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MARK FERNANDEZ
Certified Franchise Executive
Founder & CEO, FranchisingWA

From our CEO …

We’re pleased to announce that the FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2026 will be held on Friday 18th September 2026 at Beaumonde On The Point, East Perth.

This year's theme, Innovate. Integrate. Elevate. , reflects the momentum and mindset required to lead in today's evolving franchise landscape.

It begins with innovation. .Innovation is more than adopting new technology—it's about rethinking how we do business. From enhancing the customer experience to strengthening franchisee support and improving operational efficiency, innovation is essential for remaining relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market.

But innovation only delivers results when it's integrated.

Successful franchise systems are built on alignment. Integrating new ideas, systems and strategies across your network requires effective communication, structured training, engaged franchisees, and consistent execution. When franchisors, franchisees and support teams are all working towards the same goals, meaningful and sustainable growth becomes possible.

With that foundation in place, we can elevate.

Elevating your business means raising the standard—building stronger brands, improving performance, creating exceptional customer experiences, and becoming the franchise others aspire to emulate. It is about leading with confidence while continually adapting to the opportunities and challenges shaping our industry.

Throughout the day, you'll also hear from respected business leaders and franchise experts who will share practical strategies, emerging trends and real-world experiences to help franchise systems Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate. Our program has been carefully designed to educate, challenge and inspire while creating valuable networking opportunities with fellow members of Australia's franchising community.

The day will conclude with the Franchise Industry Gala Awards Night, celebrating excellence across Western Australia's franchising sector. Join us for an evening of recognition, fine dining, entertainment and celebration as we acknowledge the outstanding achievements of franchisors, franchisees and industry professionals who continue to raise the benchmark for our industry.

Whether you are a franchisor, franchisee, professional adviser, supplier or business owner, I encourage you to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and help shape the future of franchising.

I look forward to welcoming you to Perth and catching up with you on what promises to be an outstanding day for our franchising community.



Mark Fernandez
Certified Franchise Executive
Founder & CEO, FranchisingWA

Conference Speakers

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. Mark Fernandez

Mark Fernandez

Certified Franchise Executive CEO
– FranchisingWA Expense Reduction Analysts
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
– SW Accountants & Advisors
Nikki Richardson
Nikki Richardson is the Director of Franchise Operations, APAC at Guzman y Gomez⁠, bringing nearly two decades of experience in franchising, operations, and people leadership. Since joining GYG in 2016, she has played a key role in supporting the brand’s rapid growth, helping to build high-performing franchise partnerships across Australia and the broader APAC region.

In her current role, Nikki leads franchisee engagement and network performance, overseeing a team dedicated to developing franchisee capability, driving operational excellence, and strengthening business outcomes. She also manages GYG’s Master Franchise relationships in Adelaide, Singapore, and Japan, ensuring alignment to brand standards while supporting sustainable growth across diverse markets. In addition, Nikki leads franchisee recruitment, identifying and partnering with future business owners who share GYG’s values and vision for long-term success.

Nikki’s career journey is uniquely diverse. After starting in hospitality as a teenager, she graduated from Queensland University of Technology and spent more than a decade as a secondary school teacher specialising in food science, hospitality, and health. Her background in education continues to influence her leadership style, with a strong focus on coaching, capability building, and helping people achieve their potential.

Outside of work, Nikki is a proud mother of four and a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities, bringing the same commitment, resilience, and care to her community as she does to her professional life. Mark Fernandez

Nikki Richardson

Director of Franchise Operations, APAC
– Guzman y Gomez Expense Reduction Analysts
Neil Zaltsman
Neil Zaltsman began his career as a mathematics teacher before transitioning into the corporate sector, where he spent 15 years with Chubb Electronic Security, ultimately serving as Managing Director of one of South Africa's largest electronic security companies.

After relocating to Australia, Neil purchased his first Worldwide franchise in 2007, expanding to three businesses before acquiring an ownership stake in the franchisor in 2010. Today, he is a Director of Worldwide and National Operations Manager, supporting the growth and success of the franchise network across Australia. He also oversees Gexin, a professional services business specialising in Management Information Systems (MIS), workflow automation and technology solutions for the print and franchise industries.

With nearly two decades of experience as both a franchisee and franchisor, Neil brings a practical, commercial perspective on helping franchise networks simplify operations, embrace innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

Outside of work, Neil has been married to Debbie for over 35 years and is the proud father of four sons—including triplets—who continue to keep life both busy and rewarding. Mark Fernandez

Neil Zaltsman

COO / State Support Manager
– Worldwide Expense Reduction Analysts
Jeremy O’Neill


Jeremy leads Yo-Chi’s Operations, Supply Chain, and Facilities & Maintenance functions. With more than 15 years’ experience in operational leadership and business growth, he has built a strong track record supporting high-growth QSR, hospitality and retail brands. Since joining Yo-Chi in 2023, Jeremy has focused on driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and strengthening systems and processes to support the brand’s rapid expansion. Prior to Yo-Chi, he held senior leadership roles with leading QSR brands including Chatime and most recently Zambrero as Head of Corporate Restaurant Operations, bringing extensive experience in scaling operations while maintaining a strong guest and team focus.

Jeremy O’Neill

Jeremy O’Neill

General Manager
- Operations, Yochi Expense Reduction Analysts
Anton Conti
Anton Conti is a Principal of the Property & Franchising team at Cullen Macleod Lawyers, with approximately 30 years' experience advising franchisors, franchisees, business owners, and investors on complex commercial and legal matters.

Anton has extensive experience assisting franchisors and franchisees across all stages of the franchise lifecycle, from establishing and expanding franchise networks to franchise sales and acquisitions, disclosure and compliance, leasing and ongoing commercial advice. He works with clients across a broad range of industries and advises both franchisees and franchisors.

In addition to his franchising practice, Anton advises on commercial and property law, including retail and commercial leasing, acquisitions, disposals, and development projects. Many of his clients in the leasing environment are franchisees and franchisors and his significant knowledge of leasing requirements and practices often provides additional benefits in advising his franchising clients.

Drawing on his experience advising franchisors and franchisees, Anton will now share his practical advice to help you better understand the legal issues affecting franchise businesses and leave you with strategies to apply to your own businesses. Carolyn Meighan

Anton Conti

Principal of the Property & Franchising Team
– Cullen Macleod Lawyers
Carolyn Meighan
Carolyn has more than 20 years’ experience assisting clients in relation to a broad range of matters, including property and strata titles, planning, employment, competition and consumer law, contracts, debt recovery and enforcement, statutory interpretation and construction.

Carolyn has also represented clients in proceedings before other Courts and Tribunals, including the Supreme Court, 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 matters in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Carolyn Meighan

Carolyn Meighan

Special Counsel
– Bugden Allen
Juan Perez
Juan is the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Quest Legal. He has been a lawyer and run businesses for over 24 years. Juan specialises in the areas of commercial, intellectual property, franchising, finance and employment law. He also has more than 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles and regularly advises financial institutions on regulatory engagement. He managed the consolidation of the banking licenses of two of Australia’s largest banks and headed up two significant product remediation and anti-money laundering / counter-terrorist financing programs. He also held a senior role in the Royal Commission response team for a large regional bank.

Juan started his private practice over 12 years ago. Since then, he has shared his corporate background and growth-focused mindset with Quest’s clients. He provides his clients with personalised, commercial, practical and highly useful business and regulatory advice. Carolyn Meighan

Juan Perez

Founder and Principal Lawyer
– Quest Legal

FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2026

Friday 18th September 2026

Beaumonde on the Point
Theme:   ‘Innovate. Integrate. Elevate.’

Conference Program

Welcome:

11:00am - 12:00pm

Registration

Session 1:

12:00pm - 1:30pm

12:00pm - 12:03pm

MC Welcome Address


12:03pm - 12:13pm

Official Opening
Bruce Reynolds - Lord Mayor City of Perth


12:13pm – 12:15pm

Event Sponsor Address
John Dorazio - Director, SW Accountants & Advisors


12:15pm - 12:50pm

Keynote Speaker:
Nikki Richardson, Director of Franchise Operations APAC, Guzman y Gomez

Session Title:
GYG Built for growth: How GYG builds operators, not just franchisees

Session Description:
How GYG integrates franchisees into a high-performance network - the systems, support, and culture that turn great candidates into great operators


12:50pm - 1:30pm

Networking Lunch


Session 2:

1:30pm – 4:30pm

1:30pm – 2:10pm

Keynote Speaker:
Niel Zaltsman - COO / State Support Manager, Worldwide Printing

Session Title:
The Business Challenges Franchise Networks Face

Session Description:
Innovation isn't about adding more technology, it's about removing complexity. See how integrated systems and automated workflows can improve franchisee experience, brand consistency and operational efficiency across your network.


2:10pm – 2:25pm

Keynote Speaker:
John Dorazio - Director, SW Accountants & Advisors

Session Title:
Navigating Budget Changes as a Franchisee

Session Description:
John will break down the 2026 Budget changes and share prctical strategies to restructure, protect your assets, and grow your franchise in a tighter financial environment


2:25pm-2:29pm

WA Women in Franchising (WAWIF):
Carolyn Meighan - WA Women in Franchising Committee

Session Title:
WA Women in Franchising Update

Session Description:
Updates on the WA Women in Franchising group and their activities

2:30pm - 2:45pm

Afternoon Tea


 

2:45pm - 3:15pm

Keynote Speaker:
Jeremy O’Neill – General Manager - Operations, Yochi

Session Title:
Yo-Chi – The Story: The Pain Points of Growth

Session Description:
Their journey to get to 80 stores nationally and international expansion - what's worked what hasn't worked and the big question everyone's asking - why aren't you a franchise?

Come and see who'll be joining Mark for this session of On the Couch with Fernandez.


3:15pm - 3:40pm

Expert Legal Panel:
Anton Conti, Carolyn Meighan, Juan Perez

Session Title:
Latest Updates on the Code / Success Planning for Franchisors / WHS What's New

Session Description:
With the landscape of Franchising changing, we have three specialists covering the hot topics

Got questions?
Bring them to our Expert Legal Panel and get answers from industry leaders.


3:40pm - 4:25pm

Franchisor Panel:
Nikki Richardson, Neil Zaltsman, Jeremy O’Neill

Session Title:
Franchising: How hard is it?

Session Description:
Franchising in today's economic climate is hard, or is it? Hear from our franchisors as to what they're doing to stay competitive and make money.

Got questions?
Bring them to our Franchisor Panel and get answers from industry leaders.


4:25pm - 4:30pm

Conference Wrap Up and Door Prizes Winners Announcement

Close :

4.30pm - 5.30pm

Networking Cocktail Function

Conference Program - Session Info

Speaker Company Logo Session Title Session Description Session Time

Nikki Richardson
Director of Franchise Operations APAC at Guzman y Gomez

GYG Built for growth: How GYG builds operators, not just franchisees

Title:

GYG Built for growth: How GYG builds operators, not just franchisees

Description:

How GYG integrates franchisees into a high-performance network - the systems, support, and culture that turn great candidates into great operators

12:15pm - 12:50pm
12:15pm - 12:50pm

Neil Zaltsman
COO / State Support Manager Worldwide Printing

The Business Challenges Franchise Networks Face

Title:

The Business Challenges Franchise Networks Face

Description:

Using the BAB approach (Before - After – Bridge) I will explain how to solve operational problems whilst allowing Franchise businesses to scale

1:30pm - 2:10pm
1:30pm - 2:10pm

John Dorazio
Director – Business and Private Client Advisory – SW Accountants and Advisors

Navigating Budget Changes as a Franchisee

Title:

Navigating Budget Changes as a Franchisee

Description:

The 2026 Budget brings new rules that directly impact how franchise businesses are structured, taxed, and financed. In this session, John Dorazio will break down the key changes and share practical strategies to restructure your entities, protect your assets, and position your franchise for growth in a tighter financial environment. Walk away with clear actions you can implement immediately to stay compliant and more profitable.

2:10pm - 2:25pm
2:10pm - 2:25pm

Carolyn Meighan
WA Women in Franchising Committee

WA Women in Franchising Update

Title:

WA Women in Franchising Update

Description:

Updates on the WA Women in Franchising group and their activities

2:25pm - 2:29pm
2:25pm - 2:29pm

Jeremy O’Neill
General Manager - Operations, Yochi

Yo-Chi – The Story: The Pain Points of Growth

Title:

Yo-Chi – The Story: The Pain Points of Growth

Description:

Their journey to get to 80 stores nationally and international expansion - what's worked what hasn't worked and the big question everyone's asking - why aren't you a franchise?

Come and see who'll be joining Mark for this session of On the Couch with Fernandez.

2:45pm – 3:15pm
2:45pm – 3:15pm

Anton Conti,
Carolyn Meighan,
Juan Perez

Latest Updates on the Code / Success Planning for Franchisors / WHS What's New

Title:

Latest Updates on the Code / Success Planning for Franchisors / WHS What's New

Description:

With the landscape of Franchising changing, we have three specialists covering the hot topics

Got questions? Bring them to our Expert Legal Panel and get answers from industry leaders.

3:15pm – 3:40pm
3:15pm – 3:40pm

Nikki Richardson,
Neil Zaltsman,
Jeremy O’Neill

Franchising: How hard is it?

Title:

Franchising: How hard is it?

Description:

Franchising in today's economic climate is hard, or is it? Hear from our franchisors as to what they're doing to stay competitive and make money.

Got questions? Bring them to our Franchisor Panel and get answers from industry leaders.

3:40pm – 4:25pm
3:40pm – 4:25pm

Event Sponsor

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

 
 
 


VIP Sponsor

VIP Sponsor

 

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.

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