IFA President & CEO Matt Haller Opens IFA 2026 Convention With Unique Address
International Franchise Association President and CEO Matt Haller opened the 2026 IFA Annual Convention with an unexpected twist: he scrapped his prepared remarks.
Las Vegas // FranchisePR.com // February 27, 2026 – In a departure from traditional keynote speeches, Haller launched the event with a late-night-show-style monologue dubbed “Franchise Tonight!” Joined on stage by outgoing IFA Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson — and seated beside couches that evoked a talk-show set — Haller blended humor, industry references, and economic analysis to frame what he described as a pivotal moment for franchising.
But beneath the format shift was a substantive message: franchising enters 2026 with strong momentum and a favorable economic outlook.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Haller drew a historical parallel that resonated with attendees. In many ways, he suggested, the U.S. itself resembles the original multi-unit franchise system — 50 autonomous states operating under one unified structure.
From early American entrepreneurs like Benjamin Franklin, who licensed printing operations, to today’s global franchise brands, Haller positioned franchising as deeply intertwined with the country’s entrepreneurial foundation. He described the business model as one of the most effective democratizations of wealth creation, enabling individuals to operate independently while benefiting from the support of a larger system.
Turning to data, Haller and Thompson highlighted the newly released 2026 IFA Economic Outlook, which projects franchise growth of 1.8% this year — exceeding the pace of the broader U.S. economy.
They attributed that growth to three primary drivers:
- Greater tax certainty supporting long-term investment
- Lower interest rates are improving access to capital
- Strategic investments in artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and unit-level performance
Coupled with IFA’s Value of Franchising research, which indicates franchise businesses generate 1.4 times the revenue of comparable non-franchise businesses, the message was clear: franchising is not only expanding, but outperforming.
A central focus of the presentation was the bipartisan American Franchise Act, legislation Haller described as potentially transformative for the franchise business model.
The bill would establish a clear joint employer standard specific to franchising, reinforcing franchisors’ ability to provide brand and operational support while preserving franchisees’ independence. Supporters argue it would bring long-term regulatory stability to the franchise relationship, reducing the policy uncertainty that has resurfaced in recent election cycles.
Advocacy efforts from IFA members, including congressional testimony, district-level engagement, and coordinated outreach, have generated legislative momentum not seen in nearly a decade.
Haller also emphasized a shift in how IFA has framed its communications over the past year. Through a refreshed brand identity, a new website, and the “Franchise Means Local” campaign, IFA has sought to highlight franchisees as local business owners creating jobs and generational opportunity in their communities.
That reframing, Haller suggested, has resonated with policymakers and the public alike.
The 2026 Convention marks Haller’s fifth year as CEO and his fifteenth year with the organization. He reflected on the industry’s evolution since 2010, when IFA was advocating for higher SBA loan limits in the aftermath of the Great Recession.
Today, he noted, franchising stands more unified and confident in its trajectory.
The unconventional “Franchise Tonight!” format may have been new, but the underlying message was consistent: franchising enters 2026 with economic strength, legislative momentum, and a renewed commitment to evolve alongside the broader business landscape.
As attendees filled the Las Vegas convention hall, the opening session underscored both the resilience of the franchise model and the strategic priorities shaping its next chapter.
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