Date: 3/10/2010 More News Stories
Franchise Trade Show – Economy Provides Ripe Conditions for Record High Franchise Expo Attendance.
FranchiseWorks.com | Franchise Trade Show – Economy Provides Ripe Conditions for Record High Franchise Expo Attendance. Organizers of 2010 International Franchise Expo Report Increased Registration.
Paramus, NJ – In the midst of a “new career economy” in which an increasing number of people are starting their own businesses, organizers of the 2010 International Franchise Expo (IFE) are reporting a record number of registrants for this year’s show, to be held April 9-11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
“If business opportunity trade shows are a true microcosm of the nation’s economy, then this is a positive sign that things are looking up,” said Tom Portesy, President of MFV Expositions, producers of the show. “With nearly 200 franchise companies exhibiting, several new to IFE, and so many people registering to visit the expo, we’re expecting record high attendance this year.”
The three-day franchise expo showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at virtually every investment level. Tens of thousands of prospective investors from across the country and overseas have attended the show over the past 19 years.
Several trends are emerging regarding the types of exhibitors at this year’s IFE that may be signs of economic influences, according to Portesy, including:
An growing number of franchise opportunities in the children’s services space, including Reston, Va.-based Abrakadoodle, a children’s art education concept; Kumon Math and Reading Centers, House of Tutors, UK based LCF Clubs, Sylvan Learning Centers, KinderDance International, Inc. Chyten Learning Center, and The Learning Experience.
A return of restaurant franchises and hospitality franchise concepts, indicating confidence for improved sales in those categories. Exhibitors include Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Little Caesars Pizza and Firehouse Subs. In addition, hotel franchises, including Silver Spring, Md.-based Choice Hotels, will be showcasing this year.
Multiple senior care service franchises, a reflection of the country’s increased aging population. Exhibitors include Always Best Care Senior Services, Senior Helpers and Seniors Helping Seniors.
According to the International Franchise Association, the show’s sponsor, the franchising industry is expected to experience growth in the number of jobs created, the amount of economic output provided and the number of new franchise units. The franchise industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, employing more than 20 million people and contributing over $2 trillion in economic activity.
“Small business ownership is the true engine behind the economy and financial recovery,” Portesy added. “It’s exciting to see such soaring registration numbers and so many exhibitors for this year’s IFE, which means renewed faith in not just entrepreneurism, but franchising as a means to achieve it.”
For prospective investors less familiar with franchising, over 30 free educational sessions will be conducted during the event on topics that include franchising basics and ways to obtain financing. Veterans will be admitted to the show free of charge and are encouraged to attend the free seminar “Franchising 101 for Veterans.” The expo also offers a free seminar entitled “Opportunities in Franchising for Minority & Women”.
The IFE is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and promoted worldwide as part of their International Buyers Program. More than 150 U.S. Embassies through their Foreign Commercial Service Offices actively promote the IFE within their regions and bring official escorted delegations from all around the world to the Nation’s capital.
About MFV Expositions
For nearly 20 years, MFV, known as the “first family of franchising,” has been producing the leading franchise events worldwide that consistently bring together franchise concepts, at all investment levels, with the most qualified visitors seeking to own their own business. In addition to quality franchise expos in the United States and overseas that offer face-to-face opportunities to grow your franchise, MFV also offers access to online franchise opportunities through web-based resources, lead management tools and solutions for generating sales.
If you would like more information about attending the franchise trade show, go to www.franchiseworks.com.
About www.FranchiseWorks.com
FranchiseWorks.com was established in 1999 with the goal of providing qualified prospective entrepreneurs with the right franchise or business opportunity that meets his or her needs. We showcase hundreds of franchise and business opportunities in a variety of industries including new start-ups to established companies. www.FranchiseWorks.com also has information on franchise financing sources, business opportunity and franchise trade show schedules along with the latest franchise news.
