How Hard Is Franchising, Really?

Franchising in today’s economic climate comes with its challenges — but what does it actually take to make it work?

That’s the question we’ll be putting to our Expert Franchisor Panel at the Australian Franchise Conference 2026.

🎤 Nikki Richardson
🎤 Neil Zaltsman
🎤 Jeremy O’Neill

These experienced franchise professionals will share their perspectives, challenges, lessons and real-world experiences from running and growing franchise businesses.

Expect an honest conversation about what happens behind the scenes — the wins, the challenges, the decisions and the realities of franchising.

This isn’t a session to sit back and listen.

Come ready to question, learn and take away ideas for your own business.

📅 Friday, 18 September 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 5:30pm
📍 Beaumonde On The Point, Perth

🎟️ Join us: https://franchisingwa.com.au/franchisingwa-australian-franchise-conference-2026/section-tickets.html#section-tickets

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Mark FernandezSeptember 10, 2026September 13, 2026Events, Franchising, Latest News#australianfranchiseconference, #businessevents, #Conference, #franchising, #perthevents, #WesternAustralia, franchise, franchisingwa, networking

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Testimonials

What our clients say about us.

"As always, the Sundowner was a great event for networking in a relaxed and comfortable environment, with Mark facilitating the social interactions and setting the tone."

Anonymous
“What makes the Sundowner a great event is the opportunity to meet other professionals facing similar challenges and working towards similar goals. The casual environment makes it easy to strike up conversations and build genuine connections.”

Anonymous
“It was a wonderful WA Women in Franchising Breakfast, and so great to network with all the ladies. Thank you, Mark, your questions were great. I really enjoyed it very much and now have more connections with awesome ladies.”

Deborah Whitburn, Franchise Owner, Snap Midland
“Last night’s sundowner event was a fantastic experience — everything was executed brilliantly. The team clearly knows how to host a successful gathering! There was a great mix of people, making it easy to connect, engage, and have meaningful conversations. It was the perfect blend of networking and energy, with plenty of opportunities to build relationships in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Looking forward to the next one!”

Anne Venaille, Chief Undercover Officer, Through Customers Eyes
“An incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded people, spark new ideas, and exchange powerful concepts all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. I left feeling energised and inspired!”

Tony Campbell, Regional Operations Manager, Poolwerx
“No matter how cold it is outside, Mark's warm and inviting welcome immediately thaws the coldness from you as you come in fromthe icy weather.”
“Attending the Franchise Industry Sundowner was a lot of fun. It was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners, share insights, and gain valuable industry knowledge. The event was well-organised, welcoming, and full of genuine conversations and connections. I left feeling inspired and motivated with fresh ideas and new contacts. I highly recommend attending if you want to stay connected and grow within the franchise community”

Becky Phillips, Owner, Jetts Fitness
“Great to see a broad range of people at the FranchisingWA Breakfast and new networking opportunities. Informative session and good presenters who were engaging.”
“Overall the FranchisingWA Breakfast was en' point! Venue, food, coffee, timing, content, interaction- all top notch.”

– Vanessa Hondros, Franchise Manager, Simply Helping Lower North Perth
“A well-organised breakfast event with interesting guest speakers, great venue and food. A rose for the ladies was a lovely touch on Valentine’s Days. Thanks, FranchisingWA and sponsors.”
“The FranchisingWA Breakfast is an informative event. No matter if you are or aren't a franchisee or franchisor.”
“I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the WA Women in Franchising Lunch & Learn event. The information provided was insightful and helpful to my business.”

Deborah Whitburn, Owner, Snap Print Solutions Midland
“WAWiF is fantastic opportunity to get to know your peers, network and overcome the challenges. Great support!”
"Mark and his team did a great job and had a really fun day playing with other Franchisees. Will do it again!"

Steve Harris, Franchise Owner, Hire A Hubby Bunbury
“Congratulations on organising the gala event. I really enjoyed it all, meeting such interesting people, the hospitality and even the coffee was very good!”

– Mike Barr, Owner, Caffissimo
"Very well organised!"

Jemin Loong, Business Banking Manager, ANZ
“During the Awards Night, I liked the way the host kept the public engage and the enthusiasm of the nominated team members. Not to forget the entertainer team was fabulous!”
"Mark has extensive franchising and business experience and combines this knowledge with great enthusiasm and drive. He is a brilliant person for bouncing ideas around and always brings creativity and a fresh perspective to the table. Would recommend Mark for his wide ranging abilities in policy, strategy, industry knowledge and innovative thinking."

Jackie Dihm Owner, FitChips
“A great event celebrating the best franchising affiliated business in WA!”

– Stefan R Thomas, Lecturer, Curtin University
"I must say you put things in a way that made me understand things and I really got lots from our session and plan to be making changes in the future. I look forward to the next steps in our meetings."
“Great night to get your team together and celebrate all their hard work. I was able to meet so many wonderful like-minded business owners in other industries.”
“On behalf of Legalwise Seminars, we wanted to thank you for chairing our Franchise Law seminar. We are extremely appreciative of your significant contribution. Overall, the feedback received from the seminar has been excellent and we are delighted with the outcome."

Sintija Dobrotinsek Program Manager, Legalwise
“Very enjoyable night!”

– Allan Kirk, Owner, Quality Batteries WA
“Mark and I always seem to catch up at just about franchising event around the country. He is deeply immersed in the business community and is a great source of help and advice when required. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and a really nice guy who is always a pleasure to catch up with."

James Scurr Managing Director, Cashflow It
“Great showcase of local franchise businesses. Great promotion for the industry to get behind and support an independent award with internationally acclaimed judges.”
“What a night for WA franchising, just shows what small business can do.” – Anonymous
"A quick one to say thanks for Tuesday night. I thought it was a great venue, great atmosphere and a bunch of knowledgeable and colourful business people. Hats off mate!"

Chris Walker Writer & Editor, Wordfox
“If you are considering Franchising, either as a Franchisor or a Franchisee, then early on in the process speak to Mark Fernandez at Franchising WA.”
"Mark brings a sense of energy and positivity to everyone he meets. I have total trust in him as a fellow consultant, and together we are able to get great outcomes for a client we jointly work with. He has an instinctive understanding of how businesses work, and is able to bring structure and systems which enable businesses to replicate and grow. He is comfortable working with financials, whilst his greatest strength is probably his insight into people. Mark is supportive and encouraging, yet not afraid to be honest and forthright when required. I look forward to working with Mark on future projects."

Jayne Griffiths HR Director, My Hr Adviser
"Great to be able to share my expertise in an area I am very passionate about being data analytics and helping enable businesses with the information they need to move their business forward, grow and prosper."

– Rick Hemphill, Director, SW Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd
“I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the WA Women in Franchising Lunch & Learn event. The information provided was insightful and helpful to my business.”

– Deborah Whitburn, Owner, Snap Print Solutions Midland
“WAWiF is fantastic opportunity to get to know your peers, network and overcome the challenges. Great support!”