Over at Franchise Business Review, Michelle Rowan spends a lot of time analyzing the franchise industry and watching big change happen over time. In 2021 she watched the IFA’s annual convention — the biggest gathering of industry insiders all year — pivot to a fully digital format in just a few months. It was a major feat, and from the outside eye pretty dazzling to watch. 

“This convention took a village,” Rowan said. To the IFA suppliers, franchisors and franchisees who contributed, she added: “Really well done.” 

IFA’s Annual Convention is franchising’s biggest event for business development and personal growth. Usually, it’s held in a big convention center in Florida or Las Vegas but this year the entire industry gathered digitally on a platform that Philip Schram from Buffalo Wings & Rings, described in two words: “Beyond expectations.” 

“It allowed me to get rich content and some decent interactions,” Schram said. “It is not as good as an in-person conference, but it is likely the best that can be done due to the pandemic.”

IFA 2021’s fully online convention was the “next best to being in-person” according to Liz Colon, CFE and Regional Operations Manager of Home Franchise Concepts and Jim Atkinson, VP of Franchising at Sport Clips, enjoyed the IFA 2021 experience and confirmed that connecting with the franchise industry is valuable and fulfilling whether it’s online, hybrid or on a convention show floor.

“Well done, IFA. Nothing replaces in-person but you did an outstanding job with the content in this format,” he said. 

First-Time Reactions

Candace Lynch, Director of New Business, OnePoint Franchise Accounting, experienced IFA’s convention for the first time this year and felt connected to the community even though she had the experience in a nontraditional atmosphere. Whether you’re a franchising veteran or just starting out, there are sessions designed for everyone at the IFA convention.  

“Really enjoyed my first IFA event,” Lynch said. “Thank you to those I have met that made me feel so welcome.” 

Personal Highs 

Seven years ago, IFA started offering an Emerging Franchisor event that puts people eye to eye with industry-famous franchisors. It’s a chance to get been-there advice from some of the masters, and the online experience proved to be powerful. 

Ram Katalan, CFE, Co-Founder & CEO, NorthStar Moving Company even called it awesome. “I can’t believe it: The one and only Mr. Gordon Logan was my mentor during the Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp,” said Katalan. “I never in a million years thought I would get to spend over three hours of such close conversation with this legendary icon.” 

Stories of Resilience

The year 2020 was challenging for a lot of ways and for a lot of companies. Shannon Wilburn, CFE, CEO & Co-Founder of Just Between Friends makes no secret about struggle to stay afloat in turbulent times, and was relieved to hear real-life stories from other franchisors who not only survived but figured out how to thrive. 

“I’m so thankful to hear these stories of resilience,” she said. “While it was hard for our brand to make it through 2020 we are still here and love these key takeaways from brands that succeeded through the trials.” 

At the convention, longtime franchise icon Jerry Crawford was named to the Hall of Fame and won the prestigious William Rosenberg Foundation Leadership Award. As Mary Thompson, CFE, COO of Neighborly said, Crawford leaves a “lasting impact on franchising.” 

Shannon Wilburn is known throughout the industry as someone you can go to for encouraging advice or a barebones strategy talk — she can do it all. This year, she won the Bonny LeVine Award for her years of industry influence. 

“No one deserves this more! Definitely a top role model in the industry. Beyond the great leadership she provides her own company, Shannon gives selflessly to support other franchisors through a listening ear or a helping hand,” said Karissa Johnson, CEO of Moms On The Run. 

On social media people had a lot of good things to say about IFA 2021, too. “Shout out to @Franchising411 for their hard work in putting on the #IFA2021 Convention!”  @Location3 posted. “It’s our favorite event of the year, and we can’t wait until 2022!”

Looking Forward to More! 

Save the Date! IFA’s 2022 Annual Convention will be held February 26-March 1, 2022 in San Diego, CA! 

Missed out this year and want to catch up on all the hype? IFA 2021 has on-demand content available through May 2021.