This week heralds the arrival of the franchise industry’s most prestigious trade show event of the year – the 63rd annual International Franchise Association (IFA) annual convention, of which FranNet is a presenting sponsor. Hosted in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, the event runs from Saturday, Feb. 26 through Wednesday, March 1. It’s a trade show extravaganza that FranNet representatives wouldn’t miss for the world.
This year’s IFA Convention theme is “All In. All Here.” In case you were unable to attend this year’s IFA Convention, we’re going to recap a few of the highlights for you and share some of the more noteworthy news items that occurred during this incredible event…
FranNet CEO Jania Bailey Honored
The Membership Committee of the IFA is one of the best and most meaningful opportunities to stay connected in the franchising industry. And for the past year, our fearless leader, FranNet CEO Jania Bailey has chaired this prestigious group. The Membership Committee held their own annual meeting at the IFA Convention on Sunday, Feb. 26. At the close of the session, Bailey was honored with a certificate of excellence for her contributions and presented with a dozen long-stemmed red roses. But that’s not all – she was also treated to a standing ovation from every member of the membership committee.
Notable Guest Speakers On Hand…
NFL Pro-Bowl and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints was one of many headlining speakers at the 2023 IFA Convention. Once he hung up his cleats for good, it was time to focus on the Second Act of his career (sound familiar?), so he decided to try his hand at entrepreneurship. Today, he owns several franchise concepts, including Stretch Zone, Smalls Sliders, Everbowl, Jimmy John’s, and Walk-On Sports Bistreaux. Other notable keynote speakers included Chris Kempczinski, CEO of McDonald’s, Adam Contos, former CEO of RE/MAX, and John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, owners of IHOP and Applebee’s fast casual restaurants. The 2023 IFA Convention’s opening session was kicked off by renown entertainer and mentalist, Oz Pearlman.
IFA’s President Speaks
Matthew Haller, the current president of the IFA, had some remarks to share about the value of the organization’s annual convention, calling this year’s event “…bigger and better than ever before. The theme this year is ‘All In. All Here,’ because that’s what convention is all about. Bringing everyone in franchising together from around the world to share ideas, network, learn from one another and have some fun.” Haller also emphasized that the IFA and its members should protect the industry with optimism and vigilance. “There have been challenges facing the franchise business model, whether that’s economic uncertainty or policy threats in Washington or states around the country. The IFA’s mission is to protect, enhance and promote franchising, and the convention will tackle all the issues franchising faces today while hearing from the business leaders working to generate opportunity in communities around the world.”
If you didn’t get a chance to attend this year’s annual IFA Convention, there are still plenty of other terrific industry trade show events to explore. One of the better traveling shows, with stops all over the country, is the Franchise Show. You can view a list of upcoming dates and locations by following this link. Next year’s annual IFA Convention is scheduled to be held in Phoenix, Arizona on Feb. 17-20, 2024.
Let’s Chat!
FranNet is standing by to help you navigate your own personal entrepreneurial journey. Getting started is simple and involves setting up a no-cost, no-obligation appointment with one of our qualified FranNet representatives. Not yet sure what type of business you were meant to own? That’s fine, too – you simply need to reach out and speak with one of our qualified franchise experts today! Together, we can find a business opportunity that aligns with your lifestyle and income-oriented goals.