Success in franchising requires more than just hard work—it demands the right mindset, strategies, and actions to overcome obstacles and drive results. This high-impact presentation delivers practical insights to break through barriers, optimize performance, and accelerate growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify and eliminate common roadblocks that slow growth.
• Implement high-performance strategies to boost sales and profitability.
• Adapt to changing market conditions with agility and confidence.
• Create a customer-driven culture that fuels repeat business and referrals.

For over two decades, Osmow’s has built more than just a brand—it has built a community. Founded by Sam Osmow and now led alongside Ben and Bernadette, Osmow’s has remained deeply rooted in its family-first culture while scaling into a thriving franchise network.

In this keynote discussion, Osmow’s leadership team will share their journey of growth, the challenges and opportunities of running a family business, and how a people-centric approach, trust, shared vision, and strong partnerships with franchisees have been the driving forces behind their success. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into how Osmow’s balances rapid expansion with staying true to its core values—a lesson every franchisor can take to heart.

Key Learning Takeaways

• How leadership can create a lasting and scalable brand.
• The role of franchisee relationships in fueling sustainable growth.
• Strategies for balancing brand consistency with innovation.
• How to build a strong company culture that keeps teams engaged and motivated.

As franchising continues to evolve in both Canada and the U.S., industry leaders face new opportunities and challenges—from shifting government regulations and economic pressures to evolving franchisee expectations and global market trends. In this exclusive fireside chat, Matt Haller, President & CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA), and Sherry McNeil, President & CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), will discuss the most pressing issues impacting franchisors and franchisees today.

This session will be moderated by Larry Weinberg, Partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP.

Key Takeaways

• The impact of new U.S. trade policies and tariffs on cross-border franchising.
• Key franchise industry trends and regulatory challenges, including private equity pressures.
• How the role of franchisees is shifting and what it means for franchise growth.
• The strategic investments IFA and CFA are making to support the industry, including the relaunch of key initiatives and the introduction of World Franchise Day.
• The power of collaboration between Canadian and U.S. franchising communities to drive long-term success.

Attendees will gain exclusive insights from the heads of two leading franchise organizations, leaving with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the future of franchising and how to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.

Michael "Pinball" Clemons, CFL legend, philanthropist, and General Manager of the Toronto Argonauts, will share his experiences with teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Through personal stories and reflections, he will explore the role of community in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Tying into the theme Our Community, Our Purpose: Stronger Together, Clemons will highlight the importance of collaboration and perseverance in both business and everyday life. His perspective offers a thoughtful look at how working together can create meaningful impact.