Join our Franchise Leadership & Development Conference Community!

To maximize your conference experience, we invite you to join our Franchise Leadership & Development Conference event community. Available from your computer, tablet, IOS and Android devices.

Use it to:

Plan who to meet: Join the community, find out who is attending and pinpoint potential connections.
Socialize: Communicate with fellow attendees and connect with them on your social networks.
Stay up to date: Browse the agenda, mark your favorite sessions, see offers from sponsors and follow the event tweets.

We hope you utilize this space to meet and connect with fellow attendees. Create meetings, network, and get excited about this year's event!

Dear Franchise Leaders, Industry Partners, Collegues and Friends,

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chairman for the 2025 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (FLDC). On behalf of the FLDC Advisory Board, our planning team and our dedicated sponsors, I want to thank you in advance for making this premier industry event a priority on your calendar.

This year’s theme, “Invest in You,” speaks directly to the evolving role of leadership in franchising. As we continue to navigate an uncertain economic landscape, shifting consumer behaviors, technological disruption, and changing workforce dynamics, the need for agile, well-equipped, and forward-thinking leadership has never been greater. The foundation of franchise growth begins with a personal investment in our skills, in our teams, and in the strategies that drive long-term performance.

For the first time in conference history, FLDC will be affiliated with the IFA. With this milestone comes added anticipation and an agenda intentionally designed to address the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in franchise development -- from unit expansion and recruitment innovation to growth strategies and access to capital. As always, you’ll benefit from solution-driven conversations, strategic breakout sessions, and collaborative forums that provide both strategic insight and practical takeaways that you can bring back to your organization.

In addition to empowering current franchise professionals, we are especially focused on welcoming and cultivating the next generation of franchise development leaders. Whether you’re an established executive or an emerging talent beginning your journey in the industry, FLDC is committed to providing an inclusive, dynamic space for learning, mentorship, and meaningful connection that provides new pathways for your personal and professional growth.

Over the course of three impactful days, FLDC 2025 will bring together some of the most accomplished minds and trailblazing brands in franchising. So, whether you’re with an emerging brand looking to scale, a legacy concept refining your model, or a development leader navigating growth amid market headwinds, this is your platform for connection, education and inspiration.

FLDC is more than a conference…it’s an investment in your growth as a franchise leader and in the future of your brand. We look forward to seeing each of you this October in Atlanta!

With sincere appreciation,

VP. Franchising, Smoothie King
2025 Conference Chair