Top Franchise Shows, Conferences & Expos for 2024

The franchise industry has grown significantly over the past few decades, with thousands of businesses now operating under the franchise model. In this article, you will find franchise expos you can not miss to take the firt step on the franchise journey.

Franchising offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to start a business with a proven business model and established brand, while franchisors benefit from expanding their business and brand with minimal capital investment.

With the popularity of franchising continuing to grow, there has been an increasing number of franchise shows, conferences, and expos that bring together franchisors, franchisees, and industry experts from around the world.

These events provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest trends in the franchise industry, explore different franchise opportunities, and network with industry professionals. From large international expos to smaller regional shows, there are many franchise events held throughout the year that cater to a variety of interests and needs.

Franchise Expos You Can Not Miss

As we move into 2023, there are several franchise shows, conferences, and expos that are worth keeping an eye on. These events provide a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs who are interested in franchising to learn about the latest trends and best practices in the industry and explore different franchise opportunities from a variety of industries.

Whether you’re a seasoned franchise professional or just getting started in franchising, attending one of these events can be a valuable investment in your business education and future success. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top franchise shows, conferences, and expos for 2023 that you won’t want to miss.

1. International Franchise Expo: June 1-3 in New York, NY

The International Franchise Expo (IFE) is the largest franchise expo in the United States and is held annually in New York City. The expo features over 400 franchisors from a wide range of industries, including Food and Beverage, Retail, home-based businesses, and more.

The IFE provides attendees with an opportunity to explore different franchise opportunities, learn about the latest trends and best practices in the franchise industry, and network with franchisors, franchisees, and industry professionals from around the world. The expo also offers a variety of informative seminars and workshops on topics such as franchise law, financing, marketing, and operations.

One of the unique features of the IFE is its International Pavilion, which showcases franchisors from around the world. This provides attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about franchise opportunities in different countries and explore the potential for international expansion.

The IFE is designed for anyone interested in franchising, from seasoned franchise professionals to those who are just getting started in franchising. Whether you’re looking to start your own franchise or expand an existing franchise business, the IFE is a must-attend event that provides a wealth of information and networking opportunities.

2. Franchise Expo West: March 31 – April 1 in Phoenix, AZ

Franchise Expo West is a franchise event that is held annually in the western United States. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about different franchise opportunities and network with industry professionals.

Franchise Expo West features a variety of franchisors from a wide range of industries, including Food and Beverage, Retail, Fitness, and more. The event also offers a variety of educational seminars and workshops on topics such as financing, marketing, and operations. These sessions are led by industry experts and are designed to provide attendees with valuable insights and best practices for running a successful franchise business.

One of the unique features of Franchise Expo West is its “Meet the Pros” program. This program gives attendees an opportunity to schedule one-on-one consultations with industry experts on a variety of topics, including legal, finance, and marketing.

3. Franchise Expo South: September 8 – 9 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Franchise Expo South is an annual franchise event that is held in the state of Florida. The event features a variety of franchisors from a wide range of industries, including Food and Beverage, Retail, home-based businesses, and more.

Franchise Expo South provides attendees with an opportunity to explore different franchise opportunities, learn about the latest trends and best practices in the franchise industry, and network with franchisors, franchisees, and industry professionals. The event also offers a variety of educational seminars and workshops on topics such as financing, marketing, and operations.

One of the unique features of Franchise Expo South is its “Franchise University” program. This program provides attendees with in-depth training on franchising, covering topics such as franchise law, financing, and operations. This is a great resource for those who are just getting started in franchising or looking to expand their existing franchise business.

There are also franchise expos in Chicago and Houston among many other major cities.

4. Franchise Show: March 25 – 26 in Los Angeles, CA

Franchise Show is an annual franchise event that is held in multiple cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and more. The event features a wide range of franchisors from various industries, including Food and Beverage, Retail, Healthcare, and more.

Franchise Show offers attendees an opportunity to explore different franchise opportunities, learn about the latest trends and best practices in the franchise industry, and network with franchisors, franchisees, and industry professionals. The event also features a variety of informative seminars and workshops on topics such as franchise law, financing, marketing, and operations.

One of the unique features of Franchise Show is its “Franchise Marketplace” program, which offers attendees access to franchisors in different stages of the franchise process. This provides attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about franchise opportunities that are both new and established.

5. Multi-Unit Franchise Conference: April 25 – 28 in Las Vegas, NV

The Multi-Unit Franchise Conference is an annual event that brings together franchisees, franchisors, and industry experts from across the United States and beyond. The conference is designed to provide attendees with valuable insights and information on the latest trends, best practices, and strategies for multi-unit franchise success.

What makes the Multi Unit Franchise Conference unique is its focus on multi-unit franchising. Unlike other franchise conferences, which may cover a wide range of topics and target audiences, this conference specifically caters to the needs and interests of multi-unit franchisees and franchisors.

At the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference, attendees can expect to learn about a wide range of topics related to multi-unit franchising, including franchisee recruitment and development, operations and management best practices, multi-unit growth and expansion strategies, marketing and branding for multi-unit franchises, emerging trends and technologies in franchising, and legal and regulatory issues affecting multi-unit franchises.

In addition to the educational sessions, the conference also features ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with other franchise professionals, share ideas, and form new partnerships.

6. IFA Annual Convention: February 26 – March 1 in Las Vegas, NV

The IFA Annual Convention is the largest event in the franchising industry, bringing together franchise owners, executives, and suppliers from around the world to network, learn, and grow their businesses. The convention is hosted by the International Franchise Association (IFA), a trade association representing the franchising industry.

The convention features a variety of keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking events, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services for the franchise industry. The keynote speakers are typically high-profile individuals from a variety of industries and backgrounds, and they provide insights and inspiration on topics such as leadership, innovation, and business growth.

While the IFA Annual Convention is open to anyone interested in franchising, it is primarily designed for franchising professionals, including franchise owners, executives, and suppliers. The convention is focused on providing education, networking, and growth opportunities for those already operating in the franchising industry.

Prospective franchisees may still find value in attending the convention, particularly if they are interested in learning more about the franchising industry and connecting with franchisors or suppliers. However, the content and focus of the convention are geared more toward current franchising professionals, and the majority of attendees are typically from that demographic.

First Time Going to Franchise Expos?

Attending a franchise expo can be a great way to learn more about the franchise industry, explore different franchise opportunities, and network with franchise professionals. If you’re attending your first franchise expo, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Plan ahead

Before attending the expo, do some research on the exhibitors and sessions that will be available. This will help you create a plan of action and prioritize which sessions and booths to visit first.

Bring plenty of business cards:

You’ll be meeting a lot of people, so make sure you have plenty of business cards to hand out. This will help you stay in touch with people you meet and build your network.

Dress professionally

First impressions are important, so make sure you dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes.

Take notes

Bring a notebook or tablet to take notes on the sessions and exhibitors you visit. This will help you remember important information and follow up with people later.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the exhibitors and presenters. They are there to help you learn more about their business and the industry, so take advantage of their expertise.

Network

Take advantage of the networking opportunities available at the expo. Attend the social events and strike up conversations with other attendees. This is a great way to build relationships and learn from others in the industry.

Follow up

 After the expo, follow up with the people you met and the companies you’re interested in. This will help you stay top of mind and build relationships that could lead to future opportunities.

Overall, attending a franchise expo can be a great way to jumpstart your career in franchising. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your experience and come away with valuable insights and connections.

Conclusion

Franchise expos are events that bring together franchisees, franchisors, industry experts, and potential franchise investors under one roof. While these expos offer great opportunities for networking, learning about new opportunities and developments, and exploring different business models, it’s important to note that some franchise expos are geared primarily toward people who are already involved in franchising.

This is because some franchise expos are focused on providing advanced education and training for existing franchisees and franchisors. For example, they may offer sessions on complex legal and regulatory issues, advanced marketing and branding strategies, and other topics that are more relevant to those with experience in the industry.

While these types of franchise expos may not be as useful for people who are just starting to explore the world of franchising, they can be incredibly valuable for those who are already established in the industry and looking to take their businesses to the next level.

That said, there are also many franchise expos that are designed to cater to both experienced franchise professionals and those who are new to the industry. These expos typically offer a wide range of sessions and resources that are relevant to people at all levels of experience, from introductory sessions on basic franchise concepts to more advanced discussions on growth and development strategies.

Overall, it’s important to do your research and carefully evaluate the programs and offerings of any franchise expo before deciding to attend. By finding the right expo that matches your interests and experience level, you can get the most out of your investment and ensure that you are getting the education and support you need to succeed in franchising.