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 event's first return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2018, a strategic move given Texas' consistent ranking among the top five states for franchise interest and activity. With over 100 exhibitors, more than a dozen workshops and sessions, and notable keynote speakers, the expo aims to connect motivated entrepreneurs with a diverse array of franchise opportunities.
The two-day event is designed to provide an up-close look at the potential of franchise ownership. Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, highlighted the industry's growth, noting that there are approximately 850,000 franchise establishments in the U.S., with the industry poised to surpass the one-million mark. He emphasized the expo's role as a 'matchmaker,' facilitating conversations that can turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
The agenda includes popular workshops such as 'A to Z's of Buying a Franchise' led by Dr. John Hayes of Palm Beach Atlantic University, and 'Franchising Your Business' presented by Mark Siebert of iFranchise Group. Other sessions cover critical topics like 'Top Questions to Ask a Franchisor Before Investing' moderated by Natalie Hoyt of Ascent Hospitality Management, and a keynote on 'Minorities Building Wealth with Franchising' by Andre Key, founder and CEO of Sociallybuzz. Attendees can access the full schedule on the Seminars page.
Special programming includes the Emerging Brands Pavilion, reserved for franchise concepts with fewer than ten locations, offering a glimpse at up-and-coming brands. The Business Resource Center provides a space for networking with industry vendors and suppliers. Franchise Expo Unplugged, in partnership with Social Geek Radio, will feature podcasts and interviews from the trade show floor.
Exhibitors span various industries, from household 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 Rosati'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.
Franchise Expo Dallas is the second stop on MFV Expo's 2026 U.S. tour, following the International Franchise Expo in New York City and preceding Franchise Expo Cincinnati (Oct. 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (Nov. 13-14). Registration is now open for both attendees and exhibitors. More information, including travel and lodging options, is available at Franchise Expo Dallas.
