Franchise expos are a great way to explore different business opportunities, meet experienced professionals, and learn how the franchise system works. They bring together franchise companies across various industries and investment levels, offering a unique space for networking, education, and inspiration.
One of the biggest and most anticipated franchise events next year is the 2025 World Franchise Show, happening on May 9–10, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This two-day event is expected to be the largest franchise expo in the world and is perfect for anyone thinking about buying a franchise, expanding their current business, or simply learning more about the industry.
To help you get the most value out of your time at the event, we’ve put together six easy tips that will prepare you before you go and guide you while you’re there.
1. Do Some Research Before You Arrive
Before the show, take time to look through the list of exhibitors on the event website. You can even request a map of the exhibit floor to help you plan your visit.
Create a list of franchise businesses that interest you and gather some basic information about each one. Here are a few key things to look for:
- The total investment required
- The minimum amount of cash needed to qualify
- Where the business is available (territories)
- The type of business model
- Reviews or success stories from current franchise owners
Doing your homework ahead of time can save you a lot of time at the event and help you focus on the brands that really match your goals and interests.
2. Pick Up a Free Franchise Buyer’s Guide
Once you arrive at the show, stop by the information booth where you can get a free Franchise Buyer’s Guide. This guide will help you narrow down the businesses worth checking out, and it often includes a list of top-rated franchises across different categories — like best for beginners, most profitable, and franchises with strong support systems.
Each brand in the guide is usually reviewed based on owner satisfaction and overall performance, so it’s a great tool to help you make more informed choices.
3. Attend the Educational Sessions
The learning sessions at franchise expos are a must-attend part of the experience. These workshops and panel discussions are led by industry professionals who have years of experience in franchising. Topics often include:
- How to get started with a franchise
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Funding and financial planning
- How to grow your business over time
You’ll get honest advice, tips from the experts, and real answers to your questions — all in one place. Plus, these sessions are a great way to build confidence before taking the next step.
4. Visit the Finance Help Area
Understanding how to pay for your franchise is one of the most important parts of starting your journey. At the 2025 World Franchise Show, there will be a special Finance Lounge where you can meet with advisors who understand franchise funding.
They can explain different ways to get financial support, including small business loans, retirement funding options, and more. You can also visit the online Franchise Finance Center before the show to calculate how much funding you may qualify for, so you arrive prepared.
5. Prepare a List of Questions for Franchisors
Talking directly with franchisors is one of the biggest benefits of attending an expo. But it’s easy to forget important questions at the moment, so it’s smart to bring a list with you. Some helpful questions include:
- What is the total cost to open a franchise?
- What kind of training and support do you provide?
- What’s the average return on investment?
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the owner?
- How long is the contract, and what are the exit terms?
Asking the right questions helps you decide if a franchise is not only a good financial fit but also matches your lifestyle, values, and long-term goals.
6. Ask About Franchisee Satisfaction
One of the most telling signs of a strong franchise system is how happy and successful the current franchisees are. During the event, ask franchisors if they have any data or reports showing how satisfied their franchise owners are. Businesses that are open about this information are often more supportive and transparent with their partners.
Franchisee satisfaction reports can give you insights into:
- The quality of support and training
- How well the business performs over time
- Whether owners feel valued and listened to
- The overall strength of the business system
Look for brands that have a strong track record of positive feedback from their owners. These are usually the businesses that are committed to helping new owners succeed.
Mark Your Calendar for the 2025 World Franchise Show
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet face-to-face with experts, franchise brands, and fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re seriously considering franchise ownership or just gathering information, this event will give you valuable tools to make smart decisions.
Don’t forget:
- The show runs from May 9 to 10, 2025
- It takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center
- You can use promo code FBR50 when registering to get a discount on your admission
Final Thoughts
Attending a franchise expo is one of the smartest steps you can take if you’re exploring business ownership. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll walk away with useful knowledge, helpful contacts, and maybe even the perfect business opportunity.
So start planning today — and take your first step toward becoming a successful franchise owner.
