Your Gateway to Business Ownership
For aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike, the Atlanta Franchise Show offers a direct path to business ownership. Returning to the Cobb Galleria Centre in 2026, this event brings together leading franchise brands, industry experts, and motivated candidates for a weekend of discovery and connection.
Two Major Franchise Events in 2026
Atlanta will host two significant franchise expos in 2026, giving prospective business owners multiple opportunities to explore their options.
The Great American Franchise Expo – May 2026
The first event of the year is The Great American Franchise Expo, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The expo runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
This event brings together established and emerging franchise brands across a wide range of investment levels, from home-based concepts to larger retail and service operations. Attendees can explore newer franchise categories that reflect shifts in consumer demand, including EV infrastructure, robotics, pet memorial services, and insurance-related property restoration.
The National Franchise Show – November 2026
The second major event, The National Franchise Show (also referred to as the Atlanta Franchise Show), returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre on November 14–15, 2026. This is a targeted event for entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals looking to start their own franchise business.
What to Expect at the Expo
Both franchise events offer a comprehensive experience designed to help attendees navigate the journey to business ownership.
Meet Franchise Brands Face-to-Face
The expo floor fills with franchise brands across restaurant, retail, home services, fitness, and B2B categories. Attendees have the unique opportunity to meet personally with franchisors, ask questions, and gather the information needed to make informed decisions in a no-pressure environment.
Free Educational Seminars
A cornerstone of the franchise show experience is the educational programming. Experts share knowledge on topics critical to franchise success, including:
- Franchise law and legal considerations
- Financing options and investment strategies
- Market developments and industry trends
- Business ownership fundamentals
Networking with Industry Leaders
The events draw a diverse audience of potential franchisees, corporate professionals, and business opportunity companies. This creates valuable networking opportunities for attendees to connect with both franchisors and fellow entrepreneurs exploring business ownership.
Venue and Logistics
Both franchise events take place at the Cobb Galleria Centre, located at 2 Galleria Parkway Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia. The venue offers a 144,000-square-foot exhibit hall, making it Atlanta’s premier convention center for events of this scale.
For The Great American Franchise Expo, online registration is available to waive the standard $29 door fee.
Why Attend the Atlanta Franchise Show?
Atlanta is one of the strongest franchise markets in the Southeast, drawing entrepreneurs and corporate professionals who have already made the decision to invest and are actively seeking the right business opportunity. The franchise show provides an efficient way to compare concepts, understand investment requirements, and evaluate support models—all in one location over a single weekend.
For those ready to take the next step toward business ownership, the Atlanta Franchise Show offers the resources, connections, and expert guidance needed to turn entrepreneurial ambitions into reality.