The Australian Franchising 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 300 franchise systems invited to participate in this jam-packed program, this event is a must-attend on the Australian business calendar.

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PROGRAM – Tuesday 6th May 2025

8:00am

Registrations Open

8:45am – 9:00am

Opening Remarks

9:00am – 9:55am

The Future of Franchising: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges in the Evolving Australian Market

Join renowned futurist and demographer Bernard Salt as he delves into the transformative trends shaping the future of franchising in Australia. Bernard will provide data-driven insights into the evolving demographics, economic shifts, and social changes influencing the franchise sector in this compelling session. From urbanisation and population growth to shifting consumer behaviours and technological advancements, Bernard will outline how these forces create new opportunities and challenges for franchise owners and operators.

Gain actionable insights to help navigate the changing landscape, adapt to consumer expectations, and anticipate future trends. With Bernard’s engaging storytelling and expertise, this session is designed to inspire franchise leaders to think strategically about growth, innovation, and resilience in a rapidly evolving market.

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9:55am – 10:40am

Change Management – What’s Happening, What Needs to Change

Following Bernard Salt’s exploration of future trends, this franchisor’s panel delves into the practical side of change management within the franchise sector. In a fast-paced environment where demographic shifts, economic pressures, and technological advances drive constant evolution, the need for adaptive strategies is more urgent than ever. This panel of experienced franchisors will discuss the current state of change management within their networks, examining what’s working, where challenges lie, and what needs to change to thrive in the future Australian market.

Panellists will offer valuable perspectives on leading effective transformations, from aligning with new consumer expectations to navigating regulatory updates and enhancing franchisee engagement. This session is essential for franchisors seeking actionable insights on embracing change, sustaining growth, and creating resilient franchise models in the face of ongoing market shifts.

Fiona Hayes – CEO,
7-Eleven

Phill Reed – CEO, Pizza Hut

Antony Moore  – CCO, The Lottery Corporation

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10:40am – 11:10am

MORNING TEA

11:10am – 12:10pm

Shaping the Future: Australian Franchise Industry Policy Forum

Australian franchising has a credibility problem.  Franchising is no longer the poster child for Australian business. Stories of the phenomenal growth and success of Australian entrepreneurs have been replaced by stories of inappropriate conduct and franchisee failure. Industry insiders may say that nothing much has changed in substance, but the public narrative is now very different. Potential consequences include further regulatory intervention that has the potential to undermine the competitive advantage of the business model itself.

In this interactive forum led by franchising law and policy expert Stephen Giles attendees will discuss and debate:

  • The reasons behind franchising’s credibility problem.
  • How franchising is perceived by Government and regulators.
  • How the media views, and reports on, franchising.
  • Professional standards, complaints handling, core education, monitoring and other credibility features of regulated sectors.
  • How franchise systems and the franchise sector might respond.

This forum will address critical issues facing the Australian franchise sector and explore policy solutions to drive positive change and promote sector growth and improvement.

Stephen Giles – Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

Dr Michael Schaper –Franchising Code Reviewer

Craig Cawood – Senior Vice President, General Counsel, McDonald Australia

Alan Wein AM – Barrister and Solicitor & Mediator

Sean Dignum –former National Business Reporter, Political Journalist and Corporate Affairs Consultant

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Craig
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12:10am – 12:55am

Brand is Everything: Crafting Market-Leading Branding and Culture

In a competitive marketplace, an outstanding brand and a vibrant culture are critical for creating distinction, building customer loyalty, and achieving sustainable growth. This session will explore the dynamic relationship between brand identity and company culture and how they can be leveraged to make a lasting impact on customers and employees alike.

Led by experts in branding and cultural transformation, attendees will gain valuable insights into the core principles of building a compelling brand identity and developing an organisational culture that inspires and attracts. This session is ideal for leaders looking to enhance their brand’s presence, strengthen internal culture, and set themselves apart in a crowded market.

Simon Crowe – Founder, Grill’d

Elise Gillespie – Joint CEO, Bakers Delight

Karin Adcock – Owner Winmark Wines. Former President of Pandora Jewelry Australian & NZ

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Karen Adcock

12:55pm – 1:55pm

LUNCH

11:50am – 12:05am

Quiet Conversations

Step into Quiet Conversations, an interactive session that offers franchise leaders the chance to explore key industry challenges and opportunities through rotating topical table discussions. Featuring 15 diverse topics led by experienced facilitators, this format allows delegates to engage in focused, small-group dialogues on a range of critical issues, from cybersecurity and AI to brand expansion and private equity strategies. Each table provides a unique space to dive into issues that matter most, with themes such as Mitigating Cyber Security, Unlocking Enterprise Value, AI – Servant Turned Tyrant, and Crisis Management – Planning and Preparation.

This session is designed for leaders who want to explore strategic, actionable insights in an informal, conversational setting. Rotate through topics that resonate with your interests, share experiences, and connect with peers while gaining fresh perspectives to enhance your franchise operations and strategy.

3:10pm – 3:40pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:40pm – 4:25pm

Closing Keynote

TBC

Fran BabicHead of Franchising and Professional Services, ANZ  Bank

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4:25pm – 4:30am

Closing Remarks

4:30pm – 6:30pm

Post-Summit Reception – Terrace Rooftop

Please note program is subject to change.