Franchise NEXT Cologne

Franchise NEXT is an annual trade fair dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation and tangible business opportunities in the franchising sector. It takes place at the Confex Conference and Exhibition Centre on the Koelnmesse site in Cologne.

The event is organised by Cox Orange Marketing & PR GmbH, a company specialising in high-quality business events and targeted brand communications. With Franchise NEXT, it provides a reliable framework to support informed start-up decisions.

At the heart of the exhibition is a practical pathway into entrepreneurship through franchising – a model that is particularly attractive to career changers. It is built on established brands, clearly defined processes and proven business models. Visitors gain not only theoretical insights but also the opportunity to experience franchise concepts first-hand. Exhibits include food and beverage concepts, fitness and beauty brands, as well as offerings from the education, property, technical services and consultancy sectors. This breadth highlights the versatility of franchising across industries – from local cafés to scalable service businesses.

A key benefit lies in direct engagement with franchisors, who present their systems transparently and provide open insights into opportunities, investment requirements and potential challenges. This is complemented by a high-calibre supporting programme featuring expert talks, keynote speeches and panel discussions. Topics such as brand development, legal frameworks, sales strategies and site selection are presented in a clear and practical manner. Particularly valuable are the contributions from active franchisees, who share first-hand experiences of running their businesses, outlining both successes and common challenges.

The exhibition also serves as a networking platform, facilitating targeted connections between aspiring entrepreneurs, established franchise systems and industry experts. Held in Cologne – a dynamic economic hub, leading trade fair location and international transport centre – Franchise NEXT benefits from strong strategic relevance. It connects international business concepts with regional market opportunities and reinforces Germany’s position as an attractive destination for new ventures.

Highlights include inspiring stage formats and curated showcases of innovative franchise concepts, providing visitors with a solid basis for decision-making.

Exhibitors represent virtually all economically significant sectors. The audience primarily consists of prospective founders, professionals and executives, investors, and business owners looking to expand their portfolios.

The overall experience is enhanced by the venue itself: the modern Confex Conference and Exhibition Centre at Koelnmesse offers contemporary architecture, flexible spatial concepts and a high-performance infrastructure for international events. Its direct integration with the exhibition grounds, along with excellent transport links via Köln Messe/Deutz station and the nearby Cologne/Bonn Airport, further adds to its appeal. Franchise NEXT is therefore a central meeting point for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The Franchise NEXT will take place on 2 days from Thursday, 15. October to Friday, 16. October 2026 in Cologne.