Welcome
Hi Everyone
We're pleased to provide information about next year's Australasian conference, which is being held at the The Crown Promenade, Melbourne from 11th - 14th September 2025.
The Australasian Expo offers a fantastic opportunity to learn from keynote speakers, suppliers, franchise representatives, and fellow New Zealand and Australian owners about ways to enhance the profitability of your business.
Equally important, the Expo gives you a chance to step away from the day-to-day demands of your business and enjoy a refreshing break. With Melbourne known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, it’s the ideal destination to combine professional development with a well-earned getaway. UFG have secured a special accommodation rate at The Crown Promenade for the three nights of conference. This rate is also available for up to five nights, subject to room availability. Alternatively, since we're right in the CBD, there are also more budget-friendly accommodation options just a short walk away.
To ensure you have the latest event information, bookmark the conference 2025 webpage.
Conference Outline
Thursday, 11th September
Please arrive at the hotel by 5PM to give you time to check-in.
The Welcome Reception will kick off at 6:00PM.
Friday, 12th September
Trade Show & conference
Offsite Event.
Saturday, 13th September
Sunday, 14th September
Full-day conference.
Gala Awards Dinner
For owners attending the High Performance Group (HPG), following breakfast on Sunday we will be picking you up by coach and taking you to Cape Schanck Resort, a special retreat in the Mornington Peninsula. Accommodation will be provided on Sunday and Monday nights.
If you want to be part of our transfer coach to the airport, no flights should be booked that depart earlier than 6pm on Tuesday 16th September.
Travel
National Conference Travel Subsidy Offer
To support and encourage attendance at our National Conference, we are pleased to offer a $1000 travel subsidy.
The subsidy is available under the following conditions:
- Eligibility: The subsidy applies to both full and social delegates (e.g., spouses or partners) registered for the conference.
Only two subsidies are available per store, regardless of the number of delegates attending or whether its a single or co-branded location.
- Payment Timing: The subsidy will be reimbursed after the event, once attendance is confirmed.
- Attendance Requirement: Delegates must fully attend all events they are registered for during the conference to qualify for the subsidy.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Sarah.
Flights
We ask that you book your flights to ensure arrival at the hotel no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, 11 September. Flight prices generally increase closer to the event, so we recommend booking early to secure the best rates.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation needs to be booked directly with The Crown Promenade hotel using the link below.
Availability at the conference rate is limited, so secure your room early to guarantee your stay. Please note that a valid credit card is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.
Alternative accommodation providers (see below choices all within walking distance to the The Crown Promenade).
| Crowne Plaza Melbourne Hotel | 4min walk to Crown Promenade |
| Grand Hotel Melbourne | 7min walk to Crown Promenade |
| Mercure Melbourne Southbank | 8min walk to Crown Promenade |
| Novotel South Wharf Hotel | Southbank Hotels | Accorhotels | 11min walk to Crown Promenade |
Speakers
Ray Titus
Ray Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group and its affiliated companies. Ray is a life-long entrepreneur who began his career with his father, franchising legend Roy Titus.
Ray has been recognised by Ernst & Young as Florida Entrepreneur of the Year, the Counselor International Person of the Year, the American Free Enterprise Medal from Palm Beach Atlantic University, ASI’s Power 50 list of the industry’s most influential people, the Sun-Sentinel Excalibur Award and for four consecutive years, Ray was named in Stitches magazine’s “Power 75” list of most influential people. He was one of the founders of the Florida Franchisor Association.
Steve Sammartino
Australia's leading futurist, Steve is the author of three books on disruptive technology: The Great Fragmentation, The Lessons School Forgot, and Think Like a Startup, all translated into multiple languages.
He hosts the Australian TV show The Rebound and is the founder of Macro 3D, a robotics and AI startup that 3D prints houses. With a unique ability to demystify emerging technologies and their impact on business and society, Steve has delivered over 600 keynotes in 41 countries.
Steve will explore how we can stay ahead of the curve and harness AI’s potential.
Jon Yeo
Jon is the curator of TEDx Melbourne and a former President of Professional Speakers Australia.
For over a decade, Jon Yeo has helped everyone from global brands to passionate start-ups sharpen their communication and get their message across clearly and with impact.
During his keynote, you will learn how to:
- Make a great impression — fast — and keep it going
- Build a trusted reputation that helps your business grow
- Connect better with customers, staff and suppliers
- Share your message in a way that sticks
- Build strong relationships, whether it's a quick chat or a formal meeting
- Teach your team how to do the same with your clients
Jon will show you how to communicate more effectively as a business leader, whether you're speaking to your team, your customers, or your wider community.
A.J Titus
A.J. is the President of the largest brand at UFG, Signarama. In this role, A.J. spearheads the growth of Signarama throughout the United States and around the world while also developing ways to help current franchise owners expand their businesses.
A.J holds an International Business degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University (2014), an MBA from the University of Miami (2017) and is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).
Evan Foster (MC)
Evan Foster, UFG's Global Director, will serve as our Master of Ceremonies! With nearly two decades of franchising experience, Evan brings a wealth of knowledge and an energetic presence to our conference. Many of you may recall Evan from previous events, including our conferences in Fiji and Nelson.
Agenda
The agenda timings below may change.
Thursday, 11th September
Friday, 12th September
Saturday, 13th September
Dress Code
Welcome Reception: High Rollers Theme
Our opening social event on Thursday night is themed 'High Rollers'. Think James Bond, Las Vegas, sophistication, 1920's glitz and glamour!
Day Sessions: Business Casual
Conference sessions will be business casual.
You’ll receive two shirts at registration:
-
A NZ shirt to wear on Friday
-
An Expo shirt to wear on Saturday
Please ensure you wear the correct shirt on the corresponding day, as group photos will be taken.
Gala/Awards Dinner: Semi-Formal
For our final event and evening, the dress code is semi-formal. See below for guidelines.
Register Early
Senior staff and non-working spouses are warmly invited to join, even if they only wish to attend the social functions, but everyone must register.
Please complete the registration form and email it to admin@businessfranchise.co.nz
Conference registration close off is Thursday, 31st July.
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne!
Sponsors
Premier Partners
Strategic Partner