Strong franchisee–franchisor relationships are the foundation of successful franchise systems and thriving brands. Even well-intentioned systems, however, can face challenges such as miscommunication, misaligned expectations, or tensions around system changes, supplier programs, financial performance, or support delivery. When left unaddressed, these issues can escalate and impact legal standing, brand reputation, and overall system health.

This session will explore practical tools and proactive strategies franchisors can implement to prevent relationship breakdowns before they occur and manage them effectively when they do arise. Drawing on the day-to-day realities faced by franchisor teams, the panel will examine how communication programs, regular field visits, key performance indicators, training initiatives, and advisory councils can be leveraged to foster engagement, trust, and accountability across the network.

Participants will learn how to navigate common tensions constructively and resolve disputes early—strengthening collaboration between franchisees and franchisors to support long-term system success and brand consistency. Legal and operational perspectives will be blended with real-world insights from leaders who manage franchisee relationships daily, ensuring practical takeaways for all attendees.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore proactive strategies franchisors can implement across departments—from operations and field support to legal and executive leadership—to prevent relationship breakdowns before they occur.

2. Identify key programs and tools that support healthy franchisee engagement, such as advisory councils, training programs, regular field visits, intranet updates, system-wide communications, and performance reviews.

3. Learn how well-managed relationships contribute directly to long-term system success, franchisee satisfaction, and brand consistency—and how to resolve challenges collaboratively when tensions arise.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore proactive strategies franchisors can implement across departments—from operations and field support to legal and executive leadership—to prevent relationship breakdowns before they occur.

2. Identify key programs and tools that support healthy franchisee engagement, such as advisory councils, training programs, regular field visits, intranet updates, system-wide communications, and performance reviews.

3. Learn how well-managed relationships contribute directly to long-term system success, franchisee satisfaction, and brand consistency—and how to resolve challenges collaboratively when tensions arise.