The 2025 International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention in Las Vegas brought together the brightest minds and boldest voices in franchising.

This year’s theme, TEAM FRANCHISING, underscored the collaborative spirit that drives success. Throughout the convention, key IFA leaders delivered inspiring speeches reflecting on what franchising has accomplished and their optimism for the road ahead. Here are the insightful ideas and memorable moments from the Convention’s main stage.

Steve Hockett, 2024 IFA Chairman: Reflecting on a Year of Big Wins

Steve Hockett, the outgoing Chairman of the IFA, took the stage with a contagious enthusiasm, celebrating the incredible momentum franchising has built over the past year. He acknowledged the strong, unified community of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, all working together toward a shared mission: Protect, Enhance, and Promote franchising every day.

Looking back at 2024, Hockett joked that expectations were low at the beginning of his tenure, but the industry defied all odds with remarkable achievements! He pointed to key advocacy victories, including defeating the National Labor Relations Board’s harmful joint employer regulation in the courts, securing stronger franchise disclosure laws in California, and preventing onerous legislation in multiple states.

Another major milestone was the historic agreement between IFA and Franchise Update Media, forging a unified powerhouse to serve the franchising community. Additionally, IFA’s first-ever International Franchise Show in London expanded its global footprint, reinforcing the importance of international franchising.

Hockett also highlighted the expansion of IFA’s education and leadership programs, including the Franchise Ascension Initiative, which began an innovative new chapter in elevating entrepreneurs in franchising.

Summarizing his time as Chairman, Hockett expressed his deep appreciation for the collaboration and dedication of IFA members. “Franchising made it happen,” he proclaimed. “The list of accomplishments is long, the celebrations of success are enduring, and it was a fantastic year for franchising.”

His speech ended with a rousing call to action: “Let’s go, franchising!” — setting the stage for an exciting future for the IFA and its members.

Mary Kennedy Thompson, 2025 IFA Chair: A Bullish Future for Franchising

Incoming IFA Chair and CEO of BNI, Mary Kennedy Thompson, took the stage with an optimistic vision for the future of franchising, reinforcing the momentum established under Steve Hockett’s leadership. She began by expressing gratitude to Hockett, acknowledging his ability to step in during a critical time and guide the association with grace, wisdom, and clarity. She also highlighted the long-term planning and strategic investments made by IFA leadership, ensuring the association’s ongoing strength and stability.

Reflecting on her own journey — from franchisee, to franchisor, to IFA Chair — Thompson shared the invaluable lessons she’s learned about good franchising. She emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, coaching, and focusing on the customer experience as key factors that drive sustainable success. As a passionate advocate for networking, she reminded attendees that networking doesn’t end at the event — it’s about meaningful follow-up to build lasting professional relationships.

Thompson’s bullish stance on franchising stems from several converging factors: a stabilized post-pandemic economy, alignment in key industry data, and a favorable political landscape for growth. She noted that recent wins in government relations underscore franchising’s ability to mobilize, influence policy, and drive positive outcomes for business owners.

As the industry looks ahead, Thompson called on attendees to go on the offensive, tell compelling franchising stories, and emphasize the industry’s economic impact. She reminded the audience that franchising is uniquely positioned to bridge divides, representing Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; large and small businesses; global and local entrepreneurs.

Ending her speech on a powerful note, Thompson reiterated that franchising is about dream-making — helping business leaders surpass their wildest aspirations. She urged all in attendance to take an active role in protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising through advocacy, ethical leadership, and community engagement.

Steve White, 2024 IFA Foundation Chair: Strengthening the Foundation for the Future

Steve White, President of PuroClean and outgoing Chair of the IFA Foundation, delivered a powerful update on the Foundation’s progress and impact. “I am pleased to report that the state of our IFA Foundation is strong!” he announced, underscoring the Foundation’s strengthened governance, expanded leadership, and improved financial position. White introduced a new strategic plan aimed at expanding the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness in the years ahead.

He took a moment to clarify the distinction between the IFA and the IFA Foundation, explaining that the Foundation is the nonprofit arm dedicated to advancing key initiatives such as VetFran, the Diversity Institute, Franchising Gives Back, and the Franchise Ascension Initiative. VetFran, now boasting over 500 participating brands, has helped thousands of military veterans explore franchising as a career path.

Matt Haller, IFA President & CEO: Making 2025 the Year of Franchising

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller set a bold vision for 2025, declaring it “The Year of Franchising.” With the recently released Franchising Economic Outlook Report, he shared compelling statistics: franchising will grow 27 percent faster than the overall U.S. economy, adding 20,000 new businesses and 210,000 jobs nationwide.

Haller emphasized that this growth is fueled by an improving regulatory environment and an open window of opportunity in Washington. “The tides are turning,” he noted, “and rather than being under attack, franchising is now being celebrated at the highest levels of government.”

To seize this moment, Haller outlined IFA’s offensive strategy — creating more champions for franchising in government and securing policy changes that support long-term industry success. He called on attendees to play an active role, stressing that franchising knows no political party and thrives at both local and national levels.

Haller also highlighted IFA’s strategic investments, including the acquisition of Franchise Update Media, the launch of the IFA World Franchise Show, modern new branding and launch of an upgraded Franchise.org website. He reinforced that these efforts will create a stronger, more connected franchise community.

Ending on a high note, Haller urged everyone to “get engaged, tell your franchise story, and help shape the future of our industry.” He closed with an inspiring reminder: “Together, we will make 2025 the best year for franchising!”

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