Franchise Sidekick offers the most intentional networking event in franchising

Chicago, IL (July 31, 2026) – Franchise Sidekick, a leading franchise advisory firm that’s awarded 12,000 locations and is working with over 1,000 prospective franchisees at any given time, announced their Sidekick Important People (SKIP) Summit 2026, taking place Oct. 13-15 in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. This year's Summit centers on real advisor-to-attendee access.

At the heart of Summit 2026 is a simple promise: no other event in franchising gets you this close to the people who can actually help sell your franchise brand. Every element of the event, from breakout sessions to evening experiences, is built around the goal of putting attendees in real conversations with Sidekick's advisor team.

"Franchising works best when advisors and franchisees aren’t just connected through Zoom calls,” said Ryan Zink, Founder and CEO of Franchise Sidekick. “That's the whole idea behind SKIP Summit. We built this event around access and connection. When you can get 30 advisors in a room with only 60 people for an entire afternoon, that's not networking, that's building real relationships. And that’s the standard we’re setting."

The most intentional networking experience in franchising.

SKIP Summit is Franchise Sidekick's annual flagship event where the whole Sidekick community – advisors, brands, industry partners and leaders – come together for three days of keynotes, high-impact breakouts and evening experiences that have to be seen to be believed. And it’s all built around one idea: structured, purposeful connection over surface-level mingling. That idea is exactly what makes 2026's Mission Possible theme so powerful. Because with the right relationships, the possibilities are endless.

This year, that commitment will be taken to a whole new level with the Exclusive Advisor Experience offering a 2:1 attendee-to-advisor ratio – a standard no other franchise networking event in the industry currently offers.

Only 60 attendees will have access to 30 Sidekick Advisors for three uninterrupted hours of networking at the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The afternoon includes private access to the Maker's Mark Barrel Room, food and drinks, a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, a Cubs batting cage experience, a meet-and-greet with an iconic Cubs guest and Cubs swag for every attendee. This creates space for the kind of in-depth, unhurried conversation that simply isn't possible in a traditional conference setting. Given the limited capacity, this add-on is expected to sell out well ahead of October.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Exclusive Advisor Experience are available. Contact tmiller@franchisesidekick.com for details.

What attendees can expect at SKIP Summit 2026

Beyond the main-stage content and breakout sessions, SKIP Summit 2026 is designed to deliver an experience where advisor access is the main event. Highlights include:

• Curated connections that actually matter. SKIP Summit removes surface-level networking entirely. With networking built into every aspect of the event, and the 2:1 attendee-to-advisor ratio at the Exclusive Advisor Experience, every interaction is purposeful.
• One headline voice, more room for connection. SKIP Summit 2026 shifts away from a keynote-heavy format in favor of one headline speaker: John R. DiJulius, Chief Revolution Officer of The DiJulius Group and best-selling author, known for his work with brands like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and The Ritz-Carlton. The change frees up more time for the advisor conversations attendees come for.
• Immersive experiences built for real conversation. From The Premiere Party, a silver-and-gold welcome reception, to a black tie evening at the Field Museum, this year's signature events are designed to strip away pretense and create space for the kind of authentic connection that leads to real partnerships.

Registration now open

SKIP Summit 2026 will take place October 13-15, 2026, in Chicago. To register, view the agenda, or learn more about media and sponsorship opportunities, visit the event site.

About Franchise Sidekick

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 Franchise Sidekick or follow @franchisesidekick.