Franchise Springboard 2024: Key Takeaways from Philadelphia

By Marina O’Rourke

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Franchise Springboard 2024 in Philadelphia, an annual gathering for emerging franchise brands and industry professionals. The event was an incredible opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry veterans, and explore the future of franchising. From keynotes to panel discussions, the agenda was packed with valuable content tailored to help franchisors grow their businesses and navigate the franchise landscape.

The event officially kicked off with an energetic welcome reception. There was a sense of excitement in the air as founders, franchise teams and suppliers gathered to network and share their experiences. The spirit of community was evident, and the shared drive (pun intended – after all, this was the #FranPrix) among attendees was inspiring. Getting to spend time with the franchise community is always a highlight of these events for me. I even got to see some of my fellow IFA Women’s Franchise Committee members which is always a treat!

The second day began with breakfast (have to fuel up for a long day!), followed by a welcome from hosts Lane Fisher, Brad Fishman, Zack Fishman and Ryan Hicks, as well as this year’s conference chair, Sam Ballas. (And yes, there was a music video involved – it wouldn’t be Springboard without a funny video or two to start the day!)

One of the highlights of the morning was the keynote session, “The Rise of a Donut Empire with the Original DunKing,” featuring Bob Rosenberg, former CEO of Dunkin’. Moderated by Sid Feltenstein, this session offered a unique glimpse into Bob’s career and how he transformed Dunkin’ into the iconic brand we know today. Hearing about the strategic changes that led to Dunkin’s growth was inspiring and reinforced the importance of visionary leadership in franchising.

Following this, I attended “The Need for Speed: Determining What Lead ‘Fuel’ to Put in Your Franchise Sales Engine.” This panel, moderated by Josh Wall, Chief Franchise Officer at Unleashed Brands, was particularly relevant for emerging franchisors. It covered the ongoing debate between broker-led sales versus organic growth, as well as best practices for nurturing franchise leads. The panelists shared actionable insights into how brands can scale effectively while maintaining the integrity of their operations.

One of the standout sessions for me was titled “Race to the Finish: Innovative Ways to Capture New Customers,” moderated by Heather McLeod of Authority Brands. This marketing-focused session explored how franchisors can attract new customers through both national and regional efforts. Panelists offered practical strategies for creating viral conversations and building a strong brand presence. The emphasis on innovative marketing tactics really struck a chord, as capturing customer attention has become more challenging in today’s saturated market.

As a fractional CIO, of course I had to attend “Preparing for the 22nd Century: How AI is Bringing These Brands One Step Closer to the Podium.” The panel explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in franchising. Moderated by Derek Doel of Five Star Franchising, the discussion touched on how brands like Bloomin’ Blinds and Pepper Lunch are incorporating AI to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and make smarter business decisions. The use of AI is no longer a futuristic concept—many franchise brands are already leveraging this technology to solve real-world challenges (including the brands we work with at Tsource!).

Beyond the sessions, Franchise Springboard also offered incredible networking opportunities, which are always my favorite part. During the Lunch-Time Mentor Roundtables, I had the chance to connect with several industry leaders and fellow attendees. These small group discussions were a perfect platform to ask tough questions and gain new perspectives on some of the challenges facing franchisors today.

Another major highlight was the Thursday evening social at Water Works by Cescaphe. It was a great way to wind down the day while continuing to build meaningful connections with peers in the industry. The sense of community at Franchise Springboard is truly something special—everyone, from emerging franchisors to seasoned veterans, was open and willing to share their experiences and insights.

On the final day, the event opened with a fireside chat titled “A Photo Finish: How Donato’s Pizza Turned Their Brand Into a Perennial Winner (Again).” Tom Krouse, CEO of Donato’s Pizza, shared his journey in revitalizing the brand and how they overcame operational challenges to become a national player. This discussion reinforced the importance of staying true to your brand’s values while being adaptable to market changes.

Attending Franchise Springboard 2024 was an amazing experience and one of my favorite conferences to date. The insights I gained, from legal compliance to marketing strategies, will certainly shape my approach to franchising in the months and years ahead. The sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities provided actionable takeaways for franchisors at every stage of their journey. As Tsource continues to support the growth of franchise brands, events like Springboard are vital for staying ahead of the curve and continuing to drive innovation in the franchise space.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and applying these lessons to our ongoing efforts. For those looking to strengthen their franchise operations or expand their brand, Springboard is an event not to be missed.