MFV Expositions, in partnership with Comexposium, is set to host Franchise Expo Dallas 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 perennial ranking among the top five states for franchise interest and activity.
The two-day event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, featuring more than 100 exhibitors, over a dozen workshops and sessions, and a lineup of keynote speakers. According to Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, the timing is ideal: “By almost any industry benchmark metric or standard, it’s clear that interest in business ownership through franchising is at 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 emphasized the networking opportunities at the expo are designed to spark conversations that can turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality, positioning MFV Expo as a matchmaker between motivated entrepreneurs and franchise opportunities across diverse industries and investment levels.
Franchise Expo Dallas will feature a robust agenda, including popular workshops such as “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 “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 view the full two-day schedule on the Franchise Expo Dallas Seminars page.
The expo will also host special networking events, including the Emerging Brands Pavilion, which showcases franchise concepts with fewer than 10 locations; the Business Resource Center, where brands can connect with industry vendors and suppliers; and Franchise Expo Unplugged, featuring dedicated playlists and podcast interviews in partnership with Social Geek Radio.
Exhibitors representing a wide range of industries will be present, from emerging concepts to household names. Notable brands include McDonald’s, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy. The food and beverage sector will feature 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 upstarts such as 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 flagship International Franchise Expo in New York City in May. Future events include Franchise Expo Cincinnati (Oct. 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (Nov. 13-14). Registration for attendees and exhibitors is now open, with more information available at the Franchise Expo Dallas website.
The return of Franchise Expo Dallas underscores the growing demand for franchise ownership, a trend that has significant implications for entrepreneurs, franchisors, and the broader economy. With the industry approaching the one-million establishment milestone, events like this provide critical opportunities for networking, education, and investment, potentially accelerating the growth of small businesses and job creation across the United States.
