Franchise Expo, Conference and Convention Lineup for 2019
Make sure to check the websites for each event for the most up-to-date information.
There were many major events within the franchising industry over the past year, from joint-employer rule changes to the Papa John’s scandal to the Dunkin’ name change and more. For these reasons, 2019 promises to be an especially dynamic year for the industry, which is why networking and learning opportunities are more important than ever.
Here is a list of the upcoming franchise conventions, expos and conferences in 2019. Franchisors, franchisees, prospective franchisees and industry partners will have plenty of opportunities to learn more about the business - and to share their knowledge.
January 11-12, 2019
Boston, MA
Seaport World Trade Center
This event will feature expanding New England businesses and is aimed at prospective franchisees. Information on speakers and seminars will be available online one month before the event. Advisors and suppliers will provide their expertise on topics such as legal services, banking institutions and financial advisors.
January 24-26, 2019
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about franchising possibilities both in the United States and in Latin America. There will be free seminars and workshops. Prospective franchisees can learn about brands in different industries. Confirmed educational sessions include “The Basics of Developing a Franchise System” and “Creating Lifelong Customers: The Business of Service.”
Reverse Logistics Association Conference & Expo Las Vegas
February 5, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Mirage Las Vegas
This event provides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and branded companies the opportunity to identify future service partners. Companies that will exhibit, sponsor and speak at the expo include the Consumer Technology Association and DM Transportation. There will be panel discussions, fireside chats and case studies.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Houston
February 23-24, 2019
Houston, TX
Stafford Center
Prospective franchisees at this event will have the opportunity to learn about franchising possibilities in the Houston area. Information on seminars, speakers and more will be available one week before the event. Attendance is free for those who register online. Seminar topics include franchise law and franchise financing. Information on seminars and speakers will be available one week prior to the event.
International Franchise Association
February 24-27, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Mandalay Bay
This event will feature speakers, more than 50 educational sessions and an exhibit hall with more than 350 supplier partners. There will be committee meetings for women and for veteran franchisees. There will also be several networking opportunities, including a reception with exhibitors.
The Franchise Show - San Diego
March 2-3, 2019
San Diego, CA
Del Mar Fairgrounds
This event will feature information on expanding franchise opportunities in the San Diego area. Information on speakers and seminars and more will be provided one month prior to the event. While the venue is fully accessible, prospective attendees should note that no public transportation is available to the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Dallas
March 9-10, 2019
Dallas, TX
Irving Convention Center
This event aims to connect franchisors and prospective franchisees for opportunities in the Dallas area. More information on seminars and speakers will be available one week before the event. Attendees can learn about different financing options for their franchise, explore different franchise concepts and more.
March 16-17, 2019
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center
This event will feature franchising businesses in the Orlando area. Prospective franchisees can learn about franchise opportunities in a variety of businesses and industries. More information about this event will be provided online one month prior to the first day.
Multi-Unit Franchising Conference
March 24-27, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Caesars Palace Hotel
This event is aimed at multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees who want to grow their business. There will be speakers, panels and breakout sessions. The best rate options for franchisees, franchisors, suppliers, area developers and other attendees expire on January 4.
The Franchise Show - Washington DC
April 6-7, 2019
Washington D.C.
Virginia Dulles Expo Center
This event will feature information about franchising opportunities that are expanding in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. Parking is free, according to the event’s information page. Information on seminars and speakers will be available one month before the event.
Restaurant Leadership Conference
April 7-10, 2019
Phoenix, AZ
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
More than 2,000 restaurant industry executives are expected to attend this conference. The event will feature more than 60 speakers. This conference features forums, networking opportunities and seminars.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Charlotte
April 13-14, 2019
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Convention Center
This show aims to connect franchisors and prospective franchisees in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Information on speakers and seminars will be available one week prior to the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about different franchise concepts, franchise law and more.
April 27-28, 2019
Rosemont, IL
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
This event will feature expanding businesses in the Chicagoland area. Seminar topics include “Financing Options” and “Legal Advice.” More information on speakers and seminars will be available online one month prior to the event.
May 5-7, 2019
Washington, DC
JW Marriott
This event is aimed at providing solutions to business executives and franchise legal partners. Attendees can earn credits towards their Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) certifications. There will be multiple networking opportunities and educational sessions.
Franchise Times Finance & Growth Conference
May 7-8, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
This event provides networking opportunities for franchisors, franchisees and franchise lenders. Multi-unit franchisees who want to add more concepts to their portfolios are among those who are encouraged to attend. More than 90 franchise companies will be represented at this event.
39th Annual IBA/IFA Joint Conference
May 7-8, 2019
Washington, DC
JW Marriott
The International Franchise Association and the International Bar Asociation’s Franchising Committee partner every year for this event, which is aimed at those in the international franchise law sector. The latest developments in international law will be discussed. Conference attendees will earn 150 education credits towards the completion of the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Atlanta
May 18-19, 2019
Atlanta, GA
Cobb Galleria
This trade show aims to connect hundreds of franchise businesses with prospective franchisees. Sponsors include Meineke and the Military Officers Association of America. More information on seminars will be posted one week before the event.
May 18-19, 2019
Houston, TX
NRG Center
This event will feature expanding businesses in the Houston area. Information on speakers and seminars will be made available online one month before the event is scheduled to begin. Admission is free for military personnel who can present ID at the ticket booth. There will be a workshop on how to franchise one’s business.
May 30 - June 1, 2019
New York City, NY
The Javits Center
More than 400 top franchise brands will be represented at this event, and there will be more than 70 free seminars. Attendees can meet with consultants who can help them determine which franchising opportunity would suit them best. Attendees can attend educational workshops and learn more about franchising opportunities in a variety of industries.
2019 Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference
June 18-20, 2019
Atlanta, GA
InterContinental Buckhead Hotel
This conference is aimed at marketing professionals within the franchising industry. It aims to provide a focused agenda with specific, industry-relevant information. There will be speakers, panels and workshops.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Jacksonville
September 7-8, 2019
Jacksonville, FL
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
Prospective franchisees who attend this event will have the chance to learn about franchising opportunities throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area. An updated seminar schedule will be posted one week prior to the event. Attendees can learn about franchising opportunities in a variety of industries.
Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting
September 9-11, 2019
Washington, DC
JW Marriott
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives in Congress and discuss how the new joint employer standard impacts their franchise. Members of the IFA will facilitate these meetings and help with preparation. Franchisees can attend this event for free. Attendees will be able to network with fellow entrepreneurs and listen to expert speakers.
September 13-14, 2019
Rosemont, IL
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
This event is an opportunity for prospective franchisees to learn about different franchising opportunities. It will feature more than 100 top franchise brands. Attendees can take advantage of seminars and workshops and meet with financial experts to learn more about financing a franchise. Prospective franchisees can also learn about different types of franchising opportunities.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Washington, DC
October 5-6, 2019
Washington, DC
Dulles Expo Center
Propsective franchisees who attend this event will have the opportunity to learn about franchising opportunities throughout the Washington, DC area. Information on speakers and seminars will be posted one week before the event. Prospective franchisees can meet franchisors and learn about different franchise concepts in a variety of industries.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Tampa
October 26-27, 2019
Tampa, FL
Tampa Convention Center
Prospective franchisees will have the opportunity to meet with franchisors operating and expanding throughout the Tampa area. Speaker and seminar information will be posted one week before the event. Topics such as franchise law and franchise financing will be covered.
The Great American Franchise Expo - Miami
November 9-10, 2019
Miami, FL
Miami Airport Convention Center
Information on speakers and seminars will be posted online one week before the event. Prospective franchisees will have the chance to meet with franchisors operating throughout the Miami area. Seminar topics include information on growing an absentee business and franchise financing.