*Please note: schedule is subject to change.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am – 6:00 pm | Registration — IFA Office Building Lobby |
| 9:00 am – 10:00 am | Membership Committee Meeting — IFA Office, Rooftop Conference Center |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Diversity Institute Meeting — IFA Office, 3rd Floor Conference Center |
| 9:00 am – 10:30 am | Finance Committee Meeting — IFA Office |
| 10:15 am – 11:15 am | Franchise Relations Committee Meeting — IFA Office, Rooftop Conference Center |
| 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Women's Franchise Committee Meeting — Marriott Metro Center |
| 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Executive Committee Meeting — IFA Office |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Foundation Board Lunch Meeting — IFA Office |
| 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Marketing & Innovation Committee Meeting — IFA Office, Rosenberg Conference Room |
| 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Franchisor Forum — IFA Office |
| 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Past Chairs Meeting — IFA Office |
| 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Supplier Exec Forum Meeting — IFA Office |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Supplier Forum — IFA Office |
| 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | FranPAC Donor Reception — TBA |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:30 am – 8:30 am | Franchisee Forum Breakfast Meeting — Union Station, Presidential Suite |
| 9:30 am – 12:00 pm |
General Session
Welcome & State of Advocacy
Speakers: Matt Haller & Sam Ballas Glory and Grief on Capitol Hill: A Conversation with Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and John Leganski
Glory and Grief on Capitol Hill offers more than a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most dramatic leadership contests in modern American politics. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and veteran congressional strategist John Leganski share lessons from navigating competing interests, building consensus, managing conflict, and leading through uncertainty. Their experiences provide valuable insights for franchise leaders tasked with aligning diverse stakeholders, earning trust, and driving organizational success in complex and rapidly changing environments. Speakers: John Leganski, Partner, Harbinger Strategies & Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Former U.S. House of Representatives SpeakerIFA Issues & Advocacy Training and Hill Preparation
Get ready to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. This session will equip you with the tools, tips, and confidence to deliver a powerful message to your lawmakers. From scheduling and logistics, to what to say (and what not to say!), IFA's advocacy experts will walk you through everything you need for impactful meetings with your state delegation. Don't miss this essential training to ensure your Hill visits make a lasting impression. Ruthless Podcast
Speakers: Josh Holmes, former chief of staff to Senator Mitch McConnell; Shashank Tripathi (Comfortably Smug), conservative social media commentator; Michael Duncan, Founding Partner, Cavalry; John Ashbrook, Founding Partner, Cavalry & veteran Republican operative |
| 12:00 pm – 1:10 pm | Luncheon & FOY Awards Recognition |
| 1:10 pm – 2:15 pm |
General Session
Why Running a Local Franchise Creates Wealth
Alice Fulwood, U.S. Business & Finance editor for The Economist, will sit down with IFA President and CEO Matt Haller to discuss why she felt compelled to bring franchising into the spotlight with her feature piece this summer, what she uncovered about the business model, and why the media and lawmakers often get it wrong. Speaker: Alice Fulwood, US Business & Finance Editor, The Economist; interviewed by Matt Haller, President & CEO, IFA |
| 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm | IFA Board Meeting |
| 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm | VetFran Meeting |
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | IFA Foundation Reception — Celebrating 35 Years of VetFran + the Power of Franchise Ownership Join us for a special reception sponsored by EverSmith Brands celebrating the 35th anniversary of VetFran—and our IFA Foundation community who champion the power of franchise ownership. All are welcome as we celebrate this milestone, continue to celebrate our Franchisees of the Year, honor outstanding Veterans whose service and leadership continue to strengthen the franchise community, and reaffirm our shared commitment to the Foundation's mission: opening doors of opportunity for the next generation of franchise owners. |
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 9:00 am | State Delegation Breakfast — Bobby Van's Grill |
| 9:00 am | Bus Transfer to Capitol Hill |
| 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Members of Congress Appointments — Capitol Hill |
| 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Hill Day Lunch — Top of the Hill |
| 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Franchise Fest: A Main Street Celebration |