Franchise Expo Dallas is set to make its long-awaited return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area on September 18-19, marking MFV Expositions' first visit since 2018. The event, which will take place at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, is expected to draw thousands of attendees and features more than 100 exhibitors, a dozen workshops and sessions, and a lineup of keynote speakers. The return comes as Texas continues to rank among the top five states for franchise interest and activity, making it a prime location for entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities.
According to Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, interest in business ownership through franchising has reached 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," Joksimovic said. He emphasized the role of the expo in connecting motivated entrepreneurs with franchise opportunities across diverse industries and investment levels.
The two-day event will kick off with popular workshops, including "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 programming includes a panel on "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 find a full agenda on the Franchise Expo Dallas Seminars page.
Special networking opportunities will be available, including the Emerging Brands Pavilion, which showcases concepts with fewer than 10 locations, and the Business Resource Center, where franchisors can connect with industry vendors and suppliers. The expo will also feature Franchise Expo Unplugged, a partnership with Social Geek Radio offering podcasts and interviews from the trade show floor.
The exhibitor roster includes well-known brands such as McDonald's, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy, as well as food and beverage concepts like 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 sector includes Golden Years Relocation and Assisted Living Mansion.
Franchise Expo Dallas is the second stop on MFV Expo's 2026 U.S. tour, 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 is now open for both attendees and exhibitors. For more details on travel and lodging, visit the official Franchise Expo Dallas website.
