Franchising World August 2011

Begin your year with the International Franchise Association, again or for the first time, during its 52nd Annual Convention to gain access to vital tools that will help to prepare and propel your franchise business the entire year. 

Whether your business is large or small, mature or emerging, service-based or product specific, there will be expert speakers, informative general sessions and breakout workshops, unparalleled networking and entertainment available over the course of the Feb. 11-14 convention set for the Orlando World Center Marriott.   

Orlando in February 
Under one roof over the course of four days in a cordial setting, busy franchise executives can learn new ways to bring their business’s development to the next level. And they can do it in the comfort of a resort setting during a time of year that boasts moderate temperatures, about 73 degrees on average and minimal rainfall, according to  Orlando.About.com  . The city abounds in such attractions as theme parks, museums, gardens, access to beaches, fine dining and nightlife destinations, as well as shopping. However, C-level executives, savvy franchisees and supplier partners to the franchise industry can expect program content that will help them better navigate the whirlpools and undercurrents of today’s challenging business environment. 

IFA’s 2012 Convention Committee is developing a schedule of educational sessions to meet the diverse needs of the association’s membership.   Each year, thousands of eager franchise representatives gather to hear from recognized leaders from the political, regulatory, franchise and private sectors. Previous keynote speakers have included former U.S. presidents, a U.S. Secretary of State, political pundits, prominent mayors, a former governor, as well as industry-proven and recognized franchise innovators. 

This year the IFA Annual Convention is expected to meet and exceed the bar and IFA will share the impressive line up of speakers through its hard copy and online communications publications. 
A quick read of any newspaper or online blog contains the disheartening reports of a sputtering economy characterized by slow job growth, hampered lending and a burdensome and overreaching regulatory environment that hinders rather than helps small franchise businesses. Just as consumers seek one-stop shopping, each year the IFA Annual Convention presents the best of the best in a power-packed program that focuses on business practices, updates and analysis of the regulatory and political environment. Each year the convention also includes valuable professional development opportunities for attendees to gain improved standing in their careers by exchanging information and best practice solutions. Concurrent sessions, summits, general sessions, as well as business roundtables will provide forums for speakers to address topics that provide practical and useful information that participants can use to forge strategic business alliances. 

Not only is the annual convention a forum for scheduling one-on-one networking meetings with colleagues and competitors, it provides several   ways to focus more attention on your individual franchise business. Sponsorship opportunities will provide your company with the ability to promote your unique products and services in such venues as the Taste of Franchising, Hall of Fame Award, convention mobile App, Gala event and more. Each year the Exhibit Hall is the site not only for networking, but making important upgrades to your business through the varied and numerous one-stop shopping opportunities to boost your brand by taking advantage of the   latest offerings available. For more information on how to partner with IFA via a sponsorship or booth in the Exhibit Hall, contact IFA Manager of Sponsorships and Exhibits Lynette Darby at 202-662-0782 or 

ldarby@franchise.org

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Make your plans now to ensure that your franchise company is well represented at the IF Annual Convention in Orlando. Visit 

www.franchise.org

  , “Events” for Early-Bird registration details that include a $50 discount for IFA members, which is available until Sept. 15.