These Franchise Conferences and Events Go Far Beyond Speeches and Handshakes
Everyone involved in franchising can benefit from rubbing elbows with their cohorts at industry conferences, and several are already scheduled for 2022. These franchise conferences and events go far beyond speeches and handshakes to present real business solutions and innovations.
Among other opportunities, conferences serve as excellent avenues for making important contacts who deal in all aspects of franchising: consultants, brokers, lenders, legal specialists, executives with new and established franchise brands, founders, franchisees, vendors, marketing gurus, suppliers, and more. Franchise conferences 2022 will feature presentations, discussions, and networking to shed light on creative practices and tools, from hiring to software upgrades, maintenance to financial advice, advertising to product and service offerings, and more.
Most conferences also throw some fun into the mix, with attendees treated to entertainers, sports events and fitness workouts along with the de rigueur seminars, roundtables and panel discussions. Giving back and fundraising for nonprofit organizations also is a recurring element at many franchise conferences and events.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from the 2022 franchise conferences. Dates and venues are subject to change and more will be added as they are announced.
Franchise Conferences 2022
The Franchise Expo
Shows put on by The Franchise Expo (top photo) let investors enjoy face-to-face conversations with franchisors. In addition, seminars delve into information about diverse areas of franchising such as legal advice, financial strategies and marketing tactics. For more details about Franchise Expo events, visit www.FranchiseShowInfo.com or call 1-800-891-4859.
- Jan. 21-22, Dallas Market Center in Dallas
- March 12-13, The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas
- March 25-26, Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia
- April 23-24, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago
- May 21-22, Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando.
- May 14-15, NRG Center, Houston
- Oct. 16-17, Royal Plaza Trade Center in Boston
- October 22-23, Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta
- Nov. 5-6, Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla
- Nov. 18-19, Pasadena Convention Center in Los Angeles area
- Nov. 20-21, North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, N.C.
MFV Expositions
These conferences offer in-person meetings with representatives of top franchise brands, leading to detailed, vital discussions about franchises. There are workshops and seminars to educate participants, too. On the show floor, a wide range of small to midsize investment opportunities – including cleaning, residential, food and beverage, pet care, and health and wellness companies – can be checked out.
Franchise Expo West (March 18-19 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix) will focus on brands that are interested in growing in the Western United States.
The International Franchise Expo (June 2-4, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City) is a large-scale international trade show that attracts investors from all over the world. Established legacy brands, as well as new and exciting emerging franchises, are on display.
Franchise Expo South (Sept. 9-10 in the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) will emphasize brands that want to expand in Southern states.
IFA Annual Convention
The International Franchise Association’s annual convention is set for Feb. 26-March 1 in San Diego, with most activities taking place in the San Diego Convention Center. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego will be the location of a few convention events.
An array of meetings and receptions will offer opportunities for networking, including meals and educational events. There’s an exhibit hall so that attendees can explore areas suiting their particular interests. Veterans will be interested in presentations that discuss benefits set aside for them. And there’s special programming involving certified franchise executives and an emerging franchisor boot camp, plus the expected speeches and discussions. Special guest speakers include NBA legend and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal.
For more information, including costs, a detailed agenda, registration and hotel reservations, visit https://www.franchise.org/convention.
IFPG Retreat
The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) retreat will occur Oct. 10-12 in Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla. IFPG is a membership-based network of franchise professionals with more than 1,200 franchisor, franchise consultant and vendor members within the organization’s portfolio. The main thrust of this retreat is to build lifelong relationships within IFPG amid a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
For more information, including travel tips, visit https://ifpgretreat.com.
Franchise Marketing & Leadership Conference
The 2022 Franchise Marketing & Leadership Conference will be held June 20-23 at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. It is geared to franchisors and suppliers. To get more specific details, complete the online form at https://www.franchisemarketingconference.com.
Multi-Unit Franchising Conference
The 2022 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference is scheduled for March 29-April 1 in Las Vegas. Participants will meet seasoned multi-unit franchise operators and panelists via networking events, with everyone sharing stories of struggles and success. Conference presentations will reveal actionable takeaways for business growth, and the exhibit hall will afford opportunities to explore new brands, products and service providers. To learn more, visit https://www.multiunitfranchisingconference.com
Franchise YoungConference
The Franchise YoungConference, also known as YoungCon, is set for January 30th – February 1st, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sponsored by Fishman Public Relations and Fisher Zucker, this conference is an opportunity for young innovators in franchising to come together to share ideas and learn about the ever-changing digital world. For more information, visit https://franchiseyoungconference.com or contact apetrongolo@fisherzucker.com.