International Franchise Association Kicks Off 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego Feb. 26-March 1
Over 3,200 attendees to discuss the future of franchising and opportunities for growth; Will feature Shaq, Vernice “Flygirl” Armour, franchise brand leaders, and more
SAN DIEGO (Feb. 26, 2022) – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today kicked off its 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego, CA, running through March 1. The meeting is the premier event for the franchising sector, gathering thousands of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers in-person for the first time in two years.
“We couldn’t be more excited to finally gather the franchising community together,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “There is much on the table to discuss – from continued economic recovery, to supply chain and labor challenges, yet historic growth through it all. Franchising is open for opportunity, and the future of the industry is bright.”
Featured speakers over the weekend include: NBA legend and franchising leader Shaquille O’Neal, Inspire Brands CEO Paul Brown, Self Esteem Brand’s David Mortensen, America’s first black female combat pilot Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, author and workforce innovator Seth Mattison, IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller, lawmakers, brand leaders, and more.
This year’s convention, themed, “Create Community. Power Opportunity. Transform Tomorrow,” will highlight franchising’s impact on the nation’s economic recovery, policy proposals impacting the business model, and discussions about opportunities for the future of the industry.
IFA’s recent 2022 Franchising Economic Outlook showed that the industry is leading the nation’s economic recovery, with historic growth across all sectors. The data indicates 2022 will be another strong year for job and wage growth in the dynamic, local-focused franchising industry. The convention will also host the first stop of IFA’s recently launched, multi-year campaign, “Open for Opportunity,” focuses on telling the stories of franchising as it pertains to veterans, communities, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Media must be registered to attend. Please email Katherine Patterson at [email protected] to register or schedule an interview.
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Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 775,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.2 million direct jobs, $787.7 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.
IFA will be following all state and local COVID-19 protocol. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter. As of Feb. 15, 2022, masks are not required for vaccinated individuals.