Fernwood Fitness founder Diana Williams is just one franchisor among many set to speak at the Melbourne expo this weekend in a series of free seminars taking place over the event’s two days.
Visitors to the expo will be able to drop in to any of the seminars to pick up some crucial tips on franchising.
Williams is a keynote speaker on Friday 1 April, and will speak on ‘Opportunities and obstacles in franchising’ at 12.30 on the first day of the event.
Matthew Penfold, chairman and franchisee at Kwik Kopy, will share his perspective in a seminar session ‘Built on trust: lessons from a lifetime as franchisee, franchisor, father and fisherman’.
Another keynote speaker, Andrew Morello from The Entourage, will talk about ‘Accelerated growth strategies for business owners’ in daily sessions.
Also speaking on both days, Marcel Lal, CEO InXpress Asia Pacific, will provide helpful pointers for franchise buyers and would-be franchisors in a session on ‘Building resilience in your business’.
The expo will feature about 100 exhibitors, including big name brands such as Dymocks, Pizza Hut, and the three chicken chains at craveable brands: Chicken Treat, Oporto, Red Rooster.
Sean O’Connor, general manager at Craveable Brands, will join David Mansfield, managing director of Quest Apartment Hotels and Darren Lane, CEO at Degani, to answer the question ‘What makes a good franchisee from a franchisor perspective?’.
The panel discussion will be led by Inside Franchise Business editor Sarah Stowe.
Franchisees will also have their say in panel discussions featuring business owners from ANZ, Concept Eight, Poolwerx and Quest.
This expo is the first in Melbourne since 2019, Fiona Stacey, exhibition manager, said visitor numbers are predicted to be good, based on current registration figures.
“Registrations are up for the expo. I think people have got a real appetite for franchising right now, and everyone is eager to get back face-to-face.”
The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo takes place on Friday and Saturday 1 and 2 April, 2022, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 10am to 5pm daily.
