Washington , DC 20004
United States
At the Leadership Summit, join an intimate group of C-level executives, franchisees, and industry suppliers to hear directly from our nation’s leading policymakers, as well as highlight the launch of IFA’s Open for Opportunity Campaign. We will unveil the results of our first-ever Franchise Census data to the public, as well as updates from industry leaders and high-level elected officials from Capitol Hill & the administration on critical topics including important legislative updates, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, new partnerships with educational institutions to increase franchise awareness for the next generation and more.
Following the Leadership Summit, the reimagined Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting will harness franchising’s strength in numbers in a Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill. Our advocacy power was proven in 2020 as our sector fought for critical relief programs, like franchising’s inclusion in the Paycheck Protection Program. However, many headwinds remain to a full recovery that could put franchisee equity and ownership opportunities at risk, such as the critical labor shortage and existential threats to the business model like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Registration* is now open - invited guests should check their emails for a link to register! If you are a member of the IFA, please use your login name and password to register. If you do not have one, you will need to create a profile to register. Should you need help with your log in, password, or profile, please email [email protected]. If you have any other questions or need help registering please contact, [email protected].
*The registration fee only covers a portion of food and beverage costs. Sessions do not have a fee.
With over two decades experience in public policy, business and the law, Bruce helps leaders and organizations understand, anticipate and navigate political risk.
Speaker: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Speaker: Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Speakers: Jeff Hanscom, Vice President, State Government Relations & Public Policy, IFA; Suzanne Beall, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy and Counsel, IFA; Michael Layman, Vice President, Federal Government Relations, IFA
Hear from Ambassador Bolton as he shares his deep experience in Washington DC, politics, international relations, foreign affairs, and national security.
Speaker: Ambassador John R. Bolton, Former U.S. National Security Advisor and Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Attendees will split into breakouts discussing below hot topics regarding increased operating pressures at the franchisee level. Attendees will then come back to the main room for a debrief.
Labor Challenges - Recruiting strategies and Creative compensation packages
Supply Chain Challenges and Inflation at the back door - how to minimize the impacts of increased costs to operators
Banking Fees climbing as cashless transactions increase
Speaker: Tamra Kennedy, Franchisee Owner-Taco John's, Twin City TJ's, Inc. and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Understanding the near term and long term consequences of the pandemic on the franchise business model.
Speaker: Darrell Johnson, CFE, Chief Executive Officer, FRANdata
Political strategist Bruce Mehlman’s strategic analyses of trends in politics, policy & business are eagerly-anticipated by business, government and investment leaders around the world, often reaching more than 100,000 readers. (Showtime’s Mark McKinnon says “there’s nobody better qualified in this town and more respected to talk about the intersection of politics, policy & economics than Bruce Mehlman,” while a CEO fan of his famous PowerPoints quipped “it’s as if Mary Meeker & Karl Rove had a Super Baby.”) A renown public speaker & frequent television commentator, Mehlman will share his latest insights on the key trends in politics & policy relevant to your businesses in 2021, with a look towards 2022 and what we might expect in technology, trade and elections.
Speaker: Bruce Mehlman, Founding Partner, Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas
Hear an update on enhancements and innovations to reimagine the 2022 IFA Convention. Attendees will have an opportunity to share feedback and advise IFA what would compel brands to send their entire team to the Convention.
Speaker: Jennifer Brandeen, Chief Revenue Office, International Franchise Association
Speaker: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Please join us for a reception sponsored by IFA’s political action committee FranPAC. All attendees are invited to join. To do so, for Federal Election Commission (FEC) purposes, please text FAN21 to 52886 and fill out the form. Note: We will not have a wine auction during this time because of extenuating circumstances but look forward to a virtual fundraiser later in the year.
This optional activity will be offered complimentary to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
2.5 Hour Tour departing at 7:30 PM From 1001 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, (0.3 miles from JW Marriott). Explore the famous monuments and memorials of DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation's capital while traveling past each point of interest. 15 stops total - returns to the same location as departure.
Speakers: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Join IFA and franchise leaders in a special signing ceremony of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Partnership Challenge. Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) created the Challenge in 2017 to strengthen public-private relationships with HBCUs to ensure the schools’ future sustainability, increase career prospects for their students, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within all sectors.
Moderator: Earsa R. Jackson, CFE, Member, Clark Hill Strasburger Speakers: Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC); Ron Busby, CEO, US Black Chambers, Inc
Senator Manchin, time and time again, has proven his leadership skills and courage to work across the aisle and find common ground in Washington, DC, most recently with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. Senator Manchin, a former small business person himself, will share how Republicans and Democrats can find commonsense solutions to the challenges facing franchise businesses, workers, families and communities across America.
Speaker: Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV); Larry Puccio, Owner, FASTSIGNS, White Hall, West Virginia
Education is one of the most vital elements to turn a franchise opportunity into long-term success. The International Franchise Association has long been committed to providing best practices and credentialed standards directly through our Certified Franchise Executive program and extensive IFA educational programming. We are also honored to collaborate with a growing number of colleges and universities who recognize the value of providing franchise-focused education to cultivate the pipeline of future franchise leaders; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising; invest in the long-term health and viability of the franchise business model; and demonstrate to the public and key stakeholders that franchising is an empowering path forward for many who may not otherwise find success as small business owners.
This session will be discussing exciting advancements and extensive investments in the state of franchise education and its role in raising awareness of the franchise business model.
Moderator: Rikki Amos, Executive Director, IFA Foundation
Speakers: Tariq Farid, CFE, Founder & CEO, Edible Brands; Wanda Williams, Head, Global Franchising, Yum! Brands, Inc; Shelly Sun, CFE, BrightStar Franchising, LLC
Hear important GOP perspective from a combat veteran with one of the largest social media followings in Congress — Congressman Dan Crenshaw. A retired Navy SEAL, Crenshaw bravely served five deployments overseas. After an IED blast changed his life forever, leaving him partially blind, Crenshaw medically retired in 2016 and he won election to represent the people of Texas’s Second Congressional District in 2018.
Speaker: Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)
In the 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic slammed into the United States, few industries have been as hard hit as gyms and hotels. With the country reopening and the economy coming back online, these sectors still need relief, but the message is becoming harder and harder to deliver. In this session, we will dive into the current landscape for the fitness and hotel sectors and hear what relief is still needed and how Congress can help bring both sectors back to full strength.
Moderator: Brian Crawford, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, American Hotel and Lodging Association
Speakers: Dave Mortensen, President & Co-Founder, Self Esteem Brands; David Pepper, Chief Development Officer, Choice Hotels International; Tom Epstein, CFE, Franchisee Owner, Cycle Bar
Spin-Free News of the Day from a ‘Simple Country Pundit.’ Chris Stirewalt tells it like it is and isn’t afraid to draw on his now-famous ‘Stirewaltisms’ to get his point across. From hammering the “malarkey” unfolding in the Senate as Republicans pushed for a health care overhaul to advising presidential nominees to “suit up and show up,” Stirewalt is known for his singular way of reporting the news: tell-it-like-it-is commentary infused with first-hand anecdotes, hilarious phrasing, and smart insight. Humble and larger than life, Stirewalt’s gregarious persona keeps audiences engaged while delivering a succinct overview of our current political climate and a deep dive into issues that matter to his audience now, including analyzing races, breaking down what’s happening on Capitol Hill, taking apart legislative battles, and offering a bird’s eye view of what’s to come in politics.
Speakers: Chris Stirewalt, Popular Political Analyst & Commentator and Best-Selling Author; John Crawford, CEO & President, Jani-King International, Inc.
Administration officials will provide an important update on priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, including actions to control the COVID-19 pandemic, provide economic relief, advance racial equity and civil rights, promote American competitiveness locally and globally, and strengthen U.S. national security.
Speakers: Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); Richard Snow, VP SBA National Franchise Relations, WSFS Bank, Ambassador, IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council
The Honorable Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce will share inside perspective on the agency’s efforts to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery from the COIV-19 pandemic through major legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and American Rescue Plan.
Speaker: Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce
Join the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), who have the courage to work across the aisle and find common ground in Washington, DC. Listen to these elected leaders who find real world solutions to the challenges facing businesses, workers, families and communities across America.
Speakers: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA); Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
The IFA is excited to discuss a first-of-its-kind survey of over 3,500 franchise owners that tells the true story of the franchise business model. Produced by Oxford Economics and highlighted during the Open for Opportunity campaign, the “Franchise Census” yielded results that reveal the local and national economic contributions of franchising and show that the faces of franchising are as diverse as our businesses. In this panel, you will hear about how franchising generates meaningful jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities that lead to stability and wealth for the stakeholders of the franchise community.
Moderator: Michael Layman, VP, Federal Government Relations, IFA
Speakers: Hamilton Galloway, Head of Consultancy, Americas, Oxford Economics; Jyoti Sarolia, Past Chairman, Choice Hotels Owners Council and Franchise Owner, Choice Hotels International; Tamra Kennedy, Franchisee Owner-Taco John's, Twin City TJ's, Inc.
Speaker: Matt Haller, President & CEO, International Franchise Association
IFA is reimagining the traditional Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting due to Covid & security restrictions on the Hill. While some meetings will be in the Capitol, others are likely to be off-site in Washington, D.C.
Small group dinners have been organized at a variety of restaurants in The Wharf neighborhood of DC. Tables will be hosted either by a sponsor or IFA Leadership. Pre-registration is required.
Lunch provided
IFA will ask Members to participate in a range of virtual activities including sending emails and participating in social media campaigns to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill. As always, we will make sure you are equipped with the tools and talking points you need to ensure the franchising community is heard at this critical moment
Speaker: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Speaker: Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Speakers: Jeff Hanscom, Vice President, State Government Relations & Public Policy, IFA; Suzanne Beall, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy and Counsel, IFA; Michael Layman, Vice President, Federal Government Relations, IFA
Hear from Ambassador Bolton as he shares his deep experience in Washington DC, politics, international relations, foreign affairs, and national security.
Speaker: Ambassador John R. Bolton, Former U.S. National Security Advisor and Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Attendees will split into breakouts discussing below hot topics regarding increased operating pressures at the franchisee level. Attendees will then come back to the main room for a debrief.
Labor Challenges - Recruiting strategies and Creative compensation packages
Supply Chain Challenges and Inflation at the back door - how to minimize the impacts of increased costs to operators
Banking Fees climbing as cashless transactions increase
Speaker: Tamra Kennedy, Franchisee Owner-Taco John's, Twin City TJ's, Inc. and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Understanding the near term and long term consequences of the pandemic on the franchise business model.
Speaker: Darrell Johnson, CFE, Chief Executive Officer, FRANdata
Political strategist Bruce Mehlman’s strategic analyses of trends in politics, policy & business are eagerly-anticipated by business, government and investment leaders around the world, often reaching more than 100,000 readers. (Showtime’s Mark McKinnon says “there’s nobody better qualified in this town and more respected to talk about the intersection of politics, policy & economics than Bruce Mehlman,” while a CEO fan of his famous PowerPoints quipped “it’s as if Mary Meeker & Karl Rove had a Super Baby.”) A renown public speaker & frequent television commentator, Mehlman will share his latest insights on the key trends in politics & policy relevant to your businesses in 2021, with a look towards 2022 and what we might expect in technology, trade and elections.
Speaker: Bruce Mehlman, Founding Partner, Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas
Hear an update on enhancements and innovations to reimagine the 2022 IFA Convention. Attendees will have an opportunity to share feedback and advise IFA what would compel brands to send their entire team to the Convention.
Speaker: Jennifer Brandeen, Chief Revenue Office, International Franchise Association
Speaker: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Please join us for a reception sponsored by IFA’s political action committee FranPAC. All attendees are invited to join. To do so, for Federal Election Commission (FEC) purposes, please text FAN21 to 52886 and fill out the form. Note: We will not have a wine auction during this time because of extenuating circumstances but look forward to a virtual fundraiser later in the year.
This optional activity will be offered complimentary to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
2.5 Hour Tour departing at 7:30 PM From 1001 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, (0.3 miles from JW Marriott). Explore the famous monuments and memorials of DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation's capital while traveling past each point of interest. 15 stops total - returns to the same location as departure.
Speakers: Catherine Monson, CFE, IFA Chair and President & CEO, Propelled Brands and Leadership Summit Co-Chair
Join IFA and franchise leaders in a special signing ceremony of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Partnership Challenge. Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) created the Challenge in 2017 to strengthen public-private relationships with HBCUs to ensure the schools’ future sustainability, increase career prospects for their students, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within all sectors.
Moderator: Earsa R. Jackson, CFE, Member, Clark Hill Strasburger Speakers: Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC); Ron Busby, CEO, US Black Chambers, Inc
Senator Manchin, time and time again, has proven his leadership skills and courage to work across the aisle and find common ground in Washington, DC, most recently with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. Senator Manchin, a former small business person himself, will share how Republicans and Democrats can find commonsense solutions to the challenges facing franchise businesses, workers, families and communities across America.
Speaker: Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV); Larry Puccio, Owner, FASTSIGNS, White Hall, West Virginia
Education is one of the most vital elements to turn a franchise opportunity into long-term success. The International Franchise Association has long been committed to providing best practices and credentialed standards directly through our Certified Franchise Executive program and extensive IFA educational programming. We are also honored to collaborate with a growing number of colleges and universities who recognize the value of providing franchise-focused education to cultivate the pipeline of future franchise leaders; advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in franchising; invest in the long-term health and viability of the franchise business model; and demonstrate to the public and key stakeholders that franchising is an empowering path forward for many who may not otherwise find success as small business owners.
This session will be discussing exciting advancements and extensive investments in the state of franchise education and its role in raising awareness of the franchise business model.
Moderator: Rikki Amos, Executive Director, IFA Foundation
Speakers: Tariq Farid, CFE, Founder & CEO, Edible Brands; Wanda Williams, Head, Global Franchising, Yum! Brands, Inc; Shelly Sun, CFE, BrightStar Franchising, LLC
Hear important GOP perspective from a combat veteran with one of the largest social media followings in Congress — Congressman Dan Crenshaw. A retired Navy SEAL, Crenshaw bravely served five deployments overseas. After an IED blast changed his life forever, leaving him partially blind, Crenshaw medically retired in 2016 and he won election to represent the people of Texas’s Second Congressional District in 2018.
Speaker: Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)
In the 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic slammed into the United States, few industries have been as hard hit as gyms and hotels. With the country reopening and the economy coming back online, these sectors still need relief, but the message is becoming harder and harder to deliver. In this session, we will dive into the current landscape for the fitness and hotel sectors and hear what relief is still needed and how Congress can help bring both sectors back to full strength.
Moderator: Brian Crawford, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, American Hotel and Lodging Association
Speakers: Dave Mortensen, President & Co-Founder, Self Esteem Brands; David Pepper, Chief Development Officer, Choice Hotels International; Tom Epstein, CFE, Franchisee Owner, Cycle Bar
Spin-Free News of the Day from a ‘Simple Country Pundit.’ Chris Stirewalt tells it like it is and isn’t afraid to draw on his now-famous ‘Stirewaltisms’ to get his point across. From hammering the “malarkey” unfolding in the Senate as Republicans pushed for a health care overhaul to advising presidential nominees to “suit up and show up,” Stirewalt is known for his singular way of reporting the news: tell-it-like-it-is commentary infused with first-hand anecdotes, hilarious phrasing, and smart insight. Humble and larger than life, Stirewalt’s gregarious persona keeps audiences engaged while delivering a succinct overview of our current political climate and a deep dive into issues that matter to his audience now, including analyzing races, breaking down what’s happening on Capitol Hill, taking apart legislative battles, and offering a bird’s eye view of what’s to come in politics.
Speakers: Chris Stirewalt, Popular Political Analyst & Commentator and Best-Selling Author; John Crawford, CEO & President, Jani-King International, Inc.
Administration officials will provide an important update on priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, including actions to control the COVID-19 pandemic, provide economic relief, advance racial equity and civil rights, promote American competitiveness locally and globally, and strengthen U.S. national security.
Speakers: Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); Richard Snow, VP SBA National Franchise Relations, WSFS Bank, Ambassador, IFA Black Franchise Leadership Council
The Honorable Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce will share inside perspective on the agency’s efforts to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery from the COIV-19 pandemic through major legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and American Rescue Plan.
Speaker: Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce
Join the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), who have the courage to work across the aisle and find common ground in Washington, DC. Listen to these elected leaders who find real world solutions to the challenges facing businesses, workers, families and communities across America.
Speakers: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA); Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
The IFA is excited to discuss a first-of-its-kind survey of over 3,500 franchise owners that tells the true story of the franchise business model. Produced by Oxford Economics and highlighted during the Open for Opportunity campaign, the “Franchise Census” yielded results that reveal the local and national economic contributions of franchising and show that the faces of franchising are as diverse as our businesses. In this panel, you will hear about how franchising generates meaningful jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities that lead to stability and wealth for the stakeholders of the franchise community.
Moderator: Michael Layman, VP, Federal Government Relations, IFA
Speakers: Hamilton Galloway, Head of Consultancy, Americas, Oxford Economics; Jyoti Sarolia, Past Chairman, Choice Hotels Owners Council and Franchise Owner, Choice Hotels International; Tamra Kennedy, Franchisee Owner-Taco John's, Twin City TJ's, Inc.
Speaker: Matt Haller, President & CEO, International Franchise Association
IFA is reimagining the traditional Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting due to Covid & security restrictions on the Hill. While some meetings will be in the Capitol, others are likely to be off-site in Washington, D.C.
Small group dinners have been organized at a variety of restaurants in The Wharf neighborhood of DC. Tables will be hosted either by a sponsor or IFA Leadership. Pre-registration is required.
Lunch provided
IFA will ask Members to participate in a range of virtual activities including sending emails and participating in social media campaigns to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill. As always, we will make sure you are equipped with the tools and talking points you need to ensure the franchising community is heard at this critical moment
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States
To contact the IFA Conferences Department, please email
[email protected] or call 202-662-0763.
