Scottsdale, AZ (July 8, 2025) – Back by demand and heading to the desert, the Sidekick Important People (SKIP) Summit 2025 will take place September 23–25 in Scottsdale, Arizona, bringing together the brightest minds in franchising for three unforgettable days of insight, strategy and connection.
Hosted by Franchise Sidekick — the industry’s leading franchise advisory group with more than 10,000 placements — the SKIP Summit isn’t just another industry conference. It’s an immersive experience designed for brands ready to scale with confidence. With its bold 2025 theme, BREAK THROUGH, this year’s event goes beyond panels and platitudes. Expect hands-on strategy sessions, memorable moments and real 1:1 connections with the industry’s most forward-thinking minds — all designed to help founders grow smarter, reduce risk and accelerate toward their next milestone.
Franchise Sidekick was built to remove the guesswork from franchise ownership. With a proven process known as the Sidekick Seven, the company is trusted by brands to help eliminate “uninformed optimism” from the buying process. SKIP Summit takes this mission one step further, connecting brand leaders directly with the expert advisors and growth partners who are shaping the next era of franchising.
“Franchising shouldn’t feel like a gamble,” said Ryan Zink, CEO of Franchise Sidekick and host of “The Sidekick Life” podcast. “We’ve helped place over 10,000 franchises by focusing on risk reduction, qualified candidates and real relationships, and SKIP Summit is where that all comes together. It’s not fluff. It’s the playbook.”
This year’s powerhouse speaker lineup includes Donald Miller (StoryBrand), Becc Holland (Flip the Script), Jason Feifer (Entrepreneur Magazine) and Brooke Budke (Momentum Brands) plus tactical workshops from franchise pros who’ve scaled. Every keynote, breakout and networking session is designed to help attendees walk away with strategies they can implement as soon as they’re home — not just inspiration.
“Summit is different from typical broker networking events,” said Michael Judkins, Chief Operating Officer at Franchise Sidekick. “Sidekick events are built by people who’ve sat through countless conferences and craved more. It’s immersive, intentional and designed for real connection and growth. Every session, speaker and setting was chosen to reflect the energy of the brands we serve — bold, growing and ready to Break Through.”
Beyond the main-stage spotlights and tactical breakout sessions, SKIP Summit 2025 is designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that blends business impact with immersive connection. Highlights include:
SKIP Summit 2025 will take place September 23–25, 2025, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. To register, view the agenda, or learn more about media and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.skipevents.com.
Media kit, interviews or press pass requests:
Courtney Mattern
VP of Marketing, Franchise Sidekick
cmattern@franchisesidekick.com
402.649.2771
franchisesidekick.com | skipevents.com
Franchise Sidekick is on a mission to make franchise ownership easier, smarter and more human. We help aspiring entrepreneurs find the right franchise opportunities — and reduce the risk that usually comes with going it alone. Through expert guidance, vetted brand recommendations and real-world education, Sidekick empowers people to take control of their future and build a business that fits their life. Whether you're looking to leave the 9–5, build a portfolio or start a new chapter, Sidekick is here to help you own a franchise — and live life on your terms.
To learn more, visit franchisesidekick.com or follow @franchisesidekick.