Appetite for franchising still growing after 30 years

Thousands of entrepreneurial visitors flocked to the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 26-27 Augusut 2017, wrapping up a huge year for the event that’s celebrating 30 years as Australia’s showcase for the franchising industry.

“I believe it demonstrates the tremendous appetite people have to be in business for themselves, but with the support of a network of like-minded owners,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey.

“The success of the Franchising Expo over three decades now, clearly shows the appeal of meeting face to face with the people behind the brands.”

One of the very familiar faces attending the show was Jim Penman, founder and CEO of Jim’s Group, who gave a keynote presentation as part of the seminar program running each day on the show floor. Other high profile keynote presenters included Tina Tower from Begin Bright, Sara Pantaleo from La Porchetta and Damian Paull from the Franchise Council of Australia.

An official event of the Small Business Festival Victoria, the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo featured over 100 exhibitors, who were able to connect with a diverse range of qualified, investment-ready visitors.

On the show floor there was plenty of action including tasty offerings from Pizza Capers’ new mobile food truck concept, Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts and Twisted Sista gelateria café; fun and games for kids with GeckoSports; and free espresso courtesy of Hudson’s Coffee, Shingle Inn and Jonnee Coffee.

There were a large number of mobile franchise opportunities, including dynamic home services business GutterVac. “Having our trailer here has worked well for us, it’s great being able to show people what our business is all about,” says Managing Director Warren Ballantyne.

“There’s no doubt meeting face to face is very important. It’s the best way to build trust and develop a relationship with prospects that takes us much further.”

Other exhibitors that reported great results from the show included Ferguson Plarre, GeckoSports, Cryo Australia, Step Into Life, BugROff Pest Busters, Mailboxes Etc., Experimac and Poolwerx. First-time exhibitors Vom Fass, Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts, Laser Clinics, Fantastic Services Group and Methyz were all impressed with the number and quality of visitors.

“In Germany we do not have franchising shows like this, we did not expect so many people!” says Vom Fass CEO Thomas Kiderlen, who is introducing the multi-channel gourmet business to Australia.

“There has been lots of interest in Vom Fass and people are asking the right questions, I think this has been very successful for us.”

Fiona Stacey says exhibitors have been quick to snap up space in the 2018 Expos to be held in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.

“There’s no better endorsement for a show than exhibitors immediately re-booking, and many are seeking an enhanced presence next year. I advise anyone wishing to exhibit to speak to our team as soon as possible to secure the ideal stand to help meet your recruitment targets for the year ahead.”

Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo 2018:
Sydney: 17-18 March at International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
Perth: 6 May at Crown Perth
Brisbane: 21-22 July at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Melbourne: 25-26 August at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

For more information go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au

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Media Contact:
Sally Cross
Specialised Events
T 03 9999 5468
E sally@specialisedevents.com.au