh thinking to everything from recruitment to culture and customer experience.

This inspiring panel will share their stories, strategies, and the lessons learned on their journey to success. Whether you’re an established brand looking to stay ahead or an emerging franchisor building momentum, you’ll walk away with insights into how the next generation is shaping the future of franchising.

Michael Black – Founder, Success Tutoring

Joel Kleber – Chief Marketing Officer, Jim’s Group

12:00pm – 1:00pm

How ROI and AI could combine to change the face of Australian franchising

Franchising law and policy expert Stephen Giles and Technology Futurist and AI expert Nick Abrahams will discuss the strategic use of AI to create significant competitive advantage. Joining the chat will be FCA CEO Jay Westbury to discuss how ROI and AI could combine to change the face of Australian franchising – dramatically altering the regulatory framework, changing how prospective franchisees make investment decisions, revolutionising regulatory intervention and potentially altering the outcomes of franchising disputes!

Stephen Giles – Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

Nick Abrahams – Technology Futurist and AI expert

Jay Westbury – CEO, Franchise Council of Australia

1:00pm – 2:00pm

LUNCH – Served in the Bossley Restaurant

2:00pm – 2:45pm

Unlocking Maximum Enterprise Value to Drive Private Equity Investment

As private equity activity accelerates across the franchise sector, understanding what truly drives investment appeal has become essential for every growth-minded brand. This session brings together three leaders with deep, real-world experience in navigating capital events from both the franchisor and legal perspectives.

John O’Brien (Founder, Poolwerx) and Brett Houldin (CEO, El Jannah) will share firsthand insights from their own journeys — what private equity looks for, how to prepare your network, the realities behind the headlines, and the key decisions that shape a successful partnership.

Joining them is Marshall Bromwich, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, who will unpack the legal, governance and structural considerations that determine whether a franchise system is genuinely investment-ready.

Together, the panel will explore:

The operational and financial fundamentals private equity expects

Common red flags and deal-killers

Strengthening leadership, data, compliance and franchisee alignment

Preparing your network culturally for new ownership and accelerated growth

Practical steps to maximise valuation and long-term outcomes

Whether you’re planning a capital event or strategically building toward one, this session will give you a clear, practical roadmap for positioning your brand in a competitive investment landscape.

Brett Houldin – Chief Executive Officer, El Jannah

John O’Brien – Director and Founder, Poolwerx Corporation

Marshall Bromwich – Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

2:45pm – 3:25pm

Quiet Conversations

Step into Quiet Conversations offers franchise executives the opportunity to engage in focused, small-group discussions on the strategic and operational challenges shaping the future of franchising. Each delegate will join one of 12 table discussions, each led by an experienced industry facilitator.

Highlighted topics include: Unlocking Enterprise Value through Private Equity, AI – Servant Turned Tyrant?, Crisis Management, Implementing Change Programs, Geopolitical Risks, Improving Access to Finance, Driving Franchising Policy Reform, and Succession Planning.

Designed for candid, peer-to-peer dialogue in an informal environment, this session encourages leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and walk away with fresh insights to strengthen their brands and leadership impact.

3:25pm – 3:40pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:40pm – 4:25pm

Achieving and Maintaining Prominence in Constantly Evolving Markets

In a world where brands are challenged to stay relevant, responsive, and trusted, sustaining long-term prominence requires more than a great product — it demands a culture of adaptability, innovation, and operational excellence.

In this keynote, Diana Grosmann will share how McDonald’s and its franchisees continue to evolve alongside changing consumer expectations, harness technology to enhance experiences, and unlock efficiency across diverse markets.

Offering practical lessons and strategic insight from one of the world’s most recognised franchise networks, this keynote is a must-attend highlight for leaders focused on maintaining brand strength, driving performance, and achieving sustainable growth in a constantly shifting market.

Diana Grosmann, Senior Director of Franchising, McDonald’s Australia

4:25pm – 4:30pm

Closing Remarks

4:30pm – 6:30pm

Post-Summit Reception – Terrace Rooftop

Please note program is subject to change.

SUMMIT VENUE

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