Franchise and Industry Events Calendar, 2026-2027

Upcoming events

Starting in September and continuing into the first half of next year, the franchise conference and event calendar will be in full swing. Organized primarily by the International Franchise Association, as well as Franchise Update Media, these events feature diverse agendas geared to a widespread audience in the franchise community. We have compiled an extensive list of conferences, dates, and information about each over the coming year.

Take a look at the list below and make plans now to attend valuable events to grow and optimize your franchise, individual portfolio, vendor business, or support the role of franchising throughout the country. IFA Advocacy Summit Date – September 14-16 Location – Washington, DC Advocate for the future of franchising with policymakers and leaders. This meeting connects the franchising community with lawmakers to protect and advance the franchise business model.

Attendees will learn the latest legislative and policy updates impacting franchising and then move to Capitol Hill, joining other members of the franchising community, to meet and discuss these issues with representatives in Congress. The IFA will set up the meetings and prep and guide attendees beforehand. Note - This event is open to IFA and FAN Members only.

Franchise shows

The IFA World Franchise Show Date – September 25-26 Location – Fort Lauderdale, FL The IFA World Franchise Show brings together the IFA’s expertise in franchising and Business Show Media’s world-class exhibition management experience to create an innovative, best-in-class franchise expo. It will deliver on the promise of connecting franchise brands with qualified prospects in a unique, curated, and personalized experience. ***What’s in it for you?

*** Connect with qualified franchise prospects through a curated, high-quality expo designed to generate meaningful conversations and accelerate franchise growth. For more information and to register for the event, go HERE. Franchise Leadership & Development Conference Date – October 5-8 Location – Atlanta, GA Focused on driving growth, the FLDC helps development professionals refine strategies, attract top franchisees, and enhance their recruitment processes.

Join this exclusive event built for CEOs, presidents, franchise sales, and development executives who are looking for inspiration and guidance on growing their businesses, expanding their franchise locations, and leading their teams. What's in it for you? Discover proven strategies to recruit more qualified franchisees, accelerate growth, and lead a stronger franchise development team.

Development conferences

For more information and to register for the conference, go HERE. Restaurant Finance & Development Conference Date – November 9-11 Location – Las Vegas, NV The RFDC is the premier event for restaurant owners, operators, and financial executives focused on the business side of the industry. Attendees gain insights into capital markets and key topics such as finance, economics, accounting, valuation, strategy, and controls.

The event offers opportunities to connect with lenders, investors, private equity firms, M&A specialists, real estate developers, and other financial partners to support financing transactions and new business opportunities. What's in it for you? Gain practical financial insights and connect with lenders, investors, and industry leaders to help fund growth, improve performance, and identify new business opportunities.

Hear from development experts, speak with operations gurus, and discover next-generation franchise opportunities. What's in it for you? Learn proven strategies, build valuable peer connections, and gain the tools you need to successfully launch, grow, and scale your franchise brand.

Unlike broad industry conferences, SCALE is purposely built for franchisors who are at a meaningful inflection point. It is for those seeking capital to accelerate growth, exploring partnership or platform opportunities, and preparing for or actively pursuing an exit. ***What's in it for you?

*** Connect with capital providers and strategic advisors, explore growth and acquisition opportunities, and prepare your franchise brand for its next stage of expansion. For more information about the conference, go HERE. IFA Annual Convention Date – February 22-24, 2027 Location – Las Vegas, NV The premier event in franchising brings together franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers to discuss industry trends, gain actionable insights, and celebrate franchise excellence.

Annual convention

Explore every aspect of franchising, from business development ideas, strategies for personal growth, and unique opportunities for networking. Attendees get franchise-focused education, community building, and support for their franchising journey all in one place. ***What's in it for you?

*** Gain practical insights, expand your network, and discover proven strategies to grow your franchise business alongside the industry's top leaders. For more information about the convention, go HERE. Multi-Unit Franchising Conference Date – April 27-30, 2027 Location – Las Vegas, NV The MUFC brings together top franchise professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

This premier event is focused on networking, learning, and expansion opportunities for multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees. The conference delivers practical strategies for solving real-world challenges, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging the latest technology. ***What's in it for you?

*** Connect with successful multi-unit operators, discover practical solutions to everyday challenges, and find new strategies to grow your portfolio more efficiently. For more information about the conference, go HERE. International Franchise Show London Date – April 16-17 Location – London, England The IFA serves as the exclusive and title sponsor of the International Franchise Show London, expanding the association’s reach around the globe and bringing new franchise opportunities and education to the United Kingdom.

Attendees can meet hundreds of the best franchise opportunities from around the world. The International Franchise Show is host to the UK’s biggest selection of the most exciting global franchise concepts and opportunities. ***What's in it for you?

*** Explore hundreds of franchise opportunities, gain valuable industry insights, and connect with global brands looking to expand in the UK and beyond. For more information about the show, go HERE. IFA Legal Symposium Date – May 2-4, 2027 Location – Washington, DC Join leading legal experts and franchising professionals to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.

Experience practical, real-world programming that covers the latest business and franchise law developments. Attendees can connect with knowledgeable law practitioners and franchise executives while learning how to approach today’s legal landscape. ***What's in it for you?

*** Stay ahead of legal and regulatory changes, reduce risk, and gain practical guidance from leading franchise attorneys and industry experts. For more information about the symposium, go HERE. IBA/IFA Joint Conference Date – May 4-5, 2027 Location – Washington, DC Each year, IFA partners with the International Bar Association’s Franchising Committee to develop a program for some of the world’s leading practitioners and franchise legal counsel.

Experienced legal counsel will share invaluable information regarding the latest developments in international law and their importance to franchising. What's in it for you? Stay current on international franchise law, learn from leading legal experts, and gain practical insights to support your brand's global growth.

It is designed for executives and teams responsible for turning brand strategy into unit-level revenue, stronger same-store sales, and greater franchisee profitability. What's in it for you? Learn how to use marketing, AI, and technology to drive unit-level sales, improve franchisee profitability, and deliver measurable ROI.