The IFA 2022 Annual Convention is in the books, and it was an event we will not soon forget. The FRM Team proudly attended and exhibited again at this year’s conference.
Here are our 5 favorite takeaways.
1.Best-selling author Michael E. Gerber collaborated with FRM Solutions this year to meet and greet his many long-standing fans, and some discovered his work for the first time. His book, The E-Myth Revisited, is a must-read for franchisors and franchisees alike. If you missed us at the convention, contact us for a copy of E-Myth or another one of Gerber’s best-selling books, Awakening The Entrepreneur Within.
2. We enjoyed listening to one of our clients, Paul Brown, Co-Founder, and CEO of Inspire Brands, as he gave a keynote speech about how Inspire utilizes transformative technology and strategic operations to fuel their growth. One of FRM’s mantras is that “technology is only as effective as the people who use it,” which may 
seem a little odd for a software solutions provider. But Brown drove this point home well: the data and insights we garner from advanced technology must be used strategically by our people to execute a vision, supercharge long-term growth, achieve quality customer service and do what has never been done before.
3. The Annual Leadership Conference is always a highlight of our IFA experience. 
This year, we were proud to acknowledge two clients as they were celebrated by the IFA Women’s Franchise Committee. Nancy Bigley, President, and CEO at The Little Gym International accepted the prestigious Crystal Compass Award for her outstanding service to the franchise industry. Further, Michael O. Browning, Founder, and CEO at Unleashed Brands presented one of the best case study reviews in the history of the Annual Leadership Conference.
4. Another highlight for our team this year was the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Summit. We heard from outstanding panelists on the topics of inclusive entrepreneurship, access to capital for minorities, and making a business case for why DEI is vital to the success of our franchises. Gerry Fernandez, President and founder of The Multicultural Food and Hospitality Alliance, challenged us to “get behind the eyes of our employees” and franchisees to show them a leadership team that looks like they do. We must treat DEI the same way we treat marketing or franchise development: build a department and focus on operating a diverse franchise. If you want to be more involved in the IFA’s diversity efforts, click here!
5. Finally, our favorite takeaway: you! Thanks to all our clients who dropped by the booth, sought us
out in the hallways and celebrated with us after hours. You are the driving force behind our love for franchising, and it was great to connect with each and every one of you. If we didn’t have a chance to find each other at the conference, drop us a note and let’s catch up.
