New show organiser Specialised Events is gearing up for a busy and exciting year in 2014, building on the fresh new look and feel of its first three Franchising & Business Opportunities Expos this year.
According to Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey, the three shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne reported excellent numbers this year, with the recent Melbourne Expo in particular exceeding all expectations – more than 4000 people streamed through the doors over the show’s three days.
“We had three really good shows but Melbourne really stood out,” says Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey. “It just had a fabulous feel, a great number of exhibitors and visitors, and exciting show features.”
The show’s 80 exhibitors agreed, with many saying it was their best show yet. “The first day was fantastic, I looked at the figures and we did three times what we did the same day last year,” says John Gill from Cleantastic. “I would say it’s the best Friday we’ve had at one of these expos and we’ve been doing it every year for 15 years.”
“Yes it was a very good day (on Friday), we were quite surprised at the numbers that came through,” agrees Lilian Tartaglia from McDonald’s. “We saw some really strong candidates so it’s a great start.”
Richard Reid, from Salts of the Earth, said he thought all the shows reflected well on the new organising company. “They seemed to be doing a lot more and better advertising and marketing. We are very happy, particularly with the quality of people applying for franchises.”
Tim Collett, Specialised Events’ Managing Director, says there was a lot of attention paid to solid marketing and promotions for the three shows.
“For the Melbourne one we decided to risk putting the bulk of our marketing dollars into television,” he explains. “This strategy really paid off, as demonstrated by the numbers – and most importantly the quality – of visitors to the Melbourne show. We’ll be looking to use TV extensively again for all three shows in 2014.”
Fiona Stacey says the Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be held earlier than this year, from 28-30 March 2014. With the closure of the Darling Harbour venue, the Sydney show will be held at the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
“This venue is only 10 minutes from the CBD with easy access by car or public transport, and cheap or free parking.” she says. “It’s also convenient for exhibitors, with level loading dock access directly onto the show floor and excellent surrounding facilities.”
Stacey adds that the most popular features of the 2013 shows will remain, such as the free seminar program and the Franchising Advice Centre. “Through the year we were paying attention to feedback from exhibitors and made improvements with each show,” she says.
“Now we are working hard to ensure the 2014 series of Franchising & Business Opportunities Expos is even bigger and more exciting, so make sure you get in early to reserve your stand, as it looks like each one will be a sell-out!”
Next year’s dates are:
Sydney 28-30 March at Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
Brisbane 19-20 July at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Melbourne 22-24 August at Melbourne Exhibition Centre
For information about participating in the 2014 Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo contact Fiona Stacey on 03 9999 5464 or email Fiona@specialisedevents.com.au www.franchisingexpo.com.au
