International Franchise Expo Turns New York City Into Epicenter of Business Success

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Franchisors and prospective franchisees to meet face-to-face to discuss ownership opportunities.

 

By John Erich
Aspiring entrepreneurs ready to get on the fast track to business ownership will have a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with executives from more than 400 proven franchise brands seeking to grow and develop at the International Franchise Expo. The Javits Center in New York City will become the epicenter of business opportunities from June 15-17.
 
The IFE provides an ideal platform for thousands of eager entrepreneurs ready to transform their lives, getting in on the ground level with highly reputable franchise concepts. The perfect atmosphere for franchisors to acquire leads, the IFE attracts qualified attendees ranging from recent college graduates to retirees looking to get back into the business world. From restaurants and fitness clubs to auto repairs and travel agencies, franchise investments can range from as little as $10,000 to over $1 million, providing opportunities at nearly every budget.
 
Tradeshows provide a setting to converse with and meet talented prospects, and allow brands to interact with fellow franchisors and connect on a deeper level. These invaluable relationships, whether based in friendship or in business, are crucial to a franchise brand’s identity and growth.
 
Throughout the three days, expo-goers and exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of an event designed to energize entrepreneurial spirits. There are more than 85 educational programs, including 10 in-depth workshops, on a variety of topics such as:
 
Franchise 2.0 Tools for Taking your Franchise Model to the Next Level
Presented by Gray Plant Mooty Principals Sandra Bodeau and Jan Gilbert
Understand why establishing a foundation is so important, as well as gaining insight about the planning tools, executive group talent and revenue enhancement programs necessary to reach that goal. Learn how to use the franchisee advisory councils and associations, and the role an operations manual can make for effective communication in the franchise system. This seminar will also address how to achieve respect, compliance and growth by servicing your franchisees.
 
Maximizing Relationships with Franchisees
Presented by Scott Jewett, Senior Advisor, iFranchise Group
Once you have decided to franchise your business, do you have the infrastructure in place to carry this out? How do you manage the franchise strategy? How fast will you grow? What does it take to support the system? This and many more questions will be answered during this lively session.
 
Best Practices for Developing Your system with Multi-Unit Operators
Presented by Adam Siegelheim, Attorney, Stark & Stark and Steve Beagelman, CFE, CEO and Founder, SMB Franchise Advisors
This seminar will focus on best practices to attract and develop your franchise concept with experienced multi-unit operators. It will focus on exploring effective lead generation and marketing techniques, as well as how to position your franchise model to appeal to multi-unit operator’s needs and requirements.
 
SBA Financing for Your Business
Presented by Man-Li Kuo Lin, Economic Development Specialist, US Small Business Administration – New York
Seeking funding to start, grow or expand your small business? Learn about SBA’s financing programs: Advantage Loan to $5,000,000; Development Loan for property and machinery to $10,000,000; and Microloan for start-ups. Meet the experts who will let you know when, where and how to apply for a loan, share additional resources and assistance available, and answer all your questions.
 
What do I Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise?
Presented by Tom Spadea Esq., Spadea Lignana LLC
Prospective franchisees will learn the ins and outs of buying a franchise. Attendees will learn what to consider when buying a franchise, what to look for in a franchise disclosure document, how to prepare for life as a franchisee, and the overall information required to survive the franchise relationship.
 
For the first time, the IFE will present a full-day program for current single-unit franchisees with a session titled, “Franchisee Growth Summit: From Single-Unit to Multi-Unit Enterprise,” on Friday, June 16. Attendees will gain a better understanding of their business goals, details of multi-unit growth and support initiatives, and learn about real estate, financing, accounting and legal issues, as well as how to benchmark and design a business plan. Additionally, SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, and New York Women in Business will conduct seminars on small-business topics. There will also be an “Answer Center” with experienced mentors available to provide free expert advice, one-on-one coaching, start-up support, and more, right on the show floor.
 
Further enhancing its educational arm, the IFE will welcome two “CBS Undercover Boss” stars to speak on the topic of women in franchising. IFA Chair Shelly Sun, CFE, CEO/Co-Founder of BrightStar Care, and IFA Secretary Catherine Monson, CFE, FASTSIGNS International CEO, will be among the women speaking, providing the opportunity to learn firsthand from industry leaders what it takes to get into a business of your own.
 
Record-Breaking Attendance Expected
Last year, the IFE attracted nearly 20,000 attendees from 120 countries. The international draw provides an opportunity for franchisors looking to sell their master licenses. This year, MFV Expositions expects record-breaking attendance as the franchise sector continues to outpace growth in all other sectors economy-wide.
 
“The international aspect of the expo is just as vital to us as the quality and diversity of exhibitors,” said Tom Portesy, president and CEO of MFV Expositions, producers of IFE. “As economic optimism continues to rise post-election, many businessmen and women are turning to the franchise industry, which is poised for prosperous growth.”
 
Attendance to the IFE costs $10 to register in advance and $20 at the door, but those who register at www.IFEinfo.com and use promotional code FPR1 can receive a complimentary pass.
 
The IFE is sponsored by the International Franchise Association and assisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service. The IFE is owned and operated by MFV Expositions, producers of shows in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
 
John Erich, MFV Director of Marketing, has 20 years of experience in the trade show industry, specifically in marketing, sales and show management with companies such as the Craft & Hobby Association and George Little Management.

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