PARAMUS, N.J., June 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following 20 years in Washington, D.C., the International Franchise Expo has moved to New York City. The decision, made by the show's producers, MFV Expositions, reflects a shifting small business landscape and increased awareness of franchising. The show, set for June 15-17 at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan, is picking up steam as the date approaches.
More than 300 franchisors will be on hand at IFE this year, more than ever before. Between eight and ten thousand visitors are expected to attend over the course of three days. Even as the economy slowly rebounds, franchising has been on the rise. Franchise business jobs are projected to grow 2.1 percent in 2012, an increase of 168,000 jobs, according to a recent report by the International Franchise Association, the show's sponsor. The gross domestic product originating in the franchise sector is projected to grow 4.8 percent this year, an increase of $21 billion.
"This year, we wanted to take the IFE to the next level," said Tom Portesy, President of MFV Expositions. "With the number of registered exhibitors and the projected attendance, we know franchising will be in the spotlight. The goal of the IFE is two-fold – increasing awareness of franchise opportunities and putting America back to work. What better place to do it than in the business capital of the world?"
As more franchisors try to expand into an always competitive New York market, many trends have developed for this year's show. Nearly 40 of this year's exhibitors specialize in either children's products and services or educational products and services. On the frozen yogurt front alone, nine franchisors will be vying for prospective owners. And while restaurants have always held the biggest piece of the franchise pie, ten fitness and health related franchisors will be on the floor.
The three-day event uniquely showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at virtually every investment level. Over the last 20 years, hundreds of thousands of prospective investors from across the country and overseas have attended the show. The franchise industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, employing more than 20 million people and contributing over $2 trillion in economic activity.
For more information, please visit www.ifeinfo.com.
About MFV Expositions
For over 20 years, MFV Expositions has been producing the leading franchise events worldwide that consistently bring together franchise concepts, at all investment levels, with the most qualified visitors seeking to own their own business. In addition to quality franchise expos in the United States and overseas that offer face-to-face opportunities to grow your franchise, MFV also offers access to online franchise opportunities through web-based resources, lead management tools and solutions for generating sales.
The International Franchise Expo logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13133