FIS 2026 introduces scheduled meetings for the franchise sector

The Franchise Innovation Summit (FIS) will hold its third edition on 30 September and 1 October at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, with a new feature designed to make networking easier: FIS&MEET, an app for scheduling 30-minute meetings. Organised by the Spanish Franchise Association, the event expects to bring together more than 2,500 professionals from the franchise sector and the wider business community.

Scheduled meetings between brands and investors

According to information published by El País on 23 September, FIS 2026 will feature more than 120 brands and companies and around 100 speakers. Those expected to attend include entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, investors, investment funds, franchisees, business schools, business owners and executives.

The addition of FIS&MEET provides a dedicated tool for arranging meetings between these participants. The app allows brands, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals to book half-hour meetings, helping them make the most of their schedules over the two days.

The new feature puts planned networking alongside the programme of talks and working sessions. For anyone considering joining a franchise network, the format offers a focused opportunity for discussion; for brands, it provides a way to organise meetings with prospective franchisees and investors. The available information describes the scheduling function but provides no evidence of results, as it is being introduced for this edition.

Location, capital and female leadership

The programme includes three specialist forums addressing different aspects of growth in the franchise sector. The Cities and Franchises Forum will aim to promote local economic development and identify municipalities that offer attractive investment opportunities. The Madrid region will be the featured guest business community.

The Investment and Growth Forum, promoted by REM, Relaciones Empresariales del Mediterráneo, will focus on the role of capital and the expansion of franchise brands. It brings financing and network development into the discussion.

Meanwhile, the Ibero-American Women, Investment and Franchising Forum will be organised by the Association of Ibero-American Businesswomen. It will explore female leadership and franchising as a route to investment and self-employment for businesswomen from Ibero-America who have chosen Spain as a place to develop their businesses.

Together, these forums cover location selection, resources for growth and the people driving new businesses. Their scope therefore extends beyond brands’ sales presentations.

Case studies in grocery retail, fitness and foodservice

Part of the programme will draw on specific business experiences. A session examining neighbourhood supermarkets as profitable franchises is planned, with participation from Alcampo, Carrefour Express, DIA and Eroski. This description reflects the announced session topic and does not constitute a guarantee of profitability for any future outlet.

The programme will also explore the development of fitness concepts with Anytime Fitness, Curves and Pilat3s. The experiences of multi-unit franchisees associated with Midas, Ambiseint and SegurCaixa Adeslas will be another topic on the agenda.

The foodservice sector will feature in talks and panel discussions on consumer trends, social media, marketing strategies, delivery-only kitchens and home delivery. Announced participating brands include Viena Capellanes, La Martinuca, Saona and Domino’s Pizza. Talks on sustainability and competitive expansion from Five Guys, Too Good To Go and Krispy Kreme will round out the programme.

Innovation and planning your visit

FIS 2026 will also include the second edition of Fiskathon. At this innovation event, multidisciplinary teams will compete to develop a solution or prototype addressing a real-world problem. The activity complements the discussion sessions with a format focused on developing practical proposals.

BBVA will return as the main sponsor. Topics the bank will address include support for entrepreneurship, scaling up, investment and international expansion.

Practical takeaway: before attending, shortlist the brands and forums that fit your business plans and prepare specific questions for the 30-minute meetings. An initial conversation can help you request information and structure a subsequent assessment, but it should not replace that assessment.