International Franchise Expo 2015

The international franchise expo 2015 was held at the javis centre in New York from the 18th – 20th of June.

This expo sponsored by the International Franchise Association (IFA) featured some of the most outstanding franchise brands.

This year’s event was well attended, with over 300 sponsors and 400 exhibitors. Entrepreneurs and attendees were able to learn much about franchising, considered as one of the fastest growing segments of the global economy.

In her opening remarks, Melanie Bergeron, chairperson, International Franchise Association (IFA), explained that franchising has made the dreams of small business ownership in the US a reality. According to her, there are over 780,000 franchise establishments in United States alone providing over nine million direct jobs.

The IFA members include franchise companies in more than 300 business categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, and business development.

The franchising industry has helped to grow the U.S economy, targeting $521 billion GDP in 2015, from $496 billion generated in 2014.

The International Franchise Expo  was a huge success with so many companies in attendance. It was also as informative as it is relevant to Nigeria.

Exhibiting companies  include – Ben & Jerry, Blink Fitness, JaniKing, Rita’s, Senior Helpers, Rosati’s and Fire House Subs, among others.

The Nigerian companies present include Micro Station, Yawron, Cornerstone Medical Diagnostic Centre, Joephiners Global concepts Ltd, Pointek, Duraclean, Duraclean, Novelle cleaning solutions, MBH Investment LLC, McCann Int’l Ltd, Franchise Africa, Ashburn corporate Services, Deepline Energy Resources Limited, oyin stores and Stims, among others.

Representatives from the US Embassy in Nigeria and the special adviser to Enugu State governor were also in  attendance.

Linda Ochugbua