Organizing a corporate event for franchise operators is a bit challenging. However, by following these best practices attendees will get the most out of the experience. They will enjoy themselves, meet people, learn something new, and be satisfied that they attended the franchise convention.

Location, Location, Location

Corporate events for franchisees draw attendees from across the country and perhaps internationally as well. Choosing a location is both a matter of attracting attendees and selecting a place that has sufficient support services. Think – international airports, attractions, and amenities. An interesting way to approach the site selection for an annual conference or convention is to ask potential attendees about the location they prefer. Attendance may be improved by engaging your employees and franchise owners to garner their opinions about locations they like from the places under consideration. It is not possible to please everyone with the selection; however, it is nice to know the majority opinion about the best choice from the alternatives.

Mobile Connections

A mobile app made specifically for the franchisees can be a continual hub for information and connectivity thereby increasing experiential engagement. Design this app to be like an exclusive private club that is very useful. The mobile app can be an integrated part of internal communications. It can be promoted before the convention, provide information during the convention, and continue to provide information after the convention.

Chatbots

The mobile app should have an integrated chatbot for attendee FAQ questions and have the up-to-date convention program, convention news, and the leaders/winners in the games/contests. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have a very useful feature, which is automatic scheduling. These systems organize a convention schedule according to the preferences of each user. The system can set meetings between users by taking into account their availability in real-time while it is changing.

Gamification

Gamification is not just for fun, although it is enjoyable, but for improved information retention. The goal of gamification is to make what might be boring or difficult to learn more enjoyable. For example, reading a training manual of rules and regulations is probably not that exciting; however, using gamification principles, the key elements from this information can be presented to franchisees in fun ways that are easier to remember. Announce and promote the gamification opportunities at the convention with the chatbot. Here are some examples of learning that is enhanced by gamification:

• Scavenger Hunt: Have a scavenger hunt that leads attendees on an interesting path through the convention space collecting information helpful for franchise operations to win a prize at the end. Have attendees collect QR codes at the various locations with their smartphone to update their game status in the mobile app. Ask questions as part of the game that encourages the discovery of the answers based on important concepts and information.
• Trivia Contest: Give prizes for a trivia contest, which is based on information useful to franchisees and interesting facts about the company. This is another fun way to convey useful information.
• Team Play: Team play can be used to encourage networking among attendees. Teams can be assigned to create interesting mixes of people for enhanced diversity. For example, mix senior executives from one department with entry-level workers from another department. Choose people for teams that normally would not have any chance to interface with each other. It is important for team play that all teams are rewarded. The rewards may differ; however, no team is ever identified as a “loser.”