2024 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Franchise Leadership and Development Conference. A lot has changed since we first met in San Jose, CA in the fall of 1999.  Back then, our goal was simple: to create a unique space where franchise development leaders could learn and grow – together.

Over the years, with the input of our franchisor advisory board and involvement of attendees, we’ve innovated new ways to grow this event, from creating the Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), to the STAR Awards and the CEO Summit.

We strive to learn from you in this rapidly evolving industry – but there’s one thing we know for sure. In Franchising, we grow our learning, our network and our brands with the support of this community.  It’s been our honor to host an annual gathering of the best and brightest leaders in franchising, focused not just on their own brand’s growth – but supporting each other, too.

And we’re just getting started... 

We know that tactics to grow a brand 5 years ago might not work today. We also know the timeless value of making trusting connections with prospects, leading a team authentically and adapting to change.  

So that’s what we’re building for your 2024 Franchise Leadership and Development Conference. Expanding on winning strategies learned over 25 years and bringing you new ideas for growth.  

Michael Veltri is a leadership expert, battle-hardened business executive and Nationwide Bestselling author. Recognizing that success in business and life is created by the daily decisions we make, Michael elevates teams, fuel-injects leadership and improves business performance through better decision-making practices.

From ancient Japanese warriors to brain science, from business titans to academic research, Michael tapped wide-ranging resources to develop a groundbreaking model for better decision making that leads to exponential leadership growth and peak performance with balance, not burnout. Simple, elegant and effective, Michael’s approach has positively impacted some of the world’s most successful organizations, brands and leaders. Michael is also a cancer survivor, decorated U.S. Marine veteran, and master-instructor in classical Japanese martial arts. He brings his business savvy, martial arts discipline and Marine Corps leadership to every keynote speech inspiring, motivating and educating audiences worldwide.

After skyrocketing through corporate America to become a top HR exec by the age of 30, Chris Rollins learned that human-centric skills are at the heart of great leadership and business success. He also learned that trust is built and broken through the powerful ripple effects of seemingly insignificant moments. 

His programs have helped organizations like Walmart, SAP, Clorox and others embrace a Ripple Effect Mindset - activating a wave of human-centered leaders across all levels of their business. The result is an inspired, empowered and engaged workforce that moves forward faster and brings everyone along.

His talks have garnered a 98% rating with diverse audiences ranging from local auto repair shop owners to global Fortune 50 executives.

Chris lives in Tampa with his husband, rescue dog and serves on the board of several local organizations.