Privacy Policy

The Great American Franchise Expo


Effective Date: 1/1/2024


The Great American Franchise Expo (“we,” “our,” or “the Expo”) is committed to protecting your privacy while delivering a high-value, opportunity-driven event experience.


This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you register for, attend, or interact with the Expo—whether online or in person.



By registering for or attending the Expo, or by submitting your information through our websites or forms, you agree to the practices outlined below.


1. Information We Collect

We collect information to connect you with relevant franchise opportunities and improve your experience.

Information You Provide

When you register or engage with the Expo, we may collect:

  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Mailing address and geographic location
  • Employment status, income range, and investment level
  • Franchise interests and preferences
  • Responses to surveys, forms, or questionnaires

Event & Interaction Data

When attending or engaging with the Expo:

  • Booth visits and exhibitor interactions
  • Seminar attendance and session participation
  • Badge scans and QR code interactions
  • Appointment bookings with exhibitors or consultants

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website:

  • IP address and device information
  • Browser type and usage behavior
  • Pages viewed, links clicked, and time spent
  • Cookies and tracking technologies


2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to deliver a high-quality event experience and connect you with opportunities.

This includes:

  • Registering you for the Expo and managing your attendance
  • Matching you with relevant franchise brands and consultants
  • Facilitating introductions between you and exhibitors
  • Scheduling meetings and follow-ups
  • Sending event updates, confirmations, and reminders
  • Delivering post-event follow-ups and opportunity alerts
  • Improving event content, layout, and exhibitor mix
  • Conducting analytics and performance tracking


3. AI, Automation & Event Communications

We use modern communication tools—including AI and automation—to improve speed, responsiveness, and experience.

How We Communicate

We may contact you via:

  • Email
  • Phone calls (including AI-generated or prerecorded voice)
  • Text messages (SMS/MMS)
  • Chatbots and messaging tools

These communications may be:

  • Human-generated
  • AI-assisted
  • Fully automated

What This Means for You

Our systems may:

  • Follow up after registration or attendance
  • Recommend franchise opportunities based on your profile
  • Schedule appointments with exhibitors or consultants
  • Provide reminders and next steps
  • Re-engage you after the event

Consent

By registering for or attending the Expo, you expressly consent to receive communications through these channels, including automated and AI-powered outreach.

Consent is not a condition of purchase.

Opt-Out

You may opt out at any time:

  • Email: click “unsubscribe”
  • Text: reply “STOP”
  • Email request: info@franexpousa.com


4. Telephone & Text Messaging Compliance

We comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

By providing your phone number, you agree that we and our partners may contact you using:

  • Autodialed calls
  • Pre-recorded or AI-generated voice messages
  • Text messages

Message and data rates may apply.


5. How Your Information Is Shared

The core purpose of the Expo is connection—your information is shared to facilitate that.

Exhibitors & Sponsors

When you:

  • Register for the Expo
  • Attend the event
  • Scan a badge or engage with a booth

Your information may be shared with relevant exhibitors, sponsors, and franchise brands so they can contact you about their opportunities.

Franchise Consultants

We may share your information with qualified franchise consultants who can help guide your search and match you with opportunities.

Affiliated Companies

We may share your information with affiliated entities, including:

  • Franchise Journal
  • The Franchise Consulting Company
  • Other companies under common ownership

Service Providers

We use third-party providers for:

  • Event registration systems
  • CRM and communications
  • Marketing and analytics

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required to comply with law or protect our rights.


6. Data Use for AI & Optimization

We may use aggregated or anonymized data to:

  • Improve matching accuracy
  • Optimize exhibitor recommendations
  • Enhance AI systems and automation
  • Improve event experience and outcomes

We do not use your personally identifiable information to train AI systems in a way that directly identifies you without your consent.


7. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and tracking technologies to:

  • Improve website functionality
  • Personalize your experience
  • Analyze traffic and behavior
  • Deliver relevant advertising

You can manage cookies through your browser settings.


8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Opt out of certain data sharing
  • Limit use of sensitive information

To exercise your rights, contact: info@franexpousa.com


9. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to:

  • Facilitate event participation and follow-up
  • Provide services and opportunities
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Improve future events


10. Security

We implement industry-standard safeguards, including:

  • Secure systems and servers
  • Data encryption
  • Access controls

However, no system is completely secure.


11. Third-Party Links

Our website and event materials may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.


12. Public Interactions

If you participate in public areas (live Q&A, networking, etc.), information you share may be visible to others.


13. Children’s Privacy

The Expo is not intended for individuals under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their data.


14. International Attendees

If you are visiting from outside the United States, your data may be processed in the U.S.


15. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Continued participation in the Expo constitutes acceptance of those updates.


16. Contact Us

For questions or requests:

Email: info@franexpousa.com