International Franchise Association

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International Franchise Association The IFA is the world’s largest membership organization for , , and

A private equity transaction does not replace the work of running your franchise system.It gets added on top of it.For m...
10/21/2026

A private equity transaction does not replace the work of running your franchise system.

It gets added on top of it.

For months, leaders may be supporting franchisees, managing teams, hitting growth targets, and solving the usual operating problems while also building a data room, answering buyer questions, sitting through management presentations, navigating diligence, reviewing deal terms, and working toward close.

The hidden challenge is not simply understanding the transaction.

It is staying ready for it while keeping the underlying business performing.

At IFA26 SCALE: The Franchise Growth and Capital Summit, A Step-by-Step Tour Through a Private Equity Transaction will walk franchisors through the full process, from engaging an investment banker and preparing the pitch to diligence, negotiations, and closing.

Hear directly from professionals and operators on both sides of the table about what each stage requires and what leaders can do before the process begins.

November 18–19 | Nashville

Explore the agenda: https://bit.ly/ifa26-scale-agenda

Session sponsored by Citrin Cooperman.

Who do you call when your next franchise growth decision feels bigger than your experience?Maybe you are trying to deter...
10/21/2026

Who do you call when your next franchise growth decision feels bigger than your experience?

Maybe you are trying to determine whether AI is worth the investment. Or when to make your next key hire. Or which markets deserve your attention.

At IFA26 Emerging, the conference for emerging franchisors, you will meet franchise leaders who have faced the same questions.

The people you wish you could call are in the room.

Meet seven more speakers coming to Nashville:

✅ Valerie Brown-Dufour, President of WSI, on how AI is helping solve real franchise development, franchisee support, and marketing challenges.

✅ Kristen Pechacek, CFE, President & CEO of MassageLuXe, on technology decisions at 10, 50, and 100 units.

✅ Kyla Dufresne, Founder of Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar, on moving beyond the founder ceiling.

✅ Amanda Corrigan, COO of Home Helpers Home Care, on knowing when your next critical hire is worth making.

✅ John Dobelbower, SVP of Growth at EverSmith Brands, on building a smarter geographic expansion strategy.

✅ Jenny Young, Founder & CEO of Brooklyn Robot Foundry, on strengthening franchise recruiting through a more thoughtful discovery process.

✅ Dave Mortensen, Board of Directors, Purpose Brands, LLC; Co-Founder, Anytime Fitness; Second Vice Chair, IFA Board of Directors, on two paths to franchise success and choosing the right growth story for your brand.

These leaders are part of an agenda designed for franchise brands with fewer than 100 units, featuring practical sessions, candid discussions, and opportunities to connect with people who understand your challenges.

Your next great idea might come from the person sitting across the table.

Join us November 16–18 in Nashville.
Register: https://bit.ly/efc26-fb

Your franchise system can spend more on marketing, generate more leads, and still leave revenue on the table. Stephanie ...
10/20/2026

Your franchise system can spend more on marketing, generate more leads, and still leave revenue on the table.

Stephanie Peterson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ignite Visibility, will walk through five gaps that often go unnoticed, from measuring the sales your marketing actually generates to keeping your locations visible in AI-powered search.

Each comes with steps you can take before 2027.

Reserve your spot: https://franchise-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/7017878846048/WN_lD7jJLEERAiGPrU8h37jfQ

Thursday, Oct. 22 | 2 p.m. ET | VIRTUAL
Sponsored by Ignite Visibility.

Sponsored Content. Created by or on behalf of the sponsor, who paid for its placement. Views expressed are the sponsor's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the IFA. Placement of this content is not an endorsement.

Let's paint the town pink, Philadelphia! 🩷The Philadelphia Chapter of IFA's Women's Franchise Network is bringing our co...
10/20/2026

Let's paint the town pink, Philadelphia! 🩷

The Philadelphia Chapter of IFA's Women's Franchise Network is bringing our community together for an evening of connection, collaboration, and a cause worth supporting.

Join us October 27 at CertaPro Painters headquarters for Paint the Town Pink: Connect, Collaborate & Grow.

You will get a behind-the-scenes look at CertaPro Painters, meet WFN Philadelphia's co-chairs, and join an interactive conversation about the future of our chapter.

What topics would you love to explore? What professional development opportunities would make a difference? This is your chance to help shape what comes next.

We will also be recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in partnership with CertaPro Painters' annual Paint the Town Pink campaign. Wear pink! Donations supporting breast cancer awareness and research will be collected.

📅 Tuesday, October 27 | 5–7 p.m. ET 📍 CertaPro Painters HQ, 2621 Van Buren Avenue, Suite 550A, Audubon, PA

Please RSVP by October 20. 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1LW6kglmRPdWwDtx02prUUuuEQZcgF-MqjWcy9OetgAOh4Q/viewform

New tactics, new channels, new agencies, new hires. Franchise marketing teams are doing more than ever, but are they get...
10/20/2026

New tactics, new channels, new agencies, new hires. Franchise marketing teams are doing more than ever, but are they getting better results?

In the October 27 Lunch N Learn, “Off the Hamster Wheel: Building a Franchise Marketing Strategy Your Whole Team Will Run With,” at 1:00 PM ET, Tidehouse CEO Greg Morrell will share how you can build a marketing strategy in weeks, not months, and get buy-in from marketing, sales, finance and leadership.

Juliet Diiorio, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Senior Helpers, will also share her perspective on what it takes to get an entire franchise organization working toward the same goals.

Learn how to build a marketing strategy your entire organization can get behind. Sign up: https://franchise-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/7617909733572/WN_xEhUfZi_QYK9c7tmevgfGQ

Sponsored Content. Created by or on behalf of the sponsor, who paid for its placement. Views expressed are the sponsor's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the IFA. Placement of this content is not an endorsement.

Calling all Veterans! Your next mission could be entrepreneurship.Join the Utah Franchise Business Network on November 1...
10/19/2026

Calling all Veterans!
Your next mission could be entrepreneurship.

Join the Utah Franchise Business Network on November 13 as we celebrate 35 years of VetFran and the veterans who have built new careers and businesses through franchising.

The afternoon starts with Franchising 101, a practical introduction for veterans and their families covering how franchise ownership works, investment and financing, veteran incentives, choosing the right opportunity, and what to expect during the buying process.

Then hear from two Utah franchise owners who have made the transition themselves: Nate Coombs, United States Air Force veteran, Owner and General Manager of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in South Ogden, and IFA 2026 Franchisee of the Year, and Darin Hicks, U.S. Marine veteran and Owner of Keyrenter Property Management in Layton.

Come with questions. Hear real experiences. Meet people in the franchise community.

Then stay for happy hour and networking.

📅 Friday, November 13
🕑 2:00–5:00 p.m. MT
📍 Master AutoTech Headquarters, Bluffdale, UT
💲 $10

Register: https://crestconsulting1.regfox.com/vetfran-celebration

10/19/2026

"They get what you're going through and they are going to help walk hand in hand with you to help you fulfill your goals."

Larisa Walega, CFE, IFA Board Member and Chief Growth Officer of Ziebart International, has been an IFA member for 17 years. Hear the rest in her own words.

IFA26 Emerging, the conference for emerging franchisors, is November 16–18 in Nashville. Meet your people there.

Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/efc26-fb

Good policy starts with a real conversation. The people making decisions about franchising need to hear from the people ...
10/19/2026

Good policy starts with a real conversation. The people making decisions about franchising need to hear from the people who make franchising work.

On Monday, October 26, Maryland's franchise community will have an opportunity to do exactly that.

Join us for a meet-and-greet with Congressman Johnny Olszewski, a 2026 IFA Franchise Champion Award recipient and co-sponsor of the bipartisan American Franchise Act.

This is your opportunity to move beyond headlines and policy debates to have a conversation with a member of Congress with a proven record to cross party lines to support local businesses in his area.

Bring your questions. Share your perspective. Make a connection.

Event Details
Monday, October 26, 2026
2:00–3:30 p.m. ET
Celebree Huffman Brands
8029 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD 21236

Moderators: Richard Huffman, CEO, Celebree School, and David Cahn, Principal, Offit | Kurman

Save your seat: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=aegd6EXyFEykp6G16QR1AJ26iuil1rhCiZhp9Vc5_7tUN1BMNE9aTlVQQ0FPTFo3UkQ0S0tUOEVMTi4u&route=shorturl



Thank you to our event sponsors: Celebree Enterprises, LLC; Offit Kurman, P.A.; The Entrepreneur's Source; and ADP.

New to IFA? Been here a while but not completely sure what is available to you?This live event is your guided tour.IFA’s...
10/19/2026

New to IFA? Been here a while but not completely sure what is available to you?

This live event is your guided tour.

IFA’s Sydni Konohia and Zachary Kirshner will walk through how IFA works every day to Protect, Enhance, and Promote the franchise community, including the member programs and opportunities available to help you stay connected and get involved.

You will also get a live look inside the IFA Academy with Lea Simmons and hear from Jillian Scott, Tara McKeon, and Wendy Kunz about the work of the IFA Foundation and the programs helping strengthen and advance the franchise community.

Come with questions. Leave knowing where to go, what is available, and how to make more of your IFA membership.

Register now → https://franchise-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/TgdgCPQSTDihwhWKlOINlg #/registration

10/16/2026

What makes franchise leaders come back to IFA Emerging year after year?

Kris Stuart says the education gives him lessons he can directly apply inside his own brand, including helping restore trust and engagement.

Larisa Walega points to something Emerging does especially well: giving everyone an opportunity to connect.

That combination matters. You leave with ideas you can put to work and relationships you can keep leaning on as your brand grows.

Hear why franchise leaders keep coming back, then make plans to join them at IFA26 Emerging, November 16–18 in Nashville. Register:

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Washington D.C., DC

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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