IFA 2026: What Happens When the Franchise Industry Comes Together

February 23, the franchise world gathered in Las Vegas for the International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention, the largest event dedicated entirely to franchisors and the partners who support them.

Thousands of operators, founders, suppliers, and service providers came together to talk about what’s actually happening across the industry right now: what’s working, what’s changing, and where franchising is headed next.

This year, Enspire for Enterprise was proud to be part of the conversation.

Representing Enspire at IFA 2026 were:

• Aparna Kriplani, President
• Michele Brevig, VP, Sales & Client Services
• Pierre-Luc Caron, VP, Digital Marketing Performance
• Rafael Matusiewicz, Manager, SEO
• Angela Dowdell, Senior Account Director

For our team, attending IFA is about far more than walking the exhibit floor or sitting in conference sessions. It’s about relationships, learning, and bringing new perspectives back to the brands we serve.

Relationships First

Franchising has always been a relationship-driven industry, and IFA is one of the few places where the entire ecosystem shows up in the same room.

For Michele Brevig, who has attended the event 15 times, that connection is exactly why Enspire prioritizes being there.

“Our goal in attending IFA is really two-fold. We reconnect with our current clients and partners, and we learn what challenges the industry is facing right now. Those conversations help us bring new ideas and solutions back to the brands we support.” -Michele Brevig, VP, Sales & Client Services

With thousands of attendees, the convention is large, but the franchise community itself often feels surprisingly small. Many of the relationships formed at events like IFA continue for years across different companies and roles.

“Franchising is a big industry, but it’s also a small community. Once you’re in it, those relationships last.” -Michele Brevig

This year’s event hosted roughly 2,500 attendees, bringing together franchisors, suppliers, and technology partners from across the industry.

Sharing Ideas and Expertise

IFA is all about sharing insights and learning from peers. Throughout the event, attendees participate in breakout sessions, roundtables, and industry discussions focused on topics like marketing, technology, and franchise growth strategies.

This year, Enspire President Aparna Kriplani facilitated a roundtable session, helping guide conversations around marketing challenges and opportunities facing franchise brands today.

“We attend IFA every year because franchising is built on relationships. Being in the room with founders, franchise leaders, and operators allows us to better understand the challenges they are navigating. That perspective helps us show up as a stronger partner to the brands we support.” -Aparna Kriplani, President, Enspire for Enterprise

For many attendees, these discussions are where some of the most valuable insights emerge.

Learning From Industry Leaders

IFA also brings in influential speakers from across business, entrepreneurship, and finance. This year’s lineup included:

• Daymond John, Star of ABC’s Shark Tank; Founder/CEO of FUBU
• Kat Cole, CEO, AG1, former President and COO, Focus Brands
• Codie Sanchez, Co-Owner, ResiBrands; Founder & CEO, Contrarian Thinking

One of the most memorable takeaways for the Enspire team came from Kat Cole’s leadership perspective. She challenged attendees to ask three simple questions when evaluating their organizations:

• What should we stop doing?
• What should we start doing?
• If you were running this company, what would you change?

Those questions sparked thoughtful conversations among our team members long after the session ended.

Conversations That Continue Beyond the Conference

One of the highlights of the week for the Enspire team was hosting a dinner with clients and industry partners.

Events like this create space for honest conversations outside the conference floor where brand leaders can exchange experiences, share challenges, and connect with peers navigating similar growth journeys.

It’s also where new relationships begin.

While conferences often focus on big presentations and announcements, some of the most valuable moments happen around a table with people sharing ideas.

The Technology Conversation Is Accelerating

A clear theme throughout IFA this year was how quickly technology is reshaping the way brands think about growth.

From AI-driven marketing tools to evolving digital discovery platforms, the pace of change is accelerating across the franchise landscape.

For Aparna, that shift was impossible to miss.

“What stood out immediately was how quickly technology is reshaping the conversation around growth. AI, digital discovery, and new marketing capabilities are evolving at an incredible pace.” -Aparna Kriplani

At Enspire, staying ahead of those shifts is part of our responsibility to the brands we partner with. But even as technology evolves, one belief remains constant.

“At the same time, we believe AI should elevate service, not replace it. Our approach will always remain high touch, people first, and powered by intelligent technology.” -Aparna Kriplani

Come for the Spectacle, Stay for the Connections

Like any major Las Vegas conference, IFA has its share of creative booth attractions. One booth even featured adoptable puppies, which naturally drew a steady crowd of attendees stopping by for a quick break from the show floor, and you know the Enspire crew was there, too.

Behind the spectacle, the real value of the event is much simpler.

It’s the conversations. The introductions. The chance to learn from peers, reconnect with partners, and strengthen the relationships that move the industry forward.

For Enspire, those connections are exactly what make events like IFA worth attending every year.