Convention offers special franchisee--focused sessions, programs.

The International Franchise Association's annual convention in Palm Springs Feb. 25-28 will provide franchisees the opportunity to attend numerous educational programs to grow their businesses and network with peers. Program highlights will include kicking off the convention with Washington "power couple" James Carville and Mary Matalin and sessions on financing strategies for franchisees, multi-unit strategies, Franchisee of the Year awards and business solution roundtables.

Advantages of membership

Member companies of the International Franchise Association have learned the value of working together to achieve success. That thought is echoed in the theme of IFA's annual convention in Palm Springs, "Franchising: Building The Future Together." Franchisees can take advantage of many educational sessions and networking opportunities to grow their businesses.

There's a session for everyone

The IFA annual convention is the one place to get updates on marketing trends, financing strategies and leadership techniques. Franchisees, franchisors and suppliers are invited to come and hear what today's experts have to say about franchisee involvement in enforcing system standards in a "Panel of the Pros" session. Participants can sharpen their networking skills by attending the Taste of Franchising festivities, and catch up on what's new at the Exhibit Hall, then plan on enjoying the fun and games reception.

Here are a few program highlights:

* The Opening General Session and Luncheon-Washington "power couple" James Carville and Mary Matalin will present their insights on the current political landscape and upcoming election cycle.

* Concurrent Educational Session-"Financing Strategies for Franchisees," is a panel discussion that will answer franchisees' questions about credit qualifications, leasing, franchisor-sponsored programs and U.S. Small Business Administration programs.

* Concurrent Educational Session-"Successful Multi-Unit Strategies" panelists will discuss such aspects of multi-unit operations as structuring transactions, negotiating agreements and protecting the franchise relationship.

* Concurrent Educational Session-"Growing Your Franchise Business" will be presented in a "case study format" to examine the role of operations, finance, human resources and marketing in developing large, multi-unit brands.

* Super Session-Franchisee of the Year Awards will be presented along with a special program feature by Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald's North America, and Reggie Webb, president of McDonald's Operator Leadership Council, on franchisors and franchisees partnering to create more opportunities for business development.

* The Franchisee Luncheon Program-Al Cabrera, chairman of Heartland a Hispanic franchisee noted as holding the largest number of units, will share strategies on how franchisees can grow their businesses is in today's marketplace.

* Business Solution Roundtables-These roundtables will be hosted by franchisees and present such topics as "guerrilla" marketing for small operators and finding, hiring and retaining employees.

A sweetened offer

IFA is offering a special registration fee to franchisee members of only $549 (one to three registrants) and $449 (four of more registrants). Visit the IFA Web site at franchise.org for more details.