IFA’s Annual Convention prepares you for a new future.
Franchising World October 2011
The International Franchise Association’s 2012 Annual Convention, set for Orlando, Fla., will serve as a learning laboratory for the burning
topics and issues affecting the franchise
community. Over the course of several days, eager convention-goers can take advantage of several prized offerings: nearly two dozen concurrent sessions, four summits and three Mini Super Sessions. Those who will be in attendance will return to their respective franchise businesses better equipped to rise above common business challenges and rely on new and proven business-building
strategies.
The IFA Annual Convention serves as an occasion that expertly balances the needs of attendees interested in learning the latest business strategies, while making the most of numerous networking events. The convention will be
conducted at the Orlando Marriott World Center in Orlando, Fla. from Feb. 11-14, 2012.
Reaching the Summit
Beginning Feb. 12, at 9 a.m., five summits are scheduled on topics that will provide convention participants with fresh and useful insights from industry leaders and peers to spur their businesses to higher levels of achievement. The summits will include:
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The International Summit, following its past successful format, will provide a beginner and an advanced track on the best practices and do’s and don’ts of international franchising. -
The Finance Summit will lead attendees to a better
understanding of the current credit access environment by looking at non-traditional and alternative financing solutions.
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The Technology Summit will focus on the various aspects related to social media and marketing. -
New Markets Summit will address ways for franchise companies to embrace professional athletes within a culture of inclusion. Diversity efforts get franchisees and employees in the door, but inclusion keeps them in your organization by providing programs that offer support and room
for advancement. -
Elements of Successful Franchising: Working Through Difficult Economic Times, a special session geared
to address such issues as access to capital, social media and
changing patterns of ownership, will be conducted Feb. 12, 9
a.m.–noon.
Introduced during IFA’s 2009 Convention, the now popular “Mini Super Sessions,” scheduled Feb. 12, 9 a.m.– noon, continue to feature topics that include a wider application of issues encountered during the daily operations of franchise businesses and will offer professionals advice that is matched to various levels of attendees’ experience. Each Mini-Super Session will be conducted by a leading expert
who will discuss trends and strategies geared toward propel ling any franchise system toward a future of growth.
Difficult Decisions
Anyone who has been in business for any length of time realizes that making difficult decisions comes with the territory of owning and operating that business. While the IFA Annual Convention is designed to provide practical solutions, attendees may experience some difficulty in trying
to decide which of the more than 20 concurrent sessions to attend. Now might be the best time to consider bringing more colleagues to ensure ample coverage of the best practices advice available through the concurrent sessions.
Among the networking events is the Taste of Franchising, where attendees will sample branded food and beverage items provided by IFA-member companies. The Taste of Franchising, as well as receptions and the Exhibit Hall, are great opportunities to build personal and business relationships with colleagues and suppliers
Tap into convention news, blogs, tweets and updates. Several levels of sponsorship are available. For details and to lock in your opportunity, contact IFA Manager of Sponsorship and Exhibits Lynette Darby at
ldarby@franchise.org
or 202-662-0782.
For more details on the IFA Annual Convention, visit
www.franchise.org/convention.aspx
.