Expo Franchising ABF Rio 2026 to feature more than 100 brands

Expo Franchising ABF Rio 2026 is scheduled for 5 to 7 November at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, with more than 100 brands and a programme aimed at those looking to start a business or diversify their investments. The 19th edition will bring together opportunities to enter the franchise sector alongside activities covering management, innovation and the checks to make before buying a franchise.

A showcase for comparing franchise formats

According to a report published by the Feiras Industriais portal on 29 September, the event expects to welcome more than 15,000 visitors across 4,500 square metres of exhibition space. Participating brands will be seeking new franchisees, investors and partners to support their expansion plans.

The range of investment levels will be a feature of this edition. The advertised offering spans models requiring less than R$10,000 (Brazilian reais) to shops where the initial investment can exceed R$2 million. Home-based businesses, kiosks and physical shops are also expected to feature.

This breadth allows visitors to focus their research on the capital they have available and the type of operation they want to run. However, the published figures represent investment ranges for different models, rather than terms shared by all participating brands. To assess a specific proposal, visitors will need to establish what the franchise network includes in its quoted investment.

Food, health and beauty, education, technology, tourism and cleaning are among the sectors expected to be represented. The report consulted does not name the exhibiting brands, but highlights the variety of formats as one of the event’s attractions.

A programme that goes beyond sales pitches

Alongside opportunities to meet franchise networks, the announced programme includes panel discussions, mentoring, advisory sessions and contributions from specialists. Topics cover management, innovation, trends, governance and the checks needed before buying a franchise.

The combination of exhibition stands and educational content gives visitors two ways to make use of the event: exploring commercial proposals and gathering the information needed to assess them. Those beginning to research the franchise sector can use the guidance sessions to clarify questions they may also want to put to exhibitors.

Practical questions include the franchisee’s day-to-day role, the support provided by the franchisor and the requirements of the chosen format. These points help distinguish between proposals with similar entry costs but different operational demands.

The available information confirms the broad themes and types of activity, but does not provide a detailed timetable or speaker names. Anyone wishing to prioritise particular mentoring sessions or discussions should therefore check the organiser’s published programme before planning their visit.

How to turn a visit into business research

With more than 100 brands announced, a little preparation can help make conversations more focused. Before arriving at Riocentro, prospective investors can shortlist their preferred sectors, set an investment limit and decide which formats they want to explore first.

During discussions, it is advisable to ask for a breakdown of the initial investment, ongoing expenses and working capital requirements. The entry price alone does not show how much funding will be needed to set up and sustain the operation. Comparisons should take account of the full proposal, not just the headline figure in the sales presentation.

It is also worth recording each brand’s answers against the same criteria. This makes later analysis easier and avoids comparing very different businesses solely on the impression made at their stands.

Meeting a franchise network can be the start of an assessment, rather than the moment to make a decision. After the fair, prospective franchisees can examine the documents more closely, resolve outstanding questions and seek specialist advice before making any commitments.

Event details and next steps

Expo Franchising ABF Rio 2026 will take place at Riocentro, Avenida Salvador Allende, 6,555, in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. The announced dates are 5, 6 and 7 November 2026, with opening hours of 11am to 8pm. Promotional information directs visitors to obtain tickets through the fair’s own ticketing channel.

Practical tip: arrive with a clear budget and a list of questions. Use the fair to shortlist and compare opportunities; leave the investment decision until after a detailed assessment of each proposal.