The depth and breadth of the franchising industry was on show in Queensland last weekend, as the Brisbane Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo offered a myriad of top franchise brands, business-focused seminars and even a soapbox to entertain and inform the crowds.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 18-19 July, the show drew strong numbers, especially on Saturday, all keen to find out more about the benefits and rewards of being their own boss.
“There was a really buzzy atmosphere this year,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey. “There was a lot of energy in the room and our exhibitors reported good results.”
“We feel it’s been our best ever show in many years,” says Paul Kasper from Mail Boxes Etc. (Australia & NZ).”The quality of the leads we got was exceptional, with one prospect likely to purchase a new centre within the coming weeks.”
Hunter Douglas Sales Manager Damon Gardner says the show went well for its Luxaflex brand. “We generated some quality leads from the Expo, particularly on the Saturday, from people who were specifically looking to invest in their own business, or add an offering to an existing business.
“The Expo was also a great opportunity to network with like-minded franchisors, and understand their offering, and their business challenges.”
Fiona Stacey comments visitors found 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.
“For instance there was a presentation by Darryn McAuliffe, CEO of franchise business intelligence provider FRANdata, which offered such valuable advice about the basics of obtaining finance and how to find a finance-worthy franchise,” she says. “Grant Garraway from The Franchise Shop also gave a great seminar that covered the basics about what it means to be a franchisee.”
Keynote speakers Len Poulter CEO of Lenard’s and Sara Pantaleo, CEO of La Porchetta each inspired and informed their audiences describing their franchising journeys, from one outlet to major brand names.
The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) also presented fascinating daily panel sessions with representatives from a wide range of successful franchise companies including Laser Clinics Australia, First Class Accountants, Gutter Vac, Tatts Lotteries and Aussie Home Loans.
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.
Fiona Stacey says the Brisbane Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo gave visitors the opportunity to compare and research a diverse range of franchise opportunities with investment levels from under $10,000 to more than $500,000.
“We are now preparing another exciting show in Melbourne, and there are only a few exhibitor stands still available, so exhibitors will need to get in quick if they want to be there.”
The next Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be held in Melbourne 21-23 August. For more information and to pre-purchase discounted tickets go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au