Entrepreneurs seeking to explore franchise ownership will converge on downtown Cincinnati this fall as MFV Expositions (“MFV”) and Comexposium bring Franchise Expo Cincinnati to the First Financial Center on Oct. 23-24. More than 1,500 attendees are expected at the two-day event, which will feature over 80 exhibitors, 15 workshops and seminars, and several keynote speakers.
The expo’s arrival in Ohio is a strategic move, as the state has recently emerged as an attractive franchise destination. According to the International Franchise Association’s latest Franchise Economic Impact Report, Ohio ranks ninth for overall franchise interest and activity. That ranking underscores the region’s potential for growth, affordability, and market leadership, making it a prime location for both new and experienced entrepreneurs.
“We look forward to bringing our message of economic hope and prosperity directly to America’s Heartland,” said 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.”
Registration is now open for both exhibitors and attendees. The event will showcase top franchise brand exhibitors from sectors including automotive, fitness, senior care, and fast casual dining. Household names such as Gold’s Gym, HomeVestors, Dream Vacations, and Lightbridge Academy will be present, alongside food and beverage concepts like McDonald’s, Biggby Coffee, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Pizza lovers will find options from Rosati’s Pizza, CiCi’s Pizza, and Little Caesars Pizza. Emerging brands like Industrious and The Fruit Stand will also be featured, offering affordable entry points for new franchisees.
Attendees can benefit from familiar workshops and seminars, including the popular A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise led by Dr. John Hayes. Special programming includes the Emerging Brands Pavilion and the Business Resource Center, providing networking opportunities with industry leaders. MFV has also partnered with Social Geek Radio for onsite podcast interviews, available through Franchise Expo Unplugged.
Franchise Expo Cincinnati marks MFV’s fourth domestic stop in 2026, following successful events in Dallas and New York City. The final domestic event, Franchise Expo West, will take place in Glendale, AZ, on Nov. 13-14. For more information, visit www.franchiseexpocincinnati.com.
