Sample agenda for your franchise convention.

Planning a franchise convention is no small task, and the agenda is the backbone of a successful event. 

We work with several franchise clients, and while they all have different goals for their events, they often follow a similar structure for their agenda.

From our learnings, here’s how we would recommend structuring your franchise convention agenda.

Key components of a multi-day franchise convention.

When planning your agenda, include a mix of educational, interactive, and networking opportunities. Franchise conventions thrive when attendees leave feeling informed, connected, and inspired. 

Here’s what to incorporate:

1. Company updates

Although the majority of your event will likely be dedicated to networking and small group education, it’s still important to host general session presentations where your attendees learn about major company updates.

This is an opportunity for your leaders to share their insights, marketing to give some updates, and your product or R&D teams to announce new innovations. Make sure you reserve a good amount of time for at least one of your days for these types of presentations.

2. Educational Sessions

Offer sessions on how to be a successful franchisee, tailored to different experience levels. Topics might include managing operations, optimizing marketing strategies, or understanding financial health.

These are very specific topics covered in small breakout sessions, but are often still presentations versus workshops.

3. Networking Opportunities

Networking is a cornerstone of any franchise convention. Provide time for attendees to connect in formal settings (networking luncheons) and informal ones (cocktail hours or coffee breaks).

Many of our clients are getting creative with networking time, such as including it in their “hub” or show floor, finding small group activities for certain groups, or having executives lead roundtables.

4. Workshops

Interactive workshops allow franchisees to apply new knowledge in real-time. Topics might include improving customer experience, team management, or leveraging technology.

These are becoming more and more popular at franchise conventions, as franchise owners can get tactical ideas to take back to their business and apply immediately. Plus, workshops are another way to encourage relaxed networking and problem-solving among franchisees.

5. Case Studies and User-Generated Content

Real-world examples inspire and provide actionable insights. Include sessions where franchise owners share their success stories, struggles, and creative solutions.

These can be included throughout keynote or breakout sessions. User-generated content is becoming more and more important for conferences in general, and it's an easy way to generate ideas for presentations.

6. Trends: Small Groups and Relaxed Environments

Incorporate smaller, more intimate sessions like roundtable discussions or peer-to-peer learning. These relaxed settings foster deeper connections and meaningful exchanges.

Sample multi-day agenda for a franchise convention.

Below is a sample agenda to inspire your franchise convention planning. The majority of our franchise clients host 3 day events, so this agenda structure follows that trend.

Day 1: Arrival and welcome

• 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Registration and check-In
• 5:00 PM: Welcome address and keynote speaker
• 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome reception

Day 2: Learning and introductions

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast networking
• 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Keynote / trends / company updates
• 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Coffee break / time in Hub
• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Case studies: franchisee spotlights
• 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Networking lunch with small group roundtables
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Educational sessions
• 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Evening social event

Day 3: Applying your skills

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast: peer-to-peer networking
• 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Workshops: apply what you learned
• 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Coffee Break
• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Workshops
• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Closing keynote & lunch

Final thoughts.

Franchisees attend your convention to gain knowledge and relationships they can then take back to their business and drive greater success. Make sure every component of your franchise convention works to facilitate these goals.

Your agenda is a basic structure to help you build more time for franchisees to meet and learn from each other. From the content you create (move toward UGC!) to the networking sessions you facilitate, always keep in mind your attendee.

Ready to plan your franchise convention? Let’s chat about how GoGather can help you take yours to the next level.