Queensland’s thriving franchising industry was out in force last weekend at the Brisbane Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, offering visitors a huge range of exciting business ideas.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 23-24 July, the show drew strong numbers of people keen to find out more about the benefits and rewards of being their own boss.
Among the highlights this year was a keynote seminar by Poolwerx CEO John O’Brien, and a special guest presentation from HydroKleen’s Sharon Jurd. There were many food and beverage franchises sampling their wares, and even a rock-climbing wall on the Base Zero stand.
“We were thrilled to see crowds of business-minded people enjoying the Expo this year,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey. “There was a lot of energy in the room and our exhibitors reported good results.”
Martin Hesse from Degani says his team had a large number of good quality enquiries. “We were blown away by the numbers at the Perth Franchising Expo and didn’t expect it to be so busy here, but we have been flat out!”
First-time exhibitor Kerry Sullivan from Wicked Berries says she was impressed by the set up and flow of visitors, making it easy to have good one-on-one discussions, while Stephen Waters from Twin Eagle Imports was also very satisfied. “We were absolutely blown away by the interest in what we had to offer and couldn’t think of a better platform to use,” he says.
Fiona Stacey adds that the Expo was also a great place to meet with industry experts who could assist with the nuts and bolts of franchising, offering legal, financial and business advice.
“The Franchise Council of Australia was the first stop for many visitors, it is the best stand to get an overall idea of the diversity and vibrancy of the industry,” she says.
The FCA also presented fascinating daily panel sessions with representatives from a wide range of successful franchise companies, including VIP Home Services, HydroKleen, First Class Accounts, Just Cuts, Clark Rubber and Poolwerx.
Most importantly, the Expo was a showcase for over 70 successful companies, all eager to share their success with potential investors and franchisees, or to assist and advise them in their journey.
“We are now preparing another exciting show in Melbourne next month,” says Stacey. “Only a few exhibitor stands are still available, so exhibitors will need to get in quick if they want to be there.”
The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be held 26-28 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more information and to pre-purchase discounted tickets go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au