Franchising Expo a big hit in Melbourne

The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo staged in Melbourne last weekend was one of the strongest shows in many years, showing that the industry remains positive and relevant despite the failure of some high-profile chains.

“We were thrilled to see the franchising industry out in force at this show and also the huge response from visitors,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey.

“Franchising has had a tough year, but the model remains the best way for everyday Australians to get into their own business. The good franchise chains know they need to get out and speak with people about how to get involved. And the expo is the ideal place to do your research.”

Held at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre from 25-26 August, the event was the fourth in a series of expos staged around Australia. It was also part of the Victorian Small Business Festival.

Exhibitors covered a huge range of industries; from food and beverage, retail and home services, to accounting and finance, tutoring, healthy living and many more. There were also legal, financial and business consultants ready to offer advice and information.

Most exhibitors were Australian, but there were also some exciting concepts from the USA, Europe and Asia. These included a national pavilion from Malaysia coordinated by the Malaysian Government and Franchise Association.

Flatpack Assembly Services was just one of many new franchise businesses launching at the show. Operations Manager Andrew Wilcox says “this is a great new brand and the expo is the best place to show that to people. I have been coming to this event for many years in various roles and this is the best one yet. We have already booked next year with a much bigger stand.”

As usual the free seminars were a highlight of the event. Fiona Stacey says, “throughout the year we have had a very strong speaker program featuring keynotes from Jim Penman from Jim’s Group, John O’Brien from Poolwerx and Mary Aldred from the Franchise Council.”

“In Melbourne we also welcomed Frank Milner, President of global tutoring franchise Tutor Doctor; Peter Sinodinos who is CEO of Snap Franchising; and the Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell.”

Suzanne Jarzabkowska, CEO of DC Strategy, presented a session on the benefits of growing a business through franchising. Despite the negative press and Senate Inquiry, Jarzabkowska believes the franchising industry in Australia remains strong, as demonstrated by the large turnout at the Melbourne Franchising Expo.

“The benefits of franchising are clear,” she says. “The Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that 60% of independent small businesses will fail in the first three years, and in five years that moves to four out of five. Contrast this with data last year from the Australian Retail Association, which says just one out of five franchises will fail in the first five years.”

In 2019 there will be three Franchising & Business Opportunities Expos. They will be staged at the ICC Sydney in March, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in June and the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in August. The Perth expo will return in 2020.

“We are gearing up for three huge and exciting events next year,” says Fiona Stacey.

“After such a successful show in Melbourne, we saw a large number of exhibitors immediately rebooking, so I urge anyone wishing to grow their business in 2019 to contact me immediately to secure their preferred space.”

For more information visit the website at www.franchisingexpo.com.au or contact Fiona Stacey directly on 03 9999 5460 or fiona@specialisedevents.com.au.

Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo 2019:

Sydney: 23-24 March at International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
Brisbane: 1-2 June at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Melbourne: 24-25 August at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

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