The National Franchise Show 2027
Event Date
May 22–23, 2027
Location
Rosemont, IL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe National Franchise Show (Chicago edition) is a two-day consumer event for people who want to explore business and franchise ownership. On May 22 & 23, 2027, the Chicago Franchise Show invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this two-day event, billed as the Midwest's largest "own your own business" gathering.
Attendees can meet proven, expanding franchise brands and new business-opportunity concepts face to face under one roof. Proven, money making businesses that are now expanding in Chicago are on hand to meet new potential owners, giving visitors the chance to ask questions and get information in a no-pressure environment. The show spans full- and part-time opportunities from every industry and at every investment level.
It is worth attending because it consolidates research that would otherwise take hundreds of hours. Buying a franchise or proven business opportunity eliminates much of the hard work and risk of starting a new business independently, and the event pairs the exhibitor floor with free educational seminars to help visitors make an informed decision.
Show Highlights
- Exhibitor floor: Compare full- and part-time franchise and business-opportunity brands across many industries and investment levels in one place. Past exhibitors have included The Entrepreneur's Source, Rosati's Pizza, Ziebart, CEFA, Zoomin Groomin and HomeVestors.
- Free seminars: Sessions cover the ins and outs of franchise ownership plus starting and growing a business, with topics such as legal advice, how to choose the right business, financing options and government assistance programs.
- How to Franchise Your Business Workshop: A dedicated session for existing business owners considering franchising their own brand.
- Industry suppliers & advisors: Access to franchise consultants, funding specialists and service providers on site.
- Military admission: Military personnel receive free admission when they present ID at the ticket booth.
Registration
Admission is handled online through Showpass, with free early-registration tickets promoted ahead of the event.
- Register online via the show's "Get Free Tickets" link to secure advance admission (limited tickets available).
- Tickets can be purchased online and will be available for $10 at the door.
- Military personnel receive free admission when they present ID at the ticket booth.
For ticketing help, the Showpass customer support team can be reached by email at support@showpass.com, via chat/web, or by phone at 1-844-307-7469 during operating hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Chicago National Franchise Show?
The show takes place May 22-23, 2027, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Hall F, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. Hours are Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.
How much does admission cost and how do I register?
You can register online in advance through Showpass, where free early-registration tickets are promoted. Tickets are also available for $10 at the door, and military personnel receive free admission when they present ID at the ticket booth.
Who should attend the National Franchise Show?
The event is designed for consumers who want to start their own business and explore franchise or business-opportunity ownership. Full- and part-time opportunities are available from every industry and at every investment level.
What can I do at the show besides visiting exhibitors?
In addition to meeting expanding franchise brands face to face, attendees can attend free seminars covering topics such as legal advice, how to choose the right business, financing options and government assistance programs. There is also a workshop for owners considering franchising their own business.
What are the parking and transportation options?
Parking is available at a flat rate of $15 per day, with garages at the convention center accessible via an enclosed walkway. The venue is about 5 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, and the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station is located nearby for train access.
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