Ugh, Not Another Meeting!?! … Ah, But the IFA Convention Isn't Just 'Another Meeting'

If you don’t know me well, you don’t know that I really hate meetings.  Let me clarify, I don't hate all meetings, I dislike meetings that digress and stray off topic to the point we’re talking about the vendor’s bachelor party back in '69.  Give me a solid agenda, with concrete objectives and a set time frame and I’ll be there with bells on.

Now, conventions are just really big meetings so I know you’re thinking, Tina is going to be down on conventions.  Not true, naysayer.    And why’s that?

• An agenda – check.
• A selection of items to meet your objectives – check.   
• A set time frame – check. 
• Happy hour at the hotel bar – double check.   

This year we attended the IFA’s national convention in New Orleans – during Mardi Gras, no less.  I am always amazed at the magnitude of the event IFA puts on.  The variety of speakers - always experts in their fields - and the Mini Super Sessions were spot on.  The exhibit hall alone has almost every vendor specialty represented, and for a growing franchise, we’re always on the search for new technology to help us become bigger/better.  

I shake my head in disbelief at how helpful and forthcoming all of the veteran franchisors are (don't they know we're competitors?). They are willing to share their knowledge, mistakes and even little tips and tricks for running a great Frog-a-thon (see previous blog post).  In turn, I try to pay it forward and share all our tips and mistakes to the newer franchisors.  It's a great cycle, let's keep it up!

Every time I consider registering for these conventions, I am skeptical about whether it’s worth the time and money.   But, I give them my credit card and go, because I know it’s the right thing for Big Frog.  And, inevitably, I come home with a list of ways to improve myself (yoga!), my management style (hate meetings less), my team (re-energize) and my system (Board of Directors). The experience is truly priceless.  

A quick photo digression from NOLA:

Bad Creek Bandits - Awesome Bluegrass/Ragtime Band

Grey Goose Martini at the Ice Bar in Harrah's  (Yum!)