Thousands of visitors made an appearance at the “most franchise-ready state” in Australia at the Melbourne Franchising expo, with national and international brands seeking business. 

Melbourne Franchising and Business Opportunities expo, held on the 26th-28th August, featured 118 exhibitors, including a contingent of 12 Malaysian companies seeking to do business in Australia.

“This show was an outstanding success, in terms of both visitor and exhibitor numbers,” said Fiona Stacey, exhibition manager.

“It clearly shows the appeal of meeting face to face with the people behind the brands.”

The FCA presented daily panel sessions with representatives from a range of successful franchise companies including Jim’s Test & Tag, Laser Plumbing, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, Just Cuts, Chocolateria San Churro and Clark Rubber. There were also free seminars and panel sessions on the show floor, with speakers such as Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) Executive Chairman Bruce Billson.

“It is fantastic to see so many different companies here, it demonstrates how vibrant and diverse franchising is in Australia,” said Billson at the show.

On the show floor was ice cream from a new Mr Whippy Tuk Tuk, aerial videos from National Drones, ball games with new exhibitor Grasshopper Soccer, pizza tasting with New York Slice and caffeine hit from Jonnee Coffee and Xpresso Mobile Caf_.

First-time exhibitors The Jolly Miller, Splash Swim School, Papa John’s Pizza, Love Pollo, Memory Keepsakes, and Fix’n’Chips also made an appearance at the show.

“It was great to see so many people through the doors each day, and feedback from exhibitors has been extremely positive,” said Tim Collett, event director.  

“It caps off a great year for us with expos in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, as well as a new, boutique showcase event held at Crown Perth.”