Here’s a mistake I see all the time: franchise conferences stack the agenda with the same topics, year after year. Marketing. Operations. Legal updates. Important? Absolutely. But is it enough to move your franchise network forward? Not even close.

The best conferences go deeper. They’re not afraid to tackle real challenges and opportunities head-on, even if it’s uncomfortable. Here are some topics that should always make the cut:

Franchisee profitability and performance – The #1 question every franchisee cares about is: “How do I make more money?” Conferences that directly address financial growth, unit economics, and proven playbooks for success will always create impact.

Leadership and culture in franchising – Your franchise is only as strong as its culture. Sessions on how to lead, coach, and inspire franchisees (not just manage them) can completely change system-wide performance.

Customer experience and brand power – In today’s market, customer experience is your competitive edge. Discussing tools, systems, and best practices for delighting customers keeps your brand strong and consistent across locations.

Emerging opportunities: AI, technology, and innovation – The franchise world is evolving fast. AI, automation, and digital platforms are changing the way we market, sell, and serve. A conference that doesn’t cover innovation is already behind.

When I step onto a stage, I customize my keynote to the real needs of the franchise audience in the room. It’s not about checking a box with generic content, it’s about providing insight that inspires action. The right topics don’t just fill an agenda. They shape the future of your brand.

Ready to transform your next franchise conference? Don’t settle for generic content that fails to engage your audience. Let’s design a keynote that speaks directly to your franchisees, energizes your event, and delivers actionable insights that drive results.

Schedule a call with Keith Gerson today and start planning a conference your franchisees will never forget. https://gersonadvisoryservices.com/keynotespeaking/

Keith Gerson, CFE, is a globally recognized franchising expert with 50 years of experience. As President & CEO of Gerson Advisory Services, he’s known as a super-connector, trusted advisor to top franchisor CEOs, and thought leader whose webinars, articles, and the FranConnect Franchise Sales Index Report have earned him a massive industry following.