EVENT BROCHURE
TEAM FRANCHISING
HEADS TO LAS VEGAS
Position your players, strategize with your team, and get franchise-focused education at the 65th IFA Annual Convention. Use this multi-day huddle of franchising’s best to learn franchise-specific business development ideas, develop strategies for personal growth, and meet people who can coach you from here on out. Get to know fellow franchisors, build supplier relationships, and learn plays from the best at the IFA Annual Convention.
ATTENDEES
CONVENTION BY THE NUMBERS
GENERAL SESSIONS KEYNOTES
Networking Opportunities
YEARS OF IFA
EDUCATION SESSIONS
EDUCATION TRACKS
SPEAKERS VENDORS
BIG GAME WATCH PARTY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 3:30 PM
IFA is hosting a Big Game Watch Party in Las Vegas. Cheer on your favorites with Team Franchising at this end-of-season blowout. The Watch Party will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Doors open at 3:30 pm PDT, so come ready to root for your team! Claim your spot when you register for convention!
REGISTER/ADD THE WATCH PARTY
POKER TOURNAMENT
Sponsored by Buchalter
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 7:00 PM
Kick-off IFA’s return to Las Vegas and join us for the 2025 Buchalter/ IFA Annual Convention No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at the Mandalay Bay Poker Room. Buy-in: $100, with re-buys allowed.
50% of net proceeds will be donated to UMC Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas. The remaining 50% of net proceeds will be paid out in cash prizes to all final-table players.
REGISTER FOR POKER
REGISTER: Franchise.org/convention
IFA CONVENTION SPECIAL SESSIONS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
& THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13
Kickstart your IFA Convention experience on Monday, February 10, with a selection of dynamic half-day and full-day workshops designed to equip you with actionable insights and strategies to propel your franchise success. Whether you’re looking to harness AI to supercharge your brand, master financial coaching, or learn the art of effective field support, these sessions offer hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and expert-led discussions. Each workshop is packed with practical tools to enhance your leadership, optimize operations, and drive growth across your franchise system.
Then, on Thursday, February 13, wrap up the week with the game-changing session, “Profitable Growth through Multi-Unit Expansion,” where you’ll gain the skills and strategies to scale sustainably and unlock your franchise’s full potential.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, engage with experts, and walk away with actionable plans to elevate your franchise performance! Reserve your spot today and take your franchise journey to the next level!
REGISTER/ADD SPECIAL SESSIONS
SUPER SESSIONS
Two-hour keynote and attendee engagement sessions.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
The Leadership Leverage: Do What is Yours to Do
Most organizations struggle because leaders spend too much time doing the work of those below them, neglecting their own roles. This session empowers franchisees and their leadership teams to break the cycle, enabling every team member to excel in their role.
Speaker: Monica Rothgery, US Army Veteran & Former COO, KFC US
Mastering Sales Conversations: How to Address What Buyers are Really Thinking
Develop sales specific emotional intelligence and the competencies required to effectively manage the sales process, increase pipeline velocity, and improve your win probability.
The AI-Powered Franchise: Your Roadmap to 2025 and Beyond
Learn about the trends in AI from the leaders in AI.
Speaker: Nadia Carta, Head of Data Measurement & Analystics for WPP Agencies, Google
Succession Planning – have you thought what happens next?
Retirement or just a life transition, any business owner needs to prepare for what’s next. This workshop will help you to identify planning strategies and techniques.
Speaker: Indi Nandhra, MBA, Multi-Unit Franchisee, Mathnasium Math Learning Center, GA
IMMERSIVE WORKSHOPS
Three and a half hour hands on learning.
THURSDAY,
FEBRUARY 13
Get Scrappy:
Smarter Digital Marketing for Franchises Big and Small
When it comes to marketing, it’s the best of times and the worst of times. New media allows us to reach more people, build personal relationships, and deliver real value to our customers. However, budgets are tighter than ever and we’re constantly distracted by all of the shiny new things coming at us. The answer? Get scrappy. During this myth-busting and actionable talk, you’ll discover how getting scrappy can help you put your brains before your budget, do more with less, and simplify your marketing in today’s complex world.
Architecting a Market Leading AI Strategy Roadmap
We are at the point in the franchise industry where building out a powerful AI strategy roadmap is mandatory. In this interactive workshop, Scott Klososky will help participants learn how to develop a winning AI strategy, they will also do some of the work live during this session. Don’t miss this chance to ask questions, gain ideas, and collaborate with other leaders in order to build, or upgrade, your Synthetic Intelligence strategy.
Speaker: Scott Klososky, Partner, Future Point of View
Understanding the Stages of the Franchise Relationship
Brought to you by the three IFA Member Forums this workshop includes a keynote by Greg Nathan. This workshop will explore the life cycle of the franchise relationship. This workshop will delve in to each stage of franchising from the perspective of both franchisors and franchisees and provide tips and best practices for both franchisors and franchisees to navigate these predictable minefields successfully.
Speakers: Greg Nathan, Founder, Franchise Relationship Institute & IFA Forum Leaders
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Sunday | February 9
7:30 AM 5:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM 2:30 PM World Franchise Council Conference
9:00 AM 10:30 AM Finance Committee Meeting
10:30 AM 11:30 AM IFA Executive Committee Meeting
12:00 PM 3:00 PM IFA Board of Directors’ Meeting (Board Members and Past Chairs only)
3:30 PM 8:00 PM The Big Game Watch Party
7:00 PM 10:00 PM Poker Tournament Sponsored by Buchalter
Monday | February 10
7:00 AM 7:30 PM Registration
7:00 AM 7:30 PM Registration Lounge
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Franchisee Hospitality
CFE Special Sessions
9:00 AM 12:00 PM 3 Special Sessions (all 1/2 day)
9:00 AM 4:00 PM 4 Special Sessions (Full Day)
1:00 PM 4:00 PM 3 Special Sessions (all 1/2 day)
8:30 AM 9:30 AM Franchisee Forum Breakfast Meeting Honoring the 2024 Franchisee of the Year Award Winners
8:00 AM 12:00 PM Committee & Forum Meetings
11:30 AM 1:00 PM IFA Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting
REGISTER: Franchise.org/convention
REGISTER TODAY!
11:45 AM 4:00 PM Annual Leadership Conference **
2:00 PM 3:00 PM Legislative Action Group (LAG) Meeting
3:15 PM 4:15 PM New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception and Workshop
3:15 PM 4:15 PM FranPAC VIP Welcome
4:30 PM 6:30 PM Opening General Session
6:30 PM 8:00 PM Opening Reception in Exhibit Hall
7:00 PM 8:00 PM Franchisee of the Year Celebration
8:00 PM 9:30 PM Dine Arounds with Board Members and IFA Staff **
8:00 PM Vendor Events
Tuesday | February 11
6:00 AM 6:00 PM Registration
6:30 AM 7:45 AM Prayer Breakfast
7:00 AM 6:00 PM Registration Lounge
8:00 AM 5:00 PM International Lounge
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Franchisee Hospitality
7:30 AM 10:30 AM Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp
8:00 AM 10:00 AM Super Sessions
9:45 AM 10:30 AM New Supplier Member/First-Time Supplier Attendee Meet Up
10:00 AM 10:30 AM Morning Break in Registration Lounge
10:30 AM 12:00 PM General Session
12:00 PM 1:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Lunch
SCHEDULE AT A
12:15 PM 1:15PM IFA Past Chairs Lunch Meeting
1:30 PM 2:30 PM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions
1:30 PM 3:00 PM Franchisor Leadership Think Tank & Forum Exchange
2:30 PM 3:00 PM Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
3:00 PM 4:30 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables
4:30 PM 6:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Reception
5:30 PM 6:30 PM CFE Celebration w/ Graduates
6:30 PM 7:30 PM VetFran Reception (Open to all Attendees)
6:30 PM 7:30 PM Private Equity and Capital Solutions Reception (invite only)
6:30 PM 7:30 PM Diversity Institute Reception (Open to all Attendees)
6:30 PM 7:30 PM International Reception (Open to all International Attendees)
8:00 PM Vendor Events
Wednesday | February 12
7:00 AM 6:30 PM Registration
7:00 AM 6:30 PM Registration Lounge
8:00 AM 5:00 PM International Lounge
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Franchisee Hospitality
8:00 AM 9:00 AM Diversity Institute Meeting: Pride & Black Franchise Leadership, Hispanic & Latino Councils
9:00 AM 10:00 AM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions 10:00 AM 10:30 AM Morning Beverage Break in Registration lounge
10:30 AM 12:00 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables 12:00 PM 1:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Lunch 1:30 PM 2:30 PM Education Concurrent Breakout Sessions 2:30 PM 3:00 PM Afternoon Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
3:00 PM 4:30 PM General Session 4:30 PM 6:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Closing Reception 6:30 PM 7:30 PM FranPAC Happy Hour 7:30 PM 8:30 PM Franchise Ascension Initiative Celebration/Networking Event
Thursday | February 13
8:00 AM 9:00 AM Education Advisory Group Breakfast Meeting
8:00 AM 11:30 AM CFE Special Session ** 8:00 AM 11:30 AM Immersive Workshops 11:30 AM Convention Officially Adjourns ** Separate registration required
EDUCATION TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
Emerging Franchisor Finance
Ensuring Success and Growth: Planning for the Future
Future-Proof Your Franchise: The Power of Responsible Franchising for Sustainable Growth
Starting Off Right - Who and How to Recruit Your First 25 Franchisees
Beyond EBITDA: What Impacts Cashflow and Profitability
Funding Outlook - 2025 and Beyond
Responsible Ways to Capitalize Your Brand
Franchise Development
Using Technology to Scale Your Franchise Development Operations
Most Effective Franchisor Incentive Programs for Growth & Accelerating Opening
Sourcing FranDev Leads is Not a One Size Fits All Proposition
International
How to Make Your Franchise
Brand Attractive to an International Prospect or Investor
How do you Successfully Export Your Franchise Brand’s Culture?
Selecting Your Market Entry
Strategies: Master, Developer, or JV?
Franchise Relations
Franchisee Engagement and Alignment: Moving from Conflict to Collaboration
Technology Evolved how to Evaluate New Products/Services, Modernization/Remodels, New Technology and what happens when you need to change?
Creating (or Reinventing) Your Franchise Advisory Council
Industry Trends
Private Equity - Your Next Franchisee
Masterclass: Strategies from Top Franchise Visionaries
Evolve or Die - Keeping Your Brand Relevant to Consumers and Development Prospects
Marketing Operations
Strategic National and Local Marketing Plans for Franchise Success
AI Explained: Leading Franchise Brands Share Its Real Impact on Marketing
Transforming Customers into Brand Advocates: Optimizing the Customer Journey
AI and Automation - Using Next Level Automation to Focus Your Team on the Most Important Tasks
How to Build Your Field Support Team to Support, Profitability and Growth.
The Franchising Wheel of Excellence
Franchisee
Real Estate:
Negotiate Like a Pro
Hiring New People and Watching Them Walk Out the Door? How to Hire and Engage for Success
Navigating Remodeling Costs: From Minor Updates to Major Overhauls
Supplier
Supplier Town Hall
How to Land Your First IFA Client
Maximize Your Supplier Membership
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 | 11:45 AM - 4:00 PM
The Power of Five: Shaping the Future of Franchising Together
Join us in Las Vegas for the Annual Leadership Conference, where the focus is on the “Power of Five” — the five key pillars driving success in franchising: Operations, Marketing, Franchise Development, Technology, and Executive Leadership. This year’s conference invites all to collaborate, innovate, and lead the way in shaping the future of franchising. Experience dynamic sessions, inspiring speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities that empower every participant to make a lasting impact on the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an emerging voice, this conference is your platform to connect, learn, and grow alongside the brightest minds in franchising.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 | 7:30 - 10:30 AM
The 2025 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 a prominent franchise executive who will speak to “mistakes I’ve made as a franchisor,” 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. 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.
The 2025 Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is FREE and open to full convention attendee franchisors with 100 units or less only.
GENERAL SESSION KEYNOTES
JAMES CLEAR
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Atomic Habits, Keynote Speaker and Founder of Habits Academy
James Clear is a writer and keynote speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, has been translated into more than 60 languages and was the #1 best-selling book of 2021 and 2023 on Amazon and #1 audiobook on Audible. Clear is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in publications such as Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning and Today Show Australia.
DANNY HUGHES
Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton Worldwide Corporate Headquarters
Mr. Hughes is responsible for Hilton’s interests in the company’s largest region, spanning nearly 6,100 hotels, 20 brands, and 32 countries and territories across North, Central and South America. He is directly responsible for hotel operations and the coordination of functional leaders across development, brand management, revenue generation, human resources, communications, finance and owner relations in the region.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Scott Klososky Partner, Future point of View
Bruce Mehlman Speaker and Political Strategist, Mehlman Consulting
Monica Rothgery Author and Keynote Speaker, US Army Veteran & Former COO, KFC US
2025SPONSORS
(as of 1.14.25)
EXHIBITORS
Association
Franchise Business Review
Franchise Capital Solutions
Franchise Direct
Contact
James at ljames@franchise.org for information on Sponsoring or Exhibiting at the IFA Annual Convention.
Franchise Ramp
Franchise Show, The Franchise Times Corp.
Franchise Update Media
Franchise Ventures
FranchiseClique.com
FranchiseFilming.com
FranchiseWire
FranConnect
FRANdata
Franfast by Fast Cloud
FranFund, Inc.
FranNet
FranServe, Inc.
FRM Solutions
Gallagher Franchise Solutions
GbBIS
Global Payments, B2B Solutions
Group II
Guardian CPA
Guggenheim Retail Real Estate Paterns, Inc.
Guidant Financial Group, Inc.
HigherVisibility, LLC
Hot Dish Advertising
Hughes
Human Interest
Huntington National Bank, The Hylant
IFPG – International Franchise Professional Group
Image Cube
imageOne Uniforms
INFINITI HR
Integrated Digital Strategies
Intrepid Direct Insurance
Ironmark
JazzHR
JLL’s Visionary Insights Group
Jobber
Keyser Commercial Real Estate
Lathrop GPM LLP
Learning Network, The LearningZen
Listen360, Inc.
LocaliQ
LocateAI, Inc
Location3
Loomis
LoyaltyLoop
LSM
Marchex Marketing.com
Martec Group, The Marvia MetLife
MFV Expositions
Milestone Inc.
Mitsch Design
Mitsuoka & Company
More Vang
Morrow Hill Motive
Mulberri, Inc.