EFC 2023 logo

2023 Emerging Franchisor Conference

Whether you are trying to kick-start your franchise system or take it to the next level, IFA’s Emerging Franchisor Conference was designed for entrepreneurs like you.
#IFA_EFC23
CFE Credits Available
Yes
November 01 - 03, 2023
|

Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States

IFA'S 2023 EMERGING FRANCHISOR CONFERENCE

Registration available onsite!

Are You Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level? 

Join like-minded entrepreneurs at this year’s Emerging Franchisor Conference (EFC), November 1-3, in New Orleans, LA. As a business owner, you understand the power of meeting face-to-face with the leading minds and brands in franchising. Gather with industry leaders who are building long-term success that create real wealth for franchisor and franchisee. 

At EFC, you will hear from experts and meet leaders in the industry who have taken their franchises from breakout status to household names. You will walk away with detailed solutions to the specific operational, franchise development, marketing, inflationary, or employee challenges you may be facing. Talk to other brand leaders to hear how they are preparing for the future.

 

Online registration has closed, but Franchisors and Franchisees can still register onsite in New Orleans!

Hear from 2022 Emerging Franchisor Conference attendees why you should attend the Emerging Franchisor Conference!

 

 

"The Emerging Franchisor Conference is an invaluable opportunity for young brands to network with their peers and learn from seasoned franchise executives.  The format and topics are always on point for what the audience needs and wants to hear.  Put this on your "MUST attend" list.  Hope to see you there!"

- Jania Bailey, CFE, CEO, FranNet, LLC

Agenda

Wednesday, November 1
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
07:00 am
Time End
05:30 pm
Session Title
CFE Special Sessions: Brick by Brick: Your 7 Foundational Building Blocks to Franchisor Success
Session Summary

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your franchise? The unique franchise business model has long been hailed as an economic catalyst, providing entrepreneurs with the brand recognition, established systems, value proposition, and support necessary to achieve personal wealth and contribute to job growth across the economic spectrum. As a franchisor, you understand the power and potential of this model, but have you considered how you can best support your franchisees in critical areas such as real estate, construction, finances, acquisitions, second-generation planning, etc.?

Join us for this special session featuring Jerry Akers, a seasoned franchise expert, known for his remarkable track record of success and support. In this interactive workshop, Jerry will guide you through seven of the top building blocks that will lay a solid foundation for your franchise's growth. With Jerry's expertise and insights, you will learn how to transform your franchise dream into a practical, step-by-step success path for your franchisees.

This workshop is designed to provide you with invaluable knowledge and practical strategies to strengthen your franchise support systems and empower your franchisees. Whether you're a seasoned franchisor or just embarking on your franchising journey, this session offers a unique opportunity to gain the insights and expertise necessary to take your franchise to new heights.

Speaker: Jerry Akers, Franchisee Owner, Great Clips of Palo, IA

Credits: 3 CFE Education Credits

$399(member fee)/ $499(non-member fee)

Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
11:30 am
Session Title
Franchisor Field Trip: Painting with a Twist Franchise Headquarters
Session Summary

Join your fellow franchisor attendees on a tour of Painting with a Twist Franchise headquarters and hear from their marketing and operation leadership. To top it off you will spend time in their studio painting a creation to take home.

(Registration is limited to 25 people.)
(Bus departs at 12:00pm and arrives back at the hotel by 3:30pm)

Time Start
11:45 am
Time End
03:30 pm
Session Title
CFE Special Session: The Systems to Protect & Grow Your Brand
Session Summary

Becoming a franchisor is more than selling the rights to duplicate your brand. You must have systems in place to protect it, support your franchisee’s success, scale the number of units, increase revenue, and manage the enterprise business. Having these systems in place is what allows the brand to have long-term success.

In this session you will learn the 5 Franchisor Systems that most mature brands follow to Protect and Grow their brand. 

Speaker: Aicha Bascaro, Founder & CEO, American Franchise Academy

Credits: 1.5 CFE Education Credits

$250(member fee)/ $350(non-member fee

Time Start
01:30 pm
Time End
02:45 pm
Session Title
Pre-Event Networking Break with Table-top Exhibitors
Time Start
03:15 pm
Time End
03:45 pm
Session Title
Welcome and Opening General Session: Grow Fast, Further and More Efficiently
Session Summary

Drawing from extensive experience collaborating with hundreds of franchisors, David Barr imparts invaluable insights on how to steer clear of common pitfalls and supercharge the growth of your franchise system. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the industry. David Barr doesn't just talk – he actively engages with attendees, ensuring a dynamic and impactful learning experience. Elevate your franchising game and accelerate your success with David Barr's proven expertise.

Emcee: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge

Speaker: David Barr, Chairman, PMTD Restaurants LLC; Managing Director & Partner, Franworth

Time Start
03:45 pm
Time End
04:30 pm
Session Title
Conference Coach Roundtables and Franchise Business Speed Dating
Session Summary

We are offering the role of conference coach this year, where program speakers will be paired up with a cohort of attendees to help guide at least once before and during the program. Prior to the conference, at minimum, they have connected during the pre-conference webinar. The Conference Coach will help guide them through the conference and ensure they take away the education and solutions to help their brand. In addition, there will be an organized speed dating format led by the moderator for attendees to meet other franchise professionals in the room to share best practices and help build their network.

Moderator: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge

Time Start
04:30 pm
Time End
05:30 pm
Session Title
BIG Fun in the Big Easy Networking Event
Session Summary

Enjoy an evening of networking and camaraderie with your fellow attendees and take the opportunity to engage with members of the IFA Government Relations team. Discover firsthand how IFA is committed to actively advocating for the protection and sustainability of the franchise model.

off-site location: Lucy’s, 701 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Time Start
06:00 pm
Time End
08:00 pm
Thursday, November 2
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
07:00 am
Time End
05:00 pm
Session Title
Continental Breakfast with Roundtable Topic Discussions
Session Summary

Sponsor facilitators to lead one 40-minute topic discussion starting at 7:50 AM.

Time Start
07:45 am
Time End
08:45 am
Session Title
General Session: Getting Ahead of Industry Trends that Impact Growth
Session Summary

Private Equity, platforms, franchise brokers and Franchise Sales Outsourcing companies (FSO) are very attractive to an emerging brand looking to grow their business and take the world by storm. This session will help guide emerging brands to identify and qualify what is best for their brand and existing franchisees. Learn about the opportunities and risks of the different perspectives from franchise leaders that have seen it all! And hear how the IFA translates these approaches when advocating on the Hill to protect local business owners.

Moderator: Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA

Speakers: Sam Ballas, East Coast Wings + Grill, ZorAbility & Myfrii; David Humphrey, IFA Chair; Vice Chair, Ignite Fitness Holdings; Steve Hockett, CEO, Great Clips, Inc.; Mary Kennedy Thompson, IFA Vice Chair; COO of Franchise Brands, Neighborly

Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
10:00 am
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
10:00 am
Time End
10:30 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
10:30 am
Time End
11:30 am
Session Title
Boxed Lunches with C-Suite “FRANHACK” Problem Solving Roundtables
Session Summary

This group activity adds value to every attendee by connecting them with seasoned franchising and operations experts (“mentors”) in a problem-solving setting. Come prepared with a specific problem in your field you would like to find an innovative solution for. After a brief introduction, the mentor asks participants what their specific problem is and other attendees at the table can offer relevant feedback and ideas based on experience.

Speaker: Aaron Harper, CEO & Owner, Rolling Suds

Time Start
11:45 am
Time End
01:15 pm
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
01:30 pm
Time End
02:30 pm
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
02:30 pm
Time End
03:00 pm
Session Title
Roundtable Topic Discussions
Session Summary

Sponsor facilitators to lead two 40-minute topic discussions.

Time Start
03:00 pm
Time End
04:00 pm
Session Title
General Session: Franchise Relations - Starting Off on the Right Foot
Session Summary

Hear from franchisees telling their stories about what a good franchisor can do/does for them.
 

Time Start
04:00 pm
Time End
04:45 pm
Session Title
Conference Coach Huddle with Attendees
Session Summary

Chat with your conference coaches and share instant feedback which may allow for any redirection after this full day of content.

Time Start
04:45 pm
Time End
05:00 pm
Session Title
Reception with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
05:00 pm
Time End
06:00 pm
Session Title
Sponsored Dine Arounds
Session Summary

Stress free networking – Need help taking the first step in forging new business relationships? Join a small group of ten franchisors to dine at a nearby restaurant. Get a taste of New Orleans while creating bonds with your fellow attendees. (Included in registration fee.)

Time Start
07:00 pm
Time End
09:00 pm
Friday, November 3
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
08:00 am
Time End
12:00 pm
Session Title
Continental Breakfast with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
07:45 am
Time End
08:30 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
09:30 am
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
09:30 am
Time End
09:45 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
09:45 am
Time End
10:45 am
Session Title
Closing General Session: The Easy Way Never Pays Well
Session Summary

What does it take to succeed in franchising/business? How can you train your mind to be unstoppable? How do you handle pressure? (Pressure Makes Diamonds) Will you fold like a cheap chair or will you FUEL YOUR DRIVE and Succeed!
 

Speaker: Josh York, Founder & CEO, GymGuyz

Time Start
11:00 am
Time End
12:00 pm
Wednesday, November 1
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
07:00 am
Time End
05:30 pm
Session Title
CFE Special Sessions: Brick by Brick: Your 7 Foundational Building Blocks to Franchisor Success
Session Summary

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your franchise? The unique franchise business model has long been hailed as an economic catalyst, providing entrepreneurs with the brand recognition, established systems, value proposition, and support necessary to achieve personal wealth and contribute to job growth across the economic spectrum. As a franchisor, you understand the power and potential of this model, but have you considered how you can best support your franchisees in critical areas such as real estate, construction, finances, acquisitions, second-generation planning, etc.?

Join us for this special session featuring Jerry Akers, a seasoned franchise expert, known for his remarkable track record of success and support. In this interactive workshop, Jerry will guide you through seven of the top building blocks that will lay a solid foundation for your franchise's growth. With Jerry's expertise and insights, you will learn how to transform your franchise dream into a practical, step-by-step success path for your franchisees.

This workshop is designed to provide you with invaluable knowledge and practical strategies to strengthen your franchise support systems and empower your franchisees. Whether you're a seasoned franchisor or just embarking on your franchising journey, this session offers a unique opportunity to gain the insights and expertise necessary to take your franchise to new heights.

Speaker: Jerry Akers, Franchisee Owner, Great Clips of Palo, IA

Credits: 3 CFE Education Credits

$399(member fee)/ $499(non-member fee)

Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
11:30 am
Session Title
Franchisor Field Trip: Painting with a Twist Franchise Headquarters
Session Summary

Join your fellow franchisor attendees on a tour of Painting with a Twist Franchise headquarters and hear from their marketing and operation leadership. To top it off you will spend time in their studio painting a creation to take home.

(Registration is limited to 25 people.)
(Bus departs at 12:00pm and arrives back at the hotel by 3:30pm)

Time Start
11:45 am
Time End
03:30 pm
Session Title
CFE Special Session: The Systems to Protect & Grow Your Brand
Session Summary

Becoming a franchisor is more than selling the rights to duplicate your brand. You must have systems in place to protect it, support your franchisee’s success, scale the number of units, increase revenue, and manage the enterprise business. Having these systems in place is what allows the brand to have long-term success.

In this session you will learn the 5 Franchisor Systems that most mature brands follow to Protect and Grow their brand. 

Speaker: Aicha Bascaro, Founder & CEO, American Franchise Academy

Credits: 1.5 CFE Education Credits

$250(member fee)/ $350(non-member fee

Time Start
01:30 pm
Time End
02:45 pm
Session Title
Pre-Event Networking Break with Table-top Exhibitors
Time Start
03:15 pm
Time End
03:45 pm
Session Title
Welcome and Opening General Session: Grow Fast, Further and More Efficiently
Session Summary

Drawing from extensive experience collaborating with hundreds of franchisors, David Barr imparts invaluable insights on how to steer clear of common pitfalls and supercharge the growth of your franchise system. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the industry. David Barr doesn't just talk – he actively engages with attendees, ensuring a dynamic and impactful learning experience. Elevate your franchising game and accelerate your success with David Barr's proven expertise.

Emcee: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge

Speaker: David Barr, Chairman, PMTD Restaurants LLC; Managing Director & Partner, Franworth

Time Start
03:45 pm
Time End
04:30 pm
Session Title
Conference Coach Roundtables and Franchise Business Speed Dating
Session Summary

We are offering the role of conference coach this year, where program speakers will be paired up with a cohort of attendees to help guide at least once before and during the program. Prior to the conference, at minimum, they have connected during the pre-conference webinar. The Conference Coach will help guide them through the conference and ensure they take away the education and solutions to help their brand. In addition, there will be an organized speed dating format led by the moderator for attendees to meet other franchise professionals in the room to share best practices and help build their network.

Moderator: Meg Roberts, CFE, CEO & President, The Lash Lounge

Time Start
04:30 pm
Time End
05:30 pm
Session Title
BIG Fun in the Big Easy Networking Event
Session Summary

Enjoy an evening of networking and camaraderie with your fellow attendees and take the opportunity to engage with members of the IFA Government Relations team. Discover firsthand how IFA is committed to actively advocating for the protection and sustainability of the franchise model.

off-site location: Lucy’s, 701 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Time Start
06:00 pm
Time End
08:00 pm
Thursday, November 2
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
07:00 am
Time End
05:00 pm
Session Title
Continental Breakfast with Roundtable Topic Discussions
Session Summary

Sponsor facilitators to lead one 40-minute topic discussion starting at 7:50 AM.

Time Start
07:45 am
Time End
08:45 am
Session Title
General Session: Getting Ahead of Industry Trends that Impact Growth
Session Summary

Private Equity, platforms, franchise brokers and Franchise Sales Outsourcing companies (FSO) are very attractive to an emerging brand looking to grow their business and take the world by storm. This session will help guide emerging brands to identify and qualify what is best for their brand and existing franchisees. Learn about the opportunities and risks of the different perspectives from franchise leaders that have seen it all! And hear how the IFA translates these approaches when advocating on the Hill to protect local business owners.

Moderator: Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA

Speakers: Sam Ballas, East Coast Wings + Grill, ZorAbility & Myfrii; David Humphrey, IFA Chair; Vice Chair, Ignite Fitness Holdings; Steve Hockett, CEO, Great Clips, Inc.; Mary Kennedy Thompson, IFA Vice Chair; COO of Franchise Brands, Neighborly

Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
10:00 am
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
10:00 am
Time End
10:30 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
10:30 am
Time End
11:30 am
Session Title
Boxed Lunches with C-Suite “FRANHACK” Problem Solving Roundtables
Session Summary

This group activity adds value to every attendee by connecting them with seasoned franchising and operations experts (“mentors”) in a problem-solving setting. Come prepared with a specific problem in your field you would like to find an innovative solution for. After a brief introduction, the mentor asks participants what their specific problem is and other attendees at the table can offer relevant feedback and ideas based on experience.

Speaker: Aaron Harper, CEO & Owner, Rolling Suds

Time Start
11:45 am
Time End
01:15 pm
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
01:30 pm
Time End
02:30 pm
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
02:30 pm
Time End
03:00 pm
Session Title
Roundtable Topic Discussions
Session Summary

Sponsor facilitators to lead two 40-minute topic discussions.

Time Start
03:00 pm
Time End
04:00 pm
Session Title
General Session: Franchise Relations - Starting Off on the Right Foot
Session Summary

Hear from franchisees telling their stories about what a good franchisor can do/does for them.
 

Time Start
04:00 pm
Time End
04:45 pm
Session Title
Conference Coach Huddle with Attendees
Session Summary

Chat with your conference coaches and share instant feedback which may allow for any redirection after this full day of content.

Time Start
04:45 pm
Time End
05:00 pm
Session Title
Reception with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
05:00 pm
Time End
06:00 pm
Session Title
Sponsored Dine Arounds
Session Summary

Stress free networking – Need help taking the first step in forging new business relationships? Join a small group of ten franchisors to dine at a nearby restaurant. Get a taste of New Orleans while creating bonds with your fellow attendees. (Included in registration fee.)

Time Start
07:00 pm
Time End
09:00 pm
Friday, November 3
Session Title
Registration Desk Open
Time Start
08:00 am
Time End
12:00 pm
Session Title
Continental Breakfast with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
07:45 am
Time End
08:30 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
08:30 am
Time End
09:30 am
Session Title
Networking Break with Table-Top Exhibitors
Time Start
09:30 am
Time End
09:45 am
Session Title
Concurrent Sessions by Stage of Growth
Time Start
09:45 am
Time End
10:45 am
Session Title
Closing General Session: The Easy Way Never Pays Well
Session Summary

What does it take to succeed in franchising/business? How can you train your mind to be unstoppable? How do you handle pressure? (Pressure Makes Diamonds) Will you fold like a cheap chair or will you FUEL YOUR DRIVE and Succeed!
 

Speaker: Josh York, Founder & CEO, GymGuyz

Time Start
11:00 am
Time End
12:00 pm
Member Franchisor or Franchisee
599
$
2nd+ Attendee Member Franchisor or Franchisee
499
$
Non-Member Franchisor or Franchisee
999
$

Location & Travel

IFA's 2023 Emerging Franchisor Conference will take place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, LA. IFA has a room block available for a discounted rate of $229/night + tax. Booking within the IFA room block is now open and will close on October 13, 2023, or when the room block is full - whichever comes first! Rooms may be booked through the link below.

FAQs

To contact the IFA Conferences Department, please email
events@franchise.org.

CAN I EARN CFE CREDITS BY PARTICIPATING?

CANCELLATION POLICY

I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT MYSELF (OR SOMEONE ELSE) TO BE CONSIDERED AS A SPEAKER. HOW DO I DO THAT?

HOW DO I BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE 2023 EMERGING FRANCHISOR CONFERENCE?

Please Note: NO third party vendors are authorized to sell our convention attendee list, and NO third party vendor is authorized to book hotel rooms through our room block. Be sure to book your reservations for IFA's Convention through the website and phone number listed towards the bottom of this web page or directly through the hotel of choice. Don't be fooled by offers from third party sources indicating that they are officially booking rooms or selling attendee lists for the IFA Convention - they are NOT affiliated with IFA or our convention. Buyer beware many of these offers are fraudulent attempts to solicit money from you for a non-existent reservation or list.

Resources