The International Franchise Association—the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising globally—announced its 2017 dates. The IFA’s 57th Annual Convention will take place January 29 to February 1 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. With emphasis on providing education to drive performance, growth and sustainability of franchise brands, #IFA2017 will offer world-class speakers, providing more than 50 educational sessions and programs across four days.
“This year, we’ve assembled an exciting program with top-flight speakers, high-quality content, interactive roundtables, intensive special sessions and bootcamp programs that address the most pressing issues and propel franchising forward,” says IFA Chairman Aziz Hashim, managing partner of NRD Capital. “With a new U.S. President and rapidly shifting business conditions, I am confident that everyone who attends #IFA2017 will leave with valuable information to expand their knowledge and passion for franchising, whether they have been in the industry for many years or are new to franchising.”
During #IFA2017, attendees will not onlylso several main stage keynote speakers who will focus on the foundation-building as New York Times best-selling author, will teach attendees how to harness excellence in their organization by empowering people to discover their personal strengths and find their edge at work.
In addition this year, #IFA 2017 is introducing a new program designed for emerging franchisors. On February 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp will feature CEO mentors who have founded and built franchise companies. Complimentary to the first 150 franchisors with 100 units or less, the bootcamp will provide a “roadmap” and key learnings from Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International; Catherine Deano, owner of Painting with a Twist; Renee Maloney, co-founder and CEO, Painting with a Twist; and Tony Valle, CEO, College Pro Painters.
“We’re encouraging franchisors to invest in bringing more team members to the show this year as the program has something for every specialty within your franchise system,” says Hashim. “Whether you are in marketing, operations and human resources, or in sales, training or legal, #IFA2017 will have peers and courses that share best practices that will appeal to you.”
#IFA2017 also will feature more than 300 supplier partners, offering the latest tools and resources needed to develop a thriving franchise business. Additionally, attendees can expect to find numerous networking opportunities, including “The Buzz” and “The Bash.” The Buzz is held on Sunday, January 29, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and kicks off the Convention with food, drinks and live music. It follows the New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception at 5:30 p.m. The Bash is on Tuesday, January 31, 8 to 10:30 p.m. and is another opportunity to network with peers and colleagues at Mandalay Bay’s nightclub, LIGHT. There are other opportunities to network throughout #IFA2017, including the International Reception and the Business Roundtables. Registration for IFA 2017 is currently open.
