By Nina Greene, Venable LLP

Keep Up to Lead the Way

The franchise model is undergoing a fundamental evolution. Emerging technologies, shifting consumer expectations, new capital structures, and unconventional business formats are challenging traditional assumptions — and with them, the legal and business frameworks that have historically governed the franchise relationship. If you want to keep pace, attend the 58^th Annual IFA Legal Symposium and evolve.

The IFA Legal Symposium, May 17-19, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., is where franchise legal and business minds meet and collaborate. Attend this year’s Legal Symposium to learn and explore what lies ahead for legal, regulatory, and business issues in franchising in 2026 and beyond.

The 2026 Legal Symposium discovers the increasingly complex environment in which franchisors and franchisees operate. Sessions like “Technology, Pricing, and the Consumer Experience: Navigating New Risks and Expectations” and “Crisis Management 2.0: Legal and Business Strategies, Deepfakes, and Real-Time Reputation Defense” will provide you with the information that you need to tackle issues franchise businesses face with the advent of new technologies and crises that unfold in real time. You will also learn about franchise investing and financing for the future. And at the 2026 Judicial Update, you will learn about cybersecurity strategies to protect franchise brands, the use of AI in the employment process, and notable franchise cases from the past year. Across each of these areas, a common theme emerges: evolution brings opportunity, but also risk. Come to the 2026 Legal Symposium to learn how to address the legal issues and shape the frameworks that will govern the next generation of franchising.

Simplify Difficult Situations

Although change may seem difficult, the IFA Legal Symposium has simplicity woven into every session. Attend the general sessions to hear CEO updates and keynote speakers as they share ideas and views on the outlook of franchising in 2026, how to manage difficult situations to strengthen franchise systems, and strategies to gain competitive advantages. The Basics Track, with sessions that include Trademarks and Intellectual Property, and Registration and Disclosure will assist those who want to build a solid educational foundation or simply need a refresher in franchise law.

Focus on Franchise Relationships

This year’s IFA Legal Symposium includes a candid discussion amongst prominent franchise attorneys about the franchise terms that often fuel relationship tension and stress in franchise systems. Attend the Legal Symposium Thunderdome where attorneys will examine the provisions that test the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Continuing with the focus on franchise relationships, there are also breakout sessions addressing advanced strategies in conflict resolution through mediation and ombuds programs, as well as succession planning as a strategy for franchise system stability.

You can further delve into the franchise relationship by joining candid, practical discussions on evolving norms, compliance, and a wide range of business and legal issues at the always popular luncheon roundtables. The roundtable discussions are led by business professionals and franchise attorneys who facilitate thought-provoking conversations on legal and business topics important to the franchise model.

Earn CLE and CFE Credits While You Learn

Attending the 2026 IFA Legal Symposium not only enhances professional development, but attendees are also eligible to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, including ethics credits, as well as Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credits. The high-value content at the IFA Legal Symposium is recognized across the legal and franchising sectors.

Connect with Colleagues and Build Your Franchise Legal Community

One of my favorite and most valuable aspects of the IFA’s Legal Symposium is the opportunity to connect with and grow your franchise legal community. At the IFA Legal Symposium, you will have numerous opportunities to interact with attorneys, in-house counsel, and business leaders from across the franchise industry. Whether it is your first time attending or you are a Legal Symposium veteran, there are structured and informal opportunities to network, share ideas, and collaborate. Networking highlights include a welcome reception, the roundtable luncheon, which features both legal and non-legal facilitators, an evening networking reception, and multiple refreshment breaks. Use these networking opportunities to strengthen your connections and build your franchise community.

For a fresh and innovative program with speakers representing all key stakeholders in franchising, plan to be in Washington, D.C., May 17-19, 2026. The IFA Legal Symposium is the most critical legal education event in franchising. Whether you are an experienced legal strategist or a rising voice in franchise law, the IFA Legal Symposium delivers programs on the evolving franchise landscape and community for 2026 and beyond.

Nina Greene is a partner at Venable LLP, the chair of the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force, a former member of the IFA Supplier Forum Advisory Board, and a former member of the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee.