PRESENTED BY:

September 18, 2026

IFA26 Advocacy Summit Drives Action

Nearly 600 members of the franchise community gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 IFA Advocacy Summit, marking record attendance as IFA pushes to advance the American Franchise Act.

Why It Matters: The Summit translated that turnout into action, with hundreds of advocates heading to Capitol Hill to meet directly with lawmakers and share how federal policy impacts their businesses, employees, and communities. The crowd included nearly 90 Franchisees of the Year and franchise leaders from across the country.

Big Picture: IFA backed up its grassroots presence with a six-figure advertising campaign across Washington targeting Congress and the White House. Together, the record turnout, hundreds of Hill meetings, and advertising push put franchising and the American Franchise Act front and center in Washington.

Trump Administration Backs the American Franchise Act

During the Advocacy Summit, the Trump Administration formally announced its support for the American Franchise Act, giving the legislation additional backing as hundreds of franchise advocates descended on Capitol Hill.

What They’re Saying: White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley told IFA members, “The Trump Administration fully supports this bill,” and said the Administration wants to see it completed this year. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling also met with franchise leaders during the Summit and reiterated the Department’s support for an environment where franchised businesses, local owners, and their workforce can thrive.

Big Picture: The Administration’s engagement added another element to IFA’s broader push for the American Franchise Act, alongside bipartisan congressional support, hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill, and a major grassroots and advertising campaign across Washington.

ADVERTISEMENT | Advertise with IFA

Franchise Fest: A Main Street Celebration

IFA closed out its record-breaking Advocacy Summit with Franchise Fest: A Main Street Celebration, bringing franchise owners, brands, advocates, and members of Congress together to celebrate the locally owned businesses behind some of America’s most recognizable brands. IFA awarded Franchise Champion Awards to bipartisan lawmakers who stand up for our business model and the local businesses in their states and districts.

Go Deeper: Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Sport Clips, School of Rock, and Woofie’s were among the brands featured, showcasing the local owners and entrepreneurs who operate franchise businesses in communities across the country.

Big Picture: After a week of meetings, advocacy, and policy conversations, Franchise Fest brought the focus back to Main Street — highlighting the local business owners, employees, and communities at the center of IFA’s work in Washington.