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Thanks To Our Presenting Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
We've put together a comprehensive program to teach everything from the basics of franchise development to the latest sales techniques and trends that even the most seasoned experts want to know!
All sessions will be held at the Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle in Ft. Worth. The hotel is about 30 minutes from DFW Airport and 47 minutes from DAL (Dallas Love Field). The Stockyards area is about 32 minutes from the hotel/event venue. Dress is business casual - although cowboy hats are always encouraged!
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Mid-afternoon: Franchising For Good event to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Ft Worth - in the Barn on-property!
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Barn Party with Karaoke
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Breakfast, keynote, content sessions, roundtables, lunch, and workshops
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Off-site hosted party by XPress Docs (1301 NE Loop 820). Buses will take you to the party and back to the hotel or to the Stockyards!
Quick Note: Big Shots is located on the hotel property if you want to play a little golf in your free time!
Thursday, January 29, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Breakfast, fireside chat, content sessions, lunch, roundtables, and workshops
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Closing Night Party - Join us at Billy Bob's for a live rodeo, line dancing, pool tables, food & drink to close out the event! Transportation not provided.
Friday, January 30, 2026 (ADD-ON)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Executive Franchise Recruitment Masterclass
Presented by CGI Franchise, with Art Coley
Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer at Marco's Pizza
In his keynote, Gerardo will unpack proven strategies for lead gen, candidate qualification, and territory expansion—while also sharing how technology, smart FDD structuring, and purposeful system design can future-proof your brand. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to accelerate growth and position their franchise for long-term success.
Bringing decades of expertise from leadership roles at Marco’s Pizza, Tropical Smoothie Café, Jersey Mike’s, and Quiznos, and having scaled some of the most recognized brands in foodservice, Gerardo knows what it takes to drive sustainable growth in competitive markets.
Leading with Heart: The Wild Birds Unlimited Story
For 36 years, Paul Pickett has been at the center of one of franchising’s most beloved brands, shaping Wild Birds Unlimited through a simple but powerful philosophy: lead with heart, put franchisees first, and build a culture people never want to leave. In this keynote, Paul shares the lessons, values, and defining moments that built a generational brand — and a generational career.
We’ll explore how purpose-driven leadership fuels growth, how culture becomes a competitive advantage, and why franchisee success is the truest measure of a brand’s impact. Followed by a live fireside chat, hosted by Michelle Rowan of Franchise Business Review, and audience Q&A.
We’re closing out Let's Grow! with a boots-and-buckles bash at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas—the world’s largest honky-tonk, right in the heart of Fort Worth.
Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or just in it for the line dancing and margaritas, this night is your chance to let loose and go full Texas.
Space is limited, so giddy up and reserve your spot!
🌟 Live rodeo action that’ll have you on the edge of your seat
👢 Line dancing lessons to get your two-step in sync
🎶 Great country music from local favorites
🍽️ Delicious food + cold drinks served in true Western style
🌟 Live rodeo action
🍽️ Delicious food + cold drinks
👢 Line dancing lessons
🎶 Great country music
Extend your stay by one day and register for one of the limited seats at this executive-level session. Delivering a deep dive into the most critical levers of franchise recruitment success. Attendees will explore how to pinpoint performance issues, align marketing with brand messaging, and lead teams using real-time data.
The Masterclass is designed for executive-level professionals and is presented by Art Coley of ROS® Powered by CGI Franchise. There is pre-Masterclass sessions and post-event support to ensure you leave the session ready to build a smarter franchise recruitment engine in 2026.
3300 Championship Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177
We have secured a discounted rate of $189/night.
Are you interested in sponsoring? We'd love to have you! Limited opportunities available. Please email Michael Hyam at michael@franchiseassembly.com
Presenting Sponsor:
In Partnership With:
Interested in sponsoring or speaking at the next Let's Grow! event? Opportunities include hands-on education, roundtable leadership, panel facilitation, and more.
Our training program will provide you with expert guidance on the ins and outs of franchising, including franchise agreement development, site selection, marketing strategies, legal, real estate and construction, and franchisee training. Need help convincing your boss? Start here!
Our educational event provides expert-led sessions covering all facets of franchising, including franchise agreement development, marketing strategies, legal considerations, real estate and construction, and sales process. With dozens of sessions, gain the insights and tools you need to grow your brand strategically and intentionally. Let's Grow!
Refunds and cancellations: Registration fees are not refundable but we can transfer to another person within the same company. If you cancel or do not attend, there are no refunds.
This event is proudly produced by Franchise Assembly in partnership with The National Franchise Show.