Franchising's Largest Annual Convention #IFA2017 in Las Vegas Offers Emerging Franchisors Special Programs & Courses

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association -- the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising globally – is introducing a new post-convention workshop, Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp, immediately following the #IFA2017 Annual Convention in Las Vegas. This half-day bootcamp is offered to the first 150 franchisors with 100 units or less on Feb. 1, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"With 55 percent of brands that attend the conference having less than 100 units open, we saw a need to offer a special program that provides critical information from franchise CEOs and founders who've experienced it all," said Shelly Sun, CFE, CEO and co-founder of BrightStar Franchising, LLC and IFA's incoming Chair. "In addition to this three-hour bootcamp geared to leaders of emerging brands, we've also added other courses throughout the convention that will help propel their franchise forward."

At the Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp, attendees will hear from executives of well-known franchise companies who will share the mistakes they've made, as well as what worked and what didn't to get them to critical mass. This bootcamp will be a roadmap for emerging franchisors to Recurring Revenue Self Sufficiency™. Key areas of focus that will be discussed include:

• Development strategies from pure organic growth through the broker network model and outsourced sales models.
• What infrastructure is needed at specific milestones.
• How to get financing at the emerging phase.
• How Item 19 and transparency affect growth.

The Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp will end with Shelly Sun sharing her own story of growth and how she personally managed the BrightStar brand from inception through maturity.

"All of the educational programming and networking opportunities that the IFA offers have played an instrumental role in my success while building my brand," said Sun. "By asking for the advice of other franchisors, I learned both what to do, but also what not to do during my critical start-up phase. The Emerging Franchisor Bootcamp is tailored to help the next generation flourish in their roles as they strive to grow their businesses."

This bootcamp is complimentary to franchisors with 100 units or less, and attendees will receive complimentary CFE enrollment and guide book, a $540 value, 400 Bonus CFE Credits to get started on the quest to CFE certification and a copy of Shelly Sun's book, "Grow Smart Risk Less."

Throughout the convention, there are multiple programs offered for emerging franchisors. These sessions include a variety of experienced speakers, high-quality content, interactive roundtables, extensive special sessions and in-depth educational programs that address the latest in the franchising industry but tailored specifically to the needs of start-up brands. On Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the 26^th Annual Elements of Successful Franchising Summit will address specific topics pertaining to trends franchisors can expect, consequences from the election on franchising and continuing challenges that franchisors and franchisees will face. This summit will feature the following speakers: Richard Greenstein, CFE, partner and chairman, Franchise & Distribution Practice, DLA Piper LLP (US); Richard Morey, partner, DLA Piper LLP (US); Shelly Sun, CFE, CEO and co-founder, BrightStar Franchising, LLC; and Tom Kaiser, reporter, Franchise Times.

The Game Changing Emerging Brand Recruitment Strategies session will be offered twice during the convention, on Jan. 30 from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A panel of speakers includes: Ashley Morris, CEO, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Inc.; Jonathan Barnett, president and CEO, Oxi Fresh Franchising Co.; and Chris Dull, CFE, president and CEO, Global Franchise Group, LLC. They will share insights on their experiences and a how-to plan for growth while having a limited budget and a small back-office team.

Operations team members will benefit from the Steps and Cost to Build, Launch and Manage a Growing Franchise Brand session on Jan. 30 from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The discussion will focus on the expectation of investment to launch and build a successful franchise brand. This panel of established franchisors will share lessons learned and strategies for how and when to invest in building your franchise brand. Karen Spencer, CEO of Fransystems, will moderate this session. Speakers will include: Tim Suski, owner, The Rush Studio; John Teza, CFE, CDO, Corner Bakery Cafe; and Christina Russell, president, Camp Bow Wow.

Registration for IFA 2017 is currently open.  Please visit http://IFA2017-GeneralConvention.com for more information and to register for the convention.  To learn more, you also can follow us on Facebook.

About the International Franchise Association
Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.

CONTACT:      
Chelsea Bear
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
cbear@fish-consulting.com    

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SOURCE International Franchise Association