Int'l Franchise Expo 2006

Submitted by Mr. Blue MauMau on Tue, 2006/06/06 - 21:30.

An audio interview of Richard Macaluso, Show Director for MFV Expositions, organizers of the 2006 International Franchise Expo in Washington, D.C. The show had over 10,000 attendees looking at a record 325 plus franchise exhibits.

This interview is in mp3 format and can be heard using Windows Media Player, Real Player or most media players.

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mfv2.mp31.07 MB

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and is the show worth it?

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 2007/08/29 - 23:45.

Looking at the Franchise Expo from the franchisor side, I have to say that it is nothing more than ego trip and a networking among peers opportunity for most I dare say. With expo space rental being so high, the traffic relatively slim and the actual buyer list from the show so small, I am certain that no one can on the basis of franchise sales really justify the expense of attending.

So, the question that should be asked is "what are the real benefits of attending?"

Personally I believe the show is something of the past, where the internet has long taken over the function of franchise shows. These shows were an effective way in the 70s and 80s, but have long outlived their time. For show organizers they are obviously still a way to fill the expo centers and with raising rates, make a heap of money in the process. However, people attend shows to obtain an idea of what is around, which can be achieved online quicker, cheaper and easier today. More and more with real interest in buying a franchise are going through the franchise listings and websites, undertake their research, and select a few that meet their criteria to visit in the local environment to obtain a real world impression of what it looks and feels in the market environment.

Now this is just my view, but the fact is that from 2001 till now, my franchise owners have never sold an unit as a result of the DC event, but we sold over a hundred per year through other means. Thinking of it, I would be interested in hearing about anyone who has sold a franchise as a direct result from the Washington Expo since 2000...Anyone? Anyone?

Show Philosphy and Deception...

Submitted by Truth in Franchising on Thu, 2007/08/30 - 04:47.

Let's deal with the deception first. The deception I am speaking of is self-deception whereby franchising folks when considering exhibiting at the IFE or any show for that matter justify the show by telling themselves that they can recoup their costs if the simply get one sale from the show and if they get more than one it's all gravy after the first.

My philosphy on shows is that if you have a capital intensive concept and you need highly qualified candidates you will not get them from shows.

Additionally when it comes to the IFE DC show and you are not developing in MD, VA & DC markets you are truly wasting your time since most people that attend drive to the show (with the exception for those attendees that are from foriegn countries).

In conclusion, if you have money to waste and you like to socialize with other franchisors you should go to shows. If you want to attract qualified franchise candidates invest elsewhere.

TIF 

The truth and nothing but the truth!

boondoggle.

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2007/08/30 - 01:05.

I'm sure there are many franchises that sell a successful business model. For the MANY that don't, i'm sure for the individuals running their franchise sales organizations that, if they don't have any problem fleecing an individual of a sizable chunk (if not all) of their retirement savings will have no problem whatsoever expensing a trip to any expo, especially if they can write off the twelve gin and tonics they have each night at the motel bar after the festivities of each day.

and is the show worth it?

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2007/10/11 - 21:47.

Dear show expert! You stated, “till now, my franchise owners have never sold any unit as a result of the DC event”. What the hell does MY franchise owners mean? If your such an expert on franchise shows why did YOUR franchise owners go to the DC shows? It seems to me you are trying to sell some other method of selling zees. It is very evident here that your franchisors who did not sell any franchises at the shows were not schooled on how to work shows to get positive results. I do agree that shows are not as effective as in the past but the sponsors are attempting in ever way to make them work. I do know the franchisors that understand sales are getting results from the shows. "but we sold over a hundred per year through other means"
Several thousand franchisors out there are desperate to sell franchises as there are not many can show them how to do it legally, as many are being sold illegally. Many are selling area development contracts and saying they sold 100 or so that will open in the future. In my opinion most have forgotten how to evaluate a franchise and as some even on this site do not have a clue on how to evaluate a franchise. A question I ask anyone going into the franchise business or in the business is" What are the factors that allow a franchisors to effectively have their zees be successful. Also none of these factors have anything to do with the type of franchise they are. These factors apply to any franchises types. A true franchise consultant/broker should always present franchising first and then state if you know these factors you can now select the type of franchise you want. Think about this. It is the key to selling franchises effectively. I do know also that I will probably will not get any comments on this post as I have not in the past as far as I know.
I have in the past probably sold more franchises than anyone in the business today but I have an advantage since I have been in franchising for 40 years. I also do not know of any of the franchises I sold where the client lost their investment. Note I didn’t say succeeded I said didn’t lose their investment. Big difference!

IFE not waste of zor $

Submitted by Paul Steinberg on Thu, 2007/08/30 - 07:12.

Exhibiting at trade shows like IFE can be a great opportunity for fine food, drink, plush hotels, and a vacation for the spouse and kiddies.

As to wasting money, the solution that some zors have found is to add a clause in their agreements that allows the marketing fund money to fund such efforts to "promote" the brand. Remember, it's not a waste of money if you get the benefit and someone else foots the bill.

Didn't lose their investment.

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2007/11/08 - 15:53.

What's your email address so that I can pay you to get some good counseling on purchasing a franchise. Signed Stretch

Interesting point!

Submitted by Truth in Franchising on Thu, 2007/08/30 - 08:11.

There is still the cost of employee time. Whereas many employers think salespeople's time is free it is not. A 3-4 day junket even if it is paid with ad fund money is still a waste of expensive resources. Additionally, even though it may be permissible to expense trade shows for the purpose of selling franchises to the ad fund it is a bad idea that just ends up breeding contempt of franchisees toward the francshisor. In other words don't do it.

Didn't lose their investment.

Submitted by Guest on Thu, 2007/11/08 - 17:07.

Stretch, My e-mmail is Omnifran@aol.com

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