The Melbourne Franchising Expo has wrapped up a hugely successful 2026 series, with record visitor numbers and a fantastic atmosphere across two busy days at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Held alongside the Start Your Own Business Expo, the event attracted a strong and highly engaged audience, with thousands of aspiring business owners coming through the doors to explore franchise opportunities, meet industry experts and take the next step towards business ownership.
From established franchise systems to emerging concepts, the show floor showcased opportunities across food and beverage, retail, education, fitness, home services, logistics, professional services and more. Throughout the weekend, the aisles were buzzing with visitors meeting franchisors face-to-face, asking questions and taking the time to understand the businesses and people behind the brands.
“Melbourne was an outstanding way to finish the year. To welcome a record crowd was fantastic, but what really stood out was the quality of the visitors and the conversations happening across the show floor,” said Event Director Tim Collett. “People came ready to explore their options, ask the right questions and seriously consider what owning a business could look like for them.”
The value of face-to-face connections
While researching a franchise often begins online, the Melbourne Expo once again highlighted the value of bringing prospective franchisees and franchisors together in person. Visitors could compare opportunities side-by-side, speak directly with the people behind the brands and gain a better understanding of the investment, support and day-to-day realities involved in becoming a franchisee.
“One of the great things about the Expo is the opportunity to have those real conversations,” Tim Collett said. “Visitors can meet different brands, hear from experienced operators and get a much clearer picture of which opportunities might be right for them.”
Looking ahead to 2027
With the record-breaking Melbourne event bringing the 2026 series to a close, planning is already well underway for next year, with the Franchising Expo and Start Your Own Business Expo returning to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
“We’re really excited about 2027,” Collett said. “The strength of these events is bringing together people who are serious about getting into business with the brands and experts who can help them do it.”
For franchise brands looking to grow their networks, stand bookings for the 2027 series are now open, with preparations already underway for another exciting year.
For more information on visiting or exhibiting, please contact David at [email protected] or visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au.
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Diary Dates:
Brisbane: 6–7 March 2027
Sydney: 29–30 May 2027
Melbourne: 7–8 August 2027
