By Kiani Alvarez

[email protected]

Austin, Texas November 18, 2024:- The Franchise Expo Austin 2024, held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel and Convention Center in Austin, Texas, concluded as an overwhelming success, marking a new milestone for the franchising industry in the United States. The event was completely sold out, with hundreds of exhibitors and more than 2,000 attendees filling the exhibition halls wall to wall. Among the Expo’s highlights was the Latino Franchise Association (LFA) Pavilion, which became a focal point for innovation, diversity, and leadership in the Latino franchising community.

A Strong Start with Univision 62 Austin, TX

The Expo kicked off in grand fashion with a live Spanish-language interview at 7:30 AM on Univision 62's Morning Show. Rafael Alvarez, CEO and Founder of the Latino Franchise Association, and Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Comexposium, engaged the Latino community in Austin, where 35% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. This strategic outreach underscored the event’s commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of franchising opportunities for minority communities.

Exhibitors Spotlight

The Expo showcased an impressive array of well-known franchise brands, underscoring the depth and diversity of opportunities available in the franchising world. Among the exhibitors were industry leaders such as Burger King, 7 Eleven, ACE Hardware, American Family Care, Cicis Pizza, Daddy's Chicken, CoolVu, Movita Juice Bar, iFranchise Group, Paylocity, Bambu Brasil, Threenity, and many others. These brands offered attendees the chance to explore a wide range of industries and investment levels, solidifying the Expo’s reputation as a hub for aspiring franchisees and industry professionals.

Spotlight on Latinos and African-American Leadership

The LFA Pavilion hosted four dynamic panel presentations over the two-day Expo, showcasing the profound contributions of Latinos in franchising.

Day 1: Friday, November 15, 2024

• Panel 1: The Progress of Latinos in Franchising
  At 12:00 PM, the LFA officially opened its programming with an inspiring discussion on the evolution of Latinos in the franchising industry. Moderated by Rafael Alvarez, the panel featured Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Comexposium, and Jorge Valencia, President of the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Franquicia, who traveled from Mexico City to share insights on how Latinos are reshaping the industry.

• Panel 2: Stories of Success from Latino Franchisors
  At 2:00 PM, the spotlight turned to three highly successful Latino franchise leaders. Jorge Campos, CFO and Co-Founder of Movita Juice Bar with over 30 locations, Mike Herrera, President of CoolVu Franchise with over 115 locations, and Paulo Argollo, CFO and Founder of Threenity Franchise with 12 locations in Mexico and 2 in the USA, captivated the audience with their stories of perseverance and success. Their journeys inspired attendees to envision the potential of turning their businesses into franchise brands.

Day 2: Saturday, November 16, 2024

• Panel 3: La Franquicia de Tu Vida
  The second day began at 12:00 PM with Jorge Valencia leading a Spanish-language presentation, "La Franquicia de Tu Vida" ("The Franchise of Your Life"). His talk focused on guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in understanding how franchising can transform their lives and create generational wealth.

• Panel 4: Creative Ways to Raise Money to Launch Your Franchise
  At 2:00 PM, the LFA hosted a diverse panel addressing a critical issue for Latinos and African American entrepreneurs: securing funding. Moderated by Gregory Ugwi, CEO and Founder of WeFranch, the discussion featured Brian Robinson from American Family Care Franchise (AFC), Chudi Mbanefo of Paylocity Payroll & HR, and Rafael Alvarez of Latinx Franchise Brands. Together, they shared actionable strategies to help minority entrepreneurs overcome financial hurdles and launch successful franchise ventures.

A Historic Gathering

The Franchise Expo Austin 2024 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of diversity, innovation, and empowerment in franchising. The Latino Franchise Association, in collaboration with MFV Comexposium, demonstrated the growing influence of Latino entrepreneurs and the importance of inclusivity in the industry.

Held at the prestigious Renaissance Austin Hotel and Convention Center, the Expo’s setting provided an exceptional venue for networking, collaboration, and learning. The hotel and convention center's world-class facilities perfectly complemented the dynamic energy of the event, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all attendees.

Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Comexposium, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s achievements:

"We are thrilled with the incredible success of Franchise Expo Austin. I would like to thank all the franchise brands exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. The turnout exceeded our expectations, and the collaboration with the Latino Franchise Association was phenomenal. Their lineup of panels, offering high-quality educational content in both English and Spanish, truly resonated with attendees and highlighted the importance of diversity in franchising. We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on this momentum in the years to come."

Rafael Alvarez, CEO and Founder of the Latino Franchise Association, congratulated Joksimovic for the Expo’s success and its commitment to inclusivity:

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Martin Joksimovic and his entire team for hosting such a magnificent Franchise Expo in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Your efforts have opened the doors wide for the Latino community, providing an incredible platform for education, inspiration, and opportunity. The collaboration between MFV Comexposium and the Latino Franchise Association has been exceptional, and I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to empower even more entrepreneurs in the future."

Looking Ahead

As the doors closed on Franchise Expo Austin 2024, attendees left with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. The event's success sets a high bar for future Expos and reaffirms the vital role of initiatives like the LFA Pavilion in shaping the franchising industry for years to come.

Upcoming MFV Comexposium Franchise Expos in the USA for 2025

Building on the success of the Austin Expo, MFV Comexposium has announced a series of franchise expos across the United States for 2025. These events aim to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with franchise opportunities and provide valuable industry insights. The scheduled expos are:

• Franchise Expo Charlotte
  Dates: April 4–5, 2025
  Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa, Concord, NC
  Details: This expo will feature a diverse range of franchise opportunities and educational seminars tailored for both new and experienced franchisees. Franchise Expo Charlotte
• International Franchise Expo (IFE)
  Dates: May 29–31, 2025
  Location: Javits Center Hall 1C, New York, NY
  Details: As the largest premier franchise show in the U.S., the IFE brings together over 300 exhibiting franchise brands and industry experts, offering comprehensive educational seminars and networking opportunities. International Franchise Expo
• Franchise Expo West
  Dates: September 5–6, 2025
  Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
  Details: This expo focuses on franchise opportunities in the western United States, featuring a wide array of industries and investment levels. Franchise Expo West
• Franchise Expo Austin
  Dates: November 14–15, 2025
  Location: Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas
  Details: This event provides a platform for prospective franchisees to explore opportunities and connect with franchisors in the Austin area. Franchise Expo Austin
• Franchise Expo South
  Dates: January 16-17, 2026
  Location: Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  Details: Targeting the southern U.S. market, this expo offers insights into franchising trends and opportunities in the region.  Franchise Expo South