# Joe Thompson — Franchise Development & Multi-Unit Operations Show 2026 — Retail, E-Commerce & Packaging Conference & Exhibition at Joe C Thompson Conference Center (Austin, TX)
- **Canonical Guide:** https://conventions.com/events/joe-c-thompson-conference-center-franchise-development-multi-unit-operations
- **Dates:** Dec 2–4, 2026 (2026-12-02 to 2026-12-04)
- **Host Facility:** Joe C Thompson Conference Center (Austin, TX)
- **Host Facility Engineering Dossier:** https://conventions.com/venues/joe-c-thompson-conference-center-austin
- **Organizer:** Multi-Unit Franchise Operators Alliance (Austin Chapter) (http://thompsoncenter.utexas.edu/)
- **Attendance & Format:** Attendance not yet verified | Credentialed Industry & Trade Professionals | B2B Conference & Trade Show
- **Labor Jurisdiction:** Right-to-Work State
- **Hotel Compression Index:** Austin Corridor Schedule Verified
- **Federal GSA Per-Diem Benchmark:** $184/night Lodging | $80/day M&IE
- **Official Housing Registry:** Multi-Unit Franchise Operators Alliance (Austin Chapter) Official Housing Desk (thompsoncenter.utexas.edu, onpeak.com, connectionshousing.com)
## Executive Summary
During DEC 2–4 (2026), Joe Thompson near Thompson (Austin, TX) leads Thompson Franchise with Multi Unit. Visiting accredited Commerce practitioners structure concourses alongside designated leaders, landing through AUS to book Dean cocktails, Fairmont and East resorts, plus integrated Desnudo access. Multi Unit hosts integrated staging for Thompson Franchise (2026) at Joe Thompson.
## Key Event Benchmarks
- **Dates:** Dec 2–4, 2026
- **Host Venue:** Joe C Thompson Conference Center (Austin, TX)
- **Format:** Credentialed Industry & Trade Professionals
- **Sales Tax (ZIP 78701):** 8.25% combined
- **TX Commercial Power:** 8.96¢/kWh (2026-08)
## Audience Composition
## Arrival, Badge Pickup & Floor Timing
- **Airport & Badge Strategy:** Check GSA FY2027 per-diem rates and ground transit options into the Austin, TX convention corridor.
- **Peak Floor Hours:** Primary scheduled dates: Dec 2–4, 2026 at Joe C Thompson Conference Center.
- **Hand-Carry & Union Policy:** Joe C Thompson Conference Center Exhibitor Carry-In Policy (Right-to-Work State): One exhibitor badge-holder may hand-carry personal display materials or a single rolling luggage case in one trip through main public/hotel entrances without drayage charges; two-wheel dollies, pushcarts, and crated dock deliveries route through official material-handling labor.
## Walkable Corridor Hotels (Austin)
| Hotel | Access / Connection | Show-Week Rate | Off-Peak Rate | Block Status | Rooms |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hilton Austin | ≈4 min rideshare (1.6 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Fairmont Austin Hotel | ≈4 min rideshare (1.81 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Webber East | ≈5 min rideshare (1.9 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Four Seasons Hotel Austin | ≈5 min rideshare (1.91 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Outsite Austin - Travis Heights | ≈7 min rideshare (3.01 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Hotel Viata | ≈15 min rideshare (6.06 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
## Exhibitor Building Services vs. Open-Market Local Suppliers
| Service | Facility Policy | Show-Manual Rate | Local Market Benchmark | Savings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Electrical, Compressed Air & Ceiling Rigging | Exclusive Building Service | Per official exhibitor service kit | Exclusive Joe C Thompson Conference Center authorized contractor | Order before advance deadline |
| Dock-to-Booth Freight Handling (Drayage) | Exclusive Building Service | Per show decorator rate sheet | Hand-carry rules vary by show |  |
| Booth AV, Monitors & Exhibit Builds (EAC) | Independent Suppliers Permitted | Official contractor show kit | Independent Austin EAC quotes |  |
## Private Client Dining & VIP Buyout Venues
| Venue | Cuisine | Walk / Transit | Private Capacity | Typical F&B Minimum | AV Ready |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BOA Steakhouse | Restaurant () | ≈4 min drive (1.58 mi) • 300 W 6th St #100, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| J-Prime Steakhouse | Restaurant () | ≈4 min drive (1.71 mi) • 301 Brazos St ste 150, Corner of, San Jacinto Blvd and 3rd, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| Dean's Italian Steakhouse | Steak House () | ≈4 min drive (1.79 mi) • 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| Hestia | Fine Dining Restaurant () | ≈5 min drive (1.88 mi) • 607 W 3rd St #105, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| III Forks Prime Steakhouse | Steak House () | ≈5 min drive (1.89 mi) • 111 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
## Verified Logistics & Procurement FAQs
### When and where is Joe Thompson — Franchise Development & Multi-Unit Operations Show 2026 held?
Joe Thompson — Franchise Development & Multi-Unit Operations Show 2026 is scheduled for Dec 2–4, 2026 at Joe C Thompson Conference Center in Austin, TX, organized by Multi-Unit Franchise Operators Alliance (Austin Chapter).
*Source: Joe Thompson — Franchise Development & Multi-Unit Operations Show Schedule*
### What are the prevailing trade wages and retail sales tax rate in Austin, TX?
Per U.S. BLS OEWS data for Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX MSA (BLS OEWS), prevailing mean hourly wages are $26.75/hr for carpenters, $30.14/hr for electricians, and $29.20/hr for AV technicians. Combined retail sales tax in Austin (ZIP 78701) is 8.25%.
*Source: U.S. BLS OEWS + State Revenue*
### What live entertainment or arena events are scheduled in Austin via Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster Discovery API listings in Austin, TX include Mr. Fantasy - Sexy Saturday Nights Tour at Scoot Inn (2026-10-31), Kennedy Ryon: The Can We Evolve? Tour at Antone's Nightclub (2026-10-31), Gospel Brunch: The Levites at Stubb's Indoors (2026-11-01). Nearest CMS-verified emergency hospital: Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas ((512) 324-7000).
*Source: Ticketmaster Discovery API + CMS Care Compare*