After five years without getting together in person, this franchise group was more than ready for a reunion. They teamed up with GoGather to bring their 2025 conference to life at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, creating an experience their franchisees, staff, and sponsors won’t forget.
Purpose of the event.
This 3-day conference was the brand’s first large-scale franchise event since 2019. With over 500 attendees flying in from across the country, the goal was to reconnect, recognize top performers, and reinvest in the franchise community.
A mix of business and fun, the conference aimed to:
- Celebrate franchisee achievements
- Foster learning and best practice sharing
- Strengthen the bond between the corporate team and franchisees
- Create exclusive VIP experiences for their brand ambassadors
- Drive profitability and inspire continued growth
Challenges and solutions.
1. Keeping franchisees engaged.
Challenge:
Franchisees were taking time away from their businesses. The event had to offer real value and energy.
GoGather’s solution:
We tapped into their competitive spirit. Our team proposed a comprehensive gamification plan, where points were earned in the months leading up to the conference through training sessions, sales benchmarks, and other challenges.
The top four franchisees were invited to compete live on stage in a game show-style experience that became the talk of the event. Together with the client, we developed the game format, scoring structure, and experience to build buzz before, during, and after the conference.
Related: Content feeling a little flat? Here’s how user-generated content can breathe new life into your next franchise conference.
2. Delivering a high-level show experience.
Challenge:
The brand wanted top-tier production for both the game show and the awards night.
GoGather’s solution:
Partnering with our A/V affiliate, Gravity Productions, we designed a flexible stage setup that could seamlessly transition between segments. We conducted multiple pre-event production calls, collaborated closely with the MC, and created a visually dynamic experience with layered lighting and screen design. From rehearsals to run-of-show, every detail was accounted for.
Related: Wondering how to measure the success of your franchise conference? Here’s what to look for.
3. Creating a VIP experience for top performers.
Challenge:
Their brand ambassadors (top franchisees) needed to feel celebrated in a big way.
GoGather’s solution:
Our project management team leaned into the Vegas backdrop. We coordinated an exclusive night at the Sphere, followed by a split day of rooftop pool cabanas and a golf tournament.
These VIP guests received premium swag, custom lanyards, and consistent recognition throughout the event. The vibe was: luxurious, elevated, and well-earned.
Related: Want to motivate your franchisees? Here’s how to fold an incentive trip into your strategy.
4. Upleveling sponsorship and the expo experience.
Challenge:
Our client wanted to refresh their sponsorship offerings and boost revenue, without it feeling transactional.
GoGather’s solution:
We developed a sponsorship prospectus from scratch, identifying unique, Vegas-specific offerings like sponsored cabanas, branded charging stations, and golf holes.
Sponsorship demand exceeded expectations, allowing us to expand the expo space and reinvest funds into fun activations like Vegas showgirls, live magicians, and immersive booths. Our affiliate partner, Alliance Events, helped bring the show floor to life.
Related: Looking for creative sponsorship opportunities? Here are 10 event sponsorship examples that help boost brand visibility.
5. Building networking into the flow.
Challenge:
Franchisees needed time and space to learn from each other.
GoGather’s Solution:
We created “info hubs.” These small spaces around the venue were dedicated to one-on-one or small group conversations. These were hosted by corporate staff, select sponsors, and franchise experts. Whether grabbing coffee or attending a happy hour, attendees could drop in and talk about key topics like hiring, sales, or operations.
These touchpoints helped strengthen community ties and made the conference feel more personal.
Related: Facing some challenges with your franchise? Here are the top issues that come up at franchise conventions—plus smart ways to tackle them.
Conclusion.
We’re excited to keep the momentum going. With strong attendance, great energy, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the brand is already looking ahead and planning its next franchise conference with GoGather in 2027.
Ready to plan your next franchise conference?
Venue sourcing, VIP gifting, and everything in between, GoGather helps franchise brands create high-impact events that connect, inspire, and deliver real results. Let’s talk about what’s possible.
