Every year, brands pour time, money, and energy into events – only to leave with a stack of business cards, a foggy ROI and a lingering question: Did this actually move us forward?
The right franchise events don’t just fill a calendar.
They create access.
They build trust.
They accelerate relationships that would take years to form otherwise.
If you’re a franchise owner or brand leader looking to get in front of advisors who influence real buying decisions, this list is for you.
Below are the best franchise events you should be attending.
The franchise landscape has shifted. Buyers are more informed, advisors are more selective and brands are expected to bring clarity, confidence and proof – not just a pitch.
High-impact franchise events create space for:
When it comes to advisors, familiarity adds confidence and confidence leads to increased brand referrals.
That’s where the right events change everything.
The events you choose to attend play a big role in how your franchise brand is perceived, positioned and remembered.
These top franchise events aren’t just about filling your calendar or increasing visibility. They’re about being in the right rooms, having the right conversations and building the kind of trust that influences long-term growth.
From large-scale industry gatherings to more curated, relationship-driven experiences, each event on this list serves a distinct purpose. Below are the franchise events worth prioritizing in 2026 if your goal is to build credibility, deepen relationships and grow your brand.
Where brands build visibility through shared experiences.
SKIP San Diego kicks off the year with a high-energy, TV-show–themed experience designed to make brand visibility feel natural, not forced.
Set at the stunning Paradise Point Resort, brands “choose their channel,” selecting from curated adventures like whale watching, deep sea fishing or a hands-on sushi-making. Each option is intentionally built to spark conversation, shared memories and genuine connection.
For brands, this isn’t about pitching, it’s about being present. The relaxed, fun setting includes dedicated time with Sidekick Advisors, making it easier to tell your story and stand out in a way that lasts far beyond the event.
Where collaboration turns into relationships.
The SKIP Nashville is a music-themed event that’s all about creating something together.
Hosted at Nashvox Studios, brands team up with our advisors for a hands-on songwriting session. The experience wraps with an exclusive private dinner and concert at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, rounding out two days filled with creativity and connection.
This isn’t passive networking. It’s collaboration. And collaboration creates powerful connections for your brand.
Where brands elevate their presence and deepen advisor trust.
With an “It’s showtime” theme for 2026, SKIP Summit takes center stage in Chicago as Sidekick’s flagship three-day event.
Hosted at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, with a special offsite experience at the iconic Chicago Field Museum, this year’s Summit blends cinematic energy with serious momentum.
Brands can expect powerful keynotes, strategy-focused breakouts, elevated evening events, meaningful time with Sidekick Advisors and the highly anticipated return of the SKIP Sing-Off Spectacular.
This is where visibility turns into alignment and alignment turns into advocacy.
While Sidekick events deliver unmatched advisor access, these franchise events remain essential for broader industry presence, education and credibility.
Best for: Scale, exposure and industry leadership
Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of franchising,” the IFA Annual Convention is the largest and most influential franchise event in the industry.
With thousands of franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and advisors in attendance, this event delivers unmatched scale. Keynotes, breakout sessions and policy discussions make it essential for brands focused on long-term growth and industry relevance.
Best for: Sophisticated operators and multi-unit growth
MUFC attracts some of the most experienced operators in franchising. The conversations here are tactical, numbers-driven and focused on scaling efficiently.
For brands with strong unit economics and operational discipline, this event offers exposure to serious growth-minded leaders.
Best for: Honest conversations and peer learning
The Franchise UnConference is intentionally different. No formal stages. No sales pitches. Just candid, off-the-record conversations with franchise leaders who value transparency.
Best for: Growing brands entering their next phase
The Emerging Franchisor Conference is built for brands navigating the leap from early traction to scalable systems. Sessions focus on development strategy, operational infrastructure and sustainable growth.
Best for: Market awareness and concept discovery
Franchise Expo West offers a more relaxed, exploratory environment. It’s ideal for brands looking to test messaging, gauge interest and stay close to emerging trends.
The strongest brands don’t attend every event. They attend the right ones.
They understand that franchise events aren’t about chasing leads, they’re about building relationships that help move your brand forward. You’ll gain:
And that added confidence is what advisors pass on to buyers.
People don’t come to Franchise Sidekick because they “want a franchise.”
They come because they want what owning a franchise can do for their life.
More control. More freedom. More upside with less risk.
Franchise Sidekick exists to guide buyers through that decision safely, thoughtfully, and strategically. For brands, that means:
When brands partner with Sidekick – and show up at the right franchise events – they’re not just marketing. They’re aligning with a system built on trust.
If you’re a franchise brand looking to:
Now is the time to connect.
Register for one of our upcoming SKIP events or schedule a call with one of our advisors to explore partnership opportunities and upcoming events.
Why should my brand attend advisor-focused franchise events?
Because advisors influence buying decisions. Building trust with them increases the likelihood your brand is recommended confidently and consistently.
How are SKIP events different from traditional franchise events?
SKIP events prioritize depth over volume. Fewer distractions, more conversation and intentional access to Franchise Sidekick Advisors.
Do I need to be a Franchise Sidekick partner to attend SKIP events?
Not at all. While many SKIP attendees are Franchise Sidekick partners, our events – especially Summit – are intentionally open to the broader franchising community. We welcome franchise professionals, emerging and established brands, potential partners, industry influencers, and leaders from organizations like the IFA. If you’re in the franchising space and interested in meaningful connections and forward-thinking conversations, there’s a seat for you at SKIP.
What types of brands benefit most from these events?
Brands focused on sustainable growth, strong franchisee support and long-term alignment.