Thoughts from My Second IFA: Content, Culture & Camaraderie

As I sit in the dark and crowded plane on the way back from San Antonio, I feel tired, full of knowledge and ready to sleep in my own bed, but happy to have a second IFA Convention under my belt. No Limit Agency* and 1851 Franchise created some serious buzz this year – and not just because of our golf simulator or because of #Sean Fitzgerald, franchising celebrity. I’m proud of the team we brought and what we were able to learn and teach during the sessions and roundtables.

1. This is hardly groundbreaking but it was solidified during various sessions: Franchise development is a true balancing act between social media, content and targeted digital marketing and all of the pieces need to fit together to work. Sound like 1851 to anyone else?

2. Scott Gittrich doesn’t age. He also wears a uniform of a navy blazer, jeans and a black t-shirt, which Nick identified as a trait of the smartest leaders. Story checks out.

3. Karaoke brings people together. Josh York and “Jaggs" — we really kicked off the night with Montell Jordan and Kevin Derella, you are forever the Sonny to my Cher.

4. I enjoyed chatting with several former co-workers. I worked with them 10 years ago, which in one way seems like a lifetime ago and in another, seems like just yesterday. I still have great memories and I’m happy we can talk at these conferences each year.

5. Aziz Hashim is the man. He is smart, inspiring and a hell of a nice guy. So excited about him taking the reins as IFA Chair.

6. Ryan Paul’s energy is what kept me going most days. Thanks for keeping me upbeat, buddy.

7. Culture is so important. This fact resonated through the conference — how can franchisors set themselves apart from their competitors? People buy culture. They can’t get on board with a brand they don’t care about.

8. I didn’t get to visit the Alamo, sadly. I guess I’ll just watch Pee Wee’s Big Adventure again.

9. The human interest piece is still so important in telling a brand’s story. Brands don’t sell brands, people do. I don’t know how many times I thought this or said this in a session and yet No Limit Agency seems to be the only PR firm doing this right.

10. Matt Diaz really, really, really liked the guy dressed up as Nemo.

11. Franchising is such a huge part of what makes our country so great. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but taking a step back at this conference and remembering that franchising allows people to become entrepreneurs and achieve the American Dream is really remarkable.

12. The Domino’s / Checkers* & Rally’s session about Crisis PR was so informative – these two brands wrote the playbook on how to handle a crisis with grace and to come out on the other side a stronger brand.

13. Easy Spirit makes one specific style of shoe that is not only cute(ish), but feels like you’re walking on pillows. It’s called the Gessica. You’re welcome, ladies.