For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
New Mark Premiered to Commemorate Historic Anniversary
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2009—The International Franchise Association today announced that early bird registration for IFA members is now open for its 50th Annual Convention to be held in San Antonio Feb. 5-8, 2010.
Founded in 1960, IFA is the largest trade association representing all aspects of franchising and works to protect, enhance and promote franchising. The IFA 2010 convention will kick off the 50th anniversary celebration activities with high profile speakers, first-in-class educational sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities.
“In honor of the 50th anniversary, IFA members will save an additional $50 on the early bird registration rate,” said IFA 1st Vice Chairman Ken Walker, CEO of Driven Brands, Inc., who also serves as the IFA Convention Committee Chairman. “Franchise leaders won’t want to miss this historic event as we celebrate 50 years of education, growth, relationship building and excellence.”
Walker noted that the date pattern of the convention has been adjusted from previous years due to the 44th Super Bowl scheduled for Feb. 7, 2010.
“The Super Bowl provides opportunities for added fun and excitement to the convention,” Walker said. “Our convention team is working to integrate the viewing of the Super Bowl into our activities, and has already rescheduled official convention events to begin Friday and finish with the Closing Gala on Monday evening.”
In addition to the convention kickoff, IFA will promote the 50th anniversary throughout 2010, including a special edition of IFA’s magazine Franchising World to highlight important milestones and leaders over the past 50 years, as well as monthly features throughout the year. Special activities are planned for IFA meetings and events such as the IFA Public Affairs Conference, its annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C. In addition, a special 50th anniversary mark has been designed by IFA member company Hot Dish Advertising in Minneapolis to commemorate the event through all printed and promotional material.
The 50th anniversary convention will be held at the San Antonio Convention Center & Marriott River Center. IFA members can now register online at www.franchise.org/convention.aspxand can save a total of $100 if registered by Sept. 15. Members can view the 2009 convention highlight video by clicking here.
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About The International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of nearly 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.
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