THE BFA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
When & where
12th November, Telford International Centre
What to expect
The BFA Annual Conference 2026 brings the franchise community together for a day of big conversations, practical learning and ideas you can take straight back into your business. Built around Resilience: Stronger Together, the programme combines powerful keynote speakers, industry insight, valuable networking and a choice of breakout sessions across marketing, leadership, growth and future-focused topics. Hear from people with real experience, challenge your thinking and leave with practical ideas, stronger connections and a clearer view of what comes next.
Gain fresh perspectives from experts and leaders across franchising.
Build the confidence and capability to navigate change, embracing new opportunities.
Turn insight into action and discover how strength creates sustainable success.
our sponsors
Events like this can’t happen without the support of our sponsors. The BFA Annual Conference is proudly supported by Constant Contact and The Franchising Centre
PLAN YOUR DAY
08:15
Coffee, conversation and a warm welcome.
09:15
HOST: Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO The BFA
09:40
KEYNOTE: Aaron Moon, Former Royal Marines Commando & Founder of Reborn Mindset
10:30
Inspire Stage, Marketing Masterclass, Leadership In Action, Growth Hub or Future Focus
11:50
Connect with speakers, peers and partners.
13:00
Practical workshops and peer roundtables.
13:50
KEYNOTE: Timandra Harkness, writer, broadcaster and presenter
14:35
Celebrate, connect and continue the conversation.
15:05
Celebrate, connect and continue the conversation.
15:40
Inspire Stage, Marketing Masterclass, Leadership In Action, Growth Hub or Future Focus
16:30
KEYNOTE: Sara Davies MBE, Founder of Crafter’s Companion, entrepreneur, mentor and familiar face from BBC’s Dragons’ Den
08:15
Coffee, conversation and a warm welcome.
09:15
HOST: Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO The BFA
09:40
KEYNOTE: Aaron Moon, Former Royal Marines Commando & Founder of Reborn Mindset
10:30
Inspire Stage, Marketing Masterclass, Leadership In Action, Growth Hub or Future Focus
11:50
Connect with speakers, peers and partners.
13:00
Practical workshops and peer roundtables.
13:50
KEYNOTE: To be revealed
14:35
Celebrate, connect and continue the conversation.
15:05
Celebrate, connect and continue the conversation.
15:40
Inspire Stage, Marketing Masterclass, Leadership In Action, Growth Hub or Future Focus
16:30
To be revealed
ON THE MAIN STAGE
CEO, The BFA
Former Royal Marines Commando & Founder of Reborn Mindset
Writer, broadcaster and presenter
Founder of Crafter’s Companion, entrepreneur, mentor and familiar face from BBC’s Dragons’ Den
CHOOSE YOUR PATH
INSPIRE STAGE
10:30 The 5-Star Formula: Building a Franchisee Experience Playbook
Discover the practical ideas, habits and decisions that create exceptional franchisee experiences, followed by the celebration of the 2026 WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards winners.
15:40 What I Wish I’d Known: Lessons from the Franchise Front Line
Hear honest reflections and hard-earned lessons from experienced franchisors, with practical advice you can apply to your own franchise journey.
MARKETING MASTERCLASS
10:30 Winning the Next Generation of Franchisees
Explore how recruitment marketing can evolve to attract better-qualified leads, build trust and tell a more compelling brand story.
15:40 Future Proof Your Brand Marketing
Explore practical ways to keep your brand relevant and visible through meaningful content, community engagement, AI, automation, technology and data-led decision making.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
10:30 Building Relationships Strong Enough to Have the Difficult Conversations
Explore how self-awareness, trust, coaching and stronger communication can help leaders tackle difficult conversations while maintaining standards and accountability.
15:40 The Secrets of High Performing Teams
Discover the habits and behaviours that help teams thrive through change, build trust and resilience, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
GROWTH HUB
10:30 One Brand. Bigger Opportunities
Discover how national accounts, marketing funds and strategic partnerships can create commercial opportunities that benefit the wider network.
15:40 Growth by Design: How Franchisee Success Drives Network Growth
Explore how data, technology, AI and effective support can improve franchisee performance, profitability and satisfaction — creating sustainable growth across the network.
FUTURE FOCUS
10:30 Building a Business Worth Buying
Discover the foundations that can increase business value, from sustainable profitability and strong leadership to investment, succession and exit planning.
15:40 Beyond Borders: Building a Franchise Ready for International Growth
Hear international perspectives on taking a franchise beyond the UK, including market selection, cultural and regulatory considerations, and lessons from brands that have expanded internationally.
10:30 The 5-Star Formula: Building a Franchisee Experience Playbook
Discover the practical ideas, habits and decisions that create exceptional franchisee experiences, followed by the celebration of the 2026 WorkBuzz Best Franchise Awards winners.
15:40 What I Wish I’d Known: Lessons from the Franchise Front Line
Hear honest reflections and hard-earned lessons from experienced franchisors, with practical advice you can apply to your own franchise journey.
10:30 Winning the Next Generation of Franchisees
Explore how recruitment marketing can evolve to attract better-qualified leads, build trust and tell a more compelling brand story.
15:40 Future Proof Your Brand Marketing
Explore practical ways to keep your brand relevant and visible through meaningful content, community engagement, AI, automation, technology and data-led decision making.
10:30 Building Relationships Strong Enough to Have the Difficult Conversations
Explore how self-awareness, trust, coaching and stronger communication can help leaders tackle difficult conversations while maintaining standards and accountability.
15:40 The Secrets of High Performing Teams
Discover the habits and behaviours that help teams thrive through change, build trust and resilience, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
10:30 One Brand. Bigger Opportunities
Discover how national accounts, marketing funds and strategic partnerships can create commercial opportunities that benefit the wider network.
15:40 Growth by Design: How Franchisee Success Drives Network Growth
Explore how data, technology, AI and effective support can improve franchisee performance, profitability and satisfaction — creating sustainable growth across the network.
10:30 Building a Business Worth Buying
Discover the foundations that can increase business value, from sustainable profitability and strong leadership to investment, succession and exit planning.
15:40 Beyond Borders: Building a Franchise Ready for International Growth
Hear international perspectives on taking a franchise beyond the UK, including market selection, cultural and regulatory considerations, and lessons from brands that have expanded internationally.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“As a first time attendee this event was on a much bigger scale than I ever imagined. Very well run and a good mix of speakers and activities. I came away inspired and impressed.”
Elise Hughes
House of Colour
SECURE YOUR PLACE
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Telford International Centre
International Way
Telford
TF3 4JH
Telford International Centre is easy to access. By car, it’s conveniently located near the M54, with ample on-site parking* available and plenty nearby. Travelling by train? Telford Central Station is just a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. Bus services also operate frequently between the station and the venue. If you're flying in, Birmingham Airport is about a 50-minute drive, and connections via train or car make the trip straightforward.
You are entitled to exclusive discounts. With up to 50% off on the majority of our events and training, what’s not to love! Simply check your emails for the latest deals and add the code at the checkout.