2012 IFA Expo Signals Exciting Future for Franchises
The 2012 International Franchise Expo attracted the most attendance since 2006. There were 334 exhibitors on hand to talk to prospective franchisees. All interests and specialties were represented in this exposition. Successful franchises, new and unique franchise opportunities were evident that the franchising business is growing. Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the IFA, said, “There is a lot of pent-up demand for franchising. It allows you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. As the country slowly moves out of the recession, franchising is once again on the rise.” This event was held in New York in June 16 to 18 with over 14,000 in attendance as reported at CNBC.com.
At this year’s International Franchise Expo in New York, you could sample several brands of frozen yogurt, check out a vast array of burger concepts and educate yourself in the various methods that can be used to teach young children. There is, it seems, a franchise for every interest and area of expertise.
Including some unusual ones. Tucked among the tried-and-true franchise opportunities — think fast-food and cafes — were some new and unique franchise concepts that entrepreneurs were looking grow.
“There were a lot of new concepts,” said Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “As folks decide they want to control their own destiny, they have creative ideas and they want to franchise them. It’s an exciting time.”
More than 14,000 people would agree – attendance at the expo this month was the highest since 2006. With 334 exhibitors on hand to talk to attendees, “there was a lot of excitement,” said Caldeira.
What’s changed in the past few years? “There is a lot of pent-up demand for franchising,” he said. “It allows you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. As the country slowly moves out of the recession, franchising is once again on the rise.”
Click ahead to read about some of the more unique offerings from the franchise world at the June 16-18 convention.
Photo by FranchiseMart
