Sunday, April 10, 2022
 The Labour Crunch: Hiring Strategies & Best Practices2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Canada's job vacancy rate reached a record high during 2021, especially in the food, healthcare, and retail industries. This has left many small business owners to deal with the challenges of a resignation boom and the struggle of finding staff to fill positions. This session will explore the current labour market as well as strategies and best practices for hiring in these unprecedented times.

 

 
 Key Strategies for Selecting the Right Franchisee2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

A prospective franchisee may appear to be ideal for an organization after an initial meeting. However, franchisors may neglect to uncover what a candidate has not revealed. We will explore ways to protect your brand by enhancing due diligence and thinking outside of the box. This session will provide information on how to confirm applicants' financial stability and background and evaluate overall credibility and character. The discussion will educate participants on how to confirm assets, liabilities, and credit history. The group will also gain insight on false or undisclosed details. Participants will learn what pertinent information can be revealed when it comes to a prospective franchisee’s business, criminal, civil, legal and credit backgrounds. 

 
 Elevate & Empower: Women in Franchising2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

As women enter the franchising industry in growing numbers, they are faced with a unique set of challenges. Participants in this session will have the opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges that women in franchising face, from networking to work-life balance to challenges caused by COVID-19, and other topics critical to the female experience in business.

Lenka Whitehead Audra Wosik
 Digital Marketing: What's Working For You?2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Unsure how to make digital marketing work for you? Whether you have a thriving online presence or are just dipping a toe into the digital marketing world, this session will help clarify and demystify digital marketing strategy. Discuss best practices and find out how to measure the success of your online marketing tactics.

Jeff Horst
 Using Digital Marketing for Franchise Development2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Social media platforms can be an invaluable tool for finding and recruiting new franchisees to your system. But with so many platforms and options to choose from, how to know where to start? This session will dive into the best practices for using social media and other digital marketing tools (such as your website and Google) to generate the best leads for new franchisees.

Steve Buors
 How Do You Select the Best Franchisees?2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

As your brand grows and attracts excited new prospective franchisees, how can you be sure you're choosing the best candidate to join your system? From reliability to francial stability to culture fit, there are many elements to consider when selecting a new franchisee. This session explores what makes a superstar franchisee and how a franchisor can identify the best applicant for their brand.

Gary Prenevost, CFE
 Evolution in New Franchisee Training2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Training is immensely important to starting a new franchisee off on the right foot for success in your system. In this roundtable session, explore best practices for training new franchisees and how training has evolved to include new and out-of-the-box elements like online platforms and digital learning. 

Chuck Farrell
 The “Secret Ingredient” of Trademarks2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Distinctiveness is the secret ingredient that underpins trademark value. This roundtable will explore both the theory and application of the concept of distinctiveness to ensure trademark use adds, rather than detracts, value from your brand. The discussion will explore distinctiveness in the context of selection, adoption, use, licensing, unauthorized use and strategies to ensure and maximize trademark protection.

Ellery Lew
 Important Changes in Employment and Labour Employment Law 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Wondering how Canada's employment and labour laws will affect your franchised business? This session will help participants keep informed on the latest important changes to our country's laws surrounding employment. Don't miss the chance to discuss how these policy changes will affect your business and hiring practices.

Stefanie Di Francesco
 Key Considerations for Franchising in Quebec2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

25% of the Canadian population is waiting for you. In this session, you'll explore the opportunities that Quebec offers for franchise systems. Canada's largest province is a unique market, with its own distinct culture. Participants will discover five key considerations that need to be taken into account in order to successfully expand into this dynamic, potential-filled market. Quebecers love franchise brands, and many brands have found great success in this market - so why not you?

 
 Workplace Mental Health2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a great toll on the mental health of Canadians across the country, with one in four adult Canadians reportedly experiencing symproms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress in 2021. How can employers and franchise systems ensure their teams are healthy and operating at their full capacity? In this session, participants can discover ways to maintain and improve mental health, and to make resilience and healthy habits a part of workplace culture 

Steven Collette
In the Provinces & Confederation 1 & 2 Room:Coming to the U.S.2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Looking to bring your franchise brand to the U.S.? This session will demystify the process of taking your system international. Participants will learn how to prepare and execute an international expansion strategy that reduces risk and maximizes the chances of successfully growing in the American market. You’ll also explore some common mistakes Canadian companies make when they decide to expand internationally.

Paul Rocchio, CFE
 What's the Effect of Technology on Your Franchise?2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

The world of technological innovation is always changing and developing, but how do you know what technologies are right for you, and how they can be harnessed to serve your franchise system? Participants will share ideas on various technologies and strategies that can propel franchise systems forward, help track valuable KPIs, and keep a handle on cash flow and franchisee performance while minimizing resistance and hesitation from your community.

Rimma Jaciw
 The "Hidden" Disclosure Requirements - Practical Tips to Ensure Your Franchisees Get All the Material Facts2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Proper, complete, and accurate franchise disclosure is always challenging, given the required and specific items that have to be disclosed.  Unfortunately, the job gets much more complicated and difficult when we try to ascertain what is a material fact and how to disclose it accurately enough. Join your colleagues in a lively roundtable discussion of strategies to address this challenge.

 

Edward (Ned) Levitt
 Transitioning From an Emerging to Established Brand2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Your system is experiencing growth - now what? Participants in this session will dive into the process of transitioning a franchise system from an emerging brand to an established brand. You'll discuss how to take your business to the next level, scale your brand, and what growth means for your operation.

 

Travis Tinning Patrick Wyness Julian Deck
 Customize Your Plan: Franchise Canada Lead Generation Solutions2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

If you're looking to grow your brand and attract passionate, energetic new franchisees, Franchise Canada just might be the lead generation tool you need. This session offers a discussion of Franchise Canada's lead generation products that reach thousands of prospective franchisees each month, including Franchise Canada magazine, the Franchise Canada Chats Podcast, Franchise Canada trade shows, LookforaFranchise.ca listing site, and more. Learn more about the ad products and lead generation plans that will fit your franchise system and goals.

 

 
 Refranchising Corporate-Owned and Operated Units2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Dive into the details of refranchising corporate-owned and operated franchise units in this session that will take participants through the legal matters associated with refranchising. If you have questions about refranchising a corporate-operated location, you won't want to miss this informative discussion.

 

Joseph Adler, CFE
 Turning Clicks Into Sales: Tap Into Social Media Tools to Boost Your Franchise Revenue 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Learn how digital communications can fuel awareness, reputation and business growth of your brand. Customers have shifted online and it’s essential to leverage social media platforms to not only expand your business’s reach but to drive customer engagement and sales. Join this session to access the best tips and techniques for building and optimizing your social media strategy to attract and retain customers.

 

 
 What are Trending Franchise Supports?2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Curious what kinds of ongoing supports are being offered by franchise systems? In this session, participants explore what's current in the world of operations supports and discuss what supports are trending among systems and what new potential the future holds in store.

 
 Franchisor Valuation2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

More and more we are seeing larger franchise groups or private equity groups acquiring profitable franchisors. Join this roundtable to discuss how to maximize the value of your franchise entity.

John Leavitt
 The Essentials of Financing your Franchise Business2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Brief: At this round table we will discuss the most important points for the financing and start up of your Franchise Business.  The discussion will cover new sites, renovations and buying an existing operation.  In addition, we will discuss start up operations and ongoing operations and cash flow.

 

 
 Succession Planning For Franchisees and Franchisors2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Having a plan in place is essential for making sure your business can run smoothly without interruption when those in leadership roles retire or move onto new opportunities. In this session, participants will discuss what is needed for successful succession planning and tips for creating a smooth transition, whether for franchisors or an individual franchisee’s business.

Greg Windle
 Budgeting for Construction2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

There are many factors to consider when building a new franchise location, from site selection all the way up to construction itself. And of course, the unexpected often happens along the way. This session will tackle how to budget properly for the construction process, including advice, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid.

Simon Shahin
 How to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Diversity is an important part of a thriving franchise system. How can a franchise system encourage diversity? What are best practices for fostering an inclusive workplace? How can hiring policies be shaped to ensure greater diversity? In this session, participants will learn strategies and discuss ideas around building diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Michael Ledgerwood
 Mediation and Arbitration of Franchise Disputes: What You Should Know2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Franchise disputes can happen, and when they do it may be difficult to know how to navigate. In this session, participants will learn the ins and outs of franchise dispute mediation and arbitration. Explore which response is advised for different dispute scenarios and learn how these legal disputes can best be addressed.

Frank Zaid
 How Do You Appreciate, Build, and Measure Customer Value?2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Customer value is an important part of any business that delivers a service to
its clients. While most franchise systems work hard to deliver a high-value product, how can you increase customer value in an appreciable and measurable way? In this session, participants will discuss strategies for building customer value as well as tools and strategies for measuring customer satisfaction in a concrete way.

Steve Falk
Monday, April 11, 2022
 Workplace Mental Health11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a great toll on the mental health of Canadians across the country, with one in four adult Canadians reportedly experiencing symproms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress in 2021. How can employers and franchise systems ensure their teams are healthy and operating at their full capacity? In this session, participants can discover ways to maintain and improve mental health, and to make resilience and healthy habits a part of workplace culture 

Steven Collette
 The Labour Crunch: Hiring Strategies & Best Practices11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Canada's job vacancy rate reached a record high during 2021, especially in the food, healthcare, and retail industries. This has left many small business owners to deal with the challenges of a resignation boom and the struggle of finding staff to fill positions. This session will explore the current labour market as well as strategies and best practices for hiring in these unprecedented times.

 

 
 Budgeting for Construction11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

There are many factors to consider when building a new franchise location, from site selection all the way up to construction itself. And of course, the unexpected often happens along the way. This session will tackle how to budget properly for the construction process, including advice, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid.

Simon Shahin
 Customize Your Plan: Franchise Canada Lead Generation Solutions11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

If you're looking to grow your brand and attract passionate, energetic new franchisees, Franchise Canada just might be the lead generation tool you need. This session offers a discussion of Franchise Canada's lead generation products that reach thousands of prospective franchisees each month, including Franchise Canada magazine, the Franchise Canada Chats Podcast, Franchise Canada trade shows, LookforaFranchise.ca listing site, and more. Learn more about the ad products and lead generation plans that will fit your franchise system and goals.

 

 
 Digital Marketing: What's Working For You?11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Unsure how to make digital marketing work for you? Whether you have a thriving online presence or are just dipping a toe into the digital marketing world, this session will help clarify and demystify digital marketing strategy. Discuss best practices and find out how to measure the success of your online marketing tactics.

Jeff Horst
 Elevate & Empower: Women in Franchising11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

As women enter the franchising industry in growing numbers, they are faced with a unique set of challenges. Participants in this session will have the opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges that women in franchising face, from networking to work-life balance to challenges caused by COVID-19, and other topics critical to the female experience in business.

Lenka Whitehead Audra Wosik
 Evolution in New Franchisee Training11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Training is immensely important to starting a new franchisee off on the right foot for success in your system. In this roundtable session, explore best practices for training new franchisees and how training has evolved to include new and out-of-the-box elements like online platforms and digital learning. 

Chuck Farrell
 Franchisor Valuation11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

More and more we are seeing larger franchise groups or private equity groups acquiring profitable franchisors. Join this roundtable to discuss how to maximize the value of your franchise entity.

John Leavitt
 How Do You Appreciate, Build, and Measure Customer Value?11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Customer value is an important part of any business that delivers a service to
its clients. While most franchise systems work hard to deliver a high-value product, how can you increase customer value in an appreciable and measurable way? In this session, participants will discuss strategies for building customer value as well as tools and strategies for measuring customer satisfaction in a concrete way.

Steve Falk
 How Do You Select the Best Franchisees?11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

As your brand grows and attracts excited new prospective franchisees, how can you be sure you're choosing the best candidate to join your system? From reliability to francial stability to culture fit, there are many elements to consider when selecting a new franchisee. This session explores what makes a superstar franchisee and how a franchisor can identify the best applicant for their brand.

Gary Prenevost, CFE
 How to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Diversity is an important part of a thriving franchise system. How can a franchise system encourage diversity? What are best practices for fostering an inclusive workplace? How can hiring policies be shaped to ensure greater diversity? In this session, participants will learn strategies and discuss ideas around building diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Michael Ledgerwood
 Important Changes in Employment and Labour Employment Law11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Wondering how Canada's employment and labour laws will affect your franchised business? This session will help participants keep informed on the latest important changes to our country's laws surrounding employment. Don't miss the chance to discuss how these policy changes will affect your business and hiring practices.

Stefanie Di Francesco
 Key Considerations for Franchising in Quebec 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

25% of the Canadian population is waiting for you. In this session, you'll explore the opportunities that Quebec offers for franchise systems. Canada's largest province is a unique market, with its own distinct culture. Participants will discover five key considerations that need to be taken into account in order to successfully expand into this dynamic, potential-filled market. Quebecers love franchise brands, and many brands have found great success in this market - so why not you?

 
 Key Strategies for Selecting the Right Franchisee11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

A prospective franchisee may appear to be ideal for an organization after an initial meeting. However, franchisors may neglect to uncover what a candidate has not revealed. We will explore ways to protect your brand by enhancing due diligence and thinking outside of the box. This session will provide information on how to confirm applicants' financial stability and background and evaluate overall credibility and character. The discussion will educate participants on how to confirm assets, liabilities, and credit history. The group will also gain insight on false or undisclosed details. Participants will learn what pertinent information can be revealed when it comes to a prospective franchisee’s business, criminal, civil, legal and credit backgrounds. 

 
 Mediation and Arbitration of Franchise Disputes: What You Should Know11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Franchise disputes can happen, and when they do it may be difficult to know how to navigate. In this session, participants will learn the ins and outs of franchise dispute mediation and arbitration. Explore which response is advised for different dispute scenarios and learn how these legal disputes can best be addressed.

Frank Zaid
 Refranchising Corporate-Owned and Operated Units11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Dive into the details of refranchising corporate-owned and operated franchise units in this session that will take participants through the legal matters associated with refranchising. If you have questions about refranchising a corporate-operated location, you won't want to miss this informative discussion.

 

Joseph Adler, CFE
 Succession Planning For Franchisees and Franchisors11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Having a plan in place is essential for making sure your business can run smoothly without interruption when those in leadership roles retire or move onto new opportunities. In this session, participants will discuss what is needed for successful succession planning and tips for creating a smooth transition, whether for franchisors or an individual franchisee’s business.

Greg Windle
 The Essentials of Financing your Franchise Business11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Brief: At this round table we will discuss the most important points for the financing and start up of your Franchise Business.  The discussion will cover new sites, renovations and buying an existing operation.  In addition, we will discuss start up operations and ongoing operations and cash flow.

 

 
 The "Hidden" Disclosure Requirements - Practical Tips to Ensure Your Franchisees Get All the Material Facts11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Proper, complete, and accurate franchise disclosure is always challenging, given the required and specific items that have to be disclosed.  Unfortunately, the job gets much more complicated and difficult when we try to ascertain what is a material fact and how to disclose it accurately enough. Join your colleagues in a lively roundtable discussion of strategies to address this challenge.

 

Edward (Ned) Levitt
In the Provinces & Confederation 1 & 2 Room:Making a Real Connection with Virtual Customers11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

As we head into a post-pandemic world, the restaurant consumer’s mindset is changing, and expectations are high. Customers now expect the same stellar service online as they do on in person. From hyper-personalization to omni-channel buying processes, your customers judge your brand based on the customized, hassle-free, white-glove service they get—not just from competitors but also from e-commerce players. Participants will learn about trends and best practices to keep your franchise marketing fresh, relevant, and top-of-mind for today’s digital-first consumers. You’ll also learn how to personalize your restaurant’s offerings based on customer preferences, and provide the customized and frictionless experience they crave.

 
 The “Secret Ingredient” of Trademarks11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Distinctiveness is the secret ingredient that underpins trademark value. This roundtable will explore both the theory and application of the concept of distinctiveness to ensure trademark use adds, rather than detracts, value from your brand. The discussion will explore distinctiveness in the context of selection, adoption, use, licensing, unauthorized use and strategies to ensure and maximize trademark protection.

Ellery Lew
 Transitioning From an Emerging to Established Brand11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Your system is experiencing growth - now what? Participants in this session will dive into the process of transitioning a franchise system from an emerging brand to an established brand. You'll discuss how to take your business to the next level, scale your brand, and what growth means for your operation.

 

Travis Tinning Patrick Wyness Julian Deck
 Turning Clicks Into Sales: Tap Into Social Media Tools to Boost Your Franchise Revenue11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Learn how digital communications can fuel awareness, reputation and business growth of your brand. Customers have shifted online and it’s essential to leverage social media platforms to not only expand your business’s reach but to drive customer engagement and sales. Join this session to access the best tips and techniques for building and optimizing your social media strategy to attract and retain customers.

 

 
 Using Digital Marketing for Franchise Development11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Social media platforms can be an invaluable tool for finding and recruiting new franchisees to your system. But with so many platforms and options to choose from, how to know where to start? This session will dive into the best practices for using social media and other digital marketing tools (such as your website and Google) to generate the best leads for new franchisees.

Steve Buors
 What are Trending Franchise Supports?11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Curious what kinds of ongoing supports are being offered by franchise systems? In this session, participants explore what's current in the world of operations supports and discuss what supports are trending among systems and what new potential the future holds in store.

 
 What's the Effect of Technology on Your Franchise?11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

The world of technological innovation is always changing and developing, but how do you know what technologies are right for you, and how they can be harnessed to serve your franchise system? Participants will share ideas on various technologies and strategies that can propel franchise systems forward, help track valuable KPIs, and keep a handle on cash flow and franchisee performance while minimizing resistance and hesitation from your community.

Rimma Jaciw