What Franchisors Need To Know About The 2016 International Franchise Expo

When franchisors are looking for ways to get their name out there, they’re faced with a seemingly endless list of options. But that doesn’t mean that all lead generation efforts are created equal—some methods are more effective than others. One of the best resources for franchise brands is the International Franchise Expo (IFE).

Between June 16 and 18, hundreds of the hottest franchise concepts from the U.S. and 120 countries around the world will be on display in New York City. IFE is the franchising industry’s top event—thousands of entrepreneurs and prospective business owners will meet with over 400 proven franchise opportunities in just three days. It’s a unique way for established, emerging and start up brands to meet their future franchisees.

“Exhibiting at IFE is a great way for us to get out name out there, and we’ve gotten qualified leads and deals from exhibiting at IFE,” said Dan Dizio, CEO of Philly Pretzel Factory.

IFE, the largest franchise expo in the country, gives brands a chance to meet prospective business owners face-to-face. Instead of relying on referred information or an online application, franchisors are able to see for themselves whether or not an entrepreneur will be a good fit for their brand.

After last year’s event, Tony Foley, international director of United Franchise Group, said the heightened level of personal interaction ultimately set the brand up for success.

“We had six booths at the show representing all of our brands. Although I have not received a total count, we engaged easily over 1,000 people, not including the international guests we met with for master license purposes,” said Foley. “It would be safe to say that our expectations from the IFE will be no less than 15 franchise sales along with several master license arrangements for countries outside the U.S.”

Attending IFE is also beneficial for business people who are either looking to break into the franchising industry or expand their existing network of local units. By visiting different franchisor booths, attendees have the chance to ask questions and get face time with founders and executives that they otherwise may not have the chance to meet.

Andrew Mason, a franchisee with SuperGreen Solutions, said, “Owning my own business was a lifelong dream of mine. I attended the International Franchise Expo in New York City to see if franchising was the right fit for me, and it was.”

For more information on this year’s IFE, click here.