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MARK FERNANDEZ
Certified Franchise Executive CEO, FranchisingWA

From Our CEO…

We are excited to announce the FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2023 will be held on Wednesday 13th September 2023 in sunny Perth, Western Australia.

Our theme this year is ‘Franchising Renaissance’.The French word, Renaissance, means Rebirth. Drawing inspiration from this pivotal time in history, we will explore the future of Franchising in this new era of rebirth.

We will discover how to ‘Connect. Grow. and Reset.’, embracing where You may be on this journey in building a more sustainable franchise business.

Is it time to connect or re-connect with the people around us? After all, our people are the most important ingredient in our business that enables us to grow.

How do businesses reset in the midst of so much change? Does today’s version of success look different than before? What are successful brands doing to re-build their system and become top of their sector?

Following the conference, we will be hosting our FranchisingWA Gala Awards Night. The Gala Awards Night is a culmination of our 2023 Industry Awards wherein we will announce the winners and celebrate their success over a 2-course meal, live music and dancing.

Let’s share this journey through the FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2023 and Gala Awards Night to each take home gems of information and recognise outstanding achievement for those in the WA franchising community.

We have a fantastic program aimed at not only educating but networking with the Australian Franchising Community.

I look forward to catching up with you there!!



Mark Fernandez
Certified Franchise Executive
CEO, FranchisingWA

Conference Speakers

Carlos Antonius

“An energetic, commercially motivated executive with extensive credentialsleading B2C/B2B Food and Beverage businesses through critical periods of growth and change, where key strategic imperatives have involved future proofing the business and achieving material revenue and profit improvements.

I am recognised as collaborative and results focussed people leader who is highly effective at stakeholder engagement and managing shareholder expectations and a specialist in strategy planning and execution, commercial operations, P&L performance, brand and marketing management.

As an authentic communicator I am passionate about developing high performing teams that foster a culture of engagement and success. In recent years I have also developed a reputation as being very effective at managing complex shareholder groups with competing priorities and needs”.

Carlos Antonius

Carlos Antonius

CEO, Chatime Expense Reduction Analysts
Joe Lazarra

Joe Lazzara is a highly experienced commercial lawyer having acted in a wide range of property and commercial matters. He speaks Italian fluently, and is sensitive to cultural issues when advising his clients. Clients, colleagues and referral partners appreciate Joe's genuineness, and collaborative and interactive approach.

His expertise covers all areas of franchise law, business acquisitions/sales & structuring (including preparing partnership-type arrangements), estate planning, business succession, estate administration, and all aspects of property law, including acquisition and sales, property development and preparation of co-ownership and joint venture arrangements.

Joe has extensive experience in the franchise industry spanning more than 16 years. He specialises in the preparation of franchise documentation, advice to existing and potential franchisors (including multiple well-known national brands), litigation and mediation support for franchising disputes and advice on Consumer Law and trade practices.

He assists businesses in their establishment and ongoing management issues, from legal compliance through to supply-chain issues and succession planning, with his team preparing Wills and other estate related documentation, from simple Wills to complex testamentary and protective trust arrangements, often working closely with his clients, financial planners, family lawyers and accountants. Joe Lazarra

Joe Lazarra

Partner Thomson Geer Law Expense Reduction Analysts
Ryan Potts

Ryan is the Senior Area Manager of The Cheesecake Shop WA, where he has been supporting his network for over 15 years. Starting his role as Business Coach then National Quality Assurance Auditor, he moved into the senior position in 2016.

Ryan is currently overseeing 29 franchised stores across the state, Ryan is also focused on opening new stores and recruiting new Franchisees.

Ryan is motivated to develop a successful, dedicated group of franchisees with compliant and profitable stores through support in training, marketing & business planning. Additionally, in 2014 Ryan won the FCA WA Field Manager of The Year award.

Ryan Potts,

Ryan Potts

Senior Area Manager - The Cheesecake Shop
Dean McAskil

Dean has nearly 30 years’ experience in shopping centre and retail property management, marketing and the leasing industry in Western Australia and Australia.

Starting as an onsite hands-on Shopping Centre Manager, by the year 2000 Dean was the Director Retail Property Services for Knight Frank, responsible for the management, marketing and leasing of what was the largest shopping centre portfolio that has possibly ever existed in Western Australia. This role included regional and sub-regional shopping centres such as Lakeside Joondalup, Belmont Forum and Midland Gate, as well as more than 30 neighbourhood convenience centres. Dean was responsible for reporting to large corporate institutional owners, as well as many private investors. In that position he managed more than 50 professional staff and approximately 100 technical and contract staff, this often included more than 10 direct reports.

At the beginning of the 2000’s Dean started his own consultancy practice providing advice to retail property users, including major brands like RAC, Zamels Jewellers and Price Attack. He stopped counting long ago, but Dean estimates in his career he has administered, negotiated or documented in excess of 3,000 retail leases.

This unparalleled depth of market experience, from representing the small retailer at the coal face to asset management of major retail properties, gives Dean an extraordinary perspective of every aspect of the retail leasing transaction, making his advice invaluable

Dean McAskil

Dean McAskil

Retail Property Consultant BDA Expense Reduction Analysts
Mick Keogh

Mick Keogh was appointed to the ACCC in February 2016, and then as Deputy Chair of the ACCC in 2018, with responsibility for Small Business and Agriculture.

Mick’s role at the ACCC includes involvement in a range of committees including the Competition Exemptions, Enforcement, Compliance and Product Safety, Mergers Review and Electricity Markets Board, as well as oversight of the small business, franchising and agriculture units of the ACCC.

Mick has a long and diverse history of involvement with the small business and agriculture sector, including periods of employment as a business consultant, and in advocacy and advisory roles to policymakers and governments. He has also chaired a number of Commonwealth Government inquiries and Ministerial advisory boards. He is currently a member of the Commonwealth Government’s Emission Reduction Assurance Council, and a Board member of the Food Agility Co-operative Research Centre.

From 2003 to 2018, he was Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute, an independent policy research institute that conducted research into strategic policy issues of importance to Australian agriculture and regional Australia. Mick continued in that role until his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ACCC in June 2018.

Mick was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2015. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science, both obtained at the University of New South Wales, and a Doctor of Applied Science (honoris causa) from Charles Mick Keogh

Mick Keogh

Deputy Chair - Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Expense Reduction Analysts
Mark Fernandez

Mark is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and brings over 25 years of senior management experience in franchising and strategic thinking to our team and to your business. This valuable experience ranges across many business models including multi-international companies and local Western Australian systems. Mark has been influential across a number of key industry sectors, including Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation, Childcare, Shipping and Hospitality.

As a growth strategist, Mark specialises in delivering solutions that perhaps haven’t been considered or given enough attention. He brings clarity in determining the way forward and as a natural problem solver he takes a keen interest in teaching clients how to focus on solutions rather than getting caught up in the many day to day challenges that they face. His passion lies in instilling a strong culture of best practice and service excellence with all his clients and stakeholders.

Mark is a Lean and 6 Sigma Practitioner and an Accredited Consultant/Facilitator of DISC Advanced Psychometrics. Mark is a Keynote speaker, MC, Motivational Presenter and Panel Facilitator. He has presented at industry / corporate conferences and various expos and aims to not only educate through speech but to entertain as well. Currently I am a Committee Member of the ACCC Small Business and Franchising Consultative Committee.

In summary, Mark brings many valuable lessons and skills to the table – all of which are available to assist you to grow and improve your organisation’s leadership and profitability.

 Mark Fernandez

Mark Fernandez

Certified Franchise Executive CEO – FranchisingWA Expense Reduction Analysts
Carolyn Meighan

Carolyn has more than 20 years’ experience assisting clients in relation to a broad range of matters, including property and strata title disputes, trust and estate disputes, planning matters, employment matters, franchising matters, competition, and consumer matters, regulatory matters, and contract disputes. Carolyn has represented clients in proceedings before various Courts and Tribunals, including the Federal Court and the High Court.

Carolyn prides herself in being pragmatic and outcomes focused. She understands how important it is to consider her clients commercial and other objectives and to deal with disputes in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Carolyn Meighan

Carolyn Meighan

Special Counsel HHG Legal Group
Nikki Richardson

Nikki is the Director of Franchise Operations APAC at Guzman y Gomez (GYG). She brings a wealth of knowledge having worked as a high school teacher in hospitality, food science and health. Nikki’s passion for food led her to a career move to the Australian fast-food industry where she has spent the last 12+ years working across training, development and franchising.

Nikki started with GYG in 2016 where she led the Queensland operations and has been with GYG through significant growth going from 40 restaurants to over 180 restaurants across four countries.

In her role as Director of Franchise operations at GYG, Nikki works collaboratively with franchisees on a daily basis to ensure effective operations and maintain profitability of restaurants as well as building a healthy pipeline of franchisees to support GYG growth and expansion. Nikki Richardson

Nikki Richardson

Director of Franchise Operations APAC, Guzman y Gomez
Chris White

Chris is an experienced Finance Broker and specialist with an extensive history in public sector finance and the finance industry. In essence, Chris White knows money.

As a dedicated family man, Chris pours his heart into everything he does. You will find him open, trustworthy and knowledgeable about finance. Whatever your franchise finance needs, you can trust that Chris will do his utmost best to assist you.

Chris understands his role is not to sell finance. Rather, he sees his role as helping you understand your financial goals and how to achieve them. He applies his experience in this nuanced industry to offer practical and effective ways to support you in doing so. People come to Chris (and keep coming back) because of his quality service and personal touch.

BDA Capital is led by Chris himself, and works to research, develop, recommend and implement finance solutions tailored to each of their clients’ needs. To ensure that their clients have the best chance of accessing a suitable funding option, they have built relationships with mainstream and specialist finance providers, as well as a range of second tier and private lenders. Chris White

Chris White

Finance Specialist BDA Capital
John Dorazio

John has over 20 years’ experience working with a broad range of businesses and specialises in assisting SME’s and larger private family groups transitioning intergenerational control, developing growth plans and transitioning to an IPO.

He is dedicated to creating business efficiencies and improve profitability and value through for his clients through the development of bespoke systems, reporting processes, dashboards and data management.

John is passionate about working with sporting organisations, franchise businesses, large family businesses, mining services and health service businesses including private hospitals, pharmacies and medical practices.

 John Dorazio

John Dorazio

Director, Business & Private Client Advisory
Diane Wilcox

Di is the CEO and founder of the charity The Magic Coat Foundation which supports children’s mental health and well-being here in Australia and overseas. She is a parenting and education expert with a BA in Social Science (Women and Children’s Studies) and a Diploma of Education and an author. She is often used in the media to share her expertise.

For twenty years Di was a primary school teacher before writing the children’s book and program The Magic Coat which is now delivered to children and families through hospitals, prisons, women’s refuges, and schools.

In 2020, Di won the United Nations WA, Human Rights Award for the work she is doing with children and families. She has received Momentums Most Inspirational Woman of the Year award in 2013 and was WA finalist for the 2012 and 2014 Pride of Australia Medal in the inspiration category.

As a dedicated mother to two daughters, Di is passionate about her mission of empowering young people with self-confidence and skills they need to reach their fullest potential and provide parents and those working with children the skill set to successfully raise children.

Diane Wilcox

Diane Wilcox

CEO and founder - The charity The Magic Coat Foundation

FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference Program

  • Wednesday

    13 September 2023

Welcome:

11am - 12pm

Registration


12pm

Entrée Served


12pm - 12.10pm

MC – Welcome and Conference Open Mark Fernandez CFE, CEO, FranchisingWA


12.10pm – 12.15pm

Event Sponsor Address


12.15pm – 12:40pm

Keynote Speaker :
Carlos Antonius, CEO – Chatime


Session Title: 'Relevancy of the franchise model during economic turbulence'

Session Description: “How is the Franchise Model relevant in this current economic outlook? What does the future look like for Franchising? Carlos will be exploring these questions, drawing from his industry experience as CEO of Chatime. This is a whirlwind keystone event, not to be missed.”


Session 2:

1.25pm – 1.50pm

Keynote Speaker :
Mick Keogh, Dept Chair –
ACCC - ‘Franchise Sector Update’


Session Title: 'Franchise Sector Update'

Session Description: 'Mick will give an update on current issues in the Franchising Sector.'



1:50pm – 2:15pm

Keynote Speaker :
Nikki Richardson,
Director of Franchise Operations APAC –
Guzman y Gomez –
‘On the Couch with Fernandez’


Session Title: ‘On the Couch with Fernandez’

Session Description: ‘In this we will walk through some of the key challenges that we have faced and how we have ‘pivoted’ the business plan to be sustainable’



2.15pm – 2.20pm

WAWIF

WA Women in Franchising -
Carolyn Meighan, Special Counsel -
HHG Legal Group


Session Title: 'Hear from WAWiF For Franchising WA Women in Franchising'

Session Description: ‘In this session, hear from the WA Women in Franchising (WAWiF) Committee. This is a support network to enhance business skills and create stronger family relationships in women in franchising roles with WA.’


2.20pm – 2.35pm

Refreshments Break (15 min) – Afternoon Tea


2.35pm – 3.00pm

Keynote Speaker :
Dean McAskil
Retail Property Consultant BDA
‘Commercial Property: Where are we at?’


Session Title: ‘Commercial Property: Where are we at?

Session Description: I will update the WA market conditions for commercial retail property, it’s not always about rent.



3.00pm – 3.30pm

Franchisor Panel –
“FAC’s - Why have them?”

Carlos Antonius, CEO – Chatime

Nikki Richardson, Director of Franchise Operations APAC – Guzman y Gomez


Session Title: FAC’s (Franchise Advisory Councils) Why Have them?

Session Description: We will explore the use of having FAC’s and how to get the best out of the group. We often don’t use them very well. Ask our panellist why they believe in them so much and what’s the longer term value to the brand.



3.30pm – 3.55pm

Expert Franchising Panel – ‘Ask the Experts’
Joe Lazzara, Partner – Thomson Geer Law, John Dorazio,
Director – SW Accountants & Advisors, Chris White,
Finance Specialist – BDA Capital, Dean McAskil,
Retail Property Consultant – BDA


Session Title: ‘Ask the Experts’

Session Description: 'Bring your questions for our panel of franchise experts from the Law, Finance and Accounting Industries who have worked with franchises for years.'



3.55pm – 4.20pm

Keynote Speaker :
Diane Wilcox,
CEO and founder -
The charity The Magic Coat Foundation -
‘Overcoming Obstacles and Exhaustion to Make A Difference’ -


Session Title: ‘Overcoming Obstacles and Exhaustion to Make A Difference’

Session Description: Everyone has their own obstacles to overcome, and everyone is on their own journey but what does it take to push through and become someone that can truly make a difference?

Di Wilcox will share her story and the strategies she effectively used to turn a simple idea into a charity that is helping thousands of children and their families here in Western Australia and around the world.



4.20pm – 4.30pm

MF to close Conference -
Door Prizes and Conference Wrap Up


Conference Close:

4.30pm - 5.30pm

Networking Cocktail Function

Gala Awards Night

6.30pm - 12.00am

Celebrate the winners of the FranchisingWA Industry Awards

Session Info

Speaker Company Logo Session Title Session Description Session Time

Mick Keogh, Deputy Chair - Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

Franchise Sector Update

Title:

Franchise Sector Update

Description:

Mick will give an update on current issues in the Franchising Sector.

1:25pm-1:50pm
1:25pm-1:50pm

Nikki Richardson Director of Franchise Operations APAC – Guzman y Gomez

“On the Couch with Fernandez"

Title:

“An energetic, commercially motivated executive with extensive credentials...

Description:

‘In this we will walk through some of the key challenges that we have faced and how we have ‘pivoted’ the business plan to be sustainable’.

1:50pm-2:15pm
1:50pm-2:15pm

CEO and founder, The charity The Magic Coat Foundation - Diane Wilcox

‘Overcoming Obstacles and Exhaustion to Make A Difference’

Title:

‘Overcoming Obstacles and Exhaustion to Make A Difference’

Description:

'Everyone has their own obstacles to overcome, and everyone is on their own journey but what does it take to push through and become someone that can truly make a difference?''

Di Wilcox will share her story and the strategies she effectively used to turn a simple idea into a charity that is helping thousands of children and their families here in Western Australia and around the world.

2:35pm-3:00pm
2:35pm-3:00pm

Carlos Antonius - CEO, Chatime

“Relevancy of the Franchise Model during Economic Turbulence"

Title:

“An energetic, commercially motivated executive with extensive credentials...

Description:

“How is the Franchise Model relevant in this current economic outlook? What does the future look like for Franchising? Carlos will be exploring these questions, drawing from his industry experience as CEO of Chatime. This is a whirlwind keystone event, not to be missed.”

3.55pm – 4.20pm
3.55pm – 4.20pm

Our Sponsors

For Conference Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact us at admin@franchisingwa.com.au or call us direct on on 08 9228 9812

Terms and Conditions

Full refunds are available 20 days prior to the event. A refund valued at 50% of the ticket price can be issued 10 days prior to the event. Any notice less than 10 days will result in no refund for cancellation.

FranchisingWA collects and stores your personal information for the purposes of providing event services, education and training programs, and marketing in various ways.

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When you enter a FranchisingWA event or program, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by FranchisingWA and its affiliates and representatives.

Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar FranchisingWA events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of FranchisingWA. You release FranchisingWA, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, web casting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, web casting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by FranchisingWA or the person or entity designated to do so by FranchisingWA. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event.

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