International Franchise Association, Franchise Update Media Create Industry-Leading Content Partnership

"Increased access to world-class content, training and certification programs benefits the global franchising community and IFA as the only trade association representing franchising worldwide. This industry-leading partnership is the foundation of a broad-based strategy to deliver world class events, learning and education content in a consolidated and coordinated fashion," said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. "Together, IFA and Franchise Update Media will create best-in-class content for franchise business leaders seeking enhanced customer experience, franchise development and leadership.

Partnerships like this provide unique benefit to IFA members and empower IFA to offer Certified Franchise Executive and other professional education programs at partner events, while also giving us new platforms to expand our membership and advocate on behalf of the franchise business model."

"We couldn't be more thrilled that our partnership with the IFA has grown and for what it means to all those in franchising that we serve", said Therese Thilgen, CEO of Franchise Update Media. "This gives us the opportunity to reimagine our Marketing and Development conferences to recognize the blurring of functional roles in franchise organizations, as leaders look to grow their brands and help their franchisees succeed. After nearly 25 years of producing franchise industry events, we're excited to innovate with the IFA to deliver even better experiences for learning and networking."

The first event will combine Franchise Update Media's Franchise Marketing Leadership Conference with the IFA's Operations and Marketing and Information Technology Conferences to create the new Franchise Customer Experience Conference to be held June 21-23 at the InterContinental Hotel in Atlanta. The second event will combine Franchise Update Media's Franchise Leadership and Development Conference with the IFA's Development Conference to be held October 18-20, also at the InterContinental Atlanta.

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for more than 30 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunity and educational websites, two print magazines, six newsletters, four annual conferences, independent research, and books, all focused on franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print, and in person, Franchise Update Media delivers a unique combination of educational and lead generation sources to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, opportunity seekers, and suppliers achieve their growth objectives.

Celebrating 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.

5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

Franchise Update Media (FUM) is the trusted resource for the franchise industry. For 30+ years, FUM has been the leader in providing valuable conferences, print publications and digital properties for Franchisors, Franchisees and Franchise Prospects.