Standout Franchising Event of the Year: 2012

By BEN HEINEMANN While there are several major franchising events that happen each and every year, none was more critical to the industry, especially during a pivotal election year, than the International Franchise Association’s 2012 Public Affairs Conference.  Over the course of two jam packed days, franchisors, franchisees and those connected to the franchise industry discussed the issues that matter most to small business owners, including the health care act and the fiscal cliff to the current credit access situation. Over 400 attendees heard from high-profile speakers like Minnesota State Representative John Kline, Ed Gillespie, former counselor for President George W. Bush and former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former chairman of Hilary Clinton for President. Perhaps the most endearing and impactful part of the conference were the meetings between attendees with their representatives in Congress. Through these meetings, real people discussed real issues in the very offices where policy issues are drafted, providing a powerful connection between the oft-imposing view of politics and Washington D.C. and everyday people. For that, 1851 Magazine is proud to call the IFA’s 2012 Public Affairs Conference the best franchising event of 2012.