A steady influx of visitors kept exhibitors busy at the Melbourne Franchising & Start Your Own Business Expo on 1 and 2 August.
Event director Tim Collett told Franchise Executives “We were blown away by the response to the Franchising Expo in Melbourne. We knew it was going to be solid based on the amount of interest, but this was the biggest show in over 10 years. There were well over 3,000 visitors and every aisle and seminar was packed throughout the two days.
“Exhibitors tell us they were quality visitors although many were at the start of their business journey. I don’t recall there ever been so much interest in working for yourself.”
Gordon Martin, GM franchising at Viva Leisure, representing Plus Fitness, said the show had been worthwhile.
“It’s been a great show for us. We’ve met lots of people, had lots of enquiries and we believe some good leads. We’ve booked to come back next year.”
Domino’s ANZ head of development, Bek Hebden, agreed the event had been a success.
“It’s been so busy but it’s been so refreshing to see the quality of applicants coming through over the weekend. My inbox is full of enquiries already. We had more expressions of interest on the Saturday than over the entire Sydney expo weekend,” Hebden said.
First-time exhibitors joined established brands
Cleaning business Fresh Front was a first timer at the expo. Founder Marty Wilson said the stand had been very busy.
“A lot of people are interested in home services. I think because it’s a low capital model, and a lot of people in corporate are worried about AI and looking at future-proof businesses. We’ve been smashing the marketing and a lot of people know who we are,” he said.
Kwik Kopy and Pack & Send, part of the global Fortidia Group, shared a stand. Maria Ilicheva, retail and franchise growth expansion manager, said the stand had been busy, and they had given away all their brochures.
“It’s very interesting because there are two types of businesses and different candidate profiles and we tapped into matching them to the brands. And some of them are looking for a combined model,” Ilicheva said.
Multi-brand franchisor United Franchise Group introduced its Black Optix Tint brand to the Melbourne visitors.
On the stand, Matt Fitzpatrick said “The show has been fantastic. This has probably been the best Melbourne show we’ve had for quite some time, both in quantity and quality.”
Spanish-headquartered jewellery business Smile Joyas was a first-time exhibitor looking to extend its overseas footprint, and from Taiwan, a line-up of brands keen to enter the Australian market.
