The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo has a new owner who is promising to return the event to its rightful place as the pre-eminent showcase for franchisors, service suppliers and potential franchisees.

Specialised Events has acquired the expo from Diversified Exhibitions, who launched it back in 1987.

The new owner is a small exhibition company that specialises in business events, including the popular Foodservice Australia show.

Managing director Tim Collett says the show is a perfect fit with the Specialised Events portfolio. He said “The shows are still in great shape, but we look forward to adding a new level of energy and innovation that will deliver more business for exhibitors and information for visitors.”

Fiona Stace has been appointed exhibition manager. Stacey, who ran the show from 1993 to 2005 and will be well known to many in the franchising community, is looking forward to being involved again.

“These events are the perfect place to showcase all the different franchising options available,” she said. “I just love seeing the excitement of people’s faces when they discover a new business opportunity, or an exhibitor finds a new franchisee.”

Stacey added, “The franchising model has improved over the years and the industry is much larger than it was a decade ago. I think the shows are more relevant than ever and I look forward to introducing some new ideas that will make them even better.”

Franchise Council of Australia chief operating officer Kym De Britt said the association is delighted that the shows have a new organiser with the passion and experience to take them to the next level. He said, “We have been closely involved in the handover and are confident this is the right move for the industry.”

Matt Pearce from Diversified Exhibitions said “We have enjoyed a long association with the franchising industry but think this change will be good for the show and allow us to invest in our larger shows and emerging industries.”

He added, “I want to thank all those companies who have supported the event over the last 20 years and wish them well with their future plans. We believe the new organisers are well placed to keep the shows growing and meeting their needs.”

Latest show dates

• The Sydney Franchising Expo will now run at Darling Harbour from 14 to 16 June 2013
• Brisbane’s expo will be held from 20 to 21 July 2013
• The Melbourne show takes place from 30 August to 1 September 2013.

The Perth show will return in 2014.