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 company's first return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2018, a strategic move given Texas's consistent ranking among the top five states for franchise interest and activity. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, featuring over 100 exhibitors, a dozen workshops and sessions, and a lineup of keynote speakers.
The timing is significant: with approximately 850,000 franchise establishments in the U.S., the industry is on the cusp of surpassing one million, a milestone that underscores the growing appeal of business ownership. Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, emphasized the role of the expo in facilitating connections. "The networking opportunities at Franchise Expo Dallas are, by design, meant to spark the conversations that can turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality," he said, highlighting the expo's function as a matchmaker between motivated entrepreneurs and diverse franchise opportunities.
Attendees can expect a robust educational program. The opening day features two popular workshops: "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. Other sessions include "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. A full agenda is available on the Seminars page.
Beyond workshops, the expo offers unique networking opportunities. The Emerging Brands Pavilion showcases concepts with fewer than 10 locations, offering a glimpse at up-and-coming franchises. The Business Resource Center facilitates introductions between franchise brands and leading vendors. Additionally, in partnership with Social Geek Radio, the Franchise Expo Unplugged area will feature live podcast interviews and insights from the trade show floor.
Exhibitors span numerous industries, from food and beverage to home services and senior care. Notable names include McDonald's, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy. The food sector features 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 market 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. Upcoming events include Franchise Expo Cincinnati (Oct. 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (Nov. 13-14). Registration for attendees and exhibitors is officially open. For more information, including travel and lodging options, visit franchiseexpo.com/dallas.
