While a majority of the nation will be enduring one of the coldest months of winter, thousands of franchise professionals will be turning up the heat as they sharpen their industry skills at the International Franchise Association’s 48th annual convention in Orlando.  Scheduled Feb. 9-12 at the Marriott World Center, this annual gathering will feature keynote speakers U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, retired, and Marriott International, Inc. Chairman and CEO J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr.

Gen. Powell, the former 65th Secretary of State, will help kick off the opening general session on Feb. 10 and deliver insight on leadership, focusing on times of adversity.  During a morning session on Feb. 11, Marriott will impart his advice based on nearly 50 years of experience on operations and management.

While these two prominent individuals will present unique perspectives of a broader scope, dozens of industry experts will lead concurrent sessions on specific topics that impact the future growth of the industry such as lead generation, brand building, establishing franchisee advisory councils and legal.  Separate sessions on diversity, technology, sales compliance, finances, franchisee leadership and international expansion are slated as well.  Franchising today is responsible for providing more than 18 million jobs and generating more than $1.53 trillion to the U.S., economy according to an IFA Educational Foundation study.

The Panel of the Pros, to be conducted on Feb. 12, will feature a discussion of customer service dynamics with Dwyer Group Chairman and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens, Dunkin’ Brands Brand Marketing Officer Frances Allen, NexCen Brands Executive Vice. Pres. of Franchise Operations Marty Amschler, Marriott International CMO Susan Thronson and Batteries Plus CEO Russ Reynolds. 

Several networking opportunities will also be offered, such as the Taste of Franchising, where more than 20 IFA-member companies will provide branded food and beverage items for attendees to sample.  The convention’s Supplier Expo will feature exhibits of dozens of companies that provide products and services to meet the growing needs of the industry.  A full schedule of events is available at IFA’s Web site www.franchise.org. 

Another highlight of the four-day event is the presentation of the major IFA awards, when the industry’s leaders will be honored.

The IFA was founded nearly 50 years ago to promote, enhance and protect franchising worldwide.  It’s membership consists of nearly 10,000 franchisees, 1,300 franchise companies and 500 suppliers.