Articles by Sally Cross

Franchising shows are returning to Sydney The popular Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be one of the first live exhibitions to return to the convention centre in Sydney. It runs from 26-27 March and will have around 100 exhibitors and 3000 visitors. Organisers say the industry is keen to get back in front of consumers to meet the huge demand to explore new careers and working for yourself. “People have experienced the frustration and joy of working from home through lockdown” explains Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey. “The pandemic has forced us all to think about our careers and lifestyle. It is no surprise that people want greater control over their future. Working for yourself is one way to achieve that, and franchising might be the best way to turn that dream into reality”. The show has been running for over thirty years and launched thousands of new businesses. Recent controversies around some major chains has seen a dint in confidence, but Stacey says that attitudes are changing and the next few years will be a time of renewal. “There are actually over 1000 different franchise systems in Australia with almost 75,000 individual operators. These small businesses provide essential services for our cities and employ almost half a million Australians. If you want to work for yourself then this could be the best option for you. You just don’t know if you don’t look at all the options”. The Franchising Expo will be one of the first shows running at the convention centre and organisers have worked closely with the venue to meet safety requirements. Visitors will be required to register before entering the show, handwashing stations are available and there will be lots of room to spread out. Exhibitors will favor an elbow bump over a handshake. CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia Mary Aldred said the live shows had been sorely missed over the last year and she was delighted that were back. “Getting into your own business is a big decision. These events give everyday Australians a chance to take those first steps. Our team will be there to talk about how franchising can be a very effective way to make this happen with a support structure around you. It is a great chance to do the research and make informed choices”. Entry to the show is $20 for adults and free for children. It runs from 10am-5pm on Friday and Saturday 26-27 March. For more information on visiting or exhibiting go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au or call the show team on 03 9999 5460. Media informationSally Cross Specialised Events Tel 03 9999 5460 [email protected]

The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is delighted to announce that its March expo in Sydney has officially been given the green light from the NSW Government and NSW Health.  Anyone dreaming of starting their own business may register now to visit the Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, on at ICC Sydney Darling Harbour from Friday 26th until Saturday 27th March 2021. The decision to confirm exhibitions is a welcome sign that Australia is open for business and that trade events will be the catalyst for growth in many different industries. The annual economic impact of exhibitions at ICC Sydney is expected to deliver significant benefits to Sydney, NSW and the wider business events supply chain. In a typical year, exhibition attendees spend more than $340 million in the local economy.  However, ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said the benefits would go beyond financial impact. “It’s all about momentum,” “what these events will start to do is create a momentum of confidence, to really show that it’s safe to come to events, and safe to come to events at ICC Sydney.” The NSW Department of Health has advised the venue can proceed with public exhibitions of any size under the current health order, subject to one person per four square metres of space. “Each event still has to submit their own COVID-safe plan in conjunction with our venue plan, but we’re very confident that we’ll be seeing a number of exhibitions running next year.” Says Donaghy.  After a tough 2020, the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo Exhibition Manager, Fiona Stacey, says this feels like a step in the right direction in Australia’s post-pandemic recovery. “It has been tough for every business to get through these times. However, we need to start planning for the rebuild and exploring new careers is going to be top of mind for many people.” She adds “the demand for franchise businesses is booming as people search to secure themselves a better future - one they can take control of.” Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo opens at ICC Sydney on Friday 26 - Saturday 27 March 2021. Registration is now open at www.franchisingexpo.com.au. The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is the place to start the research, ask the questions and compare the opportunities. Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo 10am-5pm, Friday 26 March and Saturday 27 March 2021. ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW Tickets are available online, with free entry for all children under 16. Register online today using the code B4S to receive your discounted tickets (normally $20) - Get Tickets 2021 Diary Dates: Sydney: 26-27 March, ICC Sydney Perth: 16 May, Crown Perth Brisbane: 18-19 June, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Melbourne: 20-21 August, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Media Contact: Sally Cross, Specialised Events T 03 9999 5468 E [email protected]