Hundreds of franchise leaders converged on Washington, D.C., this week for the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) 2025 Advocacy Summit, a three-day event that blended education, networking and direct engagement with policymakers. The summit played out at a pivotal moment for franchising, as lawmakers weigh regulations that could redefine how the model operates nationwide.
At its core, the summit was about giving a collective voice to more than 800,000 franchise businesses. Through general sessions, workshops and Capitol Hill visits, attendees sharpened advocacy skills, spotlighted the model’s community impact and pressed for the American Franchise Act — legislation intended to clarify the joint-employer standard for franchisors and franchisees.
The event opened with forums