International Franchise Expo

Over 450 franchise brands will be showcased at the International Franchise Expo in New York on June 16-18

Those eager to break free from their 9-to-5 lifestyle and pursue business ownership will have an opportunity to meet face to face with high level executives of top franchise brands during the International Franchise Expo, which takes place on June 16-18 at the Javits Center in New York.

The IFE provides an ideal platform for thousands of eager prospects to transform their lives by getting in at the ground level with highly reputable franchise concepts. The expo draws in qualified attendees ranging from recent college graduates to retirees looking to get back in the business world.

Range of brands

The sheer number of brands at the IFE - covering all ends of the spectrum from out-of-the-box, niche franchises to well known, global brands - makes it possible for everyone to examine options that fit their unique lifestyle, including those starting at less than $10,000.

Franchising touches nearly every industry with varying investment levels. In addition, there are many groups present who can help individuals with the financing of a franchise purchase.

Connecting with the right lenders, formulating a business plan and understanding your financial strengths and weakness are the first steps in getting the funding you need. Many franchisors even offer their own internal programmes to assist with financing, making franchise ownership a tangible reality.

Throughout the three days of IFE, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an event designed to energise their entrepreneurial spirit and offer them business opportunities with proven concepts and systems.

Exhibitors featured on the showroom floor represent a growing number of service franchises, ranging from child education brands, cleaning and travel services to innovative food and beverage, restaurant and hospitality concepts and everything in between.

Attendees can also take advantage of more than 70 free seminars and nine in-depth workshops to learn first-hand from industry leaders what it takes to get into and succeed in a business of their own.

Educational sessions include topics such as The A To Z Of Buying a Franchise, How To Be In Business For Yourself But Not By Yourself and Getting Ready To Franchise Your Business.

Life changing event

Over the years, IFE has proved to be a life changing event for a number of prospective investors.

At 39 years old and with three young children and an unstable job, Warren De Stefano decided it was time to take control of his future and attended IFE, where he fell in love with a fitness concept called Retro Fitness. Now, as a multi-unit franchisee, Warren is confident he made the right career decision.

Larry Mahan’s career in the high-tech industry had allowed him to travel extensively throughout the world, but he always wanted to turn his passion for travel into a thriving business. After attending last year’s IFE, he has since become Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ newest franchise owner.

Judy and Reed Alewel attended IFE with no prior franchising experience, but with the goal to learn about the industry and the types of businesses available. Two months after IFE, the duo signed a letter of agreement with Pinot’s Palette, a leader in the paint and sip industry.

Connecting individuals

Tom Portesy, CEO of organising company MFV Expositions, says: “Thousands of everyday people come to the IFE with dreams of opening a business and leave knowing what it will take to make those dreams a reality.

“The IFE connects individuals seeking to transform their lives with the experienced and emerging brands who can help them on the path to a more secure future and better quality of life.”