European Franchise Festival
ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
INNOVATION.
FESTIVAL.
Why?
Imagine a place where ideas turn into businesses and brands find their ideal partners.
Franchise Expo Bucharest 2026 is not just an event – it’s an entrepreneurship festival where innovation meets investment!
What makes us different?
- We don’t just showcase brands – we create success stories!
- We don’t just attract participants – we build an exclusive community!
- We don’t just offer visibility – we generate measurable results!
The need
Investors & Entrepreneurs – Seeking Profitable Business Opportunities:
- Looking for ready-made business models with proven success.
- Want to reduce startup risk by joining an established franchise.
- Exploring multi-unit and master franchise investments.
- Interested in industry trends and emerging franchise concepts.
Industry Professionals & Service Providers – Growing Their B2B Network:
- Want to offer their expertise to franchise brands and investors.
- Exploring new business collaborations & consulting opportunities.
Media, Influencers & Thought Leaders – Covering the Industry’s Biggest Event:
- Searching for success stories & industry trends to report on.
- Connecting with CEOs, founders & emerging franchise brands.
Momentum
Romania is experiencing a golden era for franchise expansion, making Franchise Expo Bucharest 2026 a strategic and timely opportunity for brands, investors, and entrepreneurs.
1. Booming Economy & Growing Middle Class
- Romania’s GDP growth remains one of the highest in the EU, with increasing consumer spending and business investments. It is above Poland, but also above other regional economies, such as Hungary, Croatia and Greece.
- In Romania, the adjusted average annual salary was 17,739 euros in 2023, exceeding the values in Hungary (16,895 euros) and Greece (17,013 euros) and approaching that of Poland (18,054 euros), according to Eurostat.
2. Untapped Market Potential
- While franchising is well-established in Western Europe, Romania’s franchise market is still in an early growth phase, offering first-mover
advantages for brands looking to enter. - Key industries like F&B, retail, education, health & wellness, and services are rapidly evolving, creating massive opportunities for franchisors.
3. Strategic Gateway to Eastern Europe
- As a top business hub in Eastern Europe, Romania offers access to a market of over 100 million consumers in the surrounding region.
- Global brands looking to expand in Central and Eastern Europe can use Romania as a stepping stone to regional growth.
4. High Demand for Established Business Models
- More entrepreneurs are seeking proven business models rather than starting from scratch, making franchising the preferred choice for many investors.
- Consumers trust recognized brands, creating a strong market pull for franchise businesses.
Location
Largest fair centre in Romania, Romexpo.
Zoning & Layout
The Grand Expo Hall (Main Exhibition Area)
- 10,000+ sqm of dedicated exhibition space.
- Divided by industry sectors: F&B, Retail, Services, Health & Wellness, Education, etc.
- Premium booth spaces for major brands & high-traffic central areas.
- Sector for suppliers for businesses (legal, fiscal, marketing, raw materials, beverages, etc)
The Startup & Emerging Franchise Zone
- Designed for new, fast-growing franchise brands looking for partners.
- Special discounted exhibitor rates for emerging concepts.
- Booths spaces from entrepreneurship & local trade organizations.
The International Pavilion
- Exclusive area for global franchises entering the Romanian & Eastern European markets.
- Booths spaces from embassies & bilateral chambers organizations.
The Innovation & Tech Hub
- Featuring franchise tech solutions, AI-driven business tools, and digital marketing innovations.
The Investor & VIP Lounge
- Private networking space for high-level investors, executives, and franchise founders.
- Booths spaces from investment funds and VC’s
- One-on-one investment meetings with top franchise brands.
- Luxury setting with catering & premium hospitality.
The Future of Franchising Stage (Conference Area)
- Keynote speeches from industry experts, top franchisors & market analysts.
- Panel discussions on trends, growth strategies, and challenges in franchising.
- Live case studies & success stories from franchise leaders.
Live Franchise Demonstrations & Experience Zone
- Live product/service demonstrations by exhibiting brands.
- Tasting areas for F&B brands, interactive experiences for service-based franchises.
- Real-time customer interaction simulations for potential franchisees.
Mobile Event APP
Networking-Powered by AI
- AI-driven matchmaking between:
- Visitors Exhibitors
- Visitors Visitors (B2B/B2C)
- Exhibitors Other Businesses
- The AI learns from attendee profiles, behavior, and interactions to recommend relevant people to meet / Sessions to attend / Stands to visit
Exhibitor Tools & ROI Tracking
- View lead lists (people who visited their booth) / Export leads directly / Track booth visits, session interest, and interactions
- Schedule meetings inside the app (before, during, after event)
Visitor Experience = Seamless
- Personalized agendas / Smart filters to explore exhibitors / Floorplans and maps / Real-time notifications & reminders / On-demand content
