Where the Magic Happens: The Power of Smaller Conferences in Franchising

As the franchising world gears up for another round of industry gatherings, from the mammoth International Franchise Association (IFA) annual conference to more intimate events like the upcoming FBR Summit, it’s time to shine a spotlight on where the real magic happens. Spoiler alert: it’s not always in the grand ballrooms of convention centers.

The Extroverted Introvert’s Dilemma

My name is Ingrid, your friendly neighborhood extroverted introvert. I am the CEO of a company called Stay in Your Lane. You may think I am an extrovert, but I only play one on TV. If you’re scratching your head at that term, let me break it down for you. I love people, I thrive on meaningful connections, and I’m energized by great conversations. But here’s the kicker—large crowds and non-stop networking can leave me feeling like I’ve run a mental marathon in stilettos—and I don’t wear heels. 

Don’t get me wrong, I adore seeing familiar faces and meeting new folks in our vibrant franchising community. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow entrepreneurs who speak your language. But after a day of back-to-back interactions at a massive conference, my social battery is as dead as my phone after a TikTok binge. (Don’t shame me)

I’ve really come to appreciate the unique charm and undeniable value of smaller conferences. They’re like the cozy coffee shops of the business world—intimate, inviting, and infinitely more conducive to genuine connections.

Small Conferences: Where Everyone Knows Your Name (Or Soon Will. Please Sing It.) 

So, why am I singing the praises of smaller conferences? Let me count the ways:

1. Quality over quantity: At mega-events like the IFA annual conference, you might collect a stack of business cards taller than your to-read pile. But how many of those connections will truly stick? Smaller conferences allow for deeper, more meaningful interactions. You’re not just another face in the crowd; you’re a valued participant with a voice that can be heard.

2. Breathing room for introverts: For us extroverted introverts (and our fully introverted friends), smaller gatherings provide much-needed breathing room. There’s space to step back, process information, and recharge without feeling like you’re missing out on the action.

3. Focused learning: With fewer concurrent sessions and a more targeted audience, smaller conferences often deliver more relevant, in-depth content. You’re not constantly battling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) over which of the 20 simultaneous talks to attend. This happens to me all the time. 

4. Unexpected connections: In a more intimate setting, you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with someone you might not have approached in a larger crowd. And let me tell you, those unexpected connections can be game-changers. MY FAVE! 

The Fab Five: A Small Conference Success Story

Let me tell you about my Fab Five—AKA “the Gathering Girls.” 

Picture this: Five women from different corners of the franchising world, thrown together at a small conference. We barely knew each other when we arrived, but by the end of the event, we had formed an unbreakable bond.

Fast forward to today, and we have the most unhinged group chat you can imagine. It’s a beautiful mix of business insights, personal support, and the kind of unfiltered humor that would make our PR teams cringe. But here’s the kicker—we’re not just sharing memes and life updates. We’re passing business opportunities back and forth, collaborating on projects, and lifting each other up in an industry that can sometimes feel like a boys’ club.

This kind of tight-knit, supportive network doesn’t typically emerge from large conferences where you’re constantly in motion. It’s the result of having the time and space to truly connect, to let your guard down, and to find your tribe. And that, my friends, is the magic of smaller conferences.

The ROI of Intimacy

Now, let’s talk business. After all, we’re not just attending these conferences for the free pens and questionable hotel coffee. We’re investing our time and resources, and we need to see a return. Here’s where smaller conferences truly shine:

1. Face time with industry leaders: At a smaller event, you’re not just a face in the audience during a keynote speech. You might find yourself sharing an elevator ride with a CEO you admire or having a casual chat with an industry expert over lunch. These organic interactions can lead to mentorship opportunities, partnerships, or simply invaluable advice that you’d never get in a more formal setting.

2. Tailored solutions: Vendors and sponsors at smaller conferences often have the time and flexibility to offer more personalized solutions. Instead of a one-size-fits-all pitch, you can have in-depth discussions about your specific needs and challenges.

3. Actionable insights: With fewer distractions and a more focused agenda, you’re more likely to leave a smaller conference with concrete, actionable insights that you can implement in your business right away.

4. Lasting relationships: As my Fab Five story illustrates, the relationships formed at smaller conferences tend to be deeper and more enduring. These connections can provide ongoing support, collaboration opportunities, and a sounding board for ideas long after the conference ends.

The Stay In Your Lane Philosophy

At Stay In Your Lane, we’re all about growth. But we’ve learned that sometimes, growth doesn’t come from casting the widest net possible. It comes from finding your niche, your people, and your path. Smaller conferences align perfectly with this philosophy.

They allow us to focus on what truly matters, to build relationships that go beyond a LinkedIn connection, and to dive deep into the issues and opportunities that are most relevant to our business. It’s not about collecting the most business cards or attending the flashiest parties. It’s about making connections that count and gaining insights that truly move the needle. We like moving the needle.

Embracing the Magic

As we look forward to events like the FBR Summit, I encourage you to embrace the magic of smaller conferences. Yes, the big industry gatherings have their place, and you’ll probably still find me there, caffeinating heavily and taking strategic “bathroom breaks aka hiding” to recharge. But it’s at the smaller events where I’ve found my people, gained my most valuable insights, and truly grown as a professional and as a person.

So, the next time you’re deciding which events to attend, don’t just go for the biggest names or the most impressive attendee lists. Look for those smaller gatherings where you can truly engage, connect, and grow. Because in the world of franchising, as in life, sometimes the biggest opportunities come in smaller packages.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on that unhinged group chat. Who knows? The next big franchising innovation might just be born between cat memes and franchise gossip. Stay fabulous, stay focused, and I hope to see you and chat at a small conference sooooon!

Thank you to Stay In Your Lane for being a sponsor of the 2024 FBR Summit.

The ONLY Event Designed Just for Franchise Operations Teams

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