International Franchise Association

As private equity continues to show strong interest in franchise brands, franchisors and multi-unit franchisees must be prepared to demonstrate a compelling growth story.

Join us on June 18 at 1:00 PM ET for Private Equity Readiness for Franchising, where expert panelists will share how to:

🔹Get “PE-ready”
🔹Validate financial performance
🔹Normalize earnings
🔹Surface key risks and opportunities within the franchise system

Beyond financial diligence, the panel will dive into the value-creation levers that drive premium valuations and successful exits. They will also discuss how leading franchisors leverage technology, supply chain optimization, and franchisee support models to improve system-wide performance.

Whether you are preparing for a transaction or positioning your brand for future investment, this session will provide insight into the private equity process.

Register now: https://franchise-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/9717812119891/WN_aWqDbb5aQS6Pr4v9oKplvg

Sponsored by Citrin Cooperman.

The results are in from the new Franchise Ascension Initiative Impact Report.

🔹Every single member of the latest Franchise Ascension Initiative cohort said they increased their understanding of franchise sourcing, evaluating, and funding through the six-month accelerator program.

🔹At the same time, 86% of graduates report they are ready to step into franchise ownership right away.

🔹And 96% of participants would recommend the program to others.

Explore what’s possible when future franchise owners get catalytic support on the dynamic new FAI Impact Site: https://www.franchise.org/franchise-ascension-initiative/franchise-ascension-initiative-impact-report/

The Rules of Influence Have Changed. Join the team behind the Ruthless Podcast, live at IFA26 Advocacy Summit, September 14–16 in Washington, D.C.

With a unique blend of political insight, humor, and authenticity, the hosts of Ruthless have become some of the most recognizable voices in Washington. Hear their perspective on influence, public opinion, and the conversations shaping policy at a pivotal moment for franchising.

Meet the voices of Ruthless:
🔹 Josh Holmes, Former chief of staff to Senator Mitch McConnell
🔹 Comfortably Smug, If you know, you know
🔹 Michael Duncan, Political strategist and communications expert
🔹 John Ashbrook, Veteran communications strategist

The IFA26 Advocacy Summit is our opportunity to come together as a franchise community and advocate for the future of franchising – and you’ll hear from some of the voices who know influence best. Stories move policy — and there is no more important time to join us on Capitol hill to advance franchising’s top priority: the American Franchise Act. Your voice is essential to getting this bill signed into law.

▶️ Register today: https://bit.ly/AdvocacySummit2026_FB

Franchising’s Top Priority: The American Franchise Act
IFA26 Advocacy Summit | September 14-16, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

Join the franchise community to advocate directly with policymakers in support of the American Franchise Act. Franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers from across the country will gather for advocacy training, meetings on Capitol Hill, and conversations that will ensure franchising is heard, represented, and protected.

Register Now: https://bit.ly/AdvocacySummit2026_FB

Franchise growth depends on attracting great people and building strong culture. Join the IFA Pride Franchise Leadership Council (PFLC) for the webinar Stronger Together: Why Inclusion Drives Franchise Growth on June 11 at 2:00 PM ET for a conversation on how inclusive franchise systems create stronger businesses, expand opportunity, and support sustainable growth across the franchise community.

Featuring q***r franchise owners and allies, this webinar will explore the real franchisee experience — including:

🔹What today’s top candidates look for in a franchise brand
🔹How inclusive leadership strengthens recruitment and retention
🔹Where franchise systems have opportunities to improve
🔹Why belonging and representation matter to long-term brand growth

The strongest franchise systems are built to support and empower everyone. Secure your spot today to start strengthening your brand: https://franchise-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/vj_9d-vOTluPDJKFIaUdlQ #/registration

AI is no longer something happening only at the corporate level. Franchisees, operators, and teams across systems are actively using AI to find answers, make decisions, and improve how they run their businesses.

The question for brand leaders is now: How do we harness AI across the entire network?

Join Gary Liskovich, Co-founder & CEO of Harmonyze, in The New Role of Brand HQ in Driving Performance on June 23 at 1:00 PM ET, as he shares how brands are rethinking the relationship between HQ and franchisees by building systems that automatically identify opportunities, share what’s working, and drive stronger performance across every location.

▶️ Register for our June 23 Lunch N Learn webinar: https://franchise-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8717805190163/WN_JY3vHTTETCWGg3Jg9GifBw

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408). IFA opposes this legislation and is urging Members of Congress to vote against it as it would subject franchise businesses and their employees to binding arbitration overseen by a government-appointed arbitrator, with the authority to impose decisions on wages, benefits, scheduling practices, and other workplace issues.

As IFA Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Layman said, "IFA supports policies that empower franchise owners and employees to negotiate workplace agreements that reflect local business realities while preserving the rights of all parties involved. Unfortunately, the FLCA accomplishes neither of those objectives."

Franchise owners and employees deserve the ability to negotiate workplace agreements that reflect local business realities—not one-size-fits-all mandates imposed from Washington.

Read IFA's full statement:

IFA Urges U.S. House to Oppose Faster Labor Contracts Act - International Franchise Association IFA Press Releases News & Media Posted June 9, 2026 IFA Urges U.S. House to Oppose Faster Labor Contracts Act Share If enacted, legislation would subject franchise businesses and their employees to binding arbitration overseen by a government appointee, giving over control on sweeping decisions on w...

Sign on for the 2026 Summer Learning Series! Hear from three of the most respected voices in franchising and get guidance on how to open units faster, improve franchisee results, and build a stronger response to risk and disruption.

Whether you’re focused on growth, franchisee support, or risk management, these sessions provide practical insights you can apply same-day.

1️⃣ Real Estate Strategy & Speed-to-Open Systems
June 18 | 1.5 CFE Live Credits
🔹 Selecting high-performing locations, standardizing development, and reducing time-to-open.
🎤 Featuring: Dr. Benjamin C. Litalien, CFE, Founder & Principal, FranchiseWell, LLC

2️⃣ Field Support that Drives Franchisee Results
July 16 | 1.5 CFE Live Credits
🔹 Building stronger field support with clear KPIs, accountability, and coaching.
🎤 Featuring: Greg Nathan, CFE, Founder & Director, Franchise Relationships Institute

3️⃣ Crisis-Proofing Your Brand
August 20 | 1.5 CFE Live Credits
🔹 Identifying risks, building a response plan, and protecting your brand.
🎤 Featuring: Michael Seid, CFE, Managing Director, MSA Worldwide

▶️ Bundle Deal Ends Soon! Choose the summer session that addresses your most pressing challenge or register for all three by June 16 to maximize your learning and value. Save now: https://www.franchise.org/events/summer-learning-series-bundle/