2015 Franchise Expo Draws Entrepreneurs From Around the World

New York, NY, July 16, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The International Franchise Expo took place at the Javits Center in New York City, drawing nearly 50,000 visitors from around the world.  In addition, hundreds of leading franchisors and business opportunities gathered together while hoping to add territories through entrepreneurs interested in acquiring the rights to those areas.

Franchise show winners this year include Kentucky-based Kona Ice which has been marketing its shaved-ice truck franchises for the fastest growing franchise.  Melt Mobile, a gourmet grilled cheese mobile truck won for best new franchise under $50,000, and Kumon, the world's largest after-school math and reading enrichment  program won for best new franchise over $50,000.

"We are very excited to get back home to show these new advances."

Atilla Gladski, Attendee

Perhaps, though, the franchise that "stole the show," and who isn't even considered a franchise, was Real 3d Creative Labs for their Entertainer Express video system and their i-Bobbles instant bobble-head creation system.  This exhibit was so crowded that if the expo was held on a ship, it would have surely capsized with everyone gathered to their side of the show, all to create a video or a life-like Bobble Head doll.  It was only appropriate that the Florida based amusement manufacturer won for Best in Show.

The International Franchise Expo also attracts business owners who have hit on a formula they think can be duplicated by others and want to explore creating franchise units.

"The first thing you ask is, can your business be duplicated by a smart, honest working person?" said Gladys Portia, CEO of XH Exposition Services.  "You have to have a certain mantra to be a franchisor.  Franchisees are a different breed, because if they were starting entrepreneurs, they would start the company up on their own."

Atilla Gladski travelled all the way from Budapest, Hungary to bring back a new concept to his country.  "I am very very impressed by the different types of businesses that I can bring back home," said Gladski.  Everything has become so advanced over the years.  It seems like just yesterday we were walking down streets with candles for lights, and having horse-pulled carriages for transporation.  We are very excited to get back home to show these new advances."

The International Franchise Show runs annually in New York City, and brings together hundreds of franchise concepts and thousands of prospects from across the United States and more than 80 countries.

Karan Brown covers the business desk for multiple publications and is a member of the Writers Guild of America.