Press Release

The key note speaker Richard Symon, CEO of National Stock Exchange of Australia, will speak about utilising the capital markets for growth and how this can increase investor confidence and increase company value. A new event at this year's conference is directed at women in franchising, which will be held on Thursday. "We believe franchising is an opportunity for a woman to break the glass ceiling," says Evans. "Women come to franchising with unique skills - they have greater competencies in relationships and communication. "Franchising is all about the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee and we think franchising can offer women the opportunity and develop their own brands as opposed to the patriarchal structures of corporate Australia." The women's conference will address women's role in leadership and social investment, mentoring and the unique financial issues women confront in business. CEO of Fernwood, Diana Williams, will give the closing plenary address. Running concurrently on Thursday is the legal symposium which will address basic legal information for franchisors, and issues of regulation and risk management, resolving disputes and mediation. Evans, who will leave the FCA to become executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, says many people don't realise how highly regulated and protected the franchising industry has become. The National Franchise Convention runs over Friday and Saturday and concludes with the black tie awards dinner on Saturday night at the Sofitel. The award categories include franchisor and franchisee of the year, franchise woman of the year, media campaign, export, and emerging system of the year and an innovation award.