What do I love the most about the franchising space? The community and events!
Other industries where I’ve spent time had some level of sharing and learning at a limited number of conferences. But franchising excels at setting aside competitive issues and working together to grow the model and many valued events.
The 2024 event season kicked off in January with the Selling Franchises Summit in West Palm Beach. Dr. John Hayes of the Titus Center for Franchising, once again put together a great group of franchising experts helping each other grow their systems in 2024.
Here are several organizations and events I would recommend all franchisors, franchisees and suppliers add to their calendars.
The Big Show
The International Franchise Association organizes the industry’s biggest event, covering all aspects of Franchising at the IFA Annual Convention. This year, it’s returning to Phoenix, February 17-20.
The IFA also hosts an event in the fall called The Emerging Franchisor Conference. This show is geared toward smaller emerging systems and will be held this year in Austin, November 18-20.
Leadership & Learning
Franchise Update Media puts on some of my personal favorite events each year, with a focus on learning from and networking with the industry’s top thought leaders. For marketers and operations pros, check out the FCXC / Franchise Customer Experience Conference, June 18-20. And franchise development executives should not miss FLDC / Franchise Leadership and Development Conference, October 16-18. Both of these conferences are in Atlanta.
And, if you’re a franchisee looking for additional opportunities or perhaps diversification of your current portfolio, join FUM at The Multi-Unit Franchise Conference in Las Vegas, March 19-22.
Expositions for Franchise Development
MFV Expositions and the IFA host several expos featuring diverse franchise concepts to help entrepreneurs find new opportunities. These events are for the true connectors in franchising: Franchise Expo West, Los Angeles, April 12-13; International Franchise Expo, New York City, May 30-June 1; Franchise Expo South, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 6-7; and Franchise Expo Austin, Austin, Texas, November 15-16.
Restaurant Shows
While these restaurant shows are not focused only on franchising, many operators and industry pros find a ton of value at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 18-21, as well as at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference in Las Vegas, November 11-13.
And finally, I went to this event for the first time in 2023 and can’t wait to go back: The FranServe 2024 Annual Convention will be held in Orlando, July 14-17!
For an ongoing updated list of franchise industry events, please visit: socialgeekradio.com/events.
Jack Monson
Jack Monson is the host of Social Geek, home of the No. 1 podcasts in franchising and the CEO of Brand J. He has been working with franchises brands and small businesses in marketing for 15 years. socialgeekradio.com