The International Franchise Expo (IFE), March 20 – 22, 2009 in Washington DC is the largest and most important annual trade show in the world for the Franchising industry, featuring more than 300 franchise exhibitors, with investments ranging from US$5,000 to US$1 million and wide range of product categories. Approximately 8000 visitors (20 percent international), attendees have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with executives of the exhibiting franchisors and to attend free seminars as well as other symposia sessions form the world’s leading franchise experts.
 
IFA franchising accounts for 50 percent of all retail sales (1 trillion annually), employs more than 8 million people in 75 different industries and the sector is growing 6 times faster than the economy as a whole. IFE 2009 offers more than 100 educational programs, workshops and seminars focusing on the franchising business. Many of these sessions will focus directly on international franchising opportunities.