Events, conferences and expositions truly charge the entire franchising community. Attendees often leave events charged with a new vigor, fresh ideas and many new contacts. It was therefore a huge shame to see that in 2020, events either had to be canceled or held virtually. However, as vaccines began to roll out throughout 2021, the return of events was celebrated across the industry, and could be observed in the attendance of such events.
2022 promises to be an even better year as COVID-19 wanes and more and more of the world is getting vaccinated. It will allow for further franchising events to be held around the world with increased attendance.
To take advantage of the hottest franchising events in 2022, we’ve prepared a list of some of the most important and interesting events for franchising professionals or interested entrepreneurs to attend in 2022.
IFA 2022 Annual Convention
The IFA’s Annual Convention is one of the biggest events on the yearly franchising calendar; the biggest players in the industry are present at this jam-packed, five-day event. The conference will be filled with business leaders advising their peers on how to navigate life after COVID-19. This is the one event franchising professionals truly cannot afford to miss. The convention will also play host to franchising’s most prestigious industry awards, the Global Franchise Awards 2022.
This is an event that requires careful planning to get your money’s worth. There are a wide assortment of meetings, seminars, educational sessions and summits for attendees to get stuck into and learn from.
Where: San Diego Convention Center
When: Feb 25 – Mar 1, 2022
Japan International Franchise Show
The Japan International Franchise Show is Asia’s single biggest franchising event, and not one to be missed. The 39-year-old show gathers franchisors, investors and suppliers into one massive event with over 200 exhibitors expected to attend. Many of the franchisors attending will be looking for master franchise partners in Asia, which creates the ideal opportunity for anyone with experience in franchising and a desire to expand their portfolio.
The show draws attendees of all sorts, from C-suite level executives to curious individuals who are flirting with the idea of opening their own franchise. Alongside the 200 exhibitors, the show is expected to attract 25,000 attendees who will interact with many of the 400 booths on the show floor. Many exhibitors will be on the lookout for master franchise partners in Japan or across Asia.
Where: Tokyo International Exhibition Center, West Hall 3
When: Mar 2 – 4, 2022
Franchise Expo West
The U.S. is simply too large and has too many franchisors to cover the entire country with a single franchising conference. That’s why Franchise Expo West exists, to network and connect with small to medium-sized franchise brands that are expanding throughout the western U.S.
The expo is held in Phoenix, carefully chosen for its profile as the largest state capital by population and acts as a gateway to many major markets across the western U.S. Phoenix is also currently the center of attention due to many successful businessmen from the region causing financiers to focus on its entrepreneurial network.
Speakers, exhibitors, experts, sponsors and attendees will descend on this expo to share ideas and connect. There will be a number of sessions and workshops put on during the expo, from ‘A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise’ to ‘COVID-Proof Franchise Sectors’, everything will be covered. A number of franchise brands will also be present and available for face-to-face discussions, both small and large.
Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
When: Mar 18 – 19, 2022
Franchise Expo Paris
Franchise Expo Paris is one of the premier European franchising events, and one that Global Franchise attended in 2021. In partnership with Reed Exposition France, this expo is the final stop for all matters related to French franchising. Alongside the comprehensive seminar schedule that covers all the latest updates in French franchising; there are also numerous networking events for professionals to get to know each other.
The expo tends to draw over 35,000 attendees and over 500 exhibitors looking to present their brand and concept. Many of the exhibitors are international brands on the hunt for savvy entrepreneurs who can bring their concept to a new market. This event is a must-attend for all French franchising professionals, and one all European franchisors and entrepreneurs could benefit from attending.
Where: Porte de Versailles, Paris
When: Mar 20 – 23, 2022
International Franchise Expo Shanghai
The International Franchise Expo Shanghai is making its debut! The Asia-Pacific region is a growing region of particular interest to international franchisors who want to insert their brands into this growing part of the world. The expo will introduce many international brands to the Chinese market, but will also give Chinese brands an avenue with which to enter the international franchise market themselves. The show will be partnered with Sinoexpo Informa Markets, which will drive the expo’s development in Shanghai.
As it’s the inaugural event, it is likely to stay in the memory of Chinese franchising and therefore, well worth attending. Over 50 international brands have already confirmed their presence at this debut event. The organizers plan to facilitate the networking portion of the expo with its ‘Franchise Matchmaking Salon’ system, which will see exhibitors paired with potential buyers; translation services will be offered. There will also be numerous seminars, roadshows and press conferences during the course of the expo.
Where: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Hall N5
When: Mar 29 – Apr 1, 2022
2022 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference
The 2022 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference brings together multi-unit operators after a year to discuss problems, successes and lessons learned. Multi-unit franchising is the way in which many larger franchisors grow their footprint, and this event is perfect for operators and franchisors to come together and sign some deals. The Las Vegas event is well known for its quality of speakers and the relevancy of content for its attendees.
The conference is expected to draw in around 2,000 professionals in the world of multi-unit franchising. Only the top-tier brands exhibit at this conference and the focus of the attendees means there is plenty of scope to come away from the conference with a name on the dotted line and forward plans.
Where: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas
When: Mar 29 – Apr 1, 2022
International Franchise Show London
The International Franchise Show London is one of the largest free-to-attend franchising events of the year, and was similarly bustling in 2021, as we found out. This is Britain’s biggest annual franchising event and features exhibitors from brands all over the world, as well as many domestic brands. The show will have a keynote theatre, a business show zone, a coffee networking area and a business show zone.
The event tends to draw around 10,000 attendees every year and attracts a wider range of people due to the tickets for the event being free of charge. In 2021, 50 international brands exhibited their brands to London’s entrepreneurs, and featured over 60 speakers. With 2022 set to be even bigger, this free event is well-worth the travel into East London. Though tickets aren’t available yet, they will be later in the year at some point.
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
When: Apr 8 – 9, 2022
Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo – Sydney
The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo – Sydney will bring together franchising professionals, exhibitors and interested parties together for two days of learning and insight. Australia and the wider Oceania region are becoming more and more popular for international franchise brands, as well as a growth in domestic brands. The show has been running for over 30 years – and now is an important time to attend as businesses reconfigure their ways of work to cope with the new normal that has emerged from the pandemic.
The expo will be filled with useful talks, seminars and workshops for attendees to get stuck into. Free seminars will be held every half hour on a variety of topics, from ‘The benefits of franchising’ to ‘How to obtain finance’. Alongside the ‘Start Your Own Business Workshop’, the expo will host the Franchise Council of Australia, who will be on hand to provide expert advice.
Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, Darling Harbour, Sydney
When: May 27 – 28, 2022
