IFA recently hosted its annual Leadership Summit and Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. This is one of the signature events for the organization, where advocates around the country come to the nation’s capital to learn more about policies impacting the business model and meeting directly with their representatives in Congress.

Over 300 franchise owners, industry leaders, and suppliers gathered to engage in thoughtful discussion on the future of franchising. The event was packed with incredible panels, A-list speakers, and insightful committee meetings. The conference culminated in a day on Capitol Hill where our members got to meet with lawmakers and their staff to advocate for policies that directly impact their workplace and the future of franchising.

Specifically, advocates  pushed for the renewal of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Franchise Rule and asked for the support of lawmakers for the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act. While the Capitol Hill fly-In day was a huge success with over 200 meetings with congressional offices, there is still so much work to be done to protect the sector, which is why it’s essential that franchisees understand the importance of speaking up on the issues that matter to them and their business. ’

Here are five highlights from this year’s Leadership Summit and FAN Annual Meeting:

1… year of Open for Opportunity! To celebrate, we recognized those who have participated in the campaign and demonstrated their commitment to the Open for Opportunity pillars: workforce, community, diversity, and veterans

2 … much ice cream at the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Social hosted by our friends at Inspire Brands. The Longworth cafeteria was the place to be where the franchising community mingled with congressional staffers over a much-needed sweet treat.

3…300 Members swarming Capitol Hill, meeting with more than 200 members of Congress, advocating for the franchise business model!

4… YOU. The IFA’s purpose is to serve you, the franchising community, and provide you with a platform and space to connect with each other and your lawmakers. Seeing our members in-person, reconnecting with old friends and creating new connections is one of the best parts of an IFA event.

5…top lawmakers and 2 top regulators. provided insights to members on topics ranging from the upcoming legislative goals in Congress, how the franchise community can better advocate for themselves, what’s ahead for the future of regulation in franchising, and the beauty of bipartisanship. Senator Joe Manchin kicked off the event along with Senators Bill Haggerty and Mike Braun, and Reps. Debbie Lesko, Troy Carter, and Barry Moore. Top regulators spoke to members including Jessica Looman, the acting head of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and Jennifer Abruzzo, General Counsel at National Labor Relations Board. This is in addition to a packed day full of Washington insiders and franchise leaders. (Ok that’s six lawmakers, rumor has it next year there will 10…)

 This was an event for the books, and if you aren’t convinced already, one you certainly don’t want to miss next year!