WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 08/10/10 -- The UNITED FRANCHISE GROUP, consisting of SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events and FranchiseMart/Biz1Brokers, hosted its World Expo 2010 July 28-August 1 at the Marriott World Center Resort in Orlando, Florida. With around 1,000 attendees from over 15 countries and more than 200 vendors in attendance, it was an enormous success. The five-day event combined a two-day tradeshow with five days of various educational break-out sessions for franchisees.

All brands were brought together for one Expo to facilitate mentoring and networking. This was an opportunity to learn how others overcome challenges that they too face on the job to strengthen our brands globally. To that end, all franchisees had an opportunity to meet with and learn from the most experienced owners in the business and share information on potential cross-branding opportunities through both SIGNARAMA and EmbroidMe's mentor programs.

The World Expo 2010 tradeshow filled the convention floorspace with over 200 of the best vendors in the industry such as Proveer Sign & Graphics, HP, ADP, Advertising Specialty Institute, Avery Dennison, Electro-matic Products Inc., and Norwood. Their presence gave franchisees the opportunity to see a variety of new products and services, and build strong relationships with preferred vendors. "We have been promoting a win/win philosophy with our vendors for almost 25 years and it was never more apparent than at our Expo," says United Franchise Group president, Ray Titus.

"Brilliant Solutions" were found throughout the Expo. Corporate staff took the stage to share solutions the UFG corporate office was working on for 2010/11, vendors lined the tradeshow floor with new ideas and new products, and mentors and fellow franchisees shared great ideas about what is working for them, and how to make it work for others. Highlights include SIGNARAMA President Jim Tatem's "Build Up" presentation, expert training on Search Engine Optimization tools, and the latest on taking advantage of key social media strategies. This was also an excellent opportunity for franchisees to speak directly to other owners and find out what's working in today's market. Every day proved exciting and emotional with "New Ideas for Changing Times."

In all, World Expo 2010, according to Ray Titus, "is just the first step in a larger effort to strengthen the relationship of our franchise system." With a networking and referral program called "Star Point Services" in place, the United Franchise Group's goal is to become the leader in providing the services that help corporations and organizations get noticed through quality signage, printing services, apparel and promotional products, outdoor advertising and event planning.

The United Franchise Group consists of a number of award-winning business-to-business brands and franchise development services including some of the world's largest industry-leading names. The experts at UFG have used their over 30 years of franchising experience to grow the franchising giant into a $500 million success story with approximately 1400 franchise locations in 50 countries. The company includes franchise industry giants SIGNARAMA, the world's largest sign franchise; EmbroidMe, the world's largest embroidery franchise; Billboard Connection, an incredibly successful out-of-home advertising franchise; FranchiseMart/Biz1Brokers, a retail (or executive office) location for people to research business opportunities before investing and Plan Ahead Events, a home-based corporate event planning franchise.

For more Expo information, contact Lynn Wedderman, CMP, Events Director UFG, by phone at (561) 868-1476; or via email at lwedderman@ufgcorp.com. You can also learn more by visiting www.unitedfranchisegroup.com. For further information on the United Franchise Group and its affiliates, please contact Mary Mills at (561) 868-1467; or via email at mmills@ufgcorp.com.

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