Adebiyi's IFA 2025 Convention Blog

Breaking news from the franchise world! I went to my first IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, and I'm buzzing with excitement to share this incredible experience with you. The convention was held February 10-13 at the stunning Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, bringing together thousands of franchise professionals from around the globe. This year's theme? The integration of artificial intelligence in franchising, a clear sign of where our industry is heading.

 

This was my first time in Las Vegas and my very first IFA. A first time double whammy. First, Las Vegas, Wow – what a city! Before jumping into the convention, our team arrived a couple days early to soak in the famous Vegas atmosphere. We watched the mesmerizing Fountains of Bellagio dance to music, wandered through the opulent halls of Caesar's Palace (we did not gamble, I promise), and were completely blown away by Cirque du Soleil's "Mystère" performance. If you are ever in Vegas, I highly recommend you check this show out.

 

But the real highlight of our pre-convention adventures? A Saturday trip to the Grand Canyon. Standing at the edge of this natural wonder, I felt both humbled and inspired. I even took a moment to meditate amidst the breathtaking landscape, what my manager, Stuart, jokingly called "the calm before the franchise storm." He wasn't wrong.

 

Tuesday morning kicked off with the New Supplier Attendees Meet-Up, where I gained valuable insights into how new vendors can successfully integrate into the franchising ecosystem. As a first timer at the IFA, this was a no-brainer to attend.

 

Afterwards, I attended the "How to Land Your First IFA Client" session, which delivered golden nuggets of wisdom for early-stage franchisees building their client base. This was followed by the eye-opening "Technology Evolved" session where we explored practical approaches for evaluating and integrating new products into existing systems.

 

After that, the exhibition floors were opened and thousands of people made their way into the halls. In no time, booth 336 became a hotspot for hot topics. It was energizing to engage with attendees curious about our Vision and how it builds data-driven territories that provide detailed revenue potential for each zipcode. The personal connections were invaluable, meeting new partners and bumping into existing customers created that human touch technology alone can't replicate.

 

One of the true highlights of the booth was showing franchisors how Vision's Territory Checker perfectly complements the convention's technology theme. Demonstrating how Territory Checker transforms tedious territory inquiry process into an instant response for franchisees and brokers sparked visible excitement. That moment was the real kicker for me. Seeing their "aha" moments as they envisioned a more efficient process was truly rewarding.

 

During breaks, I went swag hunting and got some unexpected treasures, a yoyo and playdough that turned out to be the perfect stress relievers.

 

Another highlight of my convention experience was Jania Bailey's section at the Thought Leadership Roundtable. Her insights on positioning brands to attract broker leads were nothing short of brilliant. One strategy that stood out was scheduling your next meeting during your current discussion, ensuring continuous engagement for franchisors, franchisees, and brokers alike. Such a simple concept, yet so powerful in practice.

Wednesday brought even more knowledge-packed sessions. The roundtable on "Budgeting for New and Early-Stage Franchise Programs" drove home the critical importance of meticulous financial planning for sustainable growth.

 

Philip A. Piro's session on "Attracting Private Equity Investment" was particularly eye-opening. His main message was crystal clear: before seeking investments, ensure you have a well-structured franchise model and deep understanding of your business metrics. In today's competitive market, this level of preparation is non-negotiable.

 

I wrapped up my convention journey at the "Harnessing Technology to Drive Franchise Sales and Growth" session, which perfectly complemented the convention's AI theme. The practical strategies shared for leveraging technology match perfectly with our work at Atlas Mapping. Through Vision, we're making franchise processes seamless, from quick, data-driven territory creation to automated inquiry responses that accelerate sales.

This year's IFA Convention was truly a confluence of learning, networking, and personal growth. The focus on AI and technological integration provided a forward-looking perspective on franchising that I'm personally excited to explore further. Seeing how various parts of the industry are embracing innovation got my wheels turning about potential applications that could benefit our clients.

 

The vibrant energy of Las Vegas combined with the tranquil interlude at the Grand Canyon created the perfect backdrop for this transformative experience. I've returned with fresh perspectives and practical strategies that I can't wait to unpack.

Want to hear more about specific sessions or strategies that could benefit your franchise operation? I'd love to continue the conversation! Drop me a line, and let's discuss how these insights could help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond.