Freedom Boat Club, the world's leading network of yacht clubs and a subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation, recently held its annual 2025 forum. The event brought together more than 375 participants in Florida, marking a record attendance and consolidating its role in the development of its franchise network. The conference provided an opportunity to present the expanded Freedom University programme, designed to provide franchisees with the resources and tools they need to run their businesses.

An exhibition dedicated to exchange and innovation

Freedom Forum 2025 kicked off with an exhibition featuring a host of partners and suppliers. This area gave franchisees the opportunity to talk to 34 partners offering a wide range of equipment: boats, navigation technologies, insurance and marketing services. More than 30 boats from 16 major brands were also available for sea trials.

According to Scott Ward, Vice-Chairman of the Freedom Franchise Network, the aim of the conference is to provide franchisees with strategic information and tools to enhance the member experience and support the growth of the network. He pointed out that 2025 promises to be a pivotal year, with investments in technology, operations and marketing.

Awards for franchise performance

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony, highlighting the franchises that had distinguished themselves during 2024. The main awards included:

• North American Franchise of the Year: Freedom Boat Club of Tennessee.
• EMEA Franchise of the Year: Freedom Boat Club of Loch Lomond.
• APAC Franchise of the Year: Freedom Boat Club of Brisbane.

Other awards included:

• Territorial Expansion Award: Freedom Boat Club of Michiana.
• Best sales growth: Freedom Boat Club of the Poconos and Lake Murray.
• Clubs meeting financial growth targets: Freedom Boat Club of Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Michiana, Ocean & Monmouth County (NJ), and Lake St. Clair.
• Best Dock Staff: Freedom Boat Club of Boston and Cape Cod, and Freedom Boat Club of Tennessee (Loudin).
• Freedom Award of Excellence: Freedom Boat Club of Clear Lake and Freedom Boat Club of Lake George.
• John R. Giglio Presidential Award: Freedom Boat Club of Lake Norman and Lake Wylie.
• Best New Franchise of the Year: Freedom Boat Club of North Alabama and Lake Murray.

Outlook for the future

Cecil Cohn, President of Freedom Boat Club, stressed the importance of the role played by franchisees in the development of the network. He emphasised their commitment and hard work, which have enabled us to offer a wider range of water sports to a growing public.

The event highlighted the network's development and continuous improvement strategies, against a backdrop of growth and innovation. The aim remains to strengthen the service offering and support the changing expectations of members through a structured global network.