September 19-20, 2026: The International Centre - Hall 5

Sanchita is the Principal Lawyer at Cypher Law specializing in areas of Franchising, Real Estate and Corporate/Commercial Work. Sanchita has extension experience within the Franchising Industry as she led the Legal Global Franchising team at RBI - one of the biggest QSR Franchisor's in the world!

Sanchita is a great source of knowledge for all things Franchising!

Terry has been in his current role with TD Bank as National Manager, Franchise Banking for 10 years.  As National Manager, Terry is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Terry enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs. 

Ahsan has been in his current role with as Regional Manager, Franchise Banking for 2 years at TD Bank, and with franchise industry for over 8 years.  As Regional Manager, Ahsan is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Ahsan also brings to the table over 15 years of lending experience from Commercial and Small Business at TD. He enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs.

Gary’s 30+ years of experience in the Canadian franchising industry makes him an industry-leading and much-sought-after consultant for people that are considering franchise ownership. Having been on every side of the franchise business table, he has bought single, multi-unit, and master franchises for himself, brought US franchise concepts to Canada, helped companies to become franchisors, and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs. Gary and his team at FranNet have helped over 2,000 prospective franchisee clients to fully explore their self-employment options. Gary guides his clients through an in-depth research process for the businesses they are considering, including coaching them on who to talk to and providing the right questions to ask to ensure they have as much information as possible to make an informed YES or NO decision.

Gary has published over 250 articles on entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, and industry trends. His first book, The Unstoppable Franchisee: 7 Drivers of Next-level Growth is about how to achieve next- level growth and top performance in franchise ownership. For this book, Gary has done extensive research with top-performing franchisees whose profitability ranged from mid-six figures to mid-seven figures annually. He’s also interviewed numerous franchisor CEOs for this critical subject.

NHT Chartered Professional Accountants is a full life cycle accounting and Consulting firm offering tax, corporate and advisory services to investors and small and mid-size businesses. We are truly a one-stop shop for all our clients' business needs, offering dedicated and personal services. We advise investors to set up proper structures to minimize taxes and to protect their assets.

We have a successful track record of 32 years of experience representing and defending investors and businesses with CRA.

Real estate Broker and Franchise Developer for over 25 x years in the industry. Providing support to franchises, assisting with expansions in both franchise and real estate developments as well as creating the franchise system from taking an idea from an individual and turn it into a tangible franchise.

LaMar Vandusen has over 25 years of business, entrepreneur and mangerial experience. LaMar has managed several successful corporations and has lead sales and revenue over $10 Million. For the last 13 years LaMar has provide finance and accounting consulting services for hundred of businessess across Canada.

Sukhdeep S. Sidhu is a partner at Keyser Mason Ball, LLP and a member of the firm’s Corporate/Commercial, Franchise, Retail & Distirbution practice groups. Sukhdeep advises new and emerging Canadian and international franchisors with on all aspects of Canadian franchise law, including the drafting and preparation of franchise agreements and disclosure documents and manages franchisor relationships. Sukhdeep regularly assists franchisees with the review and negotiation of disclosure documents and franchise agreements and represents franchisees in the purchase and sale of single and multi-unit franchises.

Pamela is the founder and CEO of the BizSold (Business Exchange). As an entrepreneur, Pamela has helped 1000s of companies grow. An Alumni of Western University, Pamela started the company with the vision to help business owners and entrepreneurs. With over 26+ years of experience in the business and franchise industry, Pamela can be considered one of the few entrepreneurs who have seen all types of marketing such as print, event, web, and mobile.

Seasoned account manager with passion to help businesses small, medium and large achieve their goals through right advice and guidance.

Scott has extensive experience in the Canadian franchise landscape working with some of the most well-established brands in Canada and the United States. Scott began his career at Tim Hortons as a multi-unit franchise owner/operator. After ten years with Tim Hortons, Scott expanded his horizons and joined Kelsey’s as a Franchisee owner/operator.

Scott made a deliberate move to apply his talent and knowledge to corporate operations, joining companies such as Sunoco, McDonald’s, Medicine Shoppe/Rexall Inc., Luxottica Retail and Pearle Vision Canada. From 2014 to 2017, Scott held the position of Vice President of Operations at Mary Brown’s Famous Chicken & Taters.

Greg's practice focuses primarily on assisting Canadian and International franchisors. He works across a broad spectrum of service sectors including quick service restaurants, retail, hospitality, education, manufacturing and technology, with their business needs.

He works with franchisors, master franchise owners, franchisees and muti-unit franchisees. He helps franchisors expand across Canada and internationally and provides valuable advice on brand protection and on the myriad of laws regulating franchising.

He serves as both a lawyer and strategic advisor, providing reliable guidance and unfiltered advice to navigate the many convoluted legal issues that accompany franchising.

Nabeel Haque is the founder and principal lawyer at Haque Law Professional Corporation, practicing in business and franchise law. With over two decades of experience, he provides comprehensive legal guidance on franchise agreements, business operations, and dispute resolution. Recognized for his honest and friendly approach, he frequently educates entrepreneurs on franchise law, leasing, and corporate matters. His firm is committed to delivering personalized, strategic legal solutions for businesses and franchisees.

Shawn Saraga is the founder of the Franchise Academy, a mini-private equity firm that has holdings in various franchise brands. He also serves as Chief Development Officer of Tahini’s Restaurants and has held this position since October, 2023. Shawn has been in the franchise industry since 2005. He has opened over 950 franchised businesses, and finalized over 700 leases in his career.

He has worked with brands like Burger King, barBURRITO Restaurants, Freshii, Foodtastic as well as many other non-food related brands. Shawn is also a registered real estate broker and conducts real estate transactions on behalf of the brands he works with and there franchisees. Some of his other business interests include a partnership in MEET College for Psychotherapists, Board seats on several AI start-ups. Shawn has also been a Board member of Leadership Sinai since 2005.

Perry Wong has been a Chartered Accountant for over 30 years and is the Author of the book " How to Create a Million Dollars a year income" He has helped countless individuals achieve financial freedom.

Kapil Nagpal, Partner & CEO at Gravitas Consulting He is a strategy and operations leader with deep expertise in digital transformation, supply chain, and CIO advisory. He has led high performing consulting teams, program offices and impactful client engagements. Kapil has advised C-suite executives in the restaurant, retail, higher education, and pharma industries to drive digital transformation, governance, cost optimization, process improvements, and organizational effectiveness.

Priyanka Nagpal, Partner at Gravitas Consulting She brings deep financial services industry experience across treasury services and investment banking. Her focus areas include digital product development, agile transformation, design library and user experience, software
development, and building sell-side M&A applications. She worked at J.P. Morgan London as a Vice-President for six years before she joined Gravitas Consulting.

Professional Qualifications:

• CPA, CA from CPA Ontario; M&A Certification from CPA Ontario.
• RECO-licensed Business broker.

Owner operator of Bizcomm Inc. Business Brokerage, with extensive experience of M&A advisory, and buying and selling of businesses.

Owner operator of the accounting firms under the banner of SMR CPA with extensive experience of exit and succession planning, estate planning, corporate restructuring, and tax planning.

Richard Parenteau Sr. has dedicated his career to leadership, innovation, and helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. In 1994, Richard founded CanAm Immigration, a company that has helped more than 7,000 businesses expand into the United States and facilitated over 27,000 business visas for entrepreneurs and their families. Before entering the private sector, Richard became one of Quebec's youngest Police Chiefs at age 24. His leadership abilities quickly gained recognition, and by the age of 31, he was appointed City Manager, overseeing more than 100 employees and managing municipal operations.
Building on his expertise in administration, planning, and organizational development, Richard established a management consulting firm. For more than 30 years, Richard has specialized in U.S. business immigration, cross-border expansion, workforce mobility, and business development. He has worked with businesses ranging from startups to multinational corporations, helping them navigate growth, strategic planning, and international expansion. Today, with CanAm Immigration, New York Immigration Law Group and CanAm business Center in Florida, Richard focuses on mentoring entrepreneurs, investors, and franchise professionals while developing innovative models that connect international investors with franchise opportunities in the United States. His presentations combine real-world experience, practical strategies, and proven insights into business growth, leadership, and achieving the American Dream through entrepreneurship.

Keith M. Cumming is the founder of the Niagara-based Prime Way Group of Companies and is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur with a 30-year history of building over a dozen successful businesses, in several different industries.

Niagara real-estate is booming and Keith will share his insights into this exciting and fast-growing market. Niagara is a perfect place to either relocate your business to, or participate in various real estate investment opportunities.

The Group is focused on real estate development and investment in Niagara with industrial & commercial plaza development, residential/recreational communities, as well as a large 146-acre prestige business park/commercial centre project, anchored by Walmart, RONA, Marks, and Canadian Tire.