Note for readers: We’ve refreshed this article with the latest 2026 franchise trade shows and events to help you plan ahead.
Why are Franchise Conferences and Trade Shows Important?
Looking for a list of the upcoming Franchise Conferences and Trade Shows for 2026? You’re at the right place! Expos offer various beneficial resources for experts from the franchise industry.
Trade shows are convenient events for networking with other professionals from your work field. Also, if you want to address some business pain points, you could potentially find a solution at these conferences.
Another trade show perk is an opportunity to hear numerous franchise-relevant speeches. Usually, you could discover topics revolving around company management, innovation, employee management, safety, etc.
Check out the following list and find out more about franchise trade shows to come. Also, come to meet AvaHR and pick some swag if you spot us at some of these events! 🙂
✅Looking for all 2026 trade shows in one place?
👉See the full 2026 Trade Show Calendar
⚠️Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only. Event details, including dates and locations, may change, so be sure to visit each expo’s official website for the most up-to-date information before making travel or registration plans.
Franchise Conferences and Trade Shows in 2026
📅 January 16 – 17, 2026
📍 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
One of the largest franchise expos in the Southeast, this event is ideal if you want to explore franchise ownership opportunities. With seminars, brand meetups, and industry talks, it’s also a good place for HR pros to understand how franchise culture and employer branding differ across industries.
📅 January 18 – 20, 2026
📍 West Palm Beach, Florida
This three-day event brings together franchise leaders, owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Expect expert-led sessions on strategy, leadership, and growth – plus plenty of networking. HR and recruiting teams will find value in discussions about scaling talent and building strong internal systems.
📅 February 23 – 25, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada
Hosted by the International Franchise Association, this is the franchise event of the year. Franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers gather to explore trends and celebrate innovation. For HR leaders, it’s an opportunity to see how the best brands attract and retain talent in a competitive industry.
📅 March 24 – 27, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada
Designed for multi-unit operators and growth-minded franchise owners, this conference dives deep into leadership, hiring, and operational systems. For those managing HR across multiple locations, it’s a goldmine of insights on scaling teams and keeping culture consistent.
📅 April 25 – 26, 2026
📍 Orlando, Florida
This two-day event connects future business owners with franchisors from across industries. HR managers will find it useful for understanding how brands market themselves as employers – and how they communicate training, support, and workplace culture.
📅 May 16 – 17, 2026
📍Dulles Expo & Conference Center (Chantilly), Virginia
A regional expo for entrepreneurs in the Mid-Atlantic, featuring educational seminars and exhibitor sessions. It’s especially relevant for HR and operations teams expanding into the D.C./Virginia market or building out regional hiring strategies.
📅 May 29 – 30, 2026
📍New York City, New York
A global gathering that draws thousands of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers. It’s one of the best places to see how international brands handle hiring, culture, and training at scale – a must for HR professionals with an eye on global growth.
📅 November 14 – 15, 2026
📍 Gas South Convention Center, Duluth, GA (TBD)
This Southeast-focused show wraps up the year with a strong regional perspective. It’s ideal for HR and recruiting professionals looking to understand emerging franchise markets and end-of-year hiring trends.
Tips to Make Most of Franchise Conferences and Trade Shows
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| Consider creating a question list as it can assist you during your time at conferences. You can use the prepared questions during Q&A sessions or meetings and potentially resolve some business issues if you have them. |
Download a Conference App | Getting a conference app can help you organize your time before or after the shows. Not every expo has an app, but it's worth checking. Usually, you can find details about the expos and after-parties on these apps. But, don't forget to install the app before the actual trade show. WiFI sometimes can be laggy at conferences. |
| Social media channels can be great helpers during trade shows. For example, Twitter can help you get updates about shows and find beneficial news. Plus, you can access all info via hashtags. |
| During trade show attendance, scheduling meetings can help you connect with other experts from the franchise industry. These meetings are great ways to share ideas and even create collaborations. |
| Pre-conferences have so much to offer. Newcomers come with some ideas to share which can help you get more insights into your business field. You probably know that more experienced speakers join later during conferences. But, the newcomers' energy and ideas are sure to be something you would like! |
How to Experience More Efficient Attendance?
Have a Goal and Strategy
Experiencing efficient trade show attendance is possible. You can create a plan and define your goals before an expo. This way, you’ll know what to focus on and how to get the most out of the event. Check the following questions!
- Why did you decide to attend franchise expos?
- What is the primary goal you wish to accomplish during these conferences?
Knowing the answers to these questions could help you prepare for an expo. Also, if you have some topics to discuss during trade shows, write them down and bring them with you.
Set Up Meeting Before the Conference
Conferences provide a convenient networking opportunity. Besides casual mingling at after-parties, you can schedule meetings and get to know other franchise experts better. You could discuss mutual topics and share ideas.
Balance Your Time
Balancing time is vital for any business owner. To experience efficient trade show attendance, try to plan out activities you would like to do at a conference. Here are some activity examples!
- Attending seminars, workshops, and gatherings
- Familiarizing yourself with vendors from your wishlist
- Finding out about conference features
Note: The first expo day can be a bit fast-paced. So, if you are looking for a less hectic environment, check out an expo on the second day.
Reconnect
Getting in touch with other professionals from the franchise field could help you enrich your experience during trade shows. Enjoying small talk can sometimes help you connect and create collaborations. Social events at conferences could be a great place to discover more about people from the franchise industry and reconnect.
Types of Franchise Conferences Content
While attending franchisee conferences, you might come across similar topics like the following:
- Recruiting and Talent Acquisition
- Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success
- Training and Development
Discovering more about franchise expos could help you gain better insights into your work field, connect with other experts, and learn more about the franchise industry.
More Conferences and Trade Shows for 2026
