Retreat Honored as a Top Franchise Event for the Second Year Running
The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) has again been named the No. 1 franchise broker organization on Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers list. This marks the seventh straight year IFPG has earned the top spot, a recognition based on direct feedback from franchisors. Featured in the September/October 2025 issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, the ranking highlights suppliers that franchisors and franchisees rely on to succeed.
“We are thrilled,” said IFPG CEO and founder Don Daszkowski. “Even though we’ve been recognized multiple times, it never gets old. It’s a testament to our amazing team and our commitment to continual improvement.”
The IFPG Retreat was also named a Top Franchise Event for the second consecutive year by Entrepreneur, solidifying its reputation as one of the most anticipated gatherings in franchising. The 2025 event will take place Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., with more than 800 attendees expected.
The Retreat stands out for its unique format that blends business and fun. Along with panel discussions, mastermind sessions and brand showcases, the agenda includes speed networking sessions where consultants meet franchisors in fast-paced, eight-minute conversations. Meals are arranged to mix attendees at different tables, supplier roundtables give franchisors the chance to learn directly from vendors in small groups, and even downtime — such as a pre-event baseball game in a VIP suite — is designed to spark new relationships.
“I always say when you have the best franchise consultants, you win. And we do! That’s why the IFPG Retreat continues to be such a must-attend event,” said IFPG President Red Boswell. This isn’t just about handing out business cards,” Boswell added. “It’s about building connections that lead to results. If you’re in franchising and you miss IFPG Retreat, you’re going to have some serious FOMO.”
This year’s Retreat theme, “All In,” captures the energy and drive of the IFPG community. “When our members come to Retreat, they don’t just show up — they dive in,” Boswell said. “They’re eager to learn, to meet new people and to help each other succeed. Being all in is a mindset that drives success in franchising. Whether you’re guiding someone through the life-changing decision to own a business or leading a franchise brand, you have to be all in.”
Adding Value
Beyond its events, IFPG connects franchisors, franchise consultants and vendors through membership, education and new initiatives that add value. One of its latest programs is the Lead Marketplace, launched this September to give consultants more control and flexibility in sourcing franchise candidates. The platform allows consultants to target the types of leads that fit their process, whether they’re working with career changers, investment-minded prospects or people from specific industries. The result is higher-quality candidates and a better consultant experience.
Another new innovation for IFPG this year is the Franchise Supplier Hub, a centralized directory that makes it easier to connect with reliable vendors in marketing, finance, real estate, technology and more. The Hub is expanding to include group purchasing benefits and additional savings for members.
Leading the Broker Community
In 2022, Princeton Equity Group made history as the first private equity firm to invest in a franchise broker organization when it partnered with IFPG. That groundbreaking move highlighted IFPG’s influence and leadership in franchising. In July 2025, CNL Strategic Capital became an investment partner, and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) acquired IFPG from Princeton, giving the organization even more resources to expand and innovate.
“With the backing of CNL and LLCP, we’re scaling everything that’s made IFPG successful — more support, more innovation and more services across franchising,” said IFPG COO Matt Otskey.
Franchising’s Growth
Franchising continues to grow nationwide. According to the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Economic Outlook, the number of franchise establishments is expected to increase by more than 20,000 units this year, representing a 1.9% gain that will bring the total to 851,000 locations.
“As franchising grows, IFPG is focused on helping brands scale responsibly,” said Daszkowski. “Integrity and ethics are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to support franchisors and consultants with tools and connections that set franchisees up for long-term success.”
Entrepreneur Editor-in-Chief Jason Feifer said the survey shows just how essential suppliers are to the franchise business model. “Behind every great franchise system is a network of exceptional suppliers who make success possible,” Feifer said. “This list, based on direct feedback from franchisors themselves, identifies the partners who consistently deliver the expertise and support that separate thriving franchise systems from struggling ones.”
To learn more about IFPG or register for the IFPG Retreat 2026, visit www.ifpgretreat.com or email retreat@ifpg.org.
