Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Toronto.
Please take a moment to read the exhibitor manual, which will provide you with all of the necessary information for the preparation and installation of your exhibit. Processing your orders at your earliest convenience will allow us and the service-contractors time to provide you with the best possible rates & service.
The Show Office will be set up at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the North Building, on Friday January 16, 2026 at 10 am. Management will be available to assist you for the duration of the Show.
Table of Content
- General Information (Location, Dates, & Times)
- Exhibit Application Inclusions
- Checklist
- Audiovisual
- Booth Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Custom Booth Design & Print Partner
- Customs Broker
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badge
- Exhibitor Reception
- Food Sampling
- Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
- Free Admission Passes
- Furniture (Show Decorator)
- Hotel
- Insurance
- Lead Retrieval System
- Loading Docks
- Move-in Instructions
- Move-out Instructions
- Parking
- Rules & Regulations
- Shipping & Deliveries
- Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
- Show Guide Ads & Sponsorship
- Telephone / Internet / WIFI
- Tips to Success
- Vehicles on Show Floor
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
North Building – Hall C
255 Front Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 2W6
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
*Exhibitors will be sent specific Move-In & Move-Out times closer to the show*
Produced By
National Event Management
Suite #102
260 Town Centre Blvd.,
Markham ON
L3R 8H8
Tel: (905) 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859
Exhibitor Coordinator
Emma Barnes-Chow
905 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859 Ext 284
Email: emma@nationalevent.com
Exhibit Application Inclusions
Your exhibit application cost includes the following:
- Carpet
- 8 ft back drape
- 3 ft side drapes on each side of booth
- Up to 6 exhibitor badges
- Material handling for one (1) skid only (from loading docks to booth). Additional charges may apply for additional skids.
Items such as tables, chairs, and electrical are NOT included. If you require these in your booth, you may rent from our official show vendors identified below in this Exhibitor Manual.
All booth designs and activities must comply with the rules and regulations of the Show and Venue.
Exhibitor Checklist
Please print a copy of this checklist to assist you in planning for the Show. To take advantage of “early booking discounts” please note booking deadlines.
AUDIO / VISUAL RENTALS
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: January 6, 2026
Audio Visual is not supplied to your booth. If you require Audio Visual equipment, please complete the order form below and send it to:
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
Orders received after the pre-show booking deadline may be subject to additional charges.
BOOTH CLEANING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: January 2, 2026
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming please contact;
Exhibitor Services – MTCC
Email: exhibitor-services@mtccc.com
Phone: 416-585-8387
Exhibitors may order services by CLICKING HERE
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: December 26, 2025
BOOKING DEADLINE: January 11, 2026
Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited.
Exhibitors are encouraged to remove small items and open cases of products from the show floor first. Show Management will take all reasonable security precautions, but immediate removal of these items is the best way to prevent pilferage.
Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, please place your online order here: www.stroncoonline.com
Show Code: 522175649
If you need assistance with our online ordering system, please contact Stronco’s Exhibitor Services Centre:
Stronco Show Services
Exhibitor Services
Tel: 800-665-2621 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm)
Email: exhibitorservices@stronco.com
Custom Booth Design & Print Partner
Detonate is your one-stop destination for all your upcoming trade show needs. From concept to installation, they creates immersive, design-forward booth experiences that elevate your brand. They handle every detail – from easy pop-up booth designs to custom booth fabrication with on-site installation – for a seamless, standout experience.
Check our their TRADE SHOW BOOKLET HERE
Contact them at info@detonategroup.com or via phone 416-388-6713
Website: www.detonategroup.com
CUSTOMS BROKER
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics is our designated official customs broker to coordinate customs clearance of goods destined for The National Franchise Show. Please make sure you contact them at least one month prior to the event in order to arrange your custom needs.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Cross Connect Custom & Event Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
Electrical
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: December 29, 2025
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you would like to order electrical in your booth, please use link below.
Show Tech
Lilian Melo
Email: lmelo@showtech.ca
Main: 416-585-8109
Direct: 905-283-0517
Please access the direct online ordering link below with Google Chrome to view pricing and/or order online:
ONLINE ORDERING LINK
If this is your first time ordering from Show Tech, click the “Create Account” link at the top of the page and follow the instructions to create a username and password. Please note: You will not be able to login to your new account until you have verified your email.
ESA APPROVAL:
If you are interested in displaying AND energizing any electrical equipment, you must complete the ESA Application for Permission to Show. Please review the approval requirements below when completing the application. Without approval, you may only display the electrical equipment with no power connected.
There are fees involved in the application, Cheque or Credit Card accepted.
Exhibitor Badges
BOOKING DEADLINE: January 9, 2026
Exhibitors are provided with up to a maximum of 6 personalized name badges based on the size of your booth. Badges will be available for pick up at the Show Office during move-in and must be worn to gain admittance to the Show.
Visit the EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION PORTAL to register your booth staff for the Toronto Spring Franchise Show. You can visit this portal at any time to manage your company’s staff badges. You will need to enter your Access Code to manage your company’s account. Your Access Code will be emailed to the main contact from your company roughly 8-weeks before show date. Contact exhibitors@nationalevent.com if you did not receive your access code, please mention the company name and show location.
Exhibitor Reception
We would like to invite you to the Exhibitor Reception, sponsored by Garfinkle Biderman, Spadea Lignana, & NHT Chartered Professional Accountants.
More information coming soon.
Food Sampling
FORMS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 18, 2025
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage product(s) in your booth, please note there are two necessary forms to complete.
Food samples are limited to a 4 oz. portion and beverage samples to 3 oz.
1. Please complete the MTCC SAMPLING REQUEST FORM and send it to emma@nationalevent.com & catering@mtccc.com
If you have any questions, you can reach out to:
Food & Beverages – MTCC
Tel: 416-585-8144
Email: Catering@mtccc.com
2. Public Health – Please email Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) the following information to be passed along to Public Health:
1. Company Name
2. Sampling Product
3. Address of where the sampling item is coming from
4. How you are preparing the sampling item
NOTE: ALL EXHIBITORS, except pre-packaged samples or coffee/tea, are required to have a Temporary Handwashing Station.
NOTE: Only 1 lb of propane tank is allowed in the venue, please send the complete PROPANE & GAS AUTHORIZATION FORM to Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) for approval.
MTCC SAMPLING REQUEST FORM
FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
PROPANE & GAS AUTHORIZATION FORM
FIRE SAFETY REPLY FORM – MANDATORY – ALL EXHIBITORS TO FILL OUT (Due December 19, 2025)
Please send completed forms to both emma@nationalevent.com & FireSafetyReply@mtccc.com
Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
FREE ADMISSION PASSES
Raise awareness and let people know you will be at The National Franchise Show! Increase traffic to your booth by sharing FREE admission passes to the event. There is no limit to the number of FREE Admission Passes you may share to your email database, as well as on social media. Please share the registration link below for free passes or download a copy of our generic FREE Admission Pass.
-
- FREE Admission Pass: www.torontofranchiseshow.com/freetickets
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.jpg): (coming soon)
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.pdf): (coming soon)
Furniture (Show Decorator)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: December 26, 2025
BOOKING DEADLINE: January 11, 2026
Carpet, 8ft back drape and 3 ft side drape are supplied for your exhibit space. If you require tables, chairs or additional booth supplies, these items can be rented.
Stronco Show Services
Exhibitor Services
Tel: 800-665-2621 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm)
Email: exhibitorservices@stronco.com
To place your order online, view the show schedule or print order forms, go to www.stroncoonline.com.
Show Code: 522175649
Show Colors:
- Booth drapes: Black
- Aisle Carpet: Teal
- Booth Carpet: Black Matrix
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: December 16, 2025
Rooms and discounted rate will only be held until the specified date.
Rooms will then be subject to availability at prevailing rates.
We have obtained a group rate of $269.00 + taxes at The InterContinental Toronto Centre. Complimentary wireless internet is provided in all guestrooms.
InterContinental Toronto Centre
225 Front St. West
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2X3
Tel: (416) 597- 1400
Reservations may be made online using this BOOKING LINK
Make sure to mention The National Franchise Show – Toronto when booking. Rates cannot be changed at check-in/out times if you fail to identify your affiliation at the time of booking.
Insurance
Insurance for booth/show
Exhibitors must have their own liability insurance covering a minimum of $1 million in damages. Please list National Event Management as “additional insured”.
Transportation Insurance
Show Management is NOT responsible for damages caused during the transportation of your products. We strongly recommend purchasing transportation insurance when booking your shipments.
Liability
Exhibitors will be liable for, will indemnify, and will hold harmless Show Management from any loss or damage whatsoever occurring to, or suffered by, any person or company. This includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, exhibitor, other exhibitors, management, the owners of the building and their respective agents, servants and employees, and members of the public attending the show, either (a) on the said space or (b) elsewhere. Neither the facility nor Show Management will be responsible for loss or damage to persons, exhibits, or decorations by fire, accident, theft, or any cause while in the exhibition buildings.
Insurance Supplier
If you do not already have insurance for the show, you may contact:
Exhibitor Insurance
Phone: 905-695-2971
Toll Free: 1-866-836-9066
info@exhibitorinsurance.com
Exhibitor Insurance Brokers.com is offering a special price for the show at $175 + taxes.
Please click on the link here to access their form: ONLINE EXHIBITOR INSURANCE
Lead Retrieval System
We have implemented a NEW Lead Collection System at The National Franchise Show.
All attendees will now be badged! Attendees will have to register and obtain their QR name badge before stepping on the show floor, making it even easier for you to scan and capture their information!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THIS WORKS
TO ORDER LEAD RETRIEVAL (NOTE: your company will only be listed in the show’s drop-down if you have not already ordered)
Loading Docks
YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK MOVE-IN TIME.
* Information will be sent out regarding Voyage Control bookings closer to the show. *
Move-in to the North Building, Hall C, will be through the east loading dock, which is located off of Lower Simcoe St., south of Front St. and north of Bremner Blvd. Loading entrance is directly across from Station St. There is dock-level access for unloading and then you will enter the freight elevators to gain access to the show floor. Vehicles are not allowed to drive onto the show floor to unload.
Max Weight 10,000 lbs. Width 11 feet 8 inches, Depth 13 feet 6 inches, Height 12 feet. Open Access 8 feet 6 inches
Dollies and a pump truck will be available for your use. If you require a forklift to move material from the dock to your booth, a forklift will be available to you. However, if you have excessive forklift requirements, please speak with Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) to discuss your needs. A charge may apply.
Move-in Instructions
Move-in Times: Friday, January 16, 2026 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
* SPECIFIC MOVE-IN HOURS – Information will be sent out regarding Voyage Control bookings closer to the show. *
- All exhibitors must officially register before setting up.
- It is strongly recommended that exhibitors are set up by Friday at 6pm as set up is not permitted during show hours.
- The aisle carpet will be in place Saturday morning. Dollies and carts WILL NOT be permitted on the carpet. Hand-carried items only may be brought in on Saturday.
- Children 15 years of age or younger will not be permitted in the exhibit area during move-in, set-up, or tear down.
Move-out Instructions
Move-out Times: Sunday, January 17, 2026 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
* SPECIFIC MOVE-OUT HOURS – Information will be set out regarding Voyage Control bookings closer to the show. *
Please note that move-out will begin once the show has closed, the aisles are cleared and the aisle carpets removed. If you are able to hand carry your supplies out to your car, we encourage you to do so. Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited.
All material must be removed by 8:00 pm
Items left on the show floor after move-out time will be forced off the floor. Show Management reserves the right to reroute shipments that are not picked up or refused by carriers. Should this occur, you will be responsible for any charges incurred.
Exhibitors are encouraged to remove small items and open cases of products from the show floor first. Show Management will take all reasonable security precautions, but immediate removal of these items is the best way to prevent pilferage.
Parking
ORDERING DEADLINE: January 2, 2026
From the East: Take the 401 West to the Don Valley Parkway South Follow the Gardiner Expressway to Spadina Avenue and go north. Turn right at Front Street. Turn right at Lower Simcoe Street.
From the West: Take the 401 East to 427 South Follow the Gardiner Expressway and exit at Spadina Avenue and go north. Turn right at Front Street. Turn right at Lower Simcoe Street.
Exhibitor parking passes are available for sale for each event in our easy access, security-patrolled indoor parking garages. If you have any questions, you can contact:
Exhibitor Services – MTCC
Tel: 416-585-8387
Email: exhibitor-services@mtccc.com
Rules & Regulations
Diagram #1: Sample of the drape provided for your booth
Diagram #2: Sample of display allowance
Upright banners & products must be within 4’ from the back drape, and a maximum of 8’ high. The front 6’ of the booth must be clear above 4’.
Booth Display & Restrictions
- Diagram#1 shows the drapes that are provided as a part of your booth cost.
- Diagram#2 shows the allowed clearance for displays, banners, and products within your booth.
- No exhibit may exceed a maximum height of 8 ft.
- Side panels 8 ft. high, must not exceed a depth of 4 ft. extending from the back of the display.
- The remainder of the 6 ft depth from the front of the booth must not exceed a 4 ft. height.
- Any exceptions to this must have pre-approval from Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
Prefab booth partitions must be finished on both sides. If they are not, please request drapes prior to the show.
Signage
No signage or material may be extended above the 8ft height at the back of your booth nor hung from the ceiling or across the aisle, without approval from Show Management. All signs must be printed on one side only. Your brand messaging can only face the inner walls of your exhibit space.
Carpet or Flooring
Carpet is provided within your booth space. If you would like to change the colour, you may order different flooring through our decorator at your own cost or you may bring your own. *Please be sure to review the Tape Restrictions below.
Tape (Floor, Wall, and Carpet Damage)
This only applies to companies that choose to place carpet or flooring on top of the existing carpet.
It is important that you use the proper carpet tape in your booth. If you do not use the correct tape there will be a charge for tape removal.
Here are the models of two-faced tapes that are authorized by the facility.
- Polyken 105c LPDE
- Scapa 274004
- DC W002A
If you bring your own carpet, you must adhere to the above Tape Restrictions. If you do not have the proper tape, please notify Show Management before installing your carpet or tiles.
If you would like to install your carpet on top of the existing carpet, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
Restrictions for Booth Installation
Painting, nailing, drilling, or screwing to the floors, walls or any other part of the building is not permitted. Exhibitors are also responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area. Exhibitors wishing to lay any floor coverings may not fasten the coverings to the building floor. It is suggested that building paper or the approved tape (Polyken 105c LPDE OR Scapa 274004 OR DC W002A) is used instead.
THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS
RECYCLING AND DONATIONS
Demonstrations/Distributions
Displays, demonstrations or distribution of advertising materials, are not permitted outside the confines of your booth. If audio visual equipment is used, the sound must be subdued to such an extent as to ensure it’s having no nuisance effect on neighbouring exhibitors. The use of microphones is not permitted without prior management approval.
Fire Regulations
All exhibitors planning to use any type of fuel (such as gas, oil, helium gas, or propane) in their exhibits are requested to contact Show Management. All displays or exhibited materials must be fireproof to conform to Federal, Provincial, and City Fire Laws.
National Event Management is obligated to abide by the Fire Code regulations in each city. We therefore retain the right to refuse any material or object that does not confirm to code. If you have a question or need information regarding the Fire Code please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
PLEASE NOTE: Only 1 lb of propane tank is allowed in the venue, please send the completed PROPANE & GAS AUTHORIZATION FORM to emma@nationalevent.com for approval.
FIRE REGULATIONS
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
PROPANE & GAS AUTHORIZATION FORM
FIRE SAFETY REPLY FORM – MANDATORY – ALL EXHIBITORS TO FILL OUT (Due December 19, 2025)
Please send completed forms to both emma@nationalevent.com & FireSafetyReply@mtccc.com
Animals in the Show
The facility’s policy prohibits the presence of animals unless they are used as a working dog. Permission must be obtained from the show management and facility for any exceptions. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) with your completed request form.
Helium Balloons
Helium balloons are prohibited in most venues. There is a large retrieval fee, charged to the exhibitor, when balloons are lost. If you are planning on using helium balloons, approval must be obtained by the MTCC. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) with your completed request form if you wish to use helium balloons in your display.
Mechanical Conveyances
Mechanical Conveyances such as electric carts, scooters, or bicycles will not be allowed in the aisles during the show hours. The only exceptions to this rule will be in the case of handicapped persons visiting the show, or those with authorization from Show Management.
Non-Compliance
National Event Management reserves the right to make changes, amendments, and additions to the rules and regulations without notice, as considered necessary to the efficient and proper conduct of the show. Interpretation of these rules and regulations shall rest with Show Management and non-compliance can result in ejection of the offending exhibitor or in the closing of his/her exhibit.
SHIPPING & DELIVERIES
Shipping Direct to Show: Friday, January 16, 2026
PLEASE NOTE: The facility will NOT accept shipments prior to the Show move-in date. Show Management will sign for the delivery on your behalf during move-in hours only. Your materials will be left at the dock until you arrive. To move your items to your booth space, pump trucks and dollies will be available at no charge. Should you require assistance or the use of a forklift, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) as charges may apply.
Please address shipments to:
Exhibitor Name, Booth #
c/o The National Franchise Show – Toronto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 2W6
The most cost-effective way to ship your items to the show is to arrange delivery during move in hours with our Official Show Carrier;
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
TRANSPORTATION AND CUSTOMS FORMS
You may choose to use another carrier; however, keep in mind that not all carriers deliver and pick up during our scheduled move-in/move-out times.
Pre-Show Shipping
If you choose the official show carrier as your freight carrier, they will warehouse materials for up to 30 days prior to the show and deliver them to the show on move-in day.
To request a quote, please complete the below order form and email to:
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
TRANSPORTATION & CUSTOM ORDER FORMS
Shipping enquiries must be finalized 14 days prior to show move-in date. Be sure your shipment is labeled clearly.
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: December 26, 2025
BOOKING DEADLINE: January 11, 2026
Carpet, 8ft back drape and 3 ft side drape are supplied for your exhibit space. If you require tables, chairs or additional booth supplies, these items can be rented.
Stronco Show Services
Exhibitor Services
Tel: 800-665-2621 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm)
Email: exhibitorservices@stronco.com
To place your order online, view the show schedule or print order forms, go to www.stroncoonline.com.
Show Code: 522175649
Show Colors:
- Booth drapes: Black
- Aisle Carpet: Teal
- Booth Carpet: Black Matrix
Show Guide Ad & Sponsorship Opportunities
Stand Out at The Franchise Show
Boost your brand visibility with show advertising and customizable sponsorships designed to maximize your exposure before, during, and after the event.
- Our Show Guides are handed to every attendee and taken home—keeping your brand top of mind long after the show ends.
- Sponsorships: From onsite branding to digital promos, we offer a range of opportunities to help you connect with serious prospects.
Interested? Let’s find the right fit for your brand. Contact us for more details:
Nadine Thompson at nadine@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 229
or
Connie McNaughton at connie@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 240
or
Teena-Lee Sherrer at tl@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 275
Telephone / Internet / WIFI
ORDERING DEADLINE: January 2, 2026
If you require a telephone or internet line or access to WIFI in your booth you must order these services.
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Technology – MTCC
Tel: 416-585-3596
Email: Technology@mtccc.com
Tips for Success
Please review the “Tips for Success” PDF below for important information on how to make the most out of exhibiting with us!
Vehicles on Show Floor
All vehicles must abide by the arrival and departure schedules and procedures established by Show Management.
Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) and provide pictures and specifics (make, model, dimensions) of the vehicle you would like to display for approval and to arrange arrival time.
Any vehicle that drips oil or other staining solutions may not be operated within the Centre without a drip pan or dry absorption powder. Responsible parties will be charged cleaning costs for staining solutions not removed.
No motorized vehicle may be operated on carpeted areas under any circumstances. Exceptions may be authorized by the Director of Event Coordination or Operations Manager. When motorized vehicles are approved for use, a protective sheet of visqueen, tarpaulin or comparable material may be required to eliminate damages from leaks of gas, oil, etc., at the exhibitor’s expense.
Fuel tanks containing fuel, or which have ever contained fuel shall be maintained less than ¼ full. Caps for fuel tanks fill pipes shall be of the locking type and be maintained locked to prevent viewer inspection. If they cannot be locked, they shall be taped shut.
The electrical system shall be de-energized by either:
- Removing the battery, OR
- Disconnecting both battery cables and covering them with electrical tape or other similar insulating material.
Tanks containing propane shall be maintained less than ¼ full. Vehicles may be driven in and positioned. Engine should remain running, with valve shut off. Allow engine to run until all of the fuel line is used up. Turn ignition off.
Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.
Exhibitors must provide a set of keys, the contact’s name, and phone number of the person responsible to remove the vehicle(s) to Show Management.
FIRE SAFETY REPLY FORM – MANDATORY – ALL EXHIBITORS TO FILL OUT (Due December 19, 2025)
Please send completed forms to both emma@nationalevent.com & FireSafetyReply@mtccc.com
MOTORIZED VEHICLES RULES & REGULATIONS