National Franchise Fair to hold two one-day editions in 2027

The Netherlands’ National Franchise Fair (Nationale Franchise Beurs) is changing its format in 2027. Instead of a single event spanning several days, there will be two separate one-day fairs: on Friday 2 April in Eindhoven and Friday 8 October in Amsterdam (Schiphol). Organiser De Nationale Franchise Gids announced the new format on 20 October. The first franchise brands have already confirmed their participation.

Two fair dates in different locations

The change affects both the calendar and the geographical spread of the event. Previously held as a single multi-day fair, it will now have a spring edition and an autumn edition. Each will last one day and take place at a different location in the Netherlands.

This gives the Dutch franchise community two opportunities to meet at the fair during the year. Eindhoven is first on the calendar, followed by Amsterdam (Schiphol) roughly six months later. The organiser presents this approach as a way to bring franchise brands and prospective franchisees together more often.

According to De Nationale Franchise Gids, the fair’s purpose remains unchanged: connecting people considering starting their own business with brands seeking new franchisees. The new format therefore changes how those meetings are organised, rather than the event’s core function.

For visitors, the announcement primarily provides two firm dates to consider as they explore their options. Franchisors will have two separate opportunities to showcase their brands and speak to interested entrepreneurs.

’t Bakhuus among the first participants

According to the organiser, the first exhibitors have already signed up for the new format. One of the participants named is foodservice franchise ’t Bakhuus. The brand recently exhibited for the first time at the fair in Gorinchem and, according to the announcement, was enthusiastic about the experience.

The confirmation from ’t Bakhuus is an early indication of exhibitor commitment to the revamped fair. The organiser also reports that preparations for both dates are well under way. This is therefore more than a proposal to change the format: the concept has been launched and exhibitor recruitment has begun.

For the franchise community, the value of such an event lies in direct contact. A conversation at a fair offers a chance to get to know a franchise and discuss whether the prospective franchisee’s expectations align with those of the franchisor. Bringing the two parties together remains the organiser’s guiding principle for 2027.

A different approach to planning visits and exhibiting

The move to two one-day editions calls for a different approach to preparation than a single multi-day event. Prospective visitors can choose Eindhoven or Amsterdam (Schiphol) according to their schedules and when they feel ready to take the next step towards running their own business.

A practical approach is to decide in advance what you want to gain from attending. Is it an initial introduction to franchising, a chance to compare several brands or a follow-up conversation with a potential franchisor? Having a clear goal helps you make focused use of the time available.

Exhibitors should also consider the two dates separately. Which prospective franchisees do they want to speak to, and what information will those people need to make an informed decision? Spreading the events across the year offers two opportunities to connect, but does not make thorough preparation any less important.

Visitors could, for example, prepare questions about day-to-day operations, the support provided by the franchisor and each party’s expectations. These topics help move the conversation beyond an initial brand introduction and towards what working together would involve.

From first introductions to careful follow-up

The new fair calendar offers two opportunities for entrepreneurs exploring franchising in 2027. An introduction at the fair is a starting point, not a substitute for a thorough assessment of a franchise and its proposed terms.

After promising conversations, set aside time to explore the opportunity in more depth. Record which questions have been answered, which points remain unresolved and what next step both parties would like to take.

Practical tip: put 2 April in your diary for Eindhoven and 8 October for Amsterdam (Schiphol). Before attending, decide what information you need to assess a potential franchise relationship properly.