Record Attendance Expected at 20th Annual International Franchise Expo in D.C

PARAMUS, NJ, March 04, 2011 (Press-News.org) With the economy starting to bounce back and credit easing up, the organizers of the 20th annual International Franchise Expo (IFE) are expecting record turnout from both franchisee candidates and exhibitors at the 2011 IFE show, to be held April 1-3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Year after year, the IFE event has been responsible for the opening of hundreds of small businesses and creating thousands of jobs in the franchise industry - and this edition will be no different. Tens of thousands of prospective investors from across the country and overseas have attended the show over the past 20 years.

"There are no signs of franchising slowing down right now, which is why there are such vast opportunities for potential investors," said Tom Portesy, President of MFV Expositions, producers of the show. "This event uniquely showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at nearly every investment level."

A recent study by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, on behalf of the DC-based International Franchise Association, projected that the number of new franchise units industry wide will grow 2.5 percent in 2011, as compared with an increase of 0.3 percent from 2009 to 2010.

According to the IFA, the show's sponsor, the franchise industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, employing more than 20 million people and contributing more than $2 trillion in economic activity.
For prospective investors less familiar with franchising, more than 40 free educational sessions will be conducted during the event on topics that include franchising basics and ways to obtain financing. Veterans will be admitted to the show free of charge and are encouraged to attend the free seminar, "Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities, Women and Veterans."
The IFE is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and promoted worldwide as part of their International Buyers Program. More than 150 U.S. Embassies through their Foreign Commercial Service Offices actively promote the IFE within their regions and bring official escorted delegations from all around the world to the Nation's capital.

About MFV Expositions

For nearly 20 years, MFV, known as the "first family of franchising," 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.