IFA 2025 Recap

The International Franchise Association (IFA) Annual Conventions a premier event that brings together franchise professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the industry. Held from February 10-13, 2025, in Las Vegas, this year’s convention offered valuable insights into the future of franchising. Our own Dave Wheeler and Guy Myers were attended the event and have plenty of key takeaways to share in case you missed it (or just want a refresher!) Let’s re-visit the “Super Bowl” of franchising, which this year started the day after the actual Big Game.

Key Highlights from the 2025 IFA Annual Convention

1. Unveiling of IFA’s Reimagined Brand and Strategic Vision

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller kicked off the convention by announcing a historic outlook for franchise growth in 2025. He unveiled a reimagined brand and strategic roadmap designed to propel the organization and the franchising community into the future. The new logo symbolizes IFA as an information beacon and reflects its international reach and inclusiveness, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship within the franchise model.

2. Positive Economic Outlook for Franchising

The convention highlighted a promising economic forecast for the franchising sector. In 2025, franchising is expected to add 20,000 new businesses, create 210,000 jobs, and generate over $936 billion in economic output. This growth underscores the resilience and expanding influence of franchising in the global economy.

3. Diverse Educational Sessions and Workshops

Attendees had access to a wide array of educational sessions and workshops tailored to various aspects of franchising, including:

• International Expansion Strategies: Sessions focused on making franchise brands attractive to international prospects and selecting appropriate market entry strategies.

• Leadership and Personal Growth: Workshops aimed at enhancing leadership skills and personal development within the franchising context.

• Legal and Regulatory Updates: Discussions on the latest legal developments affecting franchising, providing attendees with crucial compliance insights.

• Technology and All Things AI: Technology and AI are here to stay (hint: we can help you!). From new tools to how to use them more effectively, a lot of great knowledge was shared.

4. Networking Opportunities

The convention facilitated numerous networking events, allowing franchise professionals to connect, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. These interactions are invaluable for fostering community and driving innovation within the industry – and always our favorite part of the event!

5. Access to Convention Content On-Demand

For those who could not attend or wish to revisit specific sessions, the IFA offers on-demand access to convention content. Recordings will be available in March 2025 through the IFA Academy, providing flexible learning opportunities for franchise professionals worldwide.

The 2025 IFA Annual Convention showcased the vast and evolving nature of the franchising industry. With a renewed brand identity and strategic vision, the IFA is poised to lead the sector into a future marked by growth, inclusivity, and innovation.

For a visual recap of the convention’s first two days, you can watch the following video: