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
Spring is about momentum and alignment. These sessions help franchisors strengthen their culture, refine their recruitment process, and secure the funding needed to fuel growth — all while keeping the system strategically aligned.
May 21, 2026
Growth takes capital — but it doesn’t have to mean giving up control. This session explores creative franchisee and franchisor funding strategies, including incentive programs and partnership models that accelerate expansion while protecting your brand and ownership structure.
Learning Objectives:
This series focuses on the core systems that drive execution across your network — helping you improve consistency, support franchisees, and build resilience under pressure.
Site development is one of the biggest drivers of ROI and risk. Learn how to use data to select high-performing locations, standardize design and construction, and reduce time-to-open.
Dr. Ben Litalien, CFE, Founder & Principal, FranchiseWell, LLC
Your field support team should drive performance, not just maintain relationships. This session focuses on redefining the FBC role, establishing meaningful KPIs, and building coaching skills that improve franchisee results.
Greg Nathan, CFE, Founder & Director, Franchise Relationships Institute
Every franchise system faces disruption. The question is whether you are prepared. Learn how to identify operational risks, build a clear crisis response plan, and communicate effectively to protect your brand.
Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide
Summer Series Bundle (All 3 Sessions)
Bundle and save! Register for all three summer sessions by June 16 to maximize your learning and value.
Participation in the CFE program is not required to attend. Credits apply to enrolled candidates.
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