Franchise growth doesn’t happen by chance.It happens when owners and operators stay informed, build the right connections, and act on valuable insights—that’s where franchise conferences shine.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, going to a franchise convention is a golden move in order to see opportunities unfold and partnerships take root. We sure learned a lot from the ones we attended in 2024.
The 2025 calendar is packed with events designed to help you grow smarter and faster. Below are the must-attend franchise conferences to mark on your schedule, along with tips for getting the most value out of your time.
JANUARY
- Selling Franchises Summit – January 23 – 24 (West Palm Beach, FL)
This franchise convention is put on by Palm Beach Atlantic University. Hear from seasoned pros and spark ideas and plans from with approximately 120 people attending and over 60 different brands represented.
FEBRUARY
- The Franchise Show Dallas – February 1 – 2 (Dallas, TX)
CT Team attending! A regional event held in Dallas, put on by National Event Management for regional franchises and franchisees. You’ll find other locations to this franchise conference on this list.
- Let’s Grow – February 2 – 4 (Dallas, TX)
With their inaugural franchise show being put on by Michael Hyam and Liane Caruso in 2024, this one is all about franchise development. You can find the full agenda on their homepage—ClientTether will be attending this one, too!
- IFA Annual Convention – February 9 – 12 (Las Vegas, NV)
Another event where you’re sure to find the CT team.
The IFACON is the largest franchise convention of the year, where you’ll find plenty of educational content, top franchising pros, and a major vendor exhibitor area. Be sure to catch us there.
- The Franchise Show Nashville – February 22 – 23 (Nashville, TN)
MARCH
- Franchise UnConference – March 12 – 15 (Park City, UT)
An “extreme networking retreat”, as they say. Lots of opportunities to connect with decision makers at brands and suppliers – if you’re looking for the one to go for networking, this is it. The CT team will definitely be there.
- Multi-Unit Conference – March 25 – 28 (Las Vegas, NV)
An educational event with high-level keynote speakers and exhibition area for franchisors to sell to multi-unit, investor level zees. Exhibitor space sells out fast! ClientTether will be attending.
APRIL
- IFE South Charlotte – April 4 – 5 (Charlotte, NC)
A franchise exposition to showcase franchise offering and find potential franchisee prospects, put on in conjunction with the IFA.
- The Franchise Show Chicago – April 12 – 13 (Chicago, IL)
- The Franchise Show DC / Virginia – April 26 – 27 (Herndon, VA)
MAY
- The Franchise Show Las Vegas – May 2 – 3 (Las Vegas, NV)
- Legal Symposium – May 4 – 6 (Washington, DC)
The franchise conference to go for legal issues facing our industry, as well as any changes to US-based franchise laws.
- IFA World Franchise Show – May 9 – 10 (Miami, FL)
The 1st time for this franchise show, being promoted by IFA and a new partner. Definitely interesting to see how this goes, and a valuable expo if you can make it.
- Young Conference – May 12 – 15 (Scottsdale, AZ)
Marketed towards the next up-and-coming influencers in the franchise space.
- The Franchise Show Orlando – May 17 – 18 (Orlando, FL)
- ICSC RECON – May 18 – 20 (Las Vegas, NV)
The largest real estate show in the world put on by ICSC. It’s a great place to connect to real estate professionals who could help with sites for brands.
- International Franchise Expo (IFE) – May 29 – 31 (New York, NY)
A franchise exposition with entrepreneurs and prospective business owners from all 50 states and 120 countries, ready to meet face-to-face with over 300+ exhibiting franchise brands and industry experts.
JUNE
- The Franchise Show Houston – June 7 – 8 (Houston, TX)
- FCXC – June 24 – 26 (Atlanta, GA)
An educational conference focusing on the overall franchise experience, with a blended focus between marketing, operations, and technology. Another one for the ClientTether team.
SEPTEMBER
- The QSR Evolution Conference – September 2 – 4 (Atlanta, GA)
A franchise show dedicated to the QSR space, more focused on operations of a QSR, but with multiple franchised brands on the speaking list.
- Franchise Expo West – September 5 – 6 (Los Angeles, CA)
Another expo dedicated to showcase franchise offering and potential franchisee prospects, put on in conjunction with the IFA.
- The Franchise Show Denver – September 13 – 14 (Denver, CO)
- IFA Leadership Summit and Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting – September 15 – 17 (Washington, DC)
A special summit for people on the IFA leadership committees, combined with lobbying efforts at the US Capital. See you there!
- Franchise Show Detroit – September 27 – 28 (Detroit, MI)
- IFPG Retreat – September 29 – October 1 (Hollywood, FL)
Event for IFPG consultants and suppliers to meet and network. An excellent opportunity to get face time with IFPG brokers—and, of course, the CT team.
OCTOBER
- Franchise Show Atlanta – October 4 – 5 (Atlanta, GA)
- FLDC – October 7 – 9 (Atlanta, GA)
Education-only event for leaders of franchise systems; the educational tilt is towards the development side of the franchise world. Make sure to stop by and chat with our team!
- Springboard for Emerging and Re-Emering Brands – October 15 – 17
(Philadelphia, PA)
Educational and networking event put on by Fisher Zucker law firm and the Fishman PR Group. Traditional learning environment with good networking events each night.
- Franchise Show Phoenix – October 18 – 19 (Phoenix, AZ)
- FBR Summit – October 22 – 24 (Austin, TX)
Focused on franchisee success and operations. The 2024 edition did sell out, so you might want to keep an eye out for this one.
NOVEMBER
- The Franchise Show Tampa – November 1 – 2 (Tampa, FL)
- The Franchise Show Los Angeles – November 9 – 10 (Los Angeles, CA)
- The Restaurant Finance and Development Conference – November 10 – 12 (Las Vegas, NV)
A franchise show put on by Franchise Times. It’s an opportunity for multi-unit (franchise and non-franchise) restaurant concepts to meet in person with people in the financial services field.
- Emerging Franchisor Conference – November 10 – 12 (Nashville, TN)
This one’s another where you’ll be able to catch our CT team. Similar to SpringBoard, but smaller in scale. The content for the conference is focused on brands that have fewer than 100 units who are looking to grow.
- Franchise Expo Austin – November 14 – 15 (Austin, TX)
Why Owners Should Attend Franchise Conferences in 2025
Franchise conferences are far more than the chance to get your name out there. They’re about building trust and relationships that last.
Here’s what you could expect at a franchise convention:
Discover Emerging Franchising Trends
Conferences introduce the latest strategies, technology, and industry insights to keep you competitive.
Network With Leaders
Connecting with franchisors, peers, and experts can lead to unexpected opportunities. Trust me, I’ve been to my share of franchise conferences to know I’ll always be surprised.
Solve Real Challenges
Workshops and discussions often provide answers to problems that seemed impossible to solve, until you meet folks who faced the same challenges before.
At past events, I’ve met franchisees who shared tips that turned tough situations into growth opportunities. These moments stick with you.
How to Make the Most Out of Franchise Conferences
Every franchise convention is an investment, and getting the most value takes some planning.
Here are a few tips I learned along the way:
Prioritize Sessions
Review the agenda beforehand and choose topics that align with your business goals. Plan who you want to meet and make sure to follow up with those contacts afterward.
Come Prepared
Bring questions and a strategy for who you want to connect with. I don’t mean a detailed action plan with a spreadsheet and extensive data, but whatever helps you get to where you’d like.
Make Connections
Introduce yourself to speakers, exhibitors, and fellow owners. These connections often pay off long after the conference ends, so don’t worry about sealing that deal right away.
Take Action
Follow up after the event. Implement one idea, even a small one, but do take action. From personal experience, even a single follow-up email has led to partnerships and new opportunities down the line.
Franchise conferences are amazing opportunities to build the future of your business. Start planning early, and make 2025 the year your franchise thrives.
Book your demo to simplify, scale, and succeed with ClientTether today.
