When people ask me what the single biggest factor is for succeeding in international franchising, they usually expect me to talk about a great franchise model, excellent marketing, or a sound legal framework. Those are all absolutely essential, of course, and you won’t get very far without them. However, there’s one big thing that really makes a big difference to long-term success, every time:

Connection

Connecting with potential franchisees or signing deals, sure, but what I’m talking about is making genuine connections with key people in the wider franchising world. Putting yourself right into the conversation, and forging links with the people who can give you the advice you need and can help you make the secondary connections which deliver results. I’m talking about experts on the ground in the countries you want to expand to, legal and regulatory professions, marketing and cultural specialists, even coaches, mentors, and awards bodies.

By staying connected to the right people, you gain insight, foresight, and sometimes even the critical introductions that open doors. These people may not be the ones who buy into your brand (though, sometimes, they are!), but they are the ones who make sure you get it right.

How you can stay connected

The long-term value of staying plugged into the international franchising world can be massive, even if you don’t have your expansion plans in place yet. It’s not just about deals, it’s about people. Here are the biggest upcoming events and international groups I recommend you check out. You don’t need to attend them all, of course, but you should definitely keep an eye on them:

The European Franchise Federation Awards 11th September 2025, Brussels – a great way to see who is making waves in the European franchise scene, and learn how they’re doing it.

International Franchise Association convention, 23rd to 26th of February 2026, Las Vegas – the world’s biggest event with valuable insights from every conceivable global market.

The British Franchise Association (BFA) – Great for UK-based brands looking to explore international growth. Keep an eye out for future global franchise seminars coming soon!

Franchise Pool International (FPI) – A pan-European network that helps franchise brands expand across borders through expert guidance and market matchmaking, who hold a yearly forum. 2026 dates TBC.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course! There are so many opportunities out there for you to make the kind of connections which will drive your international growth, but hopefully this has given you some ideas on where to start.

If you want to learn any more about any of these events, the bodies they’re associated with, or want to find out more ways to reach out to the right kind of people, please feel free to get in touch.

Just click the button below if you’d like to book a time for a quick chat.

I look forward to speaking to you – and maybe seeing you at an event or seminar soon!