Franchisors, Consultants and Suppliers to Unite for Top-Tier Networking and Fun
The 2025 IFPG Retreat, set for September 28 to October 1 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., invites franchise professionals to connect, grow and take their businesses to the next level. With nearly 1,000 attendees expected, it has become one of the most anticipated and well-attended events in franchising. “If you’re in franchising and you miss IFPG Retreat 2025, you’re going to have some serious FOMO,” says IFPG President Red Boswell.
Recognized for its impact and value, the IFPG Retreat was named a Top Franchise Event by Entrepreneur in 2024 on its prestigious Top Franchise Supplier ranking. Also in 2024, the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) was recognized as the No. 1 Franchise Broker Organization for the sixth year in a row.
Why the Retreat Stands Out
The IFPG Retreat is designed to bring franchise consultants, franchisors and suppliers together in a way that’s both productive and enjoyable. Every detail helps franchise professionals build authentic, lasting business relationships. “This isn’t just about handing out business cards,” says Boswell. “It’s about getting to know each other and creating real connections that lead to results.”
The schedule is packed with opportunities to do just that. Panel discussions, mastermind sessions, educational roundtables, interactive brand experiences, and a special pre-event baseball game in a VIP suite are just a few of the activities on the 2025 IFPG Retreat agenda. Even downtime is strategically planned to foster new connections.
“There’s no other event that offers this level of interaction,” says IFPG Founder and CEO Don Daszkowski. “We’re so proud of what the Retreat has become. Our team works tirelessly to make it something our members look forward to all year.”
One of the Retreat’s cornerstone activities is its carefully orchestrated speed networking sessions. Designed to maximize exposure, these sessions give franchise consultants eight minutes with each franchisor — just enough time to hear the elevator pitch and get a feel for the people behind the brand. “It’s a super efficient way for consultants to learn about a wide range of opportunities and make meaningful connections,” says Boswell.
Another unique feature of the Retreat is the way meal seating is thoughtfully arranged. Attendees are placed with different people at each meal to spark new conversations and relationships. “Otherwise, people tend to sit with who they know,” says Daszkowski. “This way, they maximize their connections and also make some new friends. We sort of force them to step out of their comfort zones, but they love it in the end.”
Introduced last year, the supplier education roundtables were an instant hit. They allow franchisors to learn directly from vendors in a relaxed, small-group setting. “We’ve built IFPG Retreat to keep getting better every year,” adds Daszkowski. “The feedback we get from members is incredible. It motivates us to keep adding more value, more ways to connect and more ways to grow together.”
A Thriving Community
Franchising is a growing force in the U.S. economy. According to the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Economic Outlook, the number of franchise establishments is expected to grow by more than 20,000 units this year, a 1.9% increase, bringing the total to 851,000 units.
As franchising grows, IFPG is committed to helping franchisors scale responsibly. The organization continues to expand its membership, services and events to promote best practices that support both franchisors and franchisees. “At IFPG, integrity and ethics are at the heart of everything we do,” says Daszkowski. “We believe franchisors have a responsibility to build strong, supportive systems that set franchisees up for success. That’s what we’re here to help them do.”
All In: The 2025 Theme
This year’s conference theme is All In — a phrase that embodies the energy and passion of the IFPG community and franchising as a whole. “When our members come to Retreat, they don’t just show up — they dive in,” says Boswell. “They’re eager to learn, to meet new people and to help each other succeed because they are passionate about what they do.”
Boswell says that being all in is a mindset that drives success in franchising. “Whether you’re leading a brand and want people to invest in your franchise, or guiding someone through the life-changing decision to become a business owner, you have to be all in. From visionary founders and high-profile CEOs to the franchise consultants who help people change their lives, IFPG members go all in to make a difference. We thought it was a fantastic theme for this year’s event.”
The Retreat has grown year over year. What began in 2017 as a small gathering has evolved into a full-scale, award-winning conference. “We’ve created an experience that’s both high-impact and a ton of fun,” Boswell adds. “There’s simply nothing else like it!”
IFPG Retreat 2025
IFPG Retreat is open to IFPG members, but there’s still time to get involved. “If you’re not a member yet, now’s the perfect time to join and reserve your spot,” says Boswell. “There’s something special about being surrounded by people who truly care about what they do. That’s what makes the IFPG Retreat different, and that’s why it keeps getting better year after year.”
To learn more about IFPG Retreat or to register, visit www.ifpgretreat.com or email retreat@ifpg.org.
