Introducing the ‘Franchise Marketing Trailblazers’ and ‘Ones to Watch’

Franchise Assembly launches two new lists, Franchise Marketing Trailblazers and Ones to Watch, both recognizing marketing talent across every stage of the industry.

Franchise marketing is full of talented people who don’t get nearly enough recognition. Some are seasoned leaders driving strategy at scale. Others are early in their careers or building brands from the ground up — and doing work that deserves attention.

Franchise Assembly is proud to launch two complementary lists that together cover the full spectrum of franchise marketing talent. Whether you’re a veteran CMO or a marketer two years into your first franchise role, there’s a list for you.

And to our marketing supplier partners: we see you. Something is coming.

LIST 1: FRANCHISE MARKETING TRAILBLAZERS

The Franchise Marketing Trailblazers recognizes the experienced directors, VPs, and CMOs who are driving real results, pushing creative boundaries, and raising the bar for what franchise marketing can be.

One honoree will be named The Top Franchise Marketing Leader of the Year at Franchise Marketing Live, November 2–3 in Denver, CO, and will receive a complimentary ticket to the Hello Mastermind Retreat, November 4–5 in Denver.

FRANCHISE MARKETING TRAILBLAZERS ELIGIBILITY

• Title: Director of Marketing or above (VP, SVP, CMO, Chief Brand Officer, Head of Marketing)
• Employer: Must be employed by a franchisor — agency, supplier, and franchisee-side roles are not eligible at this time
• Brand size: 30 or more locations at the time of nomination
• Experience: Minimum 3 years in franchise marketing

PRIMARY NOMINATION CATEGORIES

Nominators will select up to 2 of the following:

• Innovation
• Brand & Creative
• Brand Growth
• Franchisee Support
• Industry Leadership
• Turnaround & Transformation
• Vision & Strategy

Nominations close on July 17, 2026!

Nominate a Trailblazer Today: NOMINATION FORM

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LIST 2: FRANCHISE MARKETING ONES TO WATCH

The Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch recognizes the marketers earlier in their journey. The ones making noise at emerging brands, building skills at smaller systems, and doing work that deserves attention before the rest of the industry catches on.

One honoree will be named the Franchise Marketing Rising Star of the Year at Franchise Marketing Live, November 2–3 in Denver, CO.

FRANCHISE MARKETING ONES TO WATCH ELIGIBILITY

• Employer: Must be employed by a franchisor — agency, supplier, and franchisee-side roles are not eligible at this time

PRIMARY NOMINATION CATEGORIES

Nominators will select up to 2 of the following:

• Innovation & Fresh Thinking
• Brand Building from the Ground Up
• Digital & Social Media
• Creative & Design
• Franchisee Support & Field Marketing
• Community & Industry Involvement
• Results Beyond Their Experience Level

Nominations close on July 17, 2026!

Nominate One To Watch Today: NOMINATION FORM

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HOW TO NOMINATE

Both lists use a nomination form that asks you to make a real case for your candidate. Nominations require:

• Nominee’s name, title, brand, and LinkedIn profile
• Current number of brand locations
• Years in franchise marketing
• Primary reason for nomination (select up to 2)
• A quick case for why this person deserves to be on the list
• One specific example of their impact — a result, initiative, or outcome that shows what makes them stand out

Self-nominations are welcome for both lists.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR REFERENCE

• June 23 — Nominations open for both lists
• July 17 — Nominations close
• August 4 — Honorees announced
• November 2–3 — Franchise Marketing Live, Denver, CO — Top Franchise Marketing Leader of the Year and Franchise Marketing Rising Star of the Year revealed
• November 4–5 — Hello Mastermind Retreat, Denver, CO — complimentary ticket awarded to Top Franchise Marketing Leader of the Year

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I nominate someone for both lists?
No. Each nominee should be submitted for the list that best fits their experience and brand stage. If a nominee qualifies for the Trailblazers list, they should be nominated there.

What if I’m not sure which list my nominee qualifies for?
Use the eligibility criteria as your guide. If they have 3 or more years in franchise marketing, are Director level or above, and their brand has 30 or more locations, they’re a Trailblazer. If they don’t meet any one of those criteria, they’re a One to Watch.

Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome for both lists and are reviewed the same way as all other nominations.

Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. Each nominee requires a separate form submission.

My nominee doesn’t have a CMO title – are they still eligible for the Trailblazers list?
Yes. The Trailblazers list is open to anyone at the Director level or above, including VP, SVP, CMO, Chief Brand Officer, and Head of Marketing. The title doesn’t need to say “Chief” to qualify.

Are fractional marketers eligible?
Yes. Fractional marketing leaders are welcome to be nominated. However, both the nominee and their current client must meet all eligibility requirements. The client brand must be a franchisor with the appropriate number of locations, and the nominee must have the required years of experience. Nominations should reflect work being done for a specific qualifying client at the time of submission.

I work for an agency or supplier — am I eligible?
Not at this time. Both lists are limited to marketing professionals employed directly by franchisors. However, your recognition is coming. More to announce soon.

Is there a cost to nominate or to be recognized?
No. Nominations are free, and there is no cost associated with being named to either list.

How are honorees selected?
All nominations are reviewed by a vetting committee against the eligibility requirements and nomination criteria. Honorees are selected based on the quality and specificity of nominations, breadth of impact, and demonstrated results.

When will honorees be notified?
Honorees will be notified before the public announcement on August 4.

What happens after the lists are announced?
Each honoree will receive a digital badge and recognition kit to share on LinkedIn and social media. One Trailblazers honoree will be named the Top Franchise Marketing Trailblazer of the Year at Franchise Marketing Live on November 2–3 in Denver and will receive a complimentary ticket to the Hello Mastermind Retreat on November 4–5. One Ones to Watch honoree will be named the Franchise Marketing Rising Star of the Year at the same event.

Who puts out these lists?
The Franchise Marketing Trailblazers and Franchise Marketing Ones to Watch are programs of Franchise Assembly, the organization behind events including Franchise Marketing Live and Hello Mastermind.