Track Agenda: 0-10 Units
This recommended schedule is a great place to get started with determining how to spend your time at the Emerging Franchisor Conference and get the most value out of your investment in joining us this November. These suggested sessions are for those who are just beginning their franchising journey, through those who have 10 franchised units. To view all 2023 EFC sessions, click here.
*subject to change, please reference full program for the most up to date times and speaker information.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm | Welcome and Opening General Session: Grow Fast, Further and More Efficiently
Drawing from extensive experience collaborating with hundreds of franchisors, David Barr imparts invaluable insights on how to steer clear of common pitfalls and supercharge the growth of your franchise system. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the industry. David Barr doesn’t just talk – he actively engages with attendees, ensuring a dynamic and impactful learning experience. Elevate your franchising game and accelerate your success with David Barr’s proven expertise.
Emcee: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge
Speaker: David Barr, Chairman, PMTD Restaurants LLC; Managing Director & Partner, Franworth
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Conference Coach Roundtables and Franchise Business Speed Dating
We are offering the role of conference coach this year, where program speakers will be paired up with a cohort of attendees to help guide at least once before and during the program. Prior to the conference, at minimum, they have connected during the pre-conference webinar. The Conference Coach will help guide them through the conference and ensure they take away the education and solutions to help their brand. In addition, there will be an organized speed dating format led by the moderator for attendees to meet other franchise professionals in the room to share best practices and help build their network.
Moderator: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Big Fun in the Big Easy Networking Event
Offsite: Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, 701 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023
7:45 am – 8:30 am | Continental Breakfast with Roundtable Topic Discussion
Sponsor facilitators to lead one 40-minute topic discussion starting at 7:50am.
8:30 am – 10:00 am | General Session: Getting Ahead of Industry Trends that Impact Growth
Private Equity, platforms, franchise brokers and Franchise Sales Outsourcing companies (FSO) are very attractive to an emerging brand looking to grow their business and take the world by storm. This session will help guide emerging brands to identify and qualify what is best for their brand and existing franchisees. Learn about the opportunities and risks of the different perspectives from franchise leaders that have seen it all! And hear how the IFA translates these approaches when advocating on the Hill to protect local business owners.
Moderator: Matt Haller, President & CEO, International Franchise Association
Speakers: Sam Ballas, East Coast Wings + Grill, ZorAbility & Myfrii; David Humphrey, IFA Chair, Vice Chair, Ignite Fitness Holdings; Steve Hockett, CEO, Great Clips, Inc.; Mary Kennedy Thompson, IFA Vice Chair; COO of Franchise Brands, Neighborly
10:00 am - 10:30 am | Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
10:30 am – 11:30 am | Elements of Successful Franchising
Holistically highlight of specific areas emerging franchisors need to “master” in order to grow. Speakers will talk through each key component (Operations, Franchise Sales, Marketing, Finance, etc), that will set the stage to dive deeper in the rest of the conference sessions.
Moderator & Speaker: Jeff Baldwin, VP Development & Franchising, Donatos Pizza
Speaker: Charles Thurston, COO, Wisdom Senior Care
11:45 am – 1:15 pm | C-Suite “FRANHACK” Problem Solving Roundtables
Aaron Harper will start the roundtable with a keynote highlighting his journey from rescuing Patch Boys from financial turmoil as the Head of Development, ultimately selling and opening over 400 territories across two brands in just a few short years to deciding to build something similar on his own, the right way, with a power washing company called Rolling Suds he discovered only a year ago. Aaron ultimately serves as an inspiring example for startup and emerging franchisors seeking success through responsible franchising.
Following, there will be a group activity that adds value to every attendee by connecting them with seasoned franchising and operations experts (“mentors”) in a problem-solving setting. Come prepared with a specific problem in your field you would like to find an innovative solution for. After a brief introduction, the mentor asks participants what their specific problem is and other attendees at the table can offer relevant feedback and ideas based on experience.
Speaker: Aaron Harper, CEO & Owner, Rolling Suds
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Training Plan From Signing to Opening and First 30 Days
Learn how to divide your on-boarding plan into Pre-Academy, Academy, and Post-Academy training. Each stage of training there are different philosophies that will guide you in on boarding your franchisees successfully.
Moderator & Speaker: Carolyn Thurston, CEO/Founder, Wisdom Senior Care
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Roundtable Topic Discussions
Another set of Sponsor facilitators to lead one 40-minute round of topic discussions.
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm | General Session: Franchise Relations - Starting Off on the Right Foot
Hear from franchisees telling their stories about what a good franchisor can do/does for them.
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm | Conference Coach Huddle
Chat with your conference coaches and share instant feedback which may allow for any redirection after this full day of content.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Reception with Table-Top Exhibitors
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Sponsored Dine Arounds
Stress free networking – Need help taking the first step in forging new business relationships? Join a small group of ten franchisors to dine at a nearby restaurant. Get a taste of New Orleans while creating bonds with your fellow attendees. (Included in registration fee.)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023
7:45 am – 8:30 am | Continental Breakfast with Table-Top Exhibitors
8:30 am – 9:30 am | How do I get started and how fast should I sell my first 25 units?
Learn how to find those first foundational franchisees and know when you are ready to scale more quickly. This session will help you navigate new franchisees to kick start properly by securing solid clients/customers to build a solid foundation. From royalties to Item-19 and FDD, this session will arm you with the tools you need to support growth efficiently and effectively.
Moderator & Speaker: Scott Sutton, Chief Development Officer, Empower Brands
Speaker: Frank Fiume, Founder, i9 Sports
9:30 am – 9:45 am | Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
9:45 am – 10:45 am | Unit Level Economics: Build a predictable franchise sales reporting and process
If you want to maximize the utilization of resources, get predictable results, and manage your pipeline effectively; then you need a best in class franchise KPI’s and Discovery Process.
Moderator & Speaker: Matthew Gourgeot, Franchise Sales & Operations Director, Thryv
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Closing General Session: The Easy Way Never Pays Well
What does it take to succeed in franchising/business? How can you train your mind to be unstoppable? How do you handle pressure? (Pressure Makes Diamonds) Will you fold like a cheap chair or will you FUEL YOUR DRIVE and Succeed!
Speaker: Josh York, Founder & CEO, GYMGUYZ