The National Franchise Show 2026
Event Date
November 14–15, 2026
Location
Atlanta, GA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe National Franchise Show in Atlanta is a two-day consumer event for anyone interested in owning their own business through franchising or a proven business opportunity. Billed as Atlanta's largest "Own Your Own Business" event, it brings established franchise brands and brand-new concepts together under one roof so prospective owners can compare options across every industry and investment level.
Attendees can meet franchisors face to face in a no-pressure environment, ask questions, and gather the information needed to make an educated decision about business ownership. The show emphasizes that buying a franchise or proven business opportunity can eliminate much of the hard work and risk of starting a business independently, offering full-time and part-time options for a range of budgets.
The event is worth attending because it saves hundreds of hours of research time by consolidating the marketplace into one venue, and it pairs the exhibit floor with free educational seminars covering topics such as legal advice, choosing the right business, financing options, and government assistance programs. It is a strong fit for aspiring entrepreneurs, career changers, and investors exploring franchise ownership.
Show Highlights
- Exhibit floor of franchise brands: See successful franchises and brand-new opportunities from every industry, with full and part-time options at every investment level.
- Face-to-face meetings: Meet proven, expanding businesses directly and ask questions in a no-pressure setting.
- Free educational seminars: Sessions cover legal advice, how to choose the right business, financing options, government assistance programs, and starting and growing a business.
- How to Franchise Your Business Workshop: A dedicated resource for business owners considering franchising their own concept.
- Industry suppliers and advisors: Access to franchise service providers and consultants on site.
Past and participating exhibitors have included brands such as Steak 'n Shake, Rosati's, Ace Hardware, and other emerging concepts across food, retail, and service categories.
Registration
Admission is offered through free online tickets, which are limited in availability. Register in advance through the show's official Unity Event Solutions ticketing link rather than waiting to register on site.
- Visit the Atlanta show page and select the "Get Free Tickets" / "Register Now" option.
- Complete the registration form on the Unity Tickets checkout page.
- Save your confirmation and bring it to the show for entry.
For ticketing help, the Unity Event Solutions support team can be reached by email at support@unitytickets.com.
History
The National Franchise Show is produced by National Event Management and presented by The Entrepreneur's Source. It runs as a series of franchise expos held in cities across the United States and Canada, with the Atlanta edition being one stop on that national circuit. Sponsors and partners have included Franchise Dictionary Magazine, Franchise Times, FRANdata, Franchise Assembly, and The UPS Store. A specific founding year for the Atlanta event is not published on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Atlanta National Franchise Show taking place?
The show takes place November 14-15, 2026, at the Cobb Convention Center (formerly Cobb Galleria Centre), Hall C, located at 2 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339. Hours are Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.
How much does it cost to attend and how do I register?
Admission is offered through free online tickets, which are limited in availability. You can register in advance through the show's official Unity Event Solutions ticketing link on the Atlanta visitor page.
Who should attend the National Franchise Show?
The event is designed for consumers who want to start their own business, including aspiring entrepreneurs, career changers, and investors. It presents full-time and part-time franchise and business opportunities from every industry and at every investment level.
What can I do at the show besides browsing exhibitors?
Attendees can meet expanding franchise brands face to face and attend free seminars. Seminar topics include legal advice, how to choose the right business, financing options, and government assistance programs, plus a workshop on how to franchise your own business.
Where can I park at the venue?
The Cobb Convention Center has 1,800 self-parking spaces on-site across three decks, including a Blue Deck across Galleria Drive with an underground tunnel to the front entrance. Check the venue's official Getting Here page for current parking rates.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement