Franchise Expo Cincinnati Takes Entrepreneurial Message to America’s Heartland

September 24, 2026 // Franchising.com // GLEN ROCK, NJ  – MFV Expositions ("MFV") and Comexposium, the undisputed industry leader connecting highly motivated entrepreneurs with a wide range of diverse franchise opportunities, is taking its pro-business message directly to America’s Heartland with Franchise Expo Cincinnati. More than 1,500 attendees are expected for the two-day affair, set for Oct. 23-24 at the First Financial Center in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, where guests can browse more than 80+ exhibitors, attend 15+ workshops and seminars, and hear from several influential keynote speakers. Though Franchise Expo Cincinnati is MFV Expo’s only stopover in the Midwest this year, the decision is highly strategic as Ohio has recently emerged as an attractive franchise destination. The International Franchise Association’s latest Franchise Economic Impact Report, issued earlier this year, ranked the state of Ohio ninth for overall franchise interest and activity. For motivated entrepreneurs eager to explore the life-changing potential of franchise ownership, Franchise Expo Cincinnati provides the perfect setting, with registration now open for both exhibitors and attendees.

“We look forward to bringing our message of economic hope and prosperity directly to America’s Heartland,” stated Martin Joksimovic, president of MFV Expositions. “We’ve had our eye on this region for some time now, noting the area’s potential for growth and expansion, the comparative affordability of its communities, and what we would best describe as significant opportunities for market leadership. Franchise Expo Cincinnati is the perfect opportunity to establish face-to-face connections and network with some of the biggest brand names in franchising. As we’re fond of reminding people, a chance encounter or simple conversation can alter the trajectory of your career and change your life for the better.”

Franchise Expo Cincinnati – Exhibitors

The Franchise Expo Cincinnati event promises top franchise brand exhibitors representing multiple industries and business sectors – concepts representing everything from automotive and fitness to senior care and fast casual dining. Notable brands who will be exhibiting at the First Financial Center include household names attendees can explore such as Gold’s Gym, HomeVestors, Dream Vacations, and Lightbridge Academy. Food and beverage concepts with drive-through convenience are well represented by brands such as McDonald’s, Biggby Coffee, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. And America’s well-documented love affair with pizza hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Franchise Expo Cincinnati boasts a trio of in-category options in Rosati’s Pizza, CiCi’s Pizza, and the ubiquitous Little Ceasar’s Pizza brand. Lastly, for those looking for an emerging brand with an affordable barrier to entry, options such as Industrious (gym/fitness), and The Fruit Stand, a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order fruit bowls, smoothies, and oatmeal dishes that’s rapidly expanding across the state of Ohio.

Franchise Expo Cincinnati – Workshops & Seminars

Attendees of past MFV Expos will recognize the familiar workshops and seminars that make up the jam-packed agenda for Franchise Expo Cincinnati. Dual headline events kick off the morning of Friday, Oct. 23 with the ever popular A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise (Theater 1), hosted by Dr. John Hayes, the current Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University – and the Franchising Your Business session (Theater 2 TBC). For a comprehensive list of workshops and seminar events planned for Franchise Expo Cincinnati, please visit our Conference Agenda page.

Franchise Expo Cincinnati – Special Event Programming

Those attending the Franchise Expo Cincinnati show can take advantage of numerous special events, with programming that includes the following popular networking opportunities:

• Emerging Brands Pavilion – attendees can get an up-close and personal look at new and emerging franchise brands with under 10 total locations at this perennial fan-favorite destination
• Business Resource Center – come for the introductions and stay for the networking opportunities, as the Business Resource Center is a haven for meeting some the industry’s leading vendors and suppliers
• Franchise Expo Unplugged – jam-packed with curated playlists and exclusive, onsite podcast interviews, MFV Expo has partnered with Social Geek Radio to keep you up to date with all things Franchise Expo Cincinnati!

Update: MFV Expo 2026 Domestic Franchise Events

Franchise Expo Cincinnati is the fourth domestic stop for MFV Expo in 2026, following Franchise Expo Dallas, and after May’s International Franchise Expo show in New York City. Franchise Expo West is scheduled to take place in Glendale, AZ on Nov. 13-14.

Franchise Expo Cincinnati – Registration

Registration is now officially open for attendees and exhibitors. 

SOURCE MFV Expositions

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