June 1, 2026

Reflections on the 2026 IFE

This year, SMB Franchise Advisors had over a dozen franchise brands exhibiting at the IFE in New York. In fact, this is the 15th year of doing so. In 2011, the International Franchise Expo was one of the first events I attended representing SMB, helping emerging brands to bring their concept to the franchising stage. A lot has changed in the world in the last decade and a half, but what remains the same is the human connections people can make when they meet someone in person.

While there are many ways to promote your brand and seek out new franchise candidates, this is one that stands the test of time. Emerging brands have the benefit of being on the world stage with other established franchise companies. You have to be seen to be considered. Online presence and digital marketing are foundational to a brand, small or large — being at an expo, brings something different. When you exhibit, your franchise is immediately seen by the local community even if they were not searching for you online.

Kudos to our founders and brand leaders who invested in the time, energy and the show this year. For some, this is not their comfort zone — and as Steve shared in his recent Forbes contribution — those who do take the initiative and show up, are the ones who grow.

SMB Brands exhibiting at the IFE 2026 in New York City

SMB Brands exhibit at IFE 2026 in NYC

IFE 2026 Featured SMB Franchises

  • A La Mode – New York based franchise featuring allergy friendly ice cream
  • Almera Tech Services – franchise info for home and commercial smart technology systems
  • Bright Years Academy – now franchising in a unique early education focused on mindfulness
  • Chiddy’s CheeseSteaks – franchising mobile food truck and brick and mortar cheesesteak QSRs
  • Cleanest Restaurant Group – new franchise territories for overnight restaurant cleaning
  • Design Pro Remodeling – continued growth with new franchisees to perform home remodels
  • New Life Assisted Living – developing franchises in small home assisted living
  • NORY – expanding with franchise owners for year round STEM camp programming
  • REBELXL – franchising boutique fitness Pilates with high-energy, cardio and strength training
  • Small Town Play Cafe – franchise opportunities for indoor play with coffee and gifts
  • SoBoL – looking to join this established brand get franchising info here
  • The POP Star Party – emerging franchise in the birthday party and entertainment industries

In addition to the exhibit hall, SMB brought some of our founders in as speakers to share their experiences, converting their concept into a franchise brand. Steve hosted a panel on Friday with three established and growing franchises:

Josh York, founder of GYMGUYZ the mobile, #1 in-home personal training franchise

Jason Parker, co-founder K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel

Jason Mazzarrone, founder of SoBoL the growing acai bowl and smoothie franchise system

Then, on Saturday I interviewed two of our newest emerging female franchise founders: April Lukasik with Bright Years Academy and Kim Coe with Small Town Play Cafe. Both women shared how they created something inspired by family and a need they had as a young mother. Leveraging their prior business experiences, they each built a seven figure single operation before deciding to scale. Now, they offer their wisdom, expertise and the brand they created to aspiring franchisees who are ready to own their own business.

You can learn more about these emerging and established franchises following the links shared. Or, if you already have a concept that is ready to scale, explore how you can franchise your business working with the team at SMB.

You may have missed this event but there will be others later this year.  Get started today. You could be the next brand “on the world stage” ready to share your brand with new owners. Begin the process with SMB to launch your franchise, bringing your business to new communities with franchise owners who can help continue your legacy.

Author: Dawn Abbamondi, Chief Marketing Officer, SMB

Reviewed by: Joanne Hoyer, Chief Development Officer, SMB