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Day 2 – The Journey Develops

The Journey Develops

Please note that the website schedule is the least up to date, last updated 1st October.

If you are attending conference, please refer to the event app. Login details have been sent to your inbox from “Entergy” (check spam) and a final push will be sent prior the beginning of Day 1.

 

Day Two kicks off with high-impact sessions that set the stage for the days ahead. Delegates can expect a mix of specialised summits, in-depth legal updates, and valuable networking opportunities. With focused discussions and a strong sense of community, this day provides the ideal platform to reconnect with peers, gain fresh perspectives, and prepare for the full convention experience.

KEYNOTE – Mark Carter
Cinematic Opening Session: Leadership 
CEO Address | Franchise Outlook 2026 launch Jay Westbury, Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), Amie Larter and Sarah Stowe, Octomedia A new and fresh approach to telling the story and success of franchising with survey results and views from consumers and future franchisees. KEYNOTE – Tim Levy AI-Driven Marketing: Revolutionising Franchise Advertising An exciting presentation on the world of AI-driven marketing, where film and media expertise meets cutting-edge technology. With a background in film and media, Tim will showcase how AI can be harnessed to create dynamic, cost-effective marketing ads that resonate with audiences and elevate franchise brand presence.
FAMO Franchise Accreditation and Mediation Organisation
Facilitator: Jay Westbury, FCA, with guests Warrick Ryan, The Policy Mentor, and Dr. Michael Schaper, Former Franchise Code Reviewer
In Conversation with Joe Hockey – The former Ambassador Hon. Joe Hockey (Ret) plus Q&A
Former Australian Ambassador to the US, The Hon. Joe Hockey (ret), joins FCA CEO Jay Westbury for an insightful conversation on the shifting geo-political landscape. From tariffs to trade tensions, the Australia-USA relationship, Joe will share his unique perspective on doing business in the US today, and his perspective on franchising. The session wraps with a live Q&A – your chance to hear directly from one of Australia’s most influential voices on international affairs.
TOPIC 1: Mark Carter Leadership Session
Leadership Panel: CEO Perspectives on Shaping the Future of Franchising Belinda Amis – Fernwood, Karen Geloven – Kip McGrath, Anthony Grice – Clark Rubber  

Join us for an exclusive session led by Mark Carter, where top-tier leaders will share their insights on shaping the future of franchising. Mark will host and facilitate an engaging panel featuring a curated group of Influencer Plus CEOs—industry powerhouses who have successfully navigated change and driven growth within their brands.

Expect lively discussions on leadership strategies, innovation, and the evolving role of CEOs in the franchise sector. This session promises valuable takeaways on managing teams, overcoming challenges, and inspiring growth in your franchise business.

TOPIC 2: Media  Mastery: How to shine in the spotlight & Stay in Control.

In an era where media exposure can make or break a brand, franchisors must be prepared to communicate with confidence, clarity, and control. Whether you’re engaging with journalists, managing a crisis, or amplifying your presence, the right approach ensures your message is heard, valued, and impactful.

Led by LJ Loch, Executive Chair of Alpha Consult and FCA’s Head of Media and External Affairs, this 40-minute masterclass draws on decades of experience in media, PR, and high-stakes communications, equipping you with practical strategies to own the narrative and engage effectively with the press.

You’ll gain insights into:
Media Essentials – How to communicate with impact and influence
Putting Your Best Face Forward – Mastering body language, tone, and storytelling for media engagements
Handling Critical Media – Techniques to deflect, recover, and stay in control under pressure
Increasing Your Presence – How to secure media opportunities and make your brand stand out

This fast-paced, interactive session will leave you with the skills and confidence to thrive in the media spotlight—whether it’s a proactive interview or a high-pressure moment.

TOPIC 3: Increase Your Profit Margins by Increasing Your Team’s Resilience

Record-breaking results and high-performing franchises aren’t born from great vision, standout products or services, or clear goals alone.

In a world where tariffs, interest rate swings, unregulated markets, fierce competition, savvy customers, rapid tech advances, evolving franchise regulations, anxiety, and personal challenges lurk around every corner, leaders need a more fail-proof way forward.

That way? Building resilient teams

Led by Suzie Botross — pocket-rocket and Director of Devenir — this masterclass delivers a proven strategy to build resilient teams who act like they’re taking home profits, not just pocketing paycheques.

You’ll gain insights into:
• How resilience directly fuels your profits and results (resilient companies grow revenue 6 percentage points faster than their competitors).
• How resilience shapes team culture, creativity, and flow.
• Easy-to-implement tools you can use immediately to start building resilient teams.

TOPIC 1: Global Insights for Australian Franchisors with Marcel Lal.

Unlock the future of franchise growth with Marcel Lal in this high-impact keynote and panel session, bringing you insights and best practices from abroad to position your Australian franchise for long-term success. Marcel will present key global trends before leading a dynamic conversation with a distinguished panel, including Callum Mackay (Concept Eight), Doug Downer (Franchise Ready), and Tiffany English (Access Offshoring). In this session, we’ll explore critical topics such as:     This session is relevant for new, emerging or established franchise brands, drawing on the international experience of Marcel and the panel to help equip Australian franchisors for scalable, profitable growth.

TOPIC 2: Best Practise Franchise Recruitment Tips and Trends

Facilitator: Business psychologist Greg Nathan

David Ridgeway, General Manager, Quest Apartments, award winning global franchisor

Amber Biesse, CEO, Nurse Next Door, 2025 Australian Franchisor of the Year

David Ciantar, General Manager, FABE Group, multi-brand food and beverage franchisor

Glenn Walford, Founder, Franchise Business Hub, experts in franchise marketing

 

A dynamic panel of highly experienced franchisor executives, representing established and fast-growing brands. Expect to find practical answers to the following questions:

TOPIC 3: Workers Compensation: Franchising Story

Join Gow Gates as they facilitate this essential session on Workers Compensation in franchising, This session will dive into the key challenges and opportunities surrounding workers’ compensation within the franchise industry, offering practical strategies to manage risks and protect your business.

Key discussion points include:

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge on managing workers’ compensation, reducing risks, and ensuring your franchise is protected.

Ex-CEO from Facebook AUS/NZ- Steven Scheeler