IFA 2021 Annual Convention

Do I have to attend the entire event? Virtual events bring the experience of an in-person conference to your personal computer, so just like an in-person conference, you have the freedom to pick the sessions you attend. But many say that attending the event in its entirety—the plenary sessions and all breakout sessions—will help you to get the most out of the experience and earn you the maximum amount of CFE credits.

Can I pick breakout sessions to attend? Yes! You can choose any session you would like to attend in each breakout session time block.  Pre-registration for breakout sessions is not required.

Can I pick any roundtable topics to attend? The roundtable topics offered during the Convention will be available on the registration site closer to the event date. An email will be sent to registered attendees when it is added to the on-line form. Attendees will be able to modify their registration and choose which roundtable topics they would like to attend. We do have a max capacity for each topic to keep small group conversation productive and meaningful. If you did not select a topic, and they are not sold out, you can still choose one by visiting the agenda section on the virtual platform on the date and start time it is scheduled for.

Do I have to RSVP for additional events?  Yes, there are several networking events which require an advanced RSVP.  Those events will be confirmed soon and added to our schedule.  When ready, you will be asked via email to go back into your registration and sign-up for these optional activities including Happy Hours, classes, tours and more!  Problem-solving collaboration breakouts will also be added soon and will require you to sign-up in advance.

When can I visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall?
 

What technology do I need to attend this event? For the best experience, we suggest using a desktop or laptop computer and the Chrome internet browser must be up to date. A hard wire line is recommended but wireless internet access should work. Computers, such as laptops and desktops, can run the virtual event for you.

Do I need to have a webcam for the event? Although you do not need a webcam to attend virtual events, if you signed up for any of the virtual roundtables, problem-solving sessions or networking/social events, you are encouraged to use your webcam to allow for a face-to-face experience with other attendees.

Will I be able to see the presenters for each session? Yes. You will be able to see all general session and breakout session speakers along with their presentations. You will also have access to the PDFs of the presentations.

Can I ask questions during the educational sessions? We encourage you to use the “question” & “chat” features to ask speaker questions and network with your fellow attendees.

How do I log into the virtual event on the day of the event?  Before your program begins each day, you will receive an email with a link to join the virtual experience. From there you will be asked to verify your details by entering your name and email address. More information will be forthcoming on accessing the platform.

When you are logged into the platform, please visit the Sponsor tab at the top of the home screen to learn more about our partners and be sure to check out the Virtual Swag Bag for discounts and special deals being provided just for you by our event sponsors.

For more information on features of the virtual platform, please click here.

To view a sample event within the platform, please view this demo video. Note: this demo is just to give a sense of the experience, IFA's full event is still to come. A tutorial video on IFA's specific environment will be released soon!

What do I do if I cannot log in?

If you have trouble logging in or have technical issues, a platform contact of support will be added to this FAQ’s closer to the event date.

Are there recordings available after the event? Yes! Recordings of all the sessions will be available for up to three months after the event. Use your login information to access the program event platform to watch all recorded sessions.

REGISTRATION FEES:

* Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is for Franchisors with <100 units. This is the standard rate. 

The Convention and Exhibit booth registration fees includes event access, exhibition hall, happy hour, course instruction, material’s and post-event access for up to 3 months. 

The Expo Only registration fees includes access to the exhibit hall only.

Bonus Sessions fees include access to that specific session only.

View the IFA 2021 Virtual Annual Convention Exhibitor and Sponsor Demo by clicking here.

For more information on features of the virtual platform, please click here.

Already confirmed to exhibit and need to know how to build your booth within the platform? Please check out this tutorial video for more information!

How will I earn CFE Credit(s) for the educational sessions? You log in to the event virtual platform and attend each session. Make sure you select each session and attend.

How many CFE credits will I receive for my participation? 

Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp (February 9-10)

75 CFE Education Credits

Annual Leadership Conference (February 11)

75 CFE Education Credits

Annual IFA Convention (February 16-25)

300 CFE Education Credits

100 Participation Credits

Cancellation Policy: A refund will be granted for cancellations received by February 3, 2021. No refunds are permitted for cancellations requested after this date. Through February 3, you can cancel through the registration system and a credit will be issued back onto your credit card.  

For exhibit booth registrations, a 50 percent refund will be granted for cancellations received in writing before January 1. No refunds are permitted for cancellations requested after that.  

Substitutions can be made by contacting IFAevents@mocandco.com.     

IFA leadership are closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 in our community. We are following the guidance from worldwide health organizations and experts as it relates to our future in-person meetings and we are fully committed to taking appropriate precautions to provide a safe and healthy environment for attendees.

Click here for the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus.

Please contact IFA’s events team at events@franchise.org with any questions or concerns.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and exhibiting, contact Lynette James at ljames@franchise.org or click here for more information.

IFA’s 62nd Annual Convention
February 26-March 1, 2022
San Diego Convention Center
Manchester Grand Hyatt
San Diego, CA

IFA’s 63rd Annual Convention
February 26-March 1, 2023
Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas, NV