More Than 100 National Franchises Seeking To Expand To Tampa

TAMPA, FL — The Great American Expo, producers of the only American-owned franchise trade show, returns to Tampa on Saturday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Following an unprecedented year that resulted in the expos going virtual, the two-day event returns to the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., for in-person participation, bringing more than 100 top national franchise brands looking to expand in Tampa Bay.

As part of the expo weekend, attendees will also have the opportunity to support Feeding Tampa Bay’s Cereal for Summer program, which works to alleviate hunger during the summer months in Tampa Bay community, as part of an on-site food drive.

“We are excited to be coming back to Tampa for our third consecutive year,” said Nick Neonakis, founder and producer of the Great American Franchise Expo. “This year’s expo will offer people who dream of starting their own business a unique opportunity and unprecedented access to hundreds of franchise industry experts to explore franchising as a way to achieve business independence.”

The Tampa trade show will feature top national franchise brands, from specialty stores to retail concepts, including 7-Eleven, Meineke, Ninja Nation, Tilted Concepts and more. Throughout the weekend, event attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry executives and franchise developers, talk one on one with brand representatives and learn exactly what it takes to get into the franchise industry.

The expo also features ongoing educational seminars led by industry specialists that cover a range of topics from legal, real estate, finance and marketing.

As part of the expo’s philanthropic initiatives, the organization will once again partner with Feeding Tampa Bay, a Feeding America affiliate, in support of its Cereal for Summer program. Attendees are encouraged to bring boxed cereal, breakfast bars, granola and oatmeal for donation. Food drive bins will be placed near the main entrance of the expo for easy access.

“We are proud to partner with Feeding Tampa Bay once again to serve as a drop-off site for this year’s Cereal for Summer Drive. Our partnership with Feeding America affiliates allows us the opportunity to serve local communities by engaging in solutions that support local food bank partner agencies throughout our expo’s footprint directly,” said Neonakis.

“With national child hunger rates increasing on average by at least 47 percent, currently one in four children do not know where their next meal will come from. This is where our Feeding Tampa Bay family stands together to step boldly into the gaps," said Feeding Tampa Bay CEO and President Thomas Mantz. "In April and May, Franchise Consulting Co. is standing with Feeding Tampa Bay through the Cereal for Summer efforts to directly make an impact on local children. This crucial program and partnership help bring exponential meals to the tables of our families, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Expo attendance is free for all who register online in advance. Attendees can also purchase tickets at the door for $29. All proceeds from onsite ticket sales will benefit Feeding Tampa Bay.

Masks are required for entry to the expo hall and sanitation stations will be placed throughout the event.

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