Latin American Franchise Congress 2026 comes to Mexico City

Mexico City will host the 10th Latin American Franchise Congress, with activities scheduled for 21 and 22 October 2026 at Expo Reforma. The event will bring together business owners, chain executives, investors and specialists from several countries to discuss innovation, growth and professional development across the franchise community.

Two days of training and networking

According to information published by Quadratín on 18 October, the programme will begin on 21 October with a specialist workshop led by Steve Lieber, described as the founder of BurgerFi. This activity will be aimed at a small group of business owners, with a different format from the congress’s general sessions.

The Women Entrepreneurs’ Meeting, also known as Women in Franchising Day, will take place at the same time. Designed to promote women’s leadership, it forms part of the programme preceding the main congress day on 22 October.

The event announcement advertises free admission to the congress at Expo Reforma. However, the specialist workshop is described as an exclusive activity for a small group. Anyone planning to attend should confirm the participation requirements for each part of the programme, rather than assume that general admission automatically includes all advertised activities.

The programme includes panels, workshops and networking sessions. It combines opportunities for business owners to share their experiences with introductions between investors and brands looking to grow.

Technology, governance and expansion on the agenda

The announced topics include professional development, technology, formalising business structures and processes, expansion, leadership and investment. This selection places the focus both on brand development and on the capabilities needed to support growth.

Business leaders and specialists from chains including Smart Fit, Despecho, BNI, Boston’s Pizza, Santas Alitas, Churrería Porfirio and Business Kids are expected to participate on 22 October. The list suggests discussions involving representatives of different business models, but should not be read as an announcement of new openings or investment agreements.

The presence of these brands gives attendees an opportunity to compare experiences. To make the most of it, visitors should prepare specific questions on the subjects covered in the programme: how expansion is organised, which processes need to be formalised, or how technology is integrated into day-to-day operations.

For a prospective franchisee, the value of these conversations will also depend on distinguishing between a general presentation and the information needed to assess an investment. A contact made at the event may lead to a follow-up discussion, but it is no substitute for reviewing the business model and its terms.

Closing ceremony to honour Francisco García Davish

The programme will conclude with a closing dinner and awards ceremony recognising outstanding franchises and business achievements. Francisco García Davish, of Quadratín, is among the announced recipients.

The report on the event identifies Quadratín as a news agency franchise. Its inclusion among the award recipients brings news services into the programme’s recognition of the franchise community, alongside the chains participating in the congress activities.

The closing ceremony is also set to include the presentation of honorary doctorates in franchising and Franchise Business Master certifications. These honours are presented as a way of recognising experience, knowledge and contributions to the community’s professional development.

How to plan a worthwhile visit

Business owners already operating a brand can approach the programme with a specific need in mind: training, internal organisation, leadership or expansion. Choosing an objective before attending helps prioritise conversations and identify which contacts to follow up after the event.

Those exploring a franchise opportunity can use the networking sessions to meet relevant contacts and request further information. It is advisable to keep separate notes on each proposition and record questions requiring additional documentation, rather than base a decision solely on a presentation or brief conversation.

In practice: confirm access to the activities on 21 and 22 October, prepare questions relevant to your plans, and defer any investment decision until you have completed a subsequent assessment supported by documentation.