Franchise Expo Dallas, organized by MFV Expositions and Comexposium, is set to make its return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area on September 18-19, marking the first time since 2018 that the event will be held in Texas. The two-day trade show, taking place at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, is expected to draw thousands of attendees, featuring more than 100 exhibitors, a dozen-plus workshops and sessions, and a lineup of keynote speakers.
The decision to bring the expo back to Texas comes as no surprise, given the state's perennial ranking in the top five for franchise interest and activity. According to Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions, interest in business ownership through franchising is at an all-time high. With approximately 850,000 franchise establishments currently operating in the U.S., Joksimovic noted that it's only a matter of time before the industry surpasses the one-million mark. He emphasized that the networking opportunities at Franchise Expo Dallas are designed to spark conversations that can turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality, with MFV Expo acting as a matchmaker between motivated entrepreneurs and franchise opportunities across diverse industries and investment levels.
The event's agenda is packed with educational and networking opportunities. On the opening day, attendees can participate in two popular workshop sessions: “A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise,” hosted by Dr. John Hayes, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and “Franchising Your Business,” presented by franchise industry veteran Mark Siebert of iFranchise Group. Other notable programming includes a session on “Top Questions to Ask a Franchisor Before Investing,” moderated by Natalie Hoyt of Ascent Hospitality Management, and a keynote presentation on “Minorities Building Wealth with Franchising,” hosted by Andre Key, founder and CEO of Sociallybuzz.
In addition to the workshops, the expo will feature several special event programming highlights. The Emerging Brands Pavilion will showcase franchise concepts with fewer than 10 locations, offering attendees a look at up-and-coming brands. The Business Resource Center will provide a space for franchise brands to network with leading vendors and suppliers. Franchise Expo Unplugged, in partnership with Social Geek Radio, will bring exclusive podcast interviews and dedicated playlists from the trade show floor.
The exhibitor list includes a diverse range of brands from various sectors. Notable names such as McDonald’s, GNC Live Well, and Lightbridge Academy will be present. The food and beverage sector will be well-represented with Perkins American Food Co., Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, The Big Biscuit, and Rosatti’s Pizza. Home services franchisors like Poolwerx, Pi Kitchen and Bath Shop, and Milo Insulation will also be exhibiting, along with senior care concepts such as 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 held in New York City in May. Remaining events include Franchise Expo Cincinnati (Oct. 23-24) and Franchise Expo West in Glendale, Arizona (Nov. 13-14).
Registration for both attendees and exhibitors is now open, and more information, including travel and lodging options, can be found on the Franchise Expo Dallas website. For those interested in exploring the freedom and flexibility of franchise ownership, this event offers a rare up-close look at the life-changing potential of entrepreneurship.
