The 2026 Seasonal Learning Series is a fresh take on franchise learning—built to deliver practical insights when they matter most. Throughout the year, we’re offering four seasonal learning Focuses, each focused on the core areas that help franchise systems thrive: operations, marketing, growth, and leadership.

Each Focus blends timely topics with the natural rhythm of the business year. Whether you’re looking to tighten up operations, spark new marketing ideas, grow your network, or strengthen your leadership game—there’s a session (or a whole season!) designed with you in mind.

And because franchise leaders are busy, we keep it focused, actionable, and relevant—so you walk away with tools you can use right now.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Smart ways to streamline franchise operations and boost consistency
• Tools to sharpen your brand and grow your marketing reach
• Strategies to recruit franchisees, plan territories, and scale with confidence
• Leadership techniques to build stronger teams and franchise relationships

These sessions aren’t just theory—they’re packed with real-world ideas to strengthen your system and support your people.

Spring 2026 – Align & Accelerate Growth
Spring is about momentum and alignment. These sessions help franchisors strengthen their culture, refine their recruitment process, and secure the funding needed to fuel growth — all while keeping the system strategically aligned.

March 19, 2026

Culture & Ethics as Competitive Advantage
Culture isn’t just a “soft” topic — it’s a growth strategy. This session explores how values-driven cultures attract like-minded franchisees, inspire employee engagement, and create alignment across the entire system. Participants will learn how to define, communicate, and operationalize their brand’s values to gain a long-term competitive edge.

Learning Objectives:

• Define core values that resonate with franchisees, employees, and customers.
• Build governance and compliance systems that reinforce ethical decision-making.
• Leverage culture as a differentiator for recruitment, retention, and performance.

April 16, 2026

Next-Level Franchisee Recruitment & Candidate Experience
Recruitment success starts long before a candidate signs the agreement. This session covers lead generation, qualification, and candidate journey design — with a focus on creating a professional, engaging experience that attracts the right people and sets them up for success.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify high-performing lead sources and marketing channels for quality candidates.
• Implement qualification tools and criteria that improve candidate fit and system performance.
• Design a recruitment journey that is engaging, transparent, and conversion-focused.

May 21, 2026

Financing the Future: Funding Growth Without Losing Control

Growth takes capital — but it doesn’t have to mean giving up control. This session explores creative franchisee and franchisor funding strategies, including incentive programs and partnership models that accelerate expansion while protecting your brand and ownership structure.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore franchisee financing solutions and system-wide capital structures that support expansion.
• Compare equity, debt, and alternative funding options, weighing pros and cons.
• Design incentive programs that motivate growth while maintaining long-term financial health.

Spring Series Bundle (All 3 Sessions)

Bundle and save! Register for all three Spring sessions by March 16 to maximize your learning and value.

Bundle Pricing (through March 16)

• IFA Members: $249
• Non-Members / CFE Candidates: $449
• Includes 4.5 IFA LIVE Credits

Individual Sessions

• IFA Members: $99 per session
• Non-Members: $299 per session
• Includes 1.5 IFA LIVE Credits per session

Participation in the CFE program is not required to attend. Credits apply to enrolled candidates.