September 8-10, 2025
Gibson’s Steakhouse – Gold Coast, Chicago, IL
Your brand story is your most important asset
It’s the asset that defines who you are, why you exist, and, why you’re the best franchise opportunity right now.
It’s the story behind the passion of your founders, the core values of your team, the mission of your brand, the products and services that you sell, and the value that you bring.
It’s the asset that connects the dots from the day that your doors first opened to the wins, losses, and opportunities that your franchisees experience. It’s the story of transformation. It’s the story of why you exist. It’s the story of why you and, why now.
In this camp, you’ll:
FEATURED SPEAKER
Future Franchisor. Actor. Musician. Entrepreneur.
You may know him as Kevin Myers from American Pie or Henry Rowengartner from Rookie of the Year, but Thomas Ian Nicholas is more than a familiar face. He’s a multi-talented creator, successful musician, and now, a future franchisor stepping into the world of business growth with the same drive that’s fueled his decades-long career in entertainment.
At FranCamp Chicago, Thomas will share his journey from Hollywood to high-growth business, what he’s learning as he builds his own franchise, and the mindset shift required to go from talent to team- builder.
Whether you’re building a brand or telling your founder story, this is one session you won’t want to miss.
What you’ll Get
Chicago Agenda
September 8, 2025
Monday: Opening Night
1851 Headquarters 211 W Wacker, Chicago, IL 60606
6pm – 8:30pm
Opening Reception
September 9, 2025
TUESDAY: Gibson’s (Upstairs) Gold Coast
9:00am – 9:30am
Breakfast
9:30am – 10:00am
Set the focus (Nick & Charles): Presentation on Brand Story
10:00am – 10:45am
Group Workshop 1
Group Workshop 2
For the group workshops, campers will pick a roundtable to join. The tables will be focused on different aspects of the Brand Story Workbook.
- Mission Story: What is your mission and how do you use it to grow your franchise?
- Validation Story: How do you create franchisee fans and use them to impact your franchise growth?
- Why You/Why Now: What is it and how to create it and how to build a drumbeat?
- What is the Problem You Solve (Consumer and Business) and Does Your Footprint Scream It?
- Solve My Problem: Round Table for Consultancy
How are you better than the competition? & is that story good enough
In each breakout, the camp lead will kick off the table with their answer. Your goal is to walk away from each table with a definitive brand statement that will help impact growth. The collective of your thoughts will help you develop your brand elevator pitch.
11:30am – 12:15pm
Group Workshop 3: 3 Minute Pitches, Camp lead will pick a presenter for afternoon pitch
12:15pm – 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
Afternoon of storytelling and impact
1:00pm – 1:45pm
My Franchise Story Garret Reed, Layne’s Chicken
2:00pm – 3:15pm
SPECIAL GUEST
3:30pm – 4:00pm
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of Franchise Marketing Panel
4:00pm – 5:30pm
12 pitches, 3 minutes — Questions
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Dinner at Gibsons
September 10, 2025
WEDNESDAY: Gibsons
9:00am – 9:30am
Breakfast
9:30am – 10:00am
The Magic of a Great Franchise Website
10:00am – 10:30am
My Biggest Brand Mistake and How I Fixed It
10:30am – 11:00am
Social Goodbyes
See What Campers Are Saying
Test-2
“I’m thankful to learn and collaborate with so many wonderful people at FranCamp in Miami.”
Test-1
“Such an amazing experience! We are so beyond thankful to have attended!”
Test
“So thrilled to be in the room at#francamp with so many great minds and generous hearts in franchising to learn from.”
Hotels in the area
Because everyone has different budgets, we leave hotels open to choose from. Some of our recommendations include:
- London House
- Hyatt on Wacker
- Intercontinental
- Royal Sonesta
- Loews
Hotels.com is a great resource for booking. Book yours now!
Chicago Francamp Travel & hotel
FranCamp Chicago will be held September 8-10 at Gibson’s Steakhouse in the Gold Coast.
You can book a hotel anywhere along the Magnificent Mile or Gold Coast.
September 8, 2025
Arrive on Monday
Hotels available in the heart of Chicago
September 10, 2025
Leave on Wednesday
Hotels available in the heart of Chicago
