By Nina Greene, Venable LLP

Stay Informed to Stay Ahead

Legal, regulatory, and policy changes are hitting franchising from all sides — Congress, federal agencies, and the courts. If you are feeling out of the loop, attend the 57th Annual IFA Legal Symposium to catch up, stay current, and get ahead.

The IFA Legal Symposium, May 4-6, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., is where franchise legal and business strategy successfully intersect. Show up to better understand the latest legal, regulatory, and business issues shaping franchising. For example, come learn about the new level of scrutiny on regulators and franchisors, plus a rising demand for clearer, cleaner franchise practices. Sessions like Fees, Glorious Fees and Franchising Post-Loper, Chevron and Jarkesy will keep you up to date on what is needed to best run a franchise business. You will likewise learn about operational and technological transformations and the legal ramifications of those changes facing today’s franchise businesses. And you will hear how franchising is impacted by influencer regulations, private equity consolidation, and international tax rules.

Transparency Takes the Spotlight

The IFA Legal Symposium has clarity woven into every session. Attend the counsel sessions to explore brand obligations, plus hear CEO updates and keynote speakers as they share ideas on boardroom level change. The Basics Track and sessions like “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.

Compliance Under the Microscope

The IFA Legal Symposium is where you can also unpack compliance issues and regulatory expectations. Attend the following breakout sessions, as well as others, and dive deep into these important issues:

  • Antitrust: Pricing Dos and Don’ts
  • Franchise Advertising and the Use of Influencers in Social Media
  • Supply Chain Management in Franchise Systems

Also, you can expect candid and practical discussions about compliance at the always popular Luncheon Roundtables where business professionals and franchise attorneys facilitate discussions on compliance and other topics.

Navigating New Norms

From Capitol Hill to the courtroom, new trends in franchising are important to understand. The annual Government Relations Update will cover what’s coming from Congress, the FTC, and state capitals, while the Judicial Update breaks down recent legal decisions important to all franchise attorneys. You will also find sessions on other important issues, including:

  • Noncompetes and the FTC’s Proposed Ban
  • Arbitration Provisions in Franchise Contracts
  • International Tax and Registration Issues

Earn CLE and CFE Credits While You Learn

Attending the 2025 IFA Legal Symposium not only enhances professional development, but attendees are also eligible to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, including ethics credits, and 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 Legal Network

One of the most valuable aspects of the IFA’s Legal Symposium is the opportunity to connect with franchise attorneys, in-house counsel, and business leaders from across the industry. Whether it is your first time attending or you are a returning attendee, there are structured and informal opportunities to build your network, share ideas, and collaborate across sectors. Networking highlights include a welcome reception, the Roundtable Luncheon (featuring both legal and non-legal facilitators), an evening networking reception, and multiple refreshment breaks. Use these touch points to strengthen your connections and your business.

The IFA Legal Symposium is built on four powerful pillars: (1) expert legal speakers — including a CEO fireside chat and first-time ever keynote speaker; (2) an always important IFA Government Relations update; (3) peer-to-peer roundtables; and (4) the annual judicial update.

For an innovative program with speakers representing all key stakeholders in franchising, plan to be in Washington, D.C., May 4-6, 2025. The IFA Legal Symposium is the most critical legal education event in franchising. Whether you are a veteran legal strategist or a rising voice in franchise law, the IFA Legal Symposium delivers clarity, credibility, and community when it matters most.

Nina Greene is a partner at Venable LLP, the chair of the IFA 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.

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