Melbourne, Australia — July 31, 2026 — General admission to the upcoming Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo-Melbourne will be free for all attendees, a shift from the $20 adult entry fee in 2024. Children 16 years and under were admitted free in 2024 when accompanied by an adult, and a ticketed two-hour workshop was available for $25 that year.
Melbourne Set to Host Key Industry Gathering
Opening its doors on August 1, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo-Melbourne is Australia's trade fair for franchising, licensing, and new business concepts. Organized by Specialised Events Pty Ltd., it will serve as a central event for the industry. The expo is co-located with the Start Your Own Business Expo, creating a comprehensive environment for entrepreneurial exploration. Core exhibit sectors will span classic franchise systems in hospitality, retail, and services, alongside specialized providers in financing, law, marketing, technology, and business consulting. Specific product categories will include Restaurants, Internet and telecommunications, Printing, Health and Fitness, Landscaping, Leisure and travel, Cafes / fast food, Business and financial services, Retail, Packaging and delivery services, Vending, and Domestic and commercial services, covering franchise concepts from food to wellness, kids services to accommodation, and maintenance to business services.
New Features and Learning Opportunities
The 2026 Melbourne Expo will introduce a "Tradie Pavilion" as a new feature, catering specifically to tradespeople looking into franchise models. Concurrent events are scheduled to include free seminars, workshops, and discussion panels. The "Franchise Everything Podcast" will also be featured, offering live-audience and live-streamed sessions, providing insights directly from industry experts.
Connecting Brands with Future Growth
The event targets a broad audience, including prospective franchisees, entrepreneurs, and investors. Business visitors such as Managers, Directors, CEO, COO, and Key Decision Makers will be present, alongside franchise executives, brand owners, consultants, business development leaders, retail operators, licensing professionals, and service providers. For exhibitors, the expo offers a direct opportunity to meet face-to-face with visitors seeking to join a franchise system or start a small business. Exhibitors have previously reported gaining quality leads and increased brand exposure, leveraging the event as a platform to recruit new franchisees or connect with entrepreneurs and business owners.
For registration details and further information, visit https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/expos/melbourne-2026.