Tariffs, Politics and the Uncertain Road Ahead for Global Franchising

Navigate the Complex Landscape of International Franchise Expansion in 2025


How Smart Franchisors Are Turning Trade Turbulence Into Competitive Advantage

Join industry leaders as they reveal the strategic moves successful franchisors are making to navigate U.S. tariffs, overcome international market resistance, and capitalize on new opportunities others are missing. From Asia-Pacific insights to contractual innovations, discover the practical tools and proven strategies that are driving profitable expansion despite unprecedented global uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points Covered

How U.S. Tariffs Are Reshaping Global Franchise Costs

  • Real impact on expansion timelines, equipment costs, and franchisee margins, plus international market resistance to American brands
  • New Risk Factors That Weren’t on the Radar Five Years Ago
  • Critical considerations for market entry and due diligence that successful franchisors are now prioritizing
  • The Most Resilient Markets for Franchising Today
  • Where smart money is going despite global trade tensions and why certain regions remain attractive
  • Legal Innovations for Volatile Times
  • Specific contractual protections for tariff volatility and creating enforceable development schedules amid uncertainty
  • Top Strategic Actions to De-Risk International Expansion
  • Essential steps every franchisor should take now to future-proof against unpredictable trade policy shifts

Plus expert insights on overcoming expansion paralysis, timing strategies, evolving franchise regulations, and much more from three industry leaders with over 130 years of combined experience.

Why Attend This Webinar?

In an era where franchise expansion requires more than brand strength, it demands geopolitical awareness and knowledge based on real country experience—this session provides the strategic insights and practical tools needed to thrive. Whether you’re exploring first international markets or reassessing existing global strategies, our expert panel offers real-world solutions from the frontlines of international franchising.

Perfect for: Franchisors, Master Franchisees, International Development Directors, Franchise Attorneys, and Investment Advisors

Featured Expert Panel

Keith Gerson, CFE – Moderator
President & CEO of Gerson Advisory Services with 50 years of franchising expertise. Known as a “super-connector” with direct access to top franchise CEOs worldwide. His webinars consistently attract thousands of attendees, and his articles achieve some of the highest read rates in franchise publications. Publisher of the widely followed FranConnect Franchise Sales Index Report.

Bill Edwards – CEO, Edwards Global Services, Inc.
International expansion specialist with 50+ years of global experience across 30+ countries. Author of the biweekly Geowizard newsletter and former Chair of the District Export Council of Southern California, Edwards has successfully guided 44 companies into new markets using his proprietary GlobalVue™ Country Ranking system.

Stewart Germann – International Franchise Attorney,
Auckland-based commercial lawyer with 38+ years specializing in franchising law. Recognized by The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers as “one of the leading franchising practitioners in the world.” Represents major New Zealand and international franchise brands globally.

Ready to Navigate These Choppy Waters?

Don’t miss this essential discussion on navigating the most challenging—yet opportunity-rich—environment for global franchise expansion in decades.