Virtual reality has long been thought of as a gamer’s paradise or only accessible for the power players in Silicon Valley. But by introducing VR as a business research tool, a franchise consulting company is changing the tides of VR and transforming the way entrepreneurs can research potential franchise opportunities.

When the doors open at the Schaumburg Convention Center on September 30 and October 1, 2017, thousands of entrepreneurs, small business owners and potential franchisees are invited to step into more than 60 franchise businesses – all through virtual reality headsets at the The Franchise Seminar, the world’s first virtual reality (VR) franchise tradeshow.

The event, hosted by The Franchise Consulting Company (TFCC) invites attendees to grab a VR headset and tour multiple businesses, all under one roof. Attendees will also have the chance to meet face-to-face with high-level executives from the top franchise brands they’re viewing through the glasses. The end goal – bringing ambitious entrepreneurs closer to fulfilling their business ownership aspirations.

Grab a headset, tour a business
Attendees will be able to use a VR headset when they wish to learn more about a business, and every exhibitor at the event will have a VR system integrated into their physical booth. Entrepreneurs only need a smart phone to access the programs and step into their future. The Franchise Seminar will feature companies from every major industry in franchising including Pet Supplies Plus, Teriyaki Madness, MAACO, Cycle Bar, Shred 415, Hand and Stone, Jumpzone, and PuroClean. Every brand will be able to discuss expansion plans for Chicago and the Midwest.

Nick Neonakis, CEO of The Franchise Consulting Company and author of The Franchise MBA, the Amazon.com No. 1 best-seller within the franchise space, said, “Our innovative virtual reality technology allows entrepreneurs to get an in-depth tour of some of the finest franchise brands. Coupled with Chicago’s business potential, this expo is ideal for those who are looking to break from the nine-to-five mold, add to their current portfolios, or begin a new career path they didn’t think was possible.”

As part of TFCC’s mission to educate potential business owners about the franchise industry and what it takes to own your own franchise, the show will offer attendees the chance to attend a series of business-related workshops offering valuable insights on real estate site selection, financing a business, understanding legal contracts, creating a brand identity and hiring and retaining employees. A special “Ask a Current Franchise Owner” seminar will give attendees an opportunity to hear firsthand from experienced and new local franchisees.

“Meeting potential partners in person is the best ways to formulate a relationship, and adding in VR technology enhances the experience on their end,” said David Leonardo, senior vice president for franchising at Pet Supplies Plus. “The release of the VR experience is a phenomenal addition to the initial stages of relationship building and is a key piece to the puzzle in our industry.”

Why Chicagoland?
TFCC selected the Chicagoland area for the first franchise VR tradeshow to tap into a major hub of economic and population growth in the United States. In early 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Index of Small Business Optimism – a tool that measures overall sentiment in the small business sector – surged by the most points since 1980, as companies continue to have upbeat views about the outlook for sales and the overall economy. In fact, more than half of the companies in the report stated they expect economic conditions for small businesses in the area to continue to improve.

To register for The Franchise Seminar, visit TheFranchiseSeminar.com. Admission to the event is complimentary for those who register online, while on-site registration is available for $8. All first responders (police men and women, firefighters, EMTs, etc.) are encouraged to keep the VR headsets. The first 100 attendees through the door on both days will also get a free VR Headset to keep!

About The Franchise Consulting Company
Founded by franchise industry veteran Nick Neonakis, The Franchise Consulting Company has grown to over 75 consultants spread across the USA, Canada and has an office in New Delhi, India. They help match prospective business owners with the perfect franchise. As the pioneer in virtual reality technology in the franchise space, The Franchise Consulting Company utilizes a wealth of resources and a four-step system to connect prospects with successful businesses. They work in all industries of franchising, including retail, food, automotive, personal service and property service. For more information or to contact a consultant at the Franchise Consulting Company, visit TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com.