Franchise Expo Dallas, organized by MFV Expositions and Comexposium, is set to take place 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 significant move given Texas's consistent ranking among the top five states for franchise interest and activity. With more than 100 exhibitors, a dozen workshops, and keynote speakers, the expo aims to connect motivated entrepreneurs with diverse franchise opportunities.
The timing is strategic. According to Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, "By almost any industry benchmark metric or standard, it’s clear that interest in business ownership through franchising is at an all-time high. There are approximately 850,000 franchise establishments in the U.S. today and it’s only a matter of time before the industry surpasses the one-million mark - a significant milestone." This growth underscores the importance of events like Franchise Expo Dallas in facilitating the matchmaking between prospective franchisees and franchisors.
The expo's educational programming 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 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 view the full agenda on the Seminars page.
Special networking opportunities include the Emerging Brands Pavilion, reserved for franchises with fewer than 10 locations, offering a glimpse at up-and-coming concepts. The Business Resource Center facilitates connections between brands and industry vendors. Franchise Expo Unplugged, in partnership with Social Geek Radio, will feature podcasts and interviews from the trade show floor. These elements are designed to maximize networking and learning.
The exhibitor roster spans various industries and investment levels. Notable names include McDonald’s, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy. Food and beverage brands like Perkins American Food Co., Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, The Big Biscuit, and Rosatti’s Pizza will be present. 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 of four U.S. tour stops for MFV Expo in 2026, following the International Franchise Expo in New York City in May. Upcoming events include Franchise Expo Cincinnati (Oct. 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (Nov. 13-14). Registration for both attendees and exhibitors is now open, with details on travel and lodging available on the event's website.
The return of Franchise Expo Dallas comes at a pivotal time for the franchise industry, which continues to expand. With record interest and a robust lineup of exhibitors and educational sessions, the event is poised to play a crucial role in fostering new business ownership opportunities in Texas and beyond.
