Expanding into new markets often looks straightforward on paper. In reality, the complexity shows up quickly: labour models don’t translate, supply chains shift, regulations vary, and what works operationally in one market doesn’t always hold in another.

The challenge is knowing what to adapt and what to hold constant.

This session looks at how franchise systems are approaching international growth with that balance in mind, including how they evaluate markets, adjust operating models, and support franchisees entering unfamiliar environments. The focus is on what actually changes once expansion moves from strategy to execution.

Successful expansion depends on understanding how to adapt without diluting the brand. That balance becomes increasingly difficult as systems grow across regions with different expectations, costs, and constraints.

This session focuses on the operational realities of global growth, offering a grounded view of how franchise systems evaluate new markets, adjust their models, and support franchisees in unfamiliar environments. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of how to approach international expansion with both discipline and flexibility.

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Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to evaluate international expansion opportunities using operational criteria.
• Learn how brands adapt operating models for new markets while protecting core standards.
• Identify practical approaches to supporting cross-border operations and vendor alignment..