--- title: "Homewatch CareGivers Conference Highlights Franchise Collaboration" url: https://burnaze.com/article/2496bbcf-1efc-4087-b4a5-af9b08969840 source: "1851 Franchise" original_url: https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/homewatch-caregivers-conference-reno-2732016 category: "Home care" industry: "Senior Care" segment: "Home care" topics: ["Marketing"] published: 2026-04-27T21:16:59.000Z modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:21.187Z image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/1777326862_feature.png --- # Homewatch CareGivers Conference Highlights Franchise Collaboration **TL;DR:** Homewatch CareGivers recently held its 2026 Annual Conference in Reno, NV, celebrating the brand's 300-location mark and focusing on collaboration and growth strategies. The conference highlighted the strength of a connected system, with franchise owners and leaders sharing ideas and best practices to improve operations and expand impact. *originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2026-04-27. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/homewatch-caregivers-conference-reno-2732016).* ## Key facts - Homewatch CareGivers has 300 locations - Franchise owners use Collective IQ platform - Kathryn Parks is 2026 Franchisee of the Year ## Story As Homewatch CareGivers celebrates hitting the 300-location mark, franchise owners and brand leaders recently gathered in Reno, NV for the company’s 2026 Annual Conference. The multi-day event focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and preparing the network for the next phase of growth. With packed sessions, strategic discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference highlighted the strength of a connected system working together to improve operations and expand impact in communities nationwide. “What an incredible few days in Reno,” said Jordan Wilson, Chief Development Officer of Authority Brands. “The level of engagement, alignment, and commitment to our growth was evident at every turn. Beyond the packed sessions, it was the meaningful conversations and ideas exchanged across the conference that truly set this experience apart.” ## Franchise growth strategies Franchise owners and corporate leaders explored what it means to “Go Big” in the years ahead, from expanding services and strengthening leadership to improving operational execution. One of the recurring themes of the conference was the power of a connected network. Owners were encouraged to continue sharing ideas, successes, and challenges through the brand’s Collective IQ platform, which allows franchisees to collaborate and crowdsource solutions in real time. “We talked about Going Big in growth, in leadership, in execution, and in impact,” Wilson said. “And what stood out most wasn’t just the strategy. It was the franchisees. The engagement, the willingness to share ideas, challenge thinking and push each other forward, makes this network special.” A major focus of the conference was providing franchise owners with practical insights they can immediately apply in their businesses. Breakout sessions covered key operational and workforce topics, helping owners refine strategies for growth and long-term sustainability. One session explored why outreach efforts can sometimes feel unpredictable and how owners can manage those efforts more effectively using the brand’s Blueprint for Success framework. By focusing on leading indicators such as relationship development, follow-up patterns and consistent field activity, owners can better measure progress before referrals begin to scale. Another session addressed the evolving employment landscape, with legal expert Joshua Vaughn of Littler providing an overview of new federal and state employment regulations. The presentation focused on helping franchise owners stay compliant while building stable and sustainable operations. Workforce development was also a major topic of discussion. In one breakout session, leaders explored how organizations can shift from passive hiring strategies to more intentional community-based recruiting efforts. By engaging with schools, workforce centers and local organizations, franchise owners can build stronger talent pipelines and improve employee retention. Care delivery innovations were another highlight of the conference, particularly in areas such as nursing services and dementia care. During a powerful breakout session, leaders focused on how adding clinical services can improve care while also creating new opportunities for owners. The discussion included updated tools and guidance to help owners assess whether nursing services make sense for their locations and how to begin building those programs. The conference highlighted the brand’s partnership with PocketRN through the federally supported GUIDE Program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience). Through the program, families caring for loved ones with dementia receive access to a dedicated nurse, caregiver education, respite care and ongoing support at no cost to the family. ## Network collaboration tools Improving communication and collaboration across the network was another key focus of the conference. The Franchise Support Center recently launched the HWCG FSC App, a mobile platform designed to help franchise owners access resources, connect with fellow owners and stay updated on system developments. Since its launch in late 2025, adoption has already reached approximately 70% of the network. Tools like the app, along with the Collective IQ platform, are designed to ensure that the ideas and momentum generated during the conference continue throughout the year. The conference also included time to recognize franchise owners who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strong performance and commitment to the brand. Kathryn Parks of Ellicott City, Maryland, was named the brand’s 2026 Franchisee of the Year, recognized for her long-standing leadership within the system and strong business performance. A Homewatch CareGivers franchise owner for more than two decades, Parks has built a reputation for operational excellence and strong engagement in her local community while also contributing to the broader success of the franchise network. Among many awards given during the conference, a shining example of Homewatch CareGivers’ core values, was Nick Argos of Glendora, CA, who was awarded both the Rookie of the Year and the Rising Star awards, based on the growth of his business during his first year as a Homewatch CareGivers franchise owner. These recognitions celebrate franchise owners who embody the brand’s values while contributing to the strength and growth of the entire system. ## Franchise owner recognition One message resonated throughout the entire event: the strength of the Homewatch CareGivers system lies in its people. With the network crossing 300 locations and new services continuing to expand, the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared learning and bold thinking. “Collective IQ is more than a platform. It’s our opportunity to elevate voices across the system, share best practices faster and solve challenges collaboratively,” Wilson said. “The magic isn’t just in the content. It’s in the participation.” The conference in Reno served as a celebration of the system’s progress and a launching point for the next chapter. ## Future plans and momentum “Reno marked the moment,” Wilson said. “Now we turn vision into momentum.” ## Entities - 1851 Franchise (publication) - franchise growth (topic) - Senior Care (sector) - Authority Brands (company) - conference (topic) - Homewatch CareGivers (company) - Jordan Wilson (person) - Littler (company) - PocketRN (company) - Reno, NV (location) - franchise owner recognition (topic) - Kathryn Parks (person) --- Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/homewatch-caregivers-conference-reno-2732016). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/2496bbcf-1efc-4087-b4a5-af9b08969840).