Sydney franchise expo draws bigger crowds

Sydney franchising expo 2025
Craveable Brands exhibited at the Sydney expo. (Source: Supplied)

A fresh new look for the Franchising Expo, which included a Start your Own Business section, pulled in the crowds in Sydney recently.

Specialised Events exhibition director Tim Collett told Franchise Executives the substantial lift in exhibitor and visitor numbers from last year was due to a renewed interest in working for yourself and the brand new Start your Own Business section.

“This attracted a whole new crowd of entrepreneurs who wanted to launch their own business,” Collett said.

Collett said the alignment of the new business section with franchising opportunities was a “win-win for everyone”.

“The atmosphere was really quite amazing. We not only saw a lift in attendees but could also see they were staying a lot longer.

“There were twice as many free seminars and a lot more exhibitors to meet. They included a number of food franchises that were sampling which adds to the excitement. And some brand new franchises that gave people to opportunity to get in early. Busy aisles and happy exhibitors – that makes for a happy event organiser,” he said.   

The exhibitor line-up included multi-brand franchisors Craveable Brands (Chargrill Charlie’s, Chicken Treat, Oporto and Red Rooster) and Starpoint Brands (including Signarama, Graze Craze, and Fully Promoted). InXpress, Poolwerx, Cinnabon, Mail Boxes Etc, TaxAssist Direct, Osan Ability, Piccolo Me, Kumon, Simply Helping and Santorini Gyros Bar.

Scott Bush, CEO at The Cheesecake Shop, described the expo as “fabulous, interactive and convenient”.

Dream Doors Kitchens’ business development manager, Adin Elton, said “The energy is alive at the Franchising Expo.”

Jay Westbury, CEO, Franchise Council of Australia, agreed. “It’s great to see franchising come alive in Sydney,” Westbury said.

Marcel Lau, global COO at InXpress, said “The franchising industry is the place to be in Australia right now.”

The next franchise expo takes place in Brisbane on 26 to 27 July, followed by the Melbourne event, 30 to 31 August 2025.

Collett said “Both events include the new Start Your Own Business feature and both events are almost sold out.”

Specialised Events’ industry stalwart Fiona Stacey has retired after 30 years, and Melinda Cunningham has stepped into her role. Kate Radcliffe is looking after Start Your Own Business.