This article appeared in Issue 3#4 (May/June 2009) of Business Franchise Australia & New Zealand
Among the various franchise related events the FCA organise each year – both for franchise sector participants and people looking to forge a path into the franchise landscape – there are two key events that are the pinnacle of the franchising calendar.
They are the National Franchise Convention and the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards.
Both these events hold importance to not only franchisors, but especially franchisees and also those of you looking to try your hand at running a successful franchise and small business.
The 2009 National Franchise Convention (NFC) – to be held in Perth, WA on the 19th – 21st October – brings together franchisors, franchisees, suppliers & advisors from around Australia for a three day gathering to share ideas, network and inspire.
Last year the Convention introduced special ‘franchisee streams’ which are tailor made for ambitious franchise owners looking to get ‘the word’ on the latest in small business trends, technology, business practices and franchisee support.
This year, we will be looking to replicate this model and provide franchisees with even more value as we focus on the theme of “Change”. The Global Financial Crisis has caused us all to pause and look closely at our business plans to see if we can change or tweak our approach to ensure we ride through this wave of change and come out on top. The National Franchise Convention can provide the “spark” that ignites the one idea to take you and your business to the next level.
NFC 09 also plays host to the ‘Big One’ – the 2009 MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards Gala dinner – which is a celebration of the ‘best of the best’ in the Australian franchise sector.
Organised by the Franchise Council of Australia, the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards recognise and reward hard working Australians in the small to medium sized business sector and provide a platform for these companies to showcase their products and services on the national stage.
This year categories have been enhanced to recognise all in the ‘franchisee’ community including Awards for – single unit Franchisee of the year, multi-unit Franchisee of the year and the Franchisee community service Award.
For passionate and dedicated franchisees, these Awards can provide exposure and recognition that will give you the foundation to launch off and show the sector that you are the best of the best!
For those of you looking to buy a franchise and wondering which one would be right for you, I urge you to visit the FCA website and click through to the MYOB Awards page and have a look at some of the past winners in both the franchisor and franchisee categories.
Finally, our State Franchising Conferences kicked off at the beginning of May. These events are a one-stop-shop for people in the franchise sector and provide key learning opportunities for franchisees. The following conferences are still open for registration:
VIC – Wednesday, 20th May -The Sebel & Citigate, Albert Park
NSW – Thursday, 28th May – Waterview Convention Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
For further information on the 2009 National Franchise Convention, the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards, and the State Conferences please visit the FCA website www.franchise.org.au or contact the FCA on 1300 669 030.