EVOLVE.
JOIN THE EVOLUTION IN 2026
OPPORTUNITIES EVOLVED
This year’s convention marks a bold evolution—one shaped by feedback, fueled by purpose, and designed to bring everything that matters closer together.
We’ve re-imagined how you move, meet, learn, and connect, transforming the convention experience into something more seamless, more engaging, and more human. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the difference: smarter spaces, intentional design, and new ways to connect with the people, ideas, and opportunities that move franchising forward.
This is not business as usual. This is the future of the IFA Convention.
BY THE NUMBERS
AN EVOLVED EXPERIENCE:
The biggest event in franchising has evolved. IFA Convention is designed to help you connect with purpose, discover what’s NEW, and make the most of every opportunity. This is where connection, learning, and action come together. Build a custom schedule, explore Franchise Main Street, and move through IFA Convention with clarity and intention.
FRANCHISE MAIN STREET
Turn ideas into conversations and conversations into action on Franchise Main Street (formerly the exhibit hall), the heart of IFA Convention. This is your all-in-one stop for networking, learning, discovery, and relationship-building.
Q Franchise Theaters: Short-form learning, trend talks, and practical insights.
Q Beer Garden: Comfortable conversations and new connections.
Q Storyteller’s Corner: Real franchise stories, shared experiences, and perspective from the field.
Franchise.org/convention
Beer Garden Sponsored by:
Main Street Theaters Sponsored by:
MORE NEW WAYS TO CONNECT
Throughout IFA Convention, you’ll find new places to make meaningful connections, both planned and spontaneous.
Q Improved Registration Lounge: A smoother, more welcoming arrival experience designed to help you get oriented, plan your days, and start strong.
Q Networking Square Powered by : A dedicated space for intentional introductions and meaningful meetings.
Q The Swag Bar: A centralized, convenient way to fill your IFA Convention swag bag.
LEARNING, YOUR WAY
IFA Convention makes it easier than ever to build a personalized experience using SIX distinct education pathways. Customize your agenda to include workshops and experiences and spend your time where it matters most.
Choose from Emerging Brands & System Growth, Franchise Leadership, Franchise Relations & Operations, Franchise Sales & Marketing, Franchise Technology & Data, and Franchise Trends.
Registration Lounge Sponsored by:
POKER TOURNAMENT
Sponsored by:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 | 7:00 PM
Join us for the 2026 Buchalter/IFA Annual Convention No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at the Mandalay Bay Poker Room. Buy-in: $100, with re-buys allowed.
Just like the inaugural tournament, 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 UNPLUGGED: 80’S REWIND
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 | 8:00 PM
IFA Convention 2026 closes out with a full-on ’80s flashback. Break out your best retro look, hit the dance floor to the rad tunes of The Spazmatics, and close out the week in true flashback fashion. Leg warmers, AquaNet, wide ties, and neon are optional — good times are guaranteed.
CFE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
Start your IFA Convention with a deeper dive into franchising’s most critical topics. CFE and Professional Development Sessions are half and full-day sessions open to all attendees, designed for anyone seeking practical strategies and real-world insights. Space is limited. Secure your seat now and set the tone for your Convention with an unmatched learning experience.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
HALF DAY COURSES | 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Q AI for Franchising
Q Understanding Financial Analysis of Unit Economics
HALF DAY COURSES | 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Q Common Pitfalls/Lessons for an Emerging Brand
Q Operational Finance 101: Turning Financial Statements into Decisions
FULL DAY COURSES | 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Q Coaching That Scales: How to Evaluate and Elevate Your Field Support Team
Q Everyone’s in Sales: Building a Sales Culture That Sets Franchisees Up for Success
Q IFA Fran-GuardTM: Franchise Compliance & Sales Mastery
Q Trust and Inspire
FULL SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
HALF DAY COURSES | 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Q Franchise Agreement Management & Enforcement: A Business Perspective
Q Franchise Development Blueprint: Smart Recruitment & Onboarding
Q Franchise Operations & Process Optimization
Q Level Up Your Financial Coaching
Q Franchising Internationally: Strategies for Expansion
Q Role, Responsibilities of a Multi-Unit Leader
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Registration
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CFE and Professional Development Sessions (see page 4 for session titles)*
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Supplier Forum Advisory Board Executive Meeting (Invite only)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting (Invite only)
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM IFA Executive Committee Meeting (Invite only)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Franchisee Forum Meeting (Open to all Franchisee Attendees)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Supplier Forum Advisory Board Meeting (Open to all Supplier Attendees)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Franchisor Forum Meeting (Open to all Franchisor Attendees)
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Poker Tournament Sponsored by Buchalter (Registration required)*
*Additional sign-up/registration required
Franchise.org/convention
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (DAY 1)
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Registration & Registration Lounge
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM IFA Board of Directors’ Meeting (Board Members and Past Chairs only)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CFE and Professional Development Sessions (see page 4 for session titles)
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Annual Leadership Conference (See full agenda on the website)*
Networking Coffee & Lunch Provided. Additional Registration Fee Required.
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM IFA Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting (Invite only)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM New Member & First-Time Attendee Experience | Sponsored by Benetrends
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Afternoon Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Opening General Session | Sponsored by Jani-King
State of Franchising - Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Fireside Chat - Greg Flynn, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Flynn Group LP and Flynn Properties; Mary Kennedy Thompson, CFE, IFA Chair; CEO, BNI
Fireside Chat - Andrew Cathy, CEO, Chick-fil-A, Inc.; Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Passing of the Gavel - Mary Kennedy Thompson, CFE, IFA Chair; CEO, BNI; Sam Ballas, CFE, Incoming IFA Chair; CEO, President & Founder, East Coast Wings + Grill/Sammy’s Sliders
Keynote Speaker: Daymond John, Founder & CEO, FUBU; CEO, The Shark Group | Sponsored by DLA Piper Award Presentations: Hall of Fame + Entrepreneur of the Year
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM FranPAC Max Donor Event - Cocktails and Conversation (Invite only)
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Reception & Franchise Main Street Presentations
• Building Franchise Value Through Brand Empowerment
• The Visibility Equation: Building Transparency Through Better Tech
• Franchise Means Local - Elevating the Franchisee Story
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Committee Meet Up’s in Exhibit Hall/Franchise Main Street
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Dine Arounds with Board Members and IFA Staff*
*Additional sign-up/registration required
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 (DAY2) REGISTER TODAY!
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Registration & Registration Lounge
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM Franchise Main Street Open
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Prayer Breakfast*
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp*
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Concurrent Education Sessions & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• Shifting Tastes: How Consumer Trends Are Redefining Franchise Success
• Tech-Savvy Leadership: How Forward-Looking Franchise Executives Drive Results
• The Franchise Development Strategic Growth Workshop | Sponsored by Neighborly
• The Growth Mindset: Helping Your System Sell More
• Value Reengineering: 1% Matters
• Winning Visibility in the AI Search Era
• The Five Tenets of Effective Franchising
• AI Picks the Shortlist. Is your Brand on It?
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM New Supplier Member/First-Time Supplier Attendee Meet Up | Sponsored by INFINITI HR
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Break in Registration Lounge
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM General Session
You Built a Franchise, Now Build a FANchise!
Dave Mortensen, Co-Founder & Board Member, Purpose Brands; Chuck Runyon, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Purpose Brands Sponsored by Consumer Fusion
Keynote: Hustle and Heart: Lessons from Unexpected Places
Kat Cole, CEO, AG1; Former President & COO, Focus Brands
Award Presentations: Women’s Leadership Award + Ron Harrison Diversity Sponsored by Mary O’Connor & Co.
Franchise.org/convention
*Additional sign-up/registration required
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Lunch & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• You Ask, We Answer: Meet Your Franchise HR Compliance Challenges Head On People Prefer People: Why the Human Voice Still Wins in Franchising
• What’s Hurting Franchise Brands Online? How Franchises Can Win More Customers and Stay Visible in the New AI Search Era
• Mapping Smarter: How Modern Data Ecosystems Are Changing Franchise Planning
• Leading Franchise Development Through Systems, Strategy, and Alignment
• Scale with Certainty: Frameworks for Brand Control and Franchisee Flexibility
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM IFA Past Chairs Lunch Meeting (Invite only)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Concurrent Education Sessions & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• AI & Human Co-Working: Real-Time Collaboration Between Machines and Field Teams
• Beyond Feedback: Effective Communication and Franchise Advisory Councils That Work
• Certified Franchise Brand Workshop.
• From First Touch to Final Handshake: Case Studies and Workshops in Franchise Development | Sponsored by Neighborly
• Late Night with David Barr: Masterclass on Achieving Escape Velocity Sponsored by American Franchise Academy
• Your Franchise Sales Cycle isn’t Just a Process - it’s a Growth Engine
• Franchisors: Don’t sell your equity! Consider a Royalty Transaction
• Turning Interest into Investment: Bridging the Gap Between Franchise Development Marketing, PR, and Sales Sponsored by Tidehouse
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM FAI Presentation
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Afternoon Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables | Sponsored by Location3 (2) 40 minute rounds, with break
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thought Leadership Roundtables Networking Reception | Sponsored by Ignite Visibility
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Franchise Ascension Initiative Celebration & Networking
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CFE Celebration w/ Graduates
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Private Equity and Capital Solutions Reception (Open to all Franchisor & Franchisee Attendees) Sponsored by Cassels, IMC, MPK Equity Partners, NVP (Norwest) & The Riverside Company
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM FranPAC Reception (Invite only) | Sponsored by FoxRothchild
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 (DAY 3)
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Registration & Registration Lounge
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM Franchise Main Street Open
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Thought Leadership Roundtables
(2) 40 minute rounds, with break | Sponsored by Cassels
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Morning Beverage Break in registration lounge
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Concurrent Education Sessions & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• Franchise Development and Operations for 0-25 Units: Building a System that Scales
• Performance Based Habits to Inspire Franchise Development Sales Sponsored by CLA
• Resales, Transfers, and Buy-Backs: When, Why, and How to Act Strategically Sponsored by Stark & Stark
• The Automation Advantage: Reducing Manual Work and Maximizing Franchise Value
• Franchisor C-Suite Think Tank: Real Conversations Among Senior Franchise Leaders | Sponsored by Withum
• Boost Growth Across Every Location: A Guide to Discover Digital Marketing Strategies
• The Marketing Playbook: Unifying Local & National Marketing for a Better Customer Journey and Maximum Revenue | Sponsored by Scorpion
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Lunch & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• Mitigate the Risk, Manage the Labor Spend - Built for Franchises!
• Brand Consistency at Scale: How Top Franchisors Enable Local Execution Without Losing Control
• Discover Five Critical Marketing Shifts Reshaping Franchise Success in 2026
• You Ask, We Answer: Meet Your Francise HR Compliance Challenges Head On
• The Emperor Has No AI Code
• Funding Fundamentals: Exploring Options for Your Franchisees
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Concurrent Education Sessions & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
• Data Activation: From Insights to Action Across the Franchise System
• Debate: Growth Strategies - In-House vs. Fractional vs Broker vs Franchise Sales Organizations Sponsored by Franchise Fastlane and FranServe
• Franchise Finance Trends - What to Watch and What to Do | Sponsored by ApplePie Capital
• Franchise Leadership Summit: Policy and Power in Practice
• P&L Matters: KPIs, FBCs and the ABCs of Coaching
• Franchisor Founders Only Think Tank & Forum Exchange
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternoon Beverage Break in Registration Lounge
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM General Session
U.S. Economic Outlook: What to Expect for the Economy in 2026 and Beyond Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Keynote: Think Like a Contrarian: The Future Belongs to the Bold | Sponsored by Heights Wellness Retreat Codie Sanchez, Co-Owner, ResiBrands; Founder & CEO, Contrarian Thinking
Award Presentations: CFE Graduation + William Rosenberg Leadership Award
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Exhibit Hall Open with Reception & Franchise Main Street Theater Presentations
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner on your own
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM IFA Unplugged: 80’s Rewind
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DAYMOND JOHN
STAR OF ABC’S SHARK TANK; FOUNDER/CEO OF FUBU
An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Daymond John has come a long way from taking out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house and moving his business operation into its basement. John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with billions in product sales world-wide. Former President Barack Obama appointed Daymond John a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) to harness his energy, ideas, and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs both at home and abroad.
Sponsored by:
KAT COLE
CEO, AG1 (FORMER PRESIDENT & COO, FOCUS BRANDS)
Kat Cole is CEO at AG1, a global health company focused on foundational nutrition. In her role, she is responsible for leading AG1’s next phase of growth, global expansion, and innovation. Cole is a seasoned business leader and sought-after advisor with more than 20 years of operational, brand, and executive leadership experience. Prior to AG1, she was President and COO at Focus Brands, where she oversaw the company’s nine presidents and businesses generating billions in sales around the world. In addition to her role at AG1, she serves on the boards of Slice and Milk Bar. She has been a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a member of the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council, and named to Fortune’s annual 40 Under 40 list.
CODIE SANCHEZ
CO-OWNER, RESIBRANDS; FOUNDER & CEO, CONTRARIAN THINKING
Founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking one of the fastest-growing financial media businesses with 6 million followers and 100 million monthly views.
Author of the bestselling book, Main Street Millionaire. Founder of Contrarian Thinking Capital, a venture capital firm, and Main Street Holding Company with small or what we call Main Street businesses - think car washes, laundromats, property management companies, etc., her specialty is in the roll-up, turnaround, and add-on space. She built First Trust’s $1 billion+ AUM Latin America business and held positions at Goldman Sachs, State Street, and Vanguard. She started as a journalist where she won the JFK award and Howard Buffett Foundation grant for border conflict.
Sponsored by:
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHT
SALES
Find your blind spots with the ultimate dealcloser. Identify why people hesitate and use that knowledge to build better habitswith insights from sales expert Alan Stein Jr.
Takeaway: This is interactive learning — find and fix where your sales stall
TECHNOLOGY
Cut through the noise and find out what integrations and platforms actually work for you with important updates from a brand futurist and AI expert, Scott Klososky.
Takeaway: Plan the right technology investments.
LEADERSHIP
BRANDS
Learn practical strategies for decisionmaking, conflict management, and staying effective under pressure with leadership expert Ryan Dunlap.
Takeaway: Practical strategies for good leaders.
Build and maintain performance across generations, and hear how legacy brands like Chick-fil-A sustain trust, culture, and performance for the long-term at a fireside chat with Chick-fil-A CEO, Andrew Cathy.
Takeaway: Get a rare look at a longestablished, familyowned brand.
Sponsored by:
CUSTOMERS
Create super fans for your brand with extreme loyalty builders. Find out what it takes to build a purpose-driven culture from the co-founders of Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands.
Takeaway: Turn your franchise into a FANchise.
ECONOMICS
Prepare for the year ahead as the Chief Economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Curtis Dubay lays out the trends shaping the economy.
Takeaway: The economic reality check you need for 2026.
Sponsored by:
Alan Stein Jr. Scott Klososky
Ryan Dunlap
Andrew Cathy Curtis Dubay
Dave Mortensen & Chuck Runyon
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Lead Like It Matters
Join us in Las Vegas for the Annual Leadership Conference, where we’ll explore what it truly means to lead like it matters. In franchising and beyond, leadership isn’t neutral, every action sends a message. This years’ experience focuses on how we show up: with intention, clarity, and the understanding that presence doesn’t require pressure. Through thought-provoking conversations and interactive moments, we’ll dive into topics like allyship, authenticity, salary equity, and the power of building culture on purpose. Together, we’ll unpack how we move through leadership without overcompensating or performing, and what it looks like to lead with values, not just titles. Whether you’re guiding a team, a brand, or your own growth, this is your opportunity to connect with others, challenge your thinking, and walk away with actionable tools to lead with confidence and impact.
Additional registration fee required.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 | 7:30 - 10:30 AM
The 2026 Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is designed to provide practical value and networking that kick starts your learning. Participants once again will learn from best leaders in franchising who have “ been there” and are honored to have Richard Weissman, Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO, The Learning Experience as our keynote speaker. The centerpiece of the Bootcamp is the peer and mentor input to solve specific 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 2026 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 issues, discuss others, and problem-solve together.
The 2026 Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is FREE and open to full convention attendee franchisors with 100 units or less only. Pre-registration required.
FRANCHISE ADVISORS
2026 SPONSORS
(as of 1.30.26)
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP
