Attending conferences and events is one of the best ways to stay ahead in the ever-changing franchise industry. At these 2019 franchise events, you will learn from the top industry executives while networking with franchise professionals just like yourself. We've compiled a list of 30+ franchise conferences, summits and other events that focus on a wide range of topics from marketing and legal policy, to leadership.
Let's dive in!
Taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Stafford Center in Houston, The Great American Franchise Expo is the place to be for anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a franchise. Bonus, the first 100 attendees get a free VR headset (!!!) and a copy of the bestselling book The Franchise MBA.
Houston, TX
February 23-24, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-houston
If you weren't able to attend The Great American Franchise Expo earlier this year, fear not because there are a handful of these around the country every year. Here's more upcoming Great American Franchise Expo events:
Dallas, TX
March 9-10, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-dallas
Charlotte, NC
April 12-14, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-charlotte
Atlanta, GA
May 18-19
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-atlanta
Jacksonville, FL
September 7-8, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-jacksonville
Washington,DC
October 5-6, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-washington-dc
Tampa, FL
October 26-27, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-tampa
Miami, FL
November 9-10, 2019
https://www.franexpousa.com/attend-miami
Las Vegas, NV
February 24-27, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/convention
As the State's largest Franchise event, The Franchise Show attracts tons of big names like AllState Insurance, Benjamin Moore, Rosati's and many others. While this event is focused on helping franchise owners make more money, it's very reasonably priced. Franchise owners and franchisees pay just $8 at the door!
San Diego, CA
March 2-3, 2019
http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/san-diego/visitor/
If you couldn't make it out to San Diego in March, check out The Franchise Shows later this Spring in their nation-wide tour:
Orlando, FL
March 16-17, 2019
http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/orlando/visitor/
Washington, DC
April 6-7, 2019
http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/dcn-virginia/visitor/
Chicago, IL
April 27-28, 2019
http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/chicago/visitor/
Houston,TX
May 18-19, 2019
https://www.franchise.com/business-franchising-events
Calgary, Canada
November 9-10, 2019
http://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/calgary/visitor/
If you've ever thought of attending The Franchise Unconference, this is the year to do it because it's the 10th Anniversary! Offering self-proclaimed crisp and refreshing content to "franchiskis," this show aims to take everything you know about conferences and turn it on it's head. The creators promise a cool, fun, productive, inspiring, relaxing and invigorating experience.
Park City, UT
March 2-3, 2019
https://franchiseunconference.com/
A more intimate franchise event, this show offers opportunities to make connections with several premier franchise companies in the Greater Orlando area. The show will feature franchises from the home inspection sector, the fitness sector, wellness/spa/beauty, automotive and more.
Orlando, FL
March 23, 2019
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-franchisor-tickets-52910203844
The Multi- Unit Franchise Expo has rave reviews from past attendees. The event also boasts celebrity appearances like Jon Taffer from Bar Rescue and ABC News Correspondent Matt Gutman. This annual expo is a must-attend for franchise exhibitors, franchisees and anyone else who's looking to break into the business!
Las Vegas, NV
March 24-27, 2019
https://www.multiunitfranchisingconference.com/
The International Franchise Association's Legal Symposium is a unique and useful experience for franchise owners, offering real world legal know-how in the enterprise industry. Business executives learn the ins and outs of regulatory systems and can even earn Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) credit for attending.
Washington, DC
May 5-7, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/legal-symposium
If you're considering going international with your franchise, this conferences is literally dedicated to franchise owners like you. Hear from international franchise lawyers, wine and dine at Mastro's Steakhouse and best of all if you're already registered to the IFA Legal Symposium, this joint event is free!
Washington, DC
May 7-8, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/ibaifa-joint-conference3
If you want to set up a second or even third location, this event is made for business owners just like you! The Franchise Times Finance & Growth Conference is designed to help budding business owners break into the franchise world with growth and expansion plans. Promising face-to-face time with CEOs and CFOs, business owners looking to take their enterprise to the next level and network have a lot to gain.
Las Vegas, NV
May 7-8, 2019
http://www.franchisetimes.com/Conferences/The-Franchise-Finance-Growth-Conference/
While the International Franchise Expo hosts smaller events around the country throughout the year, this is the biggest franchise show in the country and it only happens once a year. Taking place in the legendary Jacob Javits Conference Center in fabulous New York, this show has something for every type of franchise owner, new and inexperienced in addition to hundreds of real opportunities.
New York, NY
May 30 - June 1, 2019
https://www.ifeinfo.com/
Also known as The Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference, this event is as it's name suggests - it's all about franchise marketing! And there isn't a franchise on earth that doesn't need marketing. With a new name, this year's edition of the event and awards show is re-envisioned offering franchise marketers maximum value for their investment, fresh ideas and a new Annual Franchise Marketing Report.
Atlanta, GA
June 18-19, 2019
https://www.franchiseconsumermarketing.com/
Have you ever wanted to have your say in how franchises are governed nation wide? Now you can at the Franchise Action Event's annual "fly-in." You'll be encouraged to tell Congress how the new joint employer standards has impacted your franchise business while networking with peers and shaping the future of the enterprise industry.
Washington, DC
Sept 9-11, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/fan
Emerging entrepreneurs should take part in Franchise Springboard if they want to leap into the next level. From community building, to state regulations and strategic expert advice, this event can elevate anyone in the early discovery phases of franchising. The organizers encourage growing franchise owners to come to the event, work hard and play hard!
Philadelphia, PA
September 18-20, 2019
https://franchisespringboard.com/
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, this event brings together industry executives from all over the country for sessions about franchise leadership and development. This is one of the only events all year that offers franchise professionals the opportunity to particpate in problem-solving roundtables.
Atlanta, GA
October 15-17, 2019
https://www.franchisedevelopmentconference.com/
The Franchise Marketing Innovation and Technology Conference is a one-stop-martech-shop for franchise owners. Learn how to innovate and become a more effective franchise leader and business owner through cutting-edge speaker presentations. Our team will even be there proudly sponsoring and exhibiting, so come by and say hello to one of our staff if you plan on attending.
Austin, TX
October 23-25, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/mitcon
Learn from the best at this IFA presented event for emerging franchise owners. Engage with experienced franchise business owners and hear their stories about how they got to where they are today. Be part of an interactive atmosphere full of best practices that you can take with you into your 2020 franchise business planning!
Nashville, TN
November 19-21, 2019
https://www.franchise.org/efc
Spend time in sunny California while attending the biggest franchise event in the Western US. With sessions and opportunities for every level, this event attracts over 200 attendees every year. Close out the year strong with face-to-face franchise industry connections that you can leverage in the year to come.
Long Beach, CA
December 05-07, 2019
https://www.franchiseexpowest.com/
Image Credits
Feature Image: Unsplash/Mark Pan4ratte
Image 1: Via The Great American Franchise Expo
Image 2: Via IFA Covention
Image 3: Via The Franchise Expo
Image 4: Via The Franchise Unconference
Image 5: Via FranNet
Image 6: Via Multi Unit Franchising Conference
Image 7: Via IFA Legal Symposium
Image 8: Via IBA/IBF
Image 9: Via The Franchise Times Growth & Finance Conference
Image 10: Via International Franchise Expo
Image 11: Via IFA Franchise Action Network
Image 12: Via Franchise Springboard
Image 13: Via Franchise Development Conference
Image 14: Via IFA MITcon
Image 15: Via IFA Emerging Franchisor Conference
Image 16: Via Franchise Expo West