Global Franchise Gathers in Beijing: 2026 CCFA Franchise Conference & Lifestyle Services Development Conference Set to Kick Off

BeijingMay 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2026, China’s commercial franchising model has completed 40 years of rapid development and is entering a new phase centered on high-quality growth. To guide the industry in grasping trends and connecting with global resources, the “2026 Franchise Conference & Life Services Industry Development Conference,” hosted by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), will be grandly held from May 28 to 29 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.

This year’s conference, themed “Harmony and Vision, Innovating with the Trends,” aims to deeply address key challenges in the transition of franchising from scale expansion to high-quality development. It will directly tackle five core trends: the platformization of franchising headquarters, intelligent store operations, agile brand expansion, emerging franchise forces, and the global advancement of franchising, systematically deconstructing the current development logic and upgrade paths for chain franchising.

“Harmony and Vision” reveals the underlying logic of sustainable development in franchising: internally, headquarters and franchisees must move beyond zero-sum games, shifting from one-way control to empowerment and symbiosis; externally, the Chinese market and global resources should transcend borders to achieve two-way empowerment and harmonious exchange. “Innovating with the Trends” responds to three waves of the era: domestic franchising shifting from scale-driven to value-driven growth; the global $5 trillion franchising blue ocean and rapid expansion in emerging markets; and the systematic restructuring of the entire chain by digitalization and AI technology.

The conference agenda is firmly anchored in practical application. Over two days, six parallel sessions will revolve around four dimensions: “Showcasing National Excellence, International Business Dialogue, Cultural Deep Experience, and Local Brand Activation.” In-depth discussions will cover cutting-edge topics such as “Ensuring Franchisee Profitability,” “Regional Deep Cultivation and International Expansion,” “Building Supply Chain Resilience,” and “Omnichannel Digital Franchising Capabilities.”

Over 80 industry representative guests will share insights on-site, with more than 90% being founders, general managers, or equivalent. These include leading catering brands such as Haidilao, Fish You Together, CHAGEE, ChaPanda, Yoshinoya, Huaxiao Xinjiang Fried Noodles, Xiong Daye Fresh Dumplings, Yang Mingyu Braised Chicken, Mr. Savage, Nowwa Coffee, Xiao Ka Coffee, Linyu Fried Chicken Legs, and for the first time, regional dark horse representatives of domestic tea franchise brands: 700CC from the Northeast, Tea Ballet from Xinjiang, Fangha from the Northwest, Maiji Milk from Zhejiang, Tea Yueshan from Guangdong, and Liuli Jing from Guangxi. Also participating are life service benchmarks, retail and emerging force representatives, and leading automotive aftermarket brands such as Meituan, Haoxianglai, Guoquan Shihui, Huanxiong Canteen, Jiduoquan, Anhui Yidu Convenience Store, Pangzi Tiemo, Jinwei Nail Art, Swan Home, Beautiful Countryside, New Ruipeng, Xiaomu Zhi, Bei’an Qin, Shengchong, Maisong KTV, China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, Michelin Tyre Plus, JD Car Care, Uni-President Petrochemical, Sinopec Easy Joy, Bilin Auto Beauty, Kuaizhun Car Service, and LYUE Group. Additionally, multiple industry experts, scholars, influencers, domestic and international industry associations, consulting firms, and big data platforms from Zhong Shen Law Firm, Roland Berger, Renmin University of China Business School, Zhong Lun Law Firm, 58.com, China Minsheng Bank, Kaijie Retail Consumption, Narrow Door Group, Shi Mingliang Marketing Consulting, and Catering Matters will comprehensively present the innovative achievements and global influence of China’s franchising model.

The conference will also debut and interpret several major research findings and authoritative rankings, including the “Digital Franchising Report (2026),” the “2026 Professional Franchisee Insight Report,” the “2026 Top 300 Commercial Franchises,” the “2026 Top 100 Life Services Chain Enterprises,” and the “2026 Top 50 China Automotive Aftermarket Chain Enterprises.”

In 2025, the global franchising market size historically exceeded $5 trillion, with the number of overseas stores for Chinese brands surging by 82% year-on-year. This conference is particularly significant as it is held concurrently with the World Franchise Council Annual Meeting. Chairpersons of franchise associations and renowned brand leaders from over 40 countries and regions, including Taiwan (China), Brazil, Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe, the UAE, and Australia, have confirmed their attendance. Together with Chinese associations and outstanding chain brands, they will explore global development paths for franchising.

This grand event is more than just a conference; it is an ecosystem platform integrating industry exhibitions, top-tier summits, and diverse activities. The franchise market trendsetter exhibition—the 66th China Franchise Expo—will be held concurrently at the same venue, covering 30,000 square meters with over 300 brands. It aims to provide attendees with one-stop access to key decision-makers of domestic and international chain brands, experienced professional franchisees, well-known investment institutions, and full industry chain resources.

2026 marks the beginning of the “15th Five-Year Plan” and a historic crossroads for franchising’s transformation from “big” to “strong.” This annual gathering, bringing together global wisdom, industry leaders, and practical insights, will guide the industry in exploring the path of franchise harmony, seizing new franchise opportunities, and jointly writing a new chapter for China’s franchising.