“The Franchising Expo provides an opportunity where people can have a conversation about franchising, where they can learn whether franchising might be right for them, where they can be inspired by meeting with others in the franchising community.”
Everyone looking for proven and profitable ways to become their own boss will be descending on the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August for the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo.
A highlight of the Small Business Festival Victoria running throughout August, the Franchising Expo will showcase more than 100 franchisors, advisors, and industry insiders ready to assist people start or grow their own business.
“The Melbourne show is traditionally the biggest one for the year and visitors will find a wide range of business ideas, from lucrative food and beverage or home services franchises to innovative ideas such as aerial drones, beer line cleaning and app development,” says Event Manager Fiona Stacey.
“It means the Expo is really a one-stop-shop and the only place where you can meet face to face with such a wide range of franchisors, consultants, suppliers and advisors from industry and government.”
Damian Paull, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), is a strong supporter of the Franchising Expo. “It provides an opportunity where people can have a conversation about franchising, where they can learn whether franchising might be right for them, where they can be inspired by meeting with others in the franchising community,” he explains.
“By participating in the Expos, the FCA gains a better understanding of the needs of the franchising community and really shows us where we can further help and implement change for a continuing prosperous sector,” adds Paull. “It directly puts us where we need to be, in front of the community as a peak body for the franchise sector.”
The free seminar series will feature keynotes from FCA Chairman Bruce Billson and Clark Rubber’s Chris Malcolm. There will also be a daily special guest presentation “Surviving the First Five Years”, by Sharon Jurd from HydroKleen.
In addition Lenard’s CEO Chris Caldwell will give his thoughts on contemporising an old favourite; John Vine from Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources will discuss the importance of research; and Geoff Brown, Victorian Small Business Commissioner will give his tips on franchise success. There will also be panel sessions from the FCA featuring successful franchisees, and introductory panels discussing “Is Franchising Right for You?”
The Melbourne show will feature a large range of franchises in the food and beverage industry, with exhibitors such as Franchised Food Company’s Mr Whippy, Lenard’s, New York Slice, Degani, The Coffee Club, Xpresso Mobile Café, Sharetea, The Jolly Miller, BK’s Takeaway, Papa John’s, Spudbar, and Ferguson Plarre.
Retail Food Group will be showcasing leading brands including Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Brumby’s Bakery, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Pizza Capers, Gloria Jean’s and The Coffee Guy.
There will also be international franchise offerings across a wide range of industries, plus a delegation of 12 franchises from Malaysia.
Fiona Stacey says the diversity of franchises and price entry points is a huge drawcard for the Franchising Expo. “Some visitors come with specific businesses in mind, while others are open to new ideas, in industries they had never previously considered,” she says.
“We also attract entrepreneurs wishing to grow their business through the franchising model. They come because the Franchising Expo is the country’s leading event to find information and inspiration to start, build or grow your own business.”
Pre-register online at franchisingexpo.com.au to save 50% on the door price. Seminar sessions are free and there is no need to book, however seats are limited.
Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo:
Friday 26 August, Saturday 27 August and Sunday 28 August, 10am-5pm, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
