Vertica Franchise Partner Conference 2026
Get ready for Tucson.
Back to Purple. Back to Purpose.
Our 2026 theme is Back to Purple, Back to Purpose — a return to what makes us us, our mission. Come ready to learn and open your hearts as we recommit to what makes us unstoppable. Everything below is here so you can arrive prepared and focused on exactly that.
Schedule at a glance
Plan to work hard — and be flexible with scheduling.
Day 1 · Thursday, October 1
- 3:00–5:00 PMConference content and kickoff
- 5:00–6:30 PMWelcome dinner at Epazote (included)
- 7:00 PMMain event: keynote speaker Jen Conkey, joining us on Zoom
- Around 9 PM or laterNight One experience — we'll wrap around 9 PM or later. This evening sets the theme for the whole weekend, so plan to stay flexible.
Days 2 & 3 · Friday & Saturday, October 2–3
- 9:00 AMWe start — be ready to go
- 12:00 PMLunch (included, plated — see menu below)
- 6:00 PMWe wrap for the day
Expect full days. Sessions, speakers, and times may shift — we appreciate your flexibility.
Dress code
Wear what empowers you — casual or fancy, your choice. Expect some movement during sessions, and bring layers: the desert sun is warm, but meeting rooms and evenings run cool.
A note on alcohol at dinner
Alcohol at the welcome dinner is self-paid. We suggest skipping it or keeping it light — we'll be working in the evening, and you'll want to be fully present for it.
Come prepared
What to bring with you
We'll be working on your business, not just in it — so bring your numbers. A few things to have on hand:
Your numbers
- Funnel numbersBring your funnel conversion numbers so we can dig into what's working and where the opportunities are.
- P & LBring your P & L for 2025 and for January–July 2026.
Don't worry if you don't have everything — we'll help you grab your funnel numbers at conference, and you can finish your P & L after conference if you need to. Just come ready to look at your business honestly.
What about Zoom?
We will be attempting to Zoom —but internet at the facility may be limited and not all working sessions will be Zoom sessions. We are excited to have some franchisees join us virtually. However, the conference is optimized for the in person experience.
Meals
What we're eating
Dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Days 2 and 3 are included with your registration. If you listed dietary restrictions when you registered, the resort already has them.
Day 1 dinner · Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails
Thursday, October 1 · 5:00–6:30 PM · entrée choice served plated
To start
Southwest Caesar Salad GF available
Romaine · Roasted tomatoes · Cotija cheese · Focaccia croutons · Guajillo Caesar dressing
Entrée — choose one
Herb Seared Salmon GF
Piquillo coulis · Asparagus · Herb roasted spaghetti squash
Beef Short Rib GF
Creamy shiitake mushroom risotto · Braised carrots · Demi glaze
Smoked Marinara Pasta Vegetarian
Fettuccini · Shallots · Garlic · Manchego · Rosemary · Grilled focaccia bread
Dessert
Roasted Pineapple Cheesecake GF
Greek yogurt cheesecake · Roasted vanilla bean pineapples · Salted coconut graham crust · Tropical gel · Micro mint
Days 2 & 3 lunch · El Conquistador
Friday & Saturday · served 12:00–1:30 PM · the same menu both days
Executive plated lunch — choose your entrée by 10:00 AM each morning (your team will take your choice). Selecting more than one item incurs additional charges. Includes assorted petit desserts and your choice of coffee, decaf, or iced tea.
Soup & Salad
Cup of house-made posole with a house salad — mixed greens, shaved carrots, roasted tomato, cucumber, watermelon radish, toasted pepitas, citrus agave or ranch
Caesar Poblano
Romaine, Parmesan, focaccia croutons, toasted pepitas, Poblano Caesar
Southwest Salad
Mixed greens, roasted tomato, roasted corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, egg, cotija, chipotle ranch
All American Burger MR / MW
Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, brioche bun, cheddar cheese, French fries · Beyond burger and gluten-free bun available
Chicken Quesadilla
Mexican cheese blend, avocado crema, pico de gallo
Ruben Sandwich
Pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, 1000 island, marble rye, pickle, French fries
BLTA
Bacon, tomato, avocado, spring mix, Calabrian aioli, blended cheese, basil tomato tortilla, pickle, French fries
El Con Bowl Vegan
Marinated mushroom, rice, corn, black bean, poblano, avocado, pico de gallo, cashew chipotle crema
Other meals are on your own— the resort has multiple dining options, and Oro Valley is minutes away.
Weather & travel
Getting here and what to pack
Tucson weather, October 1–3
Early October in Tucson is typically sunny and dry — daytime highs in the 80s°F (upper 20s°C) with evenings in the 60s°F (mid-teens °C). The sun is strong at 2,700 feet, and indoor meeting rooms run cool. Bring a refillable water bottle, a light jacket or layers, and your laptop if you would like.
Traveling to Tucson
- The resort is El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort — 10000 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, Arizona, about 30–35 minutes north of Tucson International Airport (TUS).
- Ride-share and rental cars are both easy from TUS. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is about a two-hour drive if you find a better fare.
- We recommend arriving Wednesday, September 30 — check in, settle in, and wake up Thursday without rushing through an airport.
- Book the conference group rate: $202 per night plus tax and a $15 resort fee. Rooms are limited — reserve soon from the button on the main page.
Come ready to learn. Open your hearts. Recommit to what makes us unstoppable.
Questions about registration, dietary needs, or travel? Reach out to Katrina at katrina@verticafitness.com.
October 1–3, 2026 · El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort · Back to Purple. Back to Purpose.