A Peek into this Year's IFA Conference

We talked to Anne Poodiack, Vice President, Conferences & Meetings for IFA, to hear what insight she has into this year’s convention.

By Lois Coker<p>1851 Contributor</p>

SPONSOREDUpdated 10:10AM • 02/02/16

This year’s IFA Convention is breeding some serious nostalgia for me. It was seven years ago that I attended my first IFA in San Antonio, the same city this year’s event will be held. I had just graduated college and started working for No Limit Agency* (then No Limit Media Consulting, based in my hometown of Atlanta) just a few weeks prior, when Nick and two other employees headed off to the Alamo City. I was at the office when Nick called saying that I would fly out the next morning to San Antonio as a coworker needed to attend to a family emergency.

I was so excited for my FIRST business trip, but so unprepared. I met my mom at Nordstrom’s right after work, bought a suit and some other professional items, promising her I’d pay her back. The next morning I was off and got my first dose of the franchising industry. That very convention laid the foundation for what would become the focus of my career, and I’m very much looking forward to reliving that experience this year. So, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a great week full of knowledge and empowerment, but what exactly can we expect?

I was able to speak with Anne Poodiack, Vice President, Conferences & Meetings for IFA, and she was able to give me some insight into this year’s convention.

“Attendees can expect high-energy and fast-paced sessions that focus on positive messaging and the future of franchising,” said Poodiack. “Franchising has faced many challenges over the past year, but overall, franchising is good. Our future is bright and we will let our attendees know that. We are a united front and ambassadors for this great industry and our attendees will walk away with that feeling.”

Anne also pointed out that there will be an abundance of educational and professional development opportunities at the convention—more than 40 educational sessions in total and two sets of business solution round tables, which, many say, are the highlight of the convention. This is an opportunity for attendees to sit around a table of 10 with a leader discussing an assigned topic (of their choosing)—attendees have the opportunity to discuss their challenges surrounding that topic in a very open and small setting.

“People are so willing to share their success stories and their failures in order to help other people in franchising. We are very fortunate,” added Poodiack. “In addition to our line-up of speakers within franchising, we will also feature professional speakers on Sunday morning during our mini-super sessions – these professionals will address more widespread business topics including managing multi-generational talent; accountability and peak performance; and leveraging a specific edge over your competition.”

This year will also bring a celebration for the 25th Anniversary of IFA’s VetFran program.

Some other highlights include:

NextGen FranShark, where young entrepreneurs will present their business concept to franchise leaders with years of experience and will in turn, receive advice.
Dynamic keynote presentations – the first from Four-Star General Stan McChrystal who will speak to leadership and team building; and the second from Ford Motors Manager of Global Trends, Sheryl Connelly, who is a frequent TED speaker and will share her insights on the future innovations that will affect small businesses.
An upscale reception on Saturday night called The Buzz, which will feature live music, cigar rolling and tasting bars with sommeliers.
An indoor/outdoor networking event on Monday night called The Bash that will be casual and allow for attendees to relax and have fun before the final day of programming.
An Exhibit Hall featuring nearly 350 booths that will house supplier partners who want to work with our franchisor and franchisee members to help them streamline their business operations, grow their brands and attract more customers through their doors.
More information on the Franchising Gives Back program where IFA members are asked to do volunteer work for a local community service project.

“San Antonio is a very welcoming city and they are excited to have IFA coming to town,” said Poodiack. “This is a city most-famous to being home of the Alamo and the 15-mile River Walk that winds through the charming city center. The city can be easily explored on foot and has a wide-variety of great restaurants and shopping.”

I’m exited for you all to come to San Antonio as well—a city I know very well! San Antonio has been my home for nearly three years, and I can’t deny that when I first learned my husband and I would be moving here, that the first thing I thought of was that IFA conference. It was San Antonio where my career launched, San Antonio where I settled in to, and ironically San Antonio where I now work for No Limit Agency, seven years later.

I hope all the attendants this year can truly appreciate the experience of IFA and this beautiful city. It’s given me a lot and for that I am truly thankful.

For up-to-date details and to download the program brochure, which outlines all of our sessions and speakers, please click here.

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.

A Peek into this Year's IFA Conference

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