IFA Convention to Deliver Three E’s “Empowerment, Enlightenment and Education”

February 2008 Franchising World

When the International Franchise Association’s major annual event comes to a close, it is the sincere wish of the Convention Committee that each attendee leaves with many new ideas to enhance the brand development.

To that end, franchising leaders, including franchisors, franchisees and suppliers, should bring an air of anticipation about what they will experience over the next few days to build their professional and personal lives.

We are excited to have the convention kicked into high gear by introducing Retired U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, the former 65th Secretary of State, who will serve as the opening general session keynote speaker on Feb. 10. Powell will deliver his insights on leadership, focusing on times of adversity. During a morning session on Feb. 11, Marriott International, Inc. Chairman and CEO J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr. will impart his advice based on nearly 50 years of experience on operations and management.

The strength of the annual convention is its calculated balance of inspirational keynote speakers, informative general sessions, idea-generating workshops and insightful panels.

Gen. Powell and Chairman Marriott will offer their unique views involving issues of a broad scope while dozens of industry experts will lead concurrent sessions on specific topics that affect the future development of the industry. Topics will include brand building, establishing franchisee advisory councils, lead generation and legal issues. Attendees can expect to come away with practical information from separate sessions that encompass such varied issues as diversity, technology, sales compliance, finances, franchisee leadership and international expansion. As you participate in some of these educational sessions, you will again be reminded of these critical franchise facts: that the franchising industry is responsible for generating more than 18 million jobs and pumping more than $1.53 trillion into the U.S. economy, according to an IFA Educational Foundation study.

A discussion of customer service dynamics is the subject of “The Panel of the Pros” scheduled for Feb. 12. Panelists will include Dwyer Group Chairman and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE; Dunkin’ Brands Brand Marketing Officer Frances Allen; NexCen Brands Executive Vice. Pres. of Franchise Operations Marty Amschler; Marriott International Chief Marketing Officer Susan Thronson; and Batteries Plus CEO Russ Reynolds, CFE.

No IFA annual convention is complete without several networking opportunities. Remember to set aside time for the Taste of Franchising, where more than 20 IFA-member companies will provide branded food and beverage items for attendees to sample. Interested in a lower-calorie method of networking? Then the convention’s Supplier Expo is your best bet where dozens of companies that provide products and services to meet the growing needs of the industry will be exhibiting.

Individual participation is the energy source that fuels a positive convention experience. Your passion, exchanges and insights supply the energy to transform these sessions into an educational extravaganza. Attending the IFA Annual Convention enables the participants to benefit from key educational and networking opportunities.

Chairman
Steven J. Greenbaum, CFE
PostNet International Franchise Corp.

Vice Chairwoman
Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE
The Dwyer Group

Bruce V. Bloom, CFE
Boston Market

Shawn M. Caric, CFE
Hollywood Tanning Systems

Lawrence “Doc” Cohen, CFE
Doc & Associates, Ltd.

Kimberly M. Ellis
BISON Advertising, Inc.

Stan Friedman
ACI Franchising, LLC/Retro Tax

Michael M. Isakson
ServiceMaster Clean

David Mlotkiewicz
Lawn Doctor of Toms River, N.J.

Yoshino Nakajima
Home Instead Senior Care

Jenn Onnen
Hot Dish Advertising

Andrew F. Perrin
Larkin, Hoffman, Daley & Lindgren Ltd.