Franchise Expo Dallas, organized by MFV Expositions and Comexposium, is set to take place on September 18-19 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. This marks the first time the event has been held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2018, a notable return given Texas's consistent ranking among the top five states for franchise interest and activity. The expo aims to connect motivated entrepreneurs with a diverse array of franchise opportunities, featuring over 100 exhibitors and a robust program of workshops and keynote sessions.
Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, highlighted the growing appeal of franchising, noting the nearly 850,000 franchise establishments in the U.S. and the industry's trajectory toward surpassing the one-million mark. He emphasized the expo's role in facilitating conversations that can turn entrepreneurial aspirations into reality, positioning MFV Expo as a matchmaker between aspiring business owners and franchise brands across various industries and investment levels.
The event's agenda includes workshops such as "A to Z's of Buying a Franchise" led by Dr. John Hayes, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and "Franchising Your Business" presented by Mark Siebert of iFranchise Group. Additional sessions cover topics like essential questions for franchisors and minority wealth building through franchising, with speakers including Natalie Hoyt of Ascent Hospitality Management and Andre Key, founder and CEO of Sociallybuzz. Attendees can also participate in networking opportunities like the Emerging Brands Pavilion, the Business Resource Center, and Franchise Expo Unplugged, a podcast series in partnership with Social Geek Radio.
Exhibitors span a wide range of sectors, from recognizable names like McDonald's, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy to food and beverage brands such as Perkins American Food Co., Mr. Gatti's Pizza, The Big Biscuit, and Rosatti's Pizza. Home services are represented by Poolwerx, Pi Kitchen and Bath Shop, and Milo Insulation, while the senior care sector includes Golden Years Relocation and Assisted Living Mansion. This diversity ensures that attendees can explore concepts at various investment levels and industries.
Franchise Expo Dallas is the second stop in MFV Expo's 2026 U.S. tour, following the International Franchise Expo in New York City in May. Upcoming events include Franchise Expo Cincinnati (October 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (November 13-14). Registration for both attendees and exhibitors is now open, with more information available at Franchise Expo Dallas.
