Countdown to Convention

Franchising’s future starts with us.

It’s almost here! The biggest event of the year, IFA’s Annual Convention is next month. Our lineup is jam-packed with amazing speakers, sessions and activities catered specifically to our members’ needs and interests. We’re helping you Countdown to Convention with highlights to get you ready for our premier event.

1. Read Your Personalized Agenda

IFA’s Annual Convention offers a wide array of sessions and events and we’ve narrowed down your options by focus tracks to maximize your time. We’ve created specific schedules for you based on your interests and field within franchising. The agendas included are: C-Suite, Emerging Franchisor, Field Support, Franchisee/Operator, Franchise Relations, Franchise Development, International, Marketing & Innovation and Operations. Visit franchise.org/convention/agendas-by-track to see your personalized schedule! 

2. Speakers

We’re so excited for this year’s speakers. IFA 2020’s keynote speaker is best-selling author and motivational speaker, Simon Sinek. He’ll be taking the stage on Sunday, February 9, with a discussion on how to find the best version of yourself and gain a deeper understanding of the workplace, personal connections and how both factors shift product outcome. On Monday, February 10, you’ll hear from KFC’s President and Chief Concept Officer, Kevin Hochman, who will talk about his role in the return of Colonel Sanders and how to re-establish brand values and goals. IFA Chair David Barr will join both speakers to discuss key takeaways for franchisors and franchisees. Don’t miss our closing keynote speaker, author and former NFL player Trent Shelton. He’ll have you leaving Convention with deep insights on how to take past hardships and turn them into positive plays in your professional career. This is only a fraction of our great lineup of speakers — click here to read up on more.

3. Expand Your Knowledge

You’ll be able to choose from over 50 educational sessions this year, including a series of intensive summits on Sunday, February 9, where attendees will learn the threats to franchising, financial strategies, growth barriers and more. We’ll also have our popular Learning Labs with topics focused on bettering the future of your brand, profitability and success, how to attract multi-unit franchisees and more. These sessions will be jam-packed with new information you can take back to your business.

4. Never-Ending Networking

Get ready for your network to grow. Meet new contacts and form connections with other franchise professionals every day of Convention. With events such as our New Member & First-Time Attendee Workshop, Business Solution Roundtables and our closing night out at The Bash, there are endless opportunities to network and form new relationships. An added perk this year? We’ll have designated areas for attendees to network and have sit-down discussions.

5. Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp

The 2020 Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is designed to provide practical value and networking that kick starts your learning. Participants will hear from the leaders of the industry that will share their, “mistakes I’ve made as a franchisor.”  Also included in the Bootcamp is the peer and mentor input that will help solve business issues emerging franchisor attendees bring to the table.

6. Disney World Discount

IFA is offering exclusive deals on Walt Disney World tickets for Convention attendees. Get discounted tickets, with offers including partial-day tickets, multi-day tickets, FastPasses and so much more! Whether you’re looking for a one of a kind experience or a magical vacation with your family, take advantage of this great deal and all that Disney has to offer.

7. New This Year

We’ve added some new events we know attendees will love. Convention will have its own gaming app with 1Huddle, where attendees can compete against their peers, a Brand Pride Gear Day, where we encourage you to wear something with your company’s logo and an exclusive new Franchise Sales Summit. You can also participate in a nine-hole round at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, a championship course that offers a scenic background, or improve your strength and flexibility by attending morning yoga or our new group exercise bootcamp. 

So, what are you waiting for? IFA 2020 is set to be an amazing experience for all members of the franchising world. For more details, including a full listing of sessions, opportunities and new events, visit franchise.org/convention.