Preparing for franchise exhibitions: An expert guide

For anyone exploring the idea of becoming a franchisee, exhibitions are one of the most valuable opportunities available. They bring together established brands, new concepts, and hundreds of potential franchisees all under one roof.

But walking into an exhibition without preparation can be overwhelming. With so many stands, seminars, and conversations happening at once, it’s easy to miss the information you really need. 

The key is to arrive with a plan, so you leave confident, informed, and ready to take your next step.

Why attend a franchise exhibition?

Franchise exhibitions give you the chance to do months of research in a single day. You’ll meet franchisors face-to-face, compare opportunities across sectors, and hear directly from experts in funding, business planning, and operations. 

Just as importantly, you’ll also connect with advisers and suppliers who understand franchising and can support you on your journey. 

If you’re serious about starting a franchise, there’s no better way to discover what’s possible, and whether franchising is the right path for you.

Clarify your goals before you go

Before stepping into a busy exhibition hall, take some time to think about what you’re looking for. 

• Are you drawn to food and hospitality, childcare, fitness, or professional services? 
• What level of investment feels realistic for you, and do you see yourself working hands-on or leading a team? 

Having clarity about your goals will help you focus your time and avoid being distracted by opportunities that don’t truly fit your vision.

Do your homework in advance

Most exhibitions publish their exhibitor lists ahead of time. A quick review of who’s attending can save you hours on the day. Research the brands online, read case studies or franchisee testimonials, and highlight the stands you don’t want to miss. With a little preparation, you’ll arrive knowing where to focus and which conversations will be the most valuable.

Prepare the right questions

When you sit down with a franchisor, it’s easy to get swept up in glossy brochures and big promises. The best way to get beneath the surface is to ask practical, grounded questions. For example:

• What kind of support will I receive once I’ve joined the network?
  
  
• How much working capital will I realistically need in the first year?
  
  
• What challenges do franchisees typically face, and how are they supported?
  
  
• How does the brand help with finance, tax, and compliance?
  
  

These conversations will reveal how the franchise works day to day and whether it matches your expectations.

Don’t overlook the money side

Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for new franchisees, and exhibitions are a great place to start building a clear picture. Speaking to experts about franchise finance is something you should do if you get the chance.

Here are some of the most common funding routes for franchisees and what they mean in practice.

At the dt group, we regularly help franchisees prepare lender-ready business plans, explore flexible funding options, and understand tax obligations. In some sectors, such as tuition or childcare, there may even be VAT exemptions worth exploring.

The clearer you are about your numbers, the more confident you’ll feel when weighing up opportunities.

Keep track and compare

An exhibition can feel like a whirlwind of conversations and handshakes. Taking notes as you go means you’ll have something reliable to reflect on afterwards. Don’t just compare brands, look at the quality of support on offer, the financial requirements, and your gut feeling about the people behind the business.

Make time for follow-up

The exhibition is only the beginning. The real progress happens afterwards, when you book discovery calls, revisit your notes, and begin building relationships with franchisors. This is also the stage to bring in professional advisers to help you assess the financial side of your decision. Our Franchise Accounting and Fractional Finance Function services are designed to give franchisees clarity and confidence as they move forward.

Beyond the brochures

Franchise exhibitions are a powerful starting point, but preparation makes all the difference. 

Setting clear goals, doing your research, asking thoughtful questions, and keeping the financial side front of mind will provide you with the beginnings of a clear plan for your future in franchising.

We attend the major franchise shows and many smaller franchisor-led events throughout the year. If you’d like to meet in person and talk through your plans, we’d love to connect. Book a free consultation with the dt group