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 learned a lot from the events we attended in 2024, and 2025 offered a packed calendar of conferences designed to help franchise brands grow smarter and faster.
The 2025 calendar was packed with events designed to help you grow smarter and faster. Below is a look back at some of the key franchise conferences that took place in 2025, along with a few reminders on why these events matter and how to get the most value out of attending them.
JANUARY
- Selling Franchises Summit – January 23 – 24 (West Palm Beach, FL)
Hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University, this franchise event brought together seasoned professionals and featured approximately 120 attendees with more than 60 brands represented.
FEBRUARY
- The Franchise Show Dallas – February 1 – 2 (Dallas, TX)
A regional event hosted by National Event Management, focused on connecting regional franchises and franchisees. CT Team attended! - Let’s Grow – February 2 – 4 (Dallas, TX)
Following its inaugural event in 2024, this conference continued its focus on franchise development with an agenda built around growth strategies and brand expansion. CT Team attended this one too! - IFA Annual Convention – February 9 – 12 (Las Vegas, NV)
Another event where you sure found the CT team.
IFACON remained one of the largest franchise conventions of the year, offering educational content, industry experts, and a major vendor exhibitor area. - The Franchise Show Nashville – February 22 – 23 (Nashville, TN)
MARCH
- Franchise UnConference – March 12 – 15 (Park City, UT)
Positioned as an “extreme networking retreat,” this event created strong opportunities to connect with decision-makers from franchise brands and supplier organizations. The CT team was definitely there. - Multi-Unit Conference – March 25 – 28 (Las Vegas, NV)
An educational event featuring high-level keynote speakers and an exhibition area focused on multi-unit franchisees and investor-level operators. ClientTether was there.
APRIL
- IFE South Charlotte – April 4 – 5 (Charlotte, NC)
A franchise exposition designed to showcase franchise opportunities and connect with potential franchisees, presented 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)
A key event for discussing legal issues affecting the franchise industry, including updates to U.S.-based franchise laws. - IFA World Franchise Show – May 9 – 10 (Miami, FL)
One of the newer franchise expos on the calendar, promoted by the IFA alongside a new partner, with a focus on exposure and industry connection. - Young Conference – May 12 – 15 (Scottsdale, AZ)
An event geared toward the next generation of emerging leaders and 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 conference in the world, offering brands the opportunity to connect with real estate professionals who can help with site selection and growth. - International Franchise Expo (IFE) – May 29 – 31 (New York, NY)
A major franchise exposition bringing together entrepreneurs and prospective business owners from all 50 states and more than 120 countries to meet with exhibiting brands and industry experts.
JUNE
- The Franchise Show Houston – June 7 – 8 (Houston, TX)
- FCXC – June 24 – 26 (Atlanta, GA)
An educational conference focused on the overall franchise experience, with a blend of marketing, operations, and technology topics. Another one for the ClientTether team.
SEPTEMBER
- The QSR Evolution Conference – September 2 – 4 (Atlanta, GA)
An event dedicated to the QSR space, with a stronger emphasis on operations and multiple franchised brands represented among the speakers. - Franchise Expo West – September 5 – 6 (Los Angeles, CA)
An expo focused on showcasing franchise opportunities and engaging prospective franchisees, presented 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 specialized summit for IFA leadership committees, combined with advocacy and lobbying efforts at the U.S. Capitol. - Franchise Show Detroit – September 27 – 28 (Detroit, MI)
- IFPG Retreat – September 29 – October 1 (Hollywood, FL)
An event for IFPG consultants and suppliers to meet, network, and build relationships with brokers and other franchise professionals. CT was there!
OCTOBER
- Franchise Show Atlanta – October 4 – 5 (Atlanta, GA)
- FLDC – October 7 – 9 (Atlanta, GA)
An education-focused event for franchise system leaders, with content leaning heavily toward franchise development. We were there! - Springboard for Emerging and Re-Emering Brands – October 15 – 17
(Philadelphia, PA)
An educational and networking event hosted by Fisher Zucker law firm and Fishman PR Group, combining traditional sessions with strong evening networking opportunities. - Franchise Show Phoenix – October 18 – 19 (Phoenix, AZ)
- FBR Summit – October 22 – 24 (Austin, TX)
A conference focused on franchisee success and operations, with growing interest following its sold-out 2024 edition.
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)
Hosted by Franchise Times, this event brought together multi-unit restaurant concepts and financial services professionals for in-person connection and dealmaking. - Emerging Franchisor Conference – November 10 – 12 (Nashville, TN)
This one’s another where you were able to catch our CT team. Similar in spirit to Springboard but smaller in scale, this conference focused on brands with fewer than 100 units that were 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.
