The 2026 Seasonal Learning Series delivers focused, virtual learning aligned to the real cycles of franchising.

Each season targets the challenges leaders are actively managing across operations, marketing, growth, and leadership. Sessions are designed to be relevant, concise, and immediately useful—without requiring time away from your day-to-day responsibilities.

Delivered in a 90-minute virtual format, these sessions are facilitated by expert leaders and built to be interactive and informative. Participants engage in live discussion, real-world examples, and direct Q&A to apply insights in real time.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical ways to improve operational consistency and performance
• Tools to strengthen marketing and brand execution
• Strategies to support smart, sustainable growth
• Leadership approaches that align teams and franchisees

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.

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

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.

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Summer Learning Series: Operational Excellence & Resiliency

Summer is where operational gaps become visible and performance either accelerates or stalls.

This series focuses on the core systems that drive execution across your network—helping you improve consistency, support franchisees, and build resilience under pressure.

June 18: Real Estate Strategy & Speed-to-Open Systems
4:00–5:30 PM ET | 1.5 CFE Live Credits

Site development is one of the biggest drivers of ROI and risk. Learn how to use data to select high-performing locations, standardize design and construction, and reduce time-to-open.

Dr. Ben Litalien, CFE, Founder & Principal, FranchiseWell, LLC

July 16: Field Support that Drives Franchisee Results
4:00–5:30 PM ET | 1.5 CFE Live Credits

Your field support team should drive performance, not just maintain relationships. This session focuses on redefining the FBC role, establishing meaningful KPIs, and building coaching skills that improve franchisee results.

Greg Nathan, CFE, Founder & Director, Franchise Relationships Institute

August 20: Crisis-Proofing Your Brand
4:00–5:30 PM ET | 1.5 CFE Live Credits

Every franchise system faces disruption. The question is whether you are prepared. Learn how to identify operational risks, build a clear crisis response plan, and communicate effectively to protect your brand.

Michael Seid, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

Pricing

Summer Series Bundle (All 3 Sessions)
Bundle and save! Register for all three summer sessions by June 16 to maximize your learning and value.

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

Individual Sessions

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

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