Momentum Builds for West Coast Franchise Expo with Top Grade Talent

Doors Open October 23-25 as Thousands of Entrepreneurs Flock to the Anaheim Convention Center

ANAHEIM, Calif.--()--The West Coast Franchise Expo (WCFE), sponsored by the International Franchise Association (IFA), is gaining momentum gearing up for the three-day event. On October 23-25, the Anaheim Convention Center will open its doors, bringing together qualified prospects with more than 200 franchise brands looking to expand west of the Mississippi with investments starting at under $10,000. As the franchise industry is expected to create approximately 200,000 new jobs in 2014, the WCFE provides prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives of proven franchise opportunities, and take advantage of dozens of educational seminars and symposia.

The event kicks off with special remarks by well-respected Anaheim Mayor, Tom Tait, at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony being held at the convention center on Thursday, October 23 at 9:45 a.m. As a strong supporter of economic development, Mayor Tait welcomes the WCFE and eager entrepreneurs to Anaheim as the city boasts a diverse business community fueling rapid job creation. Also speaking at the ceremony are senior-level executives from the IFA and U.S. Small Business Administration in addition to several successful West Coast area franchisees.

“We are able to draw well-respected, growing franchise brands from a wide-variety of industries and in turn, we attract highly-qualified prospects hungry for new business opportunities,” said Tom Portesy, president and CEO of MFV Expositions, producer of the WCFE. “With that said, the educational aspect of the expo is just as vital to us as the quality and diversity of exhibitors. We aimed to assemble top grade talent from the industry to share their valuable insight, to generate thought-provoking ideas and strategies for both prospective business owners and experienced multi-unit franchisees.”

The conference will host more than 40 free and informative seminars along with five symposia covering a wide-range of topics such as, “What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise,” “Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business,” “Financing Options for Franchising: Your Best Alternatives Today,” and more. The WCFE also developed a small business seminar series in conjunction with SCORE Orange County, an organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, dedicated to helping small business owners get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. The program will offer classes designed to sharpen attendees’ skills in social media, sales, marketing, technology, accessing capital, and more.

New this year, the WCFE will be hosting a women in business seminar titled, “How Women Can Be Successful in Today’s Franchising Marketplace;” fitting as women are increasingly becoming franchise owners. Women made up nearly a quarter of all franchise purchases last year, according to the IFA, a figure that is more than double what it was 20 years ago. The free seminar will offer attendees the chance to learn best practices and lessons learned from some of the savviest female franchise leaders, representing a wide-variety of backgrounds, who chose franchising for their career path.

"Franchising is such an amazing space (for women) to thrive and shine,” says Renee Israel, co-founder of Doc Popcorn. “While it provides you with the tools and a roadmap to own your business and gain independence, you also become part of an extremely supportive community that is very open to mentorship and coaching."

To register to attend the West Coast Franchise Expo, visit www.wcfexpo.com. On-site registration is also available, but pre-registration is recommended.

About MFV Expositions

For 22 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.

Contacts

Fishman Public Relations
Kelly McNamara, 847-945-1300
KMcNamara@fishmanpr.com

Contacts

Fishman Public Relations
Kelly McNamara, 847-945-1300
KMcNamara@fishmanpr.com