During the same time the IFE was being held in New York the Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF) held its Franchise Expo in San Paulo. Touted as the largest franchise show in the world the ABF Expo had 61,000 attendees with 400 exhibitors. I don't have the actual "numbers" for the IFE, however,the show directory listed approximately 235 franchisor exhibitors and 43 suppliers and service providers. An interesting aspect of the IFE which differs considerably from the ABF Expo in Brazil is in the number of seminars, which the Brazilian show calls courses. The majority of seminars at the IFE were directed to franchisors rather than prospective franchisees. In comparison,the ABF had far fewer seminars and all were for prospective franchisees. Far be it for me to suggest how to operate a franchise show, however, seminars at a franchise show with content for franchisors doesn't make sense to me. Also,most suppliers were in a separate section. I think suppliers, especially those that publish franchise directories, offer financing and provide services for individuals considering a franchise opportunity, should be in the same area as franchise exhibitors.
The IFE in its New York location should be able to double the number of exhibitors and attendees over the next few years, however, if the presentation format remains the same reaching that goal may be difficult.
A Review of the NYC International Franchise Expo 
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