The IFA Annual Conference isn’t just another event on your calendar. It’s one of the most important rooms franchise leaders will step into all year.

In this special episode, Tracy and Shannon turn the microphones on each other ahead of the International Franchise Association’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Between Shannon’s nearly two decades of attendance and Tracy’s experience as a franchisor navigating the event with intention, they share the insider perspective most attendees don’t hear until their second or third year.

From the gold that happens in the hallways to the intimidation that even seasoned leaders feel walking into a room of 4,000 professionals, this episode shares how to show up prepared, confident, and strategic. They break down common mistakes, how to approach roundtables like a pro, why vendor conversations matter more than you think, and how to involve your team in your conference plan, even if they’re not in the room. They also share a powerful mindset shift that can change your entire experience, walking into the room thinking “there you are” instead of “here I am.”

So, whether you’re attending for the first time or returning with experience, this episode will help you walk into the IFA conference with clarity, purpose, and a plan to truly maximize your time.

Resources:

Mary Thompson Kennedy - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2369319/episodes/15380562-navigating-change-and-growth-in-franchising-with-mary-kennedy-thompson

Episode Highlights:

• What the IFA Annual Conference really is
• Why the hallway conversations matter most
• Where the real ROI happens at IFA
• Overcoming conference intimidation
• Planning your schedule with intention
• Winning the roundtable sessions
• Making vendor conversations count
• Involving your team from afar
• Building lasting industry relationships

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: podcast@jbfsale.com

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/

Email - shannon@shineexecutivecoaching.com