The Melbourne Franchising Expo, a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial calendar for more than 30 years, once again cemented its reputation as the go-to hub for aspiring business owners and industry leaders. Held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in August, the event brought together a dynamic mix of franchisors, advisors, and ambitious entrepreneurs eager to explore opportunities.
Visitors flocked to the show, engaging with a diverse mix of exhibitors spanning food, retail, education, health, services, and technology. Among the well-known names were CouriersPlease, Craveable Brands, Foodco Group, Gong Cha, Hello Harry The Burger Joint, Kitset Assembly Services, Kumon, Mail Boxes Etc. (Australia), Miguelitos Icecream, OSAN Ability, Plus Fitness, SolBowl, and Tax Store.
Diversity was again a standout, with established leaders exhibiting alongside exciting first-time participants including Big Bowl Kitchen, Durk’s Cafe + Eatery, Garage Force Australia, Redspot Car Rentals, Royal Stacks, and Running Pot—giving visitors an unmatched opportunity to weigh up tried-and-tested systems alongside exciting new concepts, all under one roof.
The aisles buzzed with activity as visitors took advantage of the chance to meet franchisors face-to-face, ask real questions, and gain insights from those already succeeding in the sector. The vibrant atmosphere reinforced the Expo’s reputation as the must-attend event for anyone considering franchising as their next move.
Seminar program draws strong crowds
A standout feature of the Melbourne Franchising Expo was the free seminar program, which drew capacity audiences across both days. Expert presenters delivered practical, real-world advice on everything from financing and legal considerations to building strong franchisee–franchisor relationships.Highlights included engaging ‘Conversations with Franchisees’ panels presented by the Franchise Council of Australia, giving attendees firsthand stories from those running successful businesses. Thought-provoking sessions such as ‘Is Franchising Right for You?’ also proved especially popular for those at the beginning of their journey.
Another well-attended session, ‘Financing Your Franchise’ presented by Peter White from FRANdata, broke down the essential steps and financial questions every prospective franchisee should ask. Drawing on decades of industry data and bank partnerships, White equipped attendees with the financial mindset and tools needed to make informed, confident investment decisions.
These sessions provided visitors with valuable knowledge, actionable strategies, and the confidence to take their next step in business ownership.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Melinda Cunningham, Sales Manager, commented:
“Melbourne delivered an outstanding show this year. The aisles were busy from the moment doors opened, and the feedback from both exhibitors and visitors has been fantastic. There’s clearly strong appetite for franchising in Victoria, and it was exciting to see so many serious conversations happening on the floor.”
With its combination of trusted brands, innovative newcomers, and expert guidance, the Melbourne Franchising Expo once again underscored the strength and diversity of the franchising sector — proving why it remains the must-attend event for anyone ready to take the leap into business ownership.
Looking forward, the Expo continues to nurture industry growth and exploration. As plans for 2026 take shape, businesses interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their spot early. The franchise sector’s vibrant future will again be on display at the Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne expos in 2026.
For more details, contact Melinda Cunningham, Sales Manager, on 03 9999 5464 or email [email protected].
For more information, visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au, and mark your diaries for the upcoming events.
Diary Dates:
Brisbane: 21-22 March 2026
Sydney: 30-31 May 2026
Melbourne: 1-2 August 2026
