January 2008 Franchising World

By Matthew Shay
Now that the holidays are behind us and New Year’s Resolutions loom ahead, convention season has gotten its cue to shift into high gear. Next month, Orlando is the place to be if you’re a franchise professional seeking to sharpen your industry skills and network with thousands of your peers during the IFA’s 48th annual convention.  IFA conventions are always special events, but while this one promises to provide all the great educational and informational sessions you’ve come to expect, we’ve really got quite a stellar lineup of speakers for your engagement and inspiration as well.
 
Our keynote speaker for the opening general session will be General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.), who served as the 65th Secretary of State and has always been a leading advocate for democracy throughout the world.  As a steadfast ambassador of peace in war-ridden areas of the world, his seasoned expertise developed through years military career has positioned him as one of the most respected and prudent men of our time.  A well-decorated recipient of U.S. military and civilian awards, General Powell knows what it’s like to confront extreme global and security challenges.  I know the IFA executive committee, board and staff are excited to have General Powell be a part of our signature event and feel certain his remarks will resonate soundly with the franchise representatives in attendance.
 
General Powell’s involvement in the IFA convention is just one of many indicators of the growing visibility and development of franchising and the IFA.  Franchising’s visibility among policymakers on Capitol Hill and the franchising community at-large has gained stature over the years.  This is crucial in view of the growing attention that Congress is giving to broad business issues.  The highly-anticipated release of the latest version of the IFA Educational Foundation study, The Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, is expected to confirm the anecdotal evidence of franchising’s expansion and impact on the economy since the report was first released in 2004. 
 
The IFA convention always provides a great forum for the exchange of ideas.  This gathering is designed specifically for a wide range of company professionals, from those new to franchising to those more experienced from mature systems.  There, one can exchange ideas, learn the latest tactics for lead generation, or strategize on the best ways to expand a company’s brand. That’s why registering for IFA’s Orlando gathering in February is an important step that should be taken as quickly as possible—especially considering the popularity of this event.
  
While the sessions themselves will feature prevalent topics, one of which is the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s revised Franchise Rule, additional activities will enhance the experience for all attendees.  The annual Taste of Franchising has become the franchising industry’s primary networking social event and the Supplier Expo has grown to encompass leading companies that meet every business need the franchising industry faces,
 
Another highlight of this four-day event is the presentation of the major IFA awards.  Each year, nominations are sought to recognize the industry’s leading Entrepreneur of the Year and honor those deserving of the Hall of Fame, Bonny LeVine and Ronald E. Harrison awards. This is also the time of year when a new IFA chairman accepts the gavel of leadership and new board members assume their duties of taking the association to the next level.
 
All said, IFA’s annual convention encapsulates anything and everything that is good about franchising:  good friends, good food, great opportunities to share information, excellent educational sessions and countless moments of exhilaration when the ideas of a lifetime appear within grasp.  (Not to mention that there will be lots of places around the world where the temperature will be much lower than Florida in February.)
 Like franchising, IFA’s convention is growing because it consistently and uniformly provides the quality and service that you’ve come to expect.  I look forward to seeing you soon in Orlando at our 48th annual convention.