After spending the last 20 years in Washington, the International Franchise Expo (IFE) is re-locating to New York City.
The 2012 IFE will take place June 15-17 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, moving the well-known franchising event to one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The three-day event uniquely showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at virtually every investment level. Tens of thousands of prospective investors from across the country and overseas have attended the show over the last 20 years.
Tom Portesy, President of MFV Expositions, producers of the show, said: “Every year, the IFE is responsible for the opening of hundreds of small businesses and creating thousands of jobs – and there’s no better place for that to take centre stage than New York. Small business growth will be a significant factor in our economic recovery and we know New York City is the place to lead the charge.”
The franchise industry is a major contributor to the US economy, employing more than 20 million people and contributing over $2 trillion in economic activity, according to the International Franchise Association the show’s sponsor. Franchise business jobs are projected to grow 2.1 per cent in 2012, an increase of 168,000 jobs, according to a recent IFA report. The gross domestic product originating in the franchise sector is projected to grow 4.8 per cent this year, an increase of $2.1 billion.
Adding to the stature of the show now being in New York, top media players have partnered with the IFE to help promote the show, including Entrepreneur Magazine, TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, Fortune Magazine, The New York Times, The Star-Ledger/NJ.com, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and several other national and local media outlets. The show is also being promoted through leading industry publications and other member-based associations in the New York metro area.
The IFE is supported by the US Commercial Service and promoted worldwide. More than 80 Foreign Commercial Service Offices in the US and over 60 countries actively promote the IFE within their regions. Over the years, the IFE has been a significant catalyst to the global expansion of franchising.
Published: 21 March 2012
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