Franchise Expo South returns to Fort Lauderdale in February 2027.
Dates
5–6 Feb 2027
City / country
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Venue
Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center
Time
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Event overview
Franchise Expo South 2027 runs 5-6 February 2027 at the Ft.
Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The two-day franchise expo brings prospective franchisees together with 200+ franchise brands and 25+ educational seminars covering food and beverage, retail, health and wellness, and business services.
TL;DR
Franchise Expo South puts hundreds of franchise concepts, financing advisers and franchise lawyers on one floor, so a buyer can compare investment levels, territory availability and support in a single trip. The 25+ seminars walk through the franchise disclosure document, funding and the questions to ask before signing. It is a practical first step for anyone moving from research to a real franchise decision.
The show delivers a concentrated audience of aspiring and existing franchisees from the Southeast, Latin America and the Caribbean, many of whom arrive already researching specific brands. Exhibitors get face-to-face discovery meetings, territory conversations and multi-unit investor leads without travelling across the region. The Emerging Brand Pavilion and Business Resource Center add visibility for newer franchisors and supplier partners.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Entrances & gates
Main lobby entrance
Enter from Eisenhower Blvd, collect badges at the registration counter and follow floor signs.
Food options
Concession outlets in the convention center
On-site diningParking: Use the convention center garage accessed from Eisenhower Blvd; February is peak season, so allow 20-30 minutes before the 10:00 opening.
Gate: Enter through the main convention center lobby on Eisenhower Blvd and follow signs to the Franchise Expo South registration desk.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Visitor registration
No ticket price is printed for 2027; register through the official attendee form.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online in advance and bring the confirmation email plus photo ID to the registration desk.
Ticket notes
Online registration is open. The official 2027 pages do not print a ticket price or a free-admission statement.
What's on
Gold
BeTheBoss
F.C. Dadson
IFPG
TopFire Media
Gold sponsors named on the official 2027 page.
Silver
E3 Local Marketing Solutions
FranchiseWire
Guidant
Sesimi
Stark and Stark Attorneys at Law
Silver sponsors named on the official 2027 page.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 100
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 200
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
Franchise Expo South returned to Fort Lauderdale on 16-17 January 2026 with 100+ exhibitors, 2,000+ attendees and 20+ educational seminars.
New this edition
Impact
Franchise Expo South concentrates brand discovery, financing advice and franchise education into two days in Fort Lauderdale. For a buyer, the value is the density of franchisors and advisers in one hall; for a brand, it is a regional audience that is already investigating ownership rather than browsing a consumer show.
Audience quality
The audience is self-selected: most visitors arrive to compare specific franchise concepts, investment levels and territories. The 2026 edition reported 2,000+ attendees against 100+ exhibitors, a ratio that gives exhibitors meaningful conversation time. International buyer delegations from Latin America and the Caribbean add a cross-border pipeline.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on pre-booked meetings rather than footfall alone. A 9 sqm shell stand plus three nights of local hotel and travel is the realistic minimum budget; brands that staff the stand with a development decision-maker and book meetings before the show convert best. No audited ROI figure is published for this event.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Franchising lets an operator buy a proven system instead of building one, and regional expos are where brands and funded buyers meet. South Florida adds a cross-border audience from Latin America and the Caribbean, making Fort Lauderdale a practical entry point for US franchise development.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Multi-unit and multi-brand operators are the growth buyer
Franchisors are prioritising experienced operators who can open several units rather than one-off buyers, and expos increasingly package territory and development agreements for them.
What it changes: A brand with a repeatable multi-unit model can leave the show with a pipeline rather than a single lead.
SourceFinancing and franchise law advice is part of the sales conversation
Buyers arrive with questions about SBA-backed lending, royalty structures and FDD review, so brands that bring finance and legal partners to the stand shorten the decision cycle.
What it changes: Education-led selling builds trust and reduces the number of unqualified discovery calls after the show.
SourceEmerging brands use pavilions to compete for attention
Newer franchisors with fewer than ten units are grouped in dedicated pavilions and supplier zones, giving them visibility alongside established brands at a lower entry cost.
What it changes: Buyers can compare emerging concepts in one area and judge support systems before committing.
SourceFranchise Expo South sits in a US circuit that runs from Florida through Los Angeles and New York, with regional consumer-facing franchise shows filling the gaps.
Great American Franchise Expo Fort Lauderdale 2027
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Dates and venue published by the organiser; a lower-cost alternative for local buyers.
websiteFranchise Expo West 2027
Los Angeles, United States
Dates are circuit estimates; confirm on the official page.
websiteInternational Franchise Expo 2027
New York, United States
Dates are circuit estimates; confirm on the official IFE page before booking.
websiteFebruary-March 2027
Two Fort Lauderdale franchise events six weeks apart; buyers can compare formats.
April-June 2027
National and West Coast follow-ups for brands that want a second market test.
Circuit dates other than Franchise Expo South are planning estimates from known annual timing, not confirmed 2027 organiser pages.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Closest airport; rideshare and taxi ranks are outside each terminal.
about 5 miles
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Use for more international routes; allow extra time in peak traffic.
about 30 miles
to venue
40-55 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–180 / night
Basic rooms 10-15 minutes from the venue; February rates rise during peak season.
sourceUSD 190–280 / night
Walkable or short rideshare to the convention center; book early for the show dates.
sourceUSD 320–520 / night
Beach and Las Olas options with full service; 15-25 minutes by car to the venue.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
Brightline train
Useful for Miami or Palm Beach stays; the station is a short rideshare from the venue.
Broward County Transit bus
Cheapest option; allow extra time and check the route map before travelling.
Weather
February is Fort Lauderdale dry season: warm days, lower humidity and a small chance of a passing shower.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks and Wi-Fi at the venue are widely available; buy an eSIM or local SIM if roaming costs are high.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant bills usually add 18-22% for table service; taxis and rideshares expect a tip on top of the fare.
Business dress
Smart-casual is normal at franchise expos; a jacket is useful for evening meetings but not required on the floor.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: FLL
Book 6-10 weeks ahead; February is peak season in South Florida and fares rise closer to the show.
Book flightsGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: FLL to the convention center is about 15-20 minutes by rideshare or taxi, typically USD 20-35.
Hotel → venue: 17th Street hotels are 5-10 minutes by rideshare; downtown and beach hotels are 15-25 minutes.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate; use the designated pickup zones at FLL and the venue lobby.
Public transit: Broward County Transit routes run along US-1; the fare is about USD 2.00 and travel time is longer.
Parking: Use the convention center garage off Eisenhower Blvd; arrive early on show mornings.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 18-26 C (65-79 F)
Seasonality: Dry season with low humidity and a small chance of brief showers.
Packing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for the show floor, and a compact umbrella for passing showers.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday 6 February 2027
The second day usually has a calmer floor, which makes it easier to get longer conversations with brand development teams and to catch repeat seminar sessions.
Register online and download the exhibitor list — Shortlist 12-15 brands that fit your investment range.
Book flights and hotel in the 17th Street Causeway area — February is peak season; confirm cancellation terms.
Prepare a one-page buyer profile and questions — Include capital available, timeline and preferred territory.
Request meetings with priority franchisors — Use the brand contact form or LinkedIn, not the show floor only.
Check registration confirmation, ID and travel documents — Plan arrival at the venue by 09:30 for the 10:00 opening.
Registration and badge collection
Main lobby, Ft. Lauderdale Convention CenterWalk the priority brand list and book follow-ups
Exhibit hallAttend a financing or FDD seminar
Seminar roomsSupplier meetings and second-round brand conversations
Business Resource CenterLas Olas Boulevard
Urban Dining and Gallery District
10-15 minutes by rideshare
Concentrated restaurants, cafes and galleries for an evening after the show.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Beach and Promenade
15-20 minutes by rideshare
Walkable beachfront for a decompression walk or dinner with a view.
South-Unplugged podcast stage
Show-floor networking
Live interviews with franchise leaders; a natural place to meet speakers and brand teams.
17th Street Causeway restaurants
Evening networking
Concentration of hotel bars and restaurants within a short rideshare of the venue.
The show compresses brand discovery into two days; the follow-up week decides whether that pipeline becomes real conversations or a pile of brochures.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 330–450 / m²
Raw space
USD 300–380 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 tariff is published on the official page; figures are planning estimates and exclude electrical, furniture upgrades and freight.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 3000–4050 / per booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 190–280 / per night
flight
both · US Southeast
USD 120–280 / return flight
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
visa
international · B-1
USD 185 / per application
insurance
exhibitor · public liability
USD 100–250 / per show
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 3000–4050 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 190–280 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | both | US Southeast | USD 120–280 / return flight | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | international | B-1 | USD 185 / per application | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| insurance | exhibitor | public liability | USD 100–250 / per show | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether you should visit, exhibit or skip Franchise Expo South 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Where are you in the franchise process?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are actively researching a franchise and want face-to-face answers.
Best for
First-time buyers and multi-unit operators comparing brands
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
One to two days
Risks
Too many brands for one visit
Unclear investment range
exhibit
You have a franchise development team and a defined territory plan.
Best for
Franchisors and suppliers recruiting in the Southeast
Min. budget
$5,000.00
Timeline
Book 8-12 weeks ahead
Risks
Lead quality varies by stand location
Freight and build deadlines
skip
You have no budget, no timeline and no interest in franchising.
Best for
Anyone not considering franchise ownership or expansion
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a useful education session
Book with
Recommended providers
Check ESTA or B-1 requirements before booking.
Filter for 17th Street Causeway and free cancellation.
Compare FLL and MIA fares; book 6-10 weeks ahead.
Request a show-specific quote; no official handler is published for 2027.
Compare US visitor medical and trip-cancellation cover.
Official destination guide for Las Olas, the beach and local events.
Badge-scan and CRM export option if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
2
Publishers
3
Date checked
Franchise Expo / MFV Expositions
MFV Expositions
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