The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 Franchise Industry Awards (FIAs) are officially open. Returning for its second year, the FIAs continue to celebrate and elevate the very best in Australian franchising.
Recognising excellence across the entire sector, the awards honour achievements by franchisees, franchisors, and the wider franchise support ecosystem. Categories for 2026 will once again represent the breadth and diversity of the industry, including:
- Franchisor of the Year
- Franchisor of the Year: 51+ Units
- Franchisor of the Year: 26–50 Units
- Franchisor of the Year: Under 21 Units
- Franchisee of the Year: Single Unit
- Franchisee of the Year: Multi Unit
- Franchisee of the Year: Single Unit – Health & Wellbeing
- Franchisee of the Year: Single Unit – Hospitality
- Franchisee of the Year: Single Unit – Services
- Franchisee of the Year: Single Unit – Retail
- Franchisee of the Year: Multi Unit – Health & Wellbeing
- Franchisee of the Year: Multi Unit – Hospitality
- Franchisee of the Year: Multi Unit – Services
- Franchisee of the Year: Multi Unit – Retail
- Franchise Service Provider of the Year
- Franchise Supplier of the Year
- Franchise Manager of the Year
- Franchise Marketing Manager of the Year
- Franchise Field Manager of the Year
- Franchise Finance Manager of the Year
- Franchise Woman of the Year
- Franchisee Local Area Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Australian International Franchisor of the Year
- Excellence in Franchise Innovation
- Excellence in Equality, Sustainability & Governance
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Franchising
A National Celebration of Excellence Returns in 2026
The 2026 Gala Black-Tie Awards Night will be held on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 from 6:30pm at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, uniting franchise leaders, innovators, and emerging talent from across Australia. The celebration continues into the night with an exclusive all invited After Party.
As the signature event for the franchising community, the FIAs highlight not only operational excellence but also the powerful contribution franchising makes to the Australian economy, communities, and employment.
How to Nominate
Nominations for the 2026 FIAs must be submitted via the official FIA Nomination Portal.
Entrants can select their category, complete all required details, and upload supporting documentation directly within the platform.
Nomination Portal: https://aunationalfranchisingawards.awardsplatform.com/
Nominations are open from 8 November 2025 to 20 February 2026.
Watch the “How to Maximise Your Nomination” Webinar
To support entrants in preparing their strongest submission, the FCA recently hosted the “How to Maximise Your Nomination” webinar, presented by Lauren Clemett (a FIA 2025 judge).
This session covered:
- What judges look for
- How to structure a compelling nomination
- How to highlight your achievements effectively
- Common mistakes to avoid
A full recording is now available for anyone who missed the live session.
Watch the webinar: https://youtu.be/v0lN3cfFgHQ
Exclusive Franchise Forum – Complimentary for FIA Attendees
Running alongside the awards, the FCA will once again host the Franchise Forum, a full-day program of insights, learning, and strategic discussion designed to shape the future of franchising in Australia. The Forum is open to both FCA members and non-members, with complimentary access granted to all FIA ticketholders.
Welcome Drinks – networking event
For those flying in for the Forum in the day and FIA, or perhaps live local and want to come on down we have a Tuesday (16TH June) evening Welcome Drink – networking event (included in your FIA ticket) More details to follow
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
A range of premium sponsorship packages is available for organisations wishing to align with this prestigious national event and connect with key industry decision-makers.
To enquire, visit the event information page or contact Helen Alfa at helen.alfa@franchise.org.au for the full sponsorship prospectus.
For more information, visit the FCA website:
https://franchise.org.au/index.php/events/franchise-industry-awards/