The Melbourne franchising expo has come and gone after three solid days of marketing and networking.

In addition to regular exhibitors there were some new faces and brands, which shows the world of franchising continues to attract new ideas and interesting business models.

Queensland-based LuxCars debuted at the expo showing off its lavish horse-and-carriage inspired vehicle that can be franchised out for a function of your liking. The team at Go Vita, the health and well-being franchise retailer, was giving out apples and protein bars to visitors.

Among new comers to the Melbourne expo was Egnatium – a software solutions franchise – that offers a plethora of strategic solutions as a business-to-business franchisor. Strategy management, competency management, appraisal management, learning management and experience management are part of the franchise’s offerings.

As visitors walked the aisles they might have spotted a couple of mascots – Dodo Connect’s feathered mascot, or the giant hamburger from BK’s Takeaway.

For all tradie-background visitors searching for a business aligned with their skillset there was plenty around – Jim’s had a strong presence with several divisions showcasing their services, Reliance Roof Restoration and Mend-A-Bath were among the services line-up.

Coffee lovers could look more closely, and try out the product, at Cafe2U, Xpresso Mobile and Gloria Jeans (RFG). Other food options included Victorian bakery favourite Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, with its delicious doughnuts, and Lenard’s, handing out the latest on the chicken menu at the retail chain.

Franchises from Malaysia and the Philippines had stalls at the expo, too, as they look to expand internationally into Australia.

For anyone wanting to learn more about franchising – whether they were ready to buy or still at the consideration stage – there were seminars in the theatre arena offering franchising education, tips and advice.

With more than 100 exhibitors, the 2015 Melbourne franchising expo offered plenty of options for potential franchisees.