The 2026 Seasonal Learning Series delivers focused, virtual learning aligned to the real cycles of franchising.
Each season targets the challenges leaders are actively managing across operations, marketing, growth, and leadership. Sessions are designed to be relevant, concise, and immediately useful—without requiring time away from your day-to-day responsibilities.
Delivered in a 90-minute virtual format, these sessions are facilitated by expert leaders and built to be interactive and informative. Participants engage in live discussion, real-world examples, and direct Q&A to apply insights in real time.
What You’ll Gain
Growth without profitability is fragile. Leadership without adaptability creates stagnation. And systems that fail to evolve with technology risk falling behind.
This series is designed for franchise leaders focused on strengthening financial performance, developing high-impact teams, and preparing their organizations for the future. Participants will leave with practical financial frameworks, leadership strategies, and actionable approaches to innovation and AI adoption.
4:00–5:30 PM ET | 1.5 CFE Live Credits
Profitability is the ultimate measure of franchise system health. This hands-on session explores the financial metrics, benchmarking tools, and operational levers that drive stronger unit-level performance. Participants will also learn how to communicate financial insights effectively to franchisees to improve alignment and engagement across the system.
Aicha Bascaro, CFE CEO / Founder, American Franchise Academy
Strong leadership creates strong systems. This session helps franchisor executives refine their leadership approach, strengthen emotional intelligence, and implement strategies that empower teams across every level of the organization. Learn how to build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation that drives long-term performance.
Jason Gehrke, CFE Director, Franchise Advisory Centre
Technology is rapidly reshaping franchising. This session explores how digital tools, automation, and AI can streamline operations, improve recruitment, and elevate customer experience. Participants will learn how to identify high-impact opportunities and build a practical roadmap for technology adoption that supports long-term growth and competitive advantage.
Speaker to be announced.
Bundle and save! Register for all three fall sessions by September 15 to maximize your learning and value.
Includes 4.5 CFE Live Credits
Includes 1.5 CFE Live Credits per session
Participation in the CFE program is not required to attend. Credits apply to enrolled candidates.
December 2026 – February 2027 | Exploring Access, Strategy & Financing for Franchise Growth
How can franchising create more pathways to ownership while building stronger, more sustainable franchise systems?
The Winter Learning Series explores the barriers to franchise ownership and the strategies that can create more opportunities for qualified entrepreneurs. Across three interactive sessions, examine how recruitment and financing practices influence access to ownership, explore the trends shaping franchising in 2027, and discover financing and incentive programs that can turn opportunity into action.
Walk away with practical tools to broaden your franchisee pipeline, strengthen strategic planning, and support long-term system growth.
Every new business is in a Race to Profit – a race they must win before the cash runs out! In this session, we will explore the tools and knowledge that lead coaches and owners to victory: the sales plan, profit plan, cash flow plan, and financing plan together establish the complete package every winning business needs. Whether just starting out or already mature, planning and financing for profits and cash flow is an essential management function.
What should franchise leaders be preparing for in 2027? Explore the economic, regulatory, and consumer trends shaping the year ahead and what they mean for your franchise system. Hear perspectives from industry analysts and franchisor executives, then participate in a facilitated planning exercise to identify priorities, align leadership goals, and develop an actionable 12-month strategic plan that incorporates equitable access to ownership.
Access to capital remains one of the biggest hurdles to franchise ownership. This session explores financing solutions, from SBA and alternative lending to franchisor-backed incentive programs, that can help more qualified entrepreneurs enter franchising. Learn how to evaluate financing options, design sustainable incentive programs, and build a compelling business case that balances expanded access with the financial health of your franchise system.
Register for all three sessions by December 8 and save while gaining practical strategies to expand franchise ownership opportunities and support system growth.
Includes up to 4.5 CFE Live Credits
You do not need to be enrolled in the CFE program to participate. Eligible credits can be applied toward CFE requirements.