Industry Trends Track Agenda - IFA 2023 Annual Convention
We want you at the most important franchising event of the year – the IFA’s 2023 Annual Convention.
With over 50 compelling sessions and countless networking opportunities, figuring out your daily game plan can quickly become overwhelming. And you’re probably thinking…what’s in it for me?
As a franchise industry leader, this recommended schedule is a great place to get started with determining how to spend your time and get the most value out of your investment in joining us this February.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Concurrent CFE Special Sessions
Whether you're a new CFE Candidate or a current CFE working towards recertification, CFE Special Sessions give you the opportunity to gain hundreds of CFE Education Credits in a short period of time. During the two-day Special Sessions, you're in store for a wealth of knowledge through engaging courses. Want to learn more about becoming a Certified Franchise Executive, the industry gold standard? Click here.
7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Concurrent CFE Special Sessions
Whether you're a new CFE Candidate or a current CFE working towards recertification, CFE Special Sessions give you the opportunity to gain hundreds of CFE Education Credits in a short period of time. During the two-day Special Sessions, you're in store for a wealth of knowledge through engaging courses. Want to learn more about becoming a Certified Franchise Executive, the industry gold standard? Click here.
11:30 AM - 3:45 PM Annual Leadership Conference
Leadership Evolution: Adopting a state of mind to rethink, reinvent and stay relevant
This conference will focus on your commitment to continuous growth. Learn how to accelerate climates of innovative learning and development within service to your stakeholders, community, and business. Additional fee applies.
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM New Member & First-Time Attendee Briefing and Reception (Sponsored by Benetrends)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 2023 Opening Reception
Join us and Cheers! as we kick off the start of IFA’s 2023 Convention with a bang! Don’t miss this first opportunity to network with your peers.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM New Member & First-Time Attendee Dine Arounds with Board Members
Need help taking the first step in forging new business relationships? New this year, IFA will be creating 2 small groups of 10 to dine at a nearby restaurant. Get a taste of Las Vegas while creating bonds with your fellow attendees. Open to New IFA Members or First-Time Convention Attendees Only. Additional fee applies.
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Registration Desk Open
6:30 AM - 7:45 AM Prayer Breakfast
A non-denominational event, the Prayer Breakfast is a great way to start the day with music, reflection, inspirational speakers and food for both body and mind. Additional signup required.
7:45 AM - 10:15 AM Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp
The 2023 Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is designed to provide practical value and networking that kick starts your learning. Participants once again will learn from the best in franchising through an opening presentation featuring David Barr, Chairman, PMTD Restaurants LLC; Managing Director & Partner, Franworth, followed by the centerpiece of the Bootcamp - peer and mentor input to solve business issues emerging franchisor attendees bring to the table. This input not only guides participants towards overcoming their discussed business issue but also helps them more effectively choose Convention sessions and events that will further help them solve important issues. The lineup of mentors includes a “who’s who” in franchising, and this access lasts long after the 2023 IFA Convention. This is an opportunity to connect with road-tested leaders who have been in your shoes and can help you navigate business issues and resources available to you. This isn’t a show up and just listen kind of session. In order to maximize the value and experience at this Bootcamp, participants are expected to come prepared to share their issue, discuss others, and problem-solve together. Additional fee applies.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Opening General Session
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Networking Lunch with Exhibitors (Community Service Project Begins)
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions
We recommend you attend the below educational session during this time.
Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT, AI, and Machine Learning to Drive Growth and Operational Efficiencies in your Franchise System.
Launched late last year, ChatGPT has achieved the fastest user growth of any technology in the history of humanity (more than 1 million new users in the first week). Learn from a panel of industry-experts as they share real-world examples of how franchisors are leveraging these new technologies in marketing, sales, franchise development, customer service, franchise support and more.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables
(Two 40-minute rounds, same facilitator and topic each round)
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM CFE Celebration with 2023 Graduates
Whether you are a current CFE or celebrating your graduation this year, join us to network with others who have achieved the designation and toast to those who have just completed! Open to all current CFEs and the graduating classes of 2022 & 2023 only.
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Veterans' Reception (Hosted by IFA Foundations, Sponsored by SportClips)
7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Registration Desk Open
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors (Community Service project continues)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions
We recommend you attend the below educational session during this time.
C-Suite Think Tank & Forum Exchange
This session is limited to Franchisor CEOs, Presidents, and COOs. During this session attendees will deep dive into discussion (s) around Leaderships initiatives and procedures which navigated their brand (s) through the last several years and how these procedures and initiatives have changed or have been enhanced moving into 2023 and beyond. We will have 20 round tables with ‘C’ Suite facilitators offering all attendees an opportunity to engage with leadership of other franchise systems. After table deliberation, the sessions Moderator will facilitate each table assigned spokesperson to share the issue (s) discussion and more importantly strategies in solving or elevating their system.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables
(Two 40-minute rounds, same facilitator and topic each round)
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Networking Lunch with Exhibitors
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions
We recommend you attend the below educational session during this time.
Structuring a Platform Company for Vertical & Lateral Success
Platforms and holding companies are increasingly the norm in franchising. This panel will explore the various ways that platforms structure their HQ teams for efficiency, while also providing the best support for franchisee success.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM Afternoon Beverage Break
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM General Session
4:15 PM - 6:15 PM IFA Exhibit Hall Block Party
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Franchisee of the Year Celebration
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM IFA Unplugged
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM Registration Desk Open
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions
We recommend you attend the below educational session during this time.
Social Change to Virtual Brands: Systems are adapting to change.
Labor, Customers and investors are considering the impact of major factors on your brands. Do you have a strategy and approach? What are the factors you should consider when making a decision on your position?
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Break
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Closing General Session
12:00 PM Conference Officially Adjourns