
Pro listing
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS EXPO - MELBOURNE 2026
Melbourne's Start Your Own Business Expo runs August 1-2, 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. It targets entrepreneurs and small business owners with exhibitors, seminars, and co-located Franchising Expo featuring 100+ brands. Organised by Specialised Events.
Melbourne's Start Your Own Business Expo runs August 1-2, 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. It targets entrepreneurs and small business owners with exhibitors, seminars, and co-located Franchising Expo featuring 100+ brands. Organised by Specialised Events.
The Start Your Own Business Expo - Melbourne 2026 is a premier event for aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners seeking practical tools, services, and support to launch or grow their ventures. Co-located with the Franchising Expo, it offers access to over 100 exhibitors, free expert seminars, and face-to-face networking with franchisors and business service providers across industries such as accounting, funding, digital platforms, logistics, HR, and more. Attendees can compare franchise opportunities and business solutions under one roof, making it a one-stop destination for turning business ideas into action.
At a glance
- Co-located with Franchising Expo: access 100+ franchise brands and business service exhibitors.
- Free expert seminars on starting and growing a business.
- Target audience: aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and existing small business owners.
- Face-to-face networking with franchisors and service providers.
- Covers industries: food & beverage, retail, home services, education, health, and more.
Product categories
- Food & Beverage Franchises
- Retail, Home & Lifestyle
- Home & Property Services
- Logistics & Delivery Services
- Education & Training
- Business Services (accounting, legal, marketing, tech)
- Health, Wellness & Personal Care
- Hospitality, Travel & Entertainment
- Promotional, Print & Display Services
Exhibitor profile
- Franchisors across food & beverage, retail, home services, education, fitness, health & beauty, logistics, and more.
- Business service providers including accountants, banks, coaches, marketing agencies, legal and HR firms, tech and software companies.
- Suppliers of tools and platforms for entrepreneurs, such as point-of-sale systems, websites, insurance, and office services.
Visitor profile
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and first-time business buyers.
- Existing small business owners looking to scale or diversify.
- Professionals seeking a career change into business ownership.
- Multi-unit and master franchise investors.
- Side hustlers and freelancers exploring full-time business options.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors at the Start Your Own Business Expo connect face-to-face with a targeted audience of motivated entrepreneurs and business owners actively seeking partners and solutions. The co-location with the Franchising Expo provides immediate commercial opportunities alongside long-term brand building. Engaging in person generates quality leads, builds trust, and positions your brand as a trusted supplier from the start of a buyer's journey.
Why visit
Visitors can explore over 100 exhibitors offering franchise opportunities and business services, attend free expert seminars, and get personalised advice from franchisors and business advisors. This is an efficient way to compare options, gather information, and take actionable steps toward starting or growing a business, all in one location.
Why it matters
Melbourne and the broader Australian small business landscape are experiencing an influx of mid-career changers, side-hustlers, and investors seeking proven business models to mitigate macroeconomic risks. The Start Your Own Business Expo, co-located with the Franchising Expo at MCEC, provides a direct deal-making corridor between turn-key franchise systems, small business service providers, and over 7,500 qualified prospective founders in Victoria.
Venue
name: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
address
city: South Wharf
street: 2 Clarendon Street
country: Australia
postal code: 3006
map url: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3151.8354345094197!2d144.9532761!3d-37.8246679!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6ad65d5173a284b5%3A0x958eeaf04deea384
latitude: -37.8246679
- Clarendon Street entrance
longitude: 144.9554648
facilities
parking
notes: Wilson Parking operates secure underground parking at the Exhibition Centre. Accessible parking with lift access to Doors 1, 6, and 10. Pre-booking recommended. Additional 1,400 spaces on-site.
spaces: 1400
status: confirmed
currency: AUD
- https://www.mcec.com.au/whats-on/2026/10/sub-event-all-energy-australia-and-waste-exhibition-conference-2026-waste-expo-australia
- https://congress.ranzcp.org/venue
- https://www.retail-show.com.au/about-venue
cloakroom
notes: Cloakroom service available at the Customer Service desk, Convention Centre Place.
status: confirmed
- https://www.mcec.com.au
- Goldfields Café + Bar
- Plenary Cafe
- Shed Café
prayer rooms
notes: Prayer rooms located in the Melbourne Convention Centre.
status: confirmed
- https://www.mcec.com.au/whats-on/2026/10/sub-event-all-energy-australia-and-waste-exhibition-conference-2026-waste-expo-australia
accessibility
notes: MCEC is fully accessible. Step-free access, wide corridors. Accessible parking with lift access. Wheelchair loan available (first-come, first-served). Hearing-assistive devices, Braille/tactile signage. Changing Places facility with ceiling hoist. Guide/assistance dogs welcome. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Low-floor trams on routes 96 and 109.
status: confirmed
- https://www.melbournecb.com.au/newsroom/latest-news/accessibility-in-action-experiences-that-welcome-every-delegate
- https://congress.ranzcp.org/venue
- https://www.icds2026.org/venue
onsite shuttle
notes: No dedicated onsite shuttle service identified. However, venue is walkable from Southern Cross Station and well-served by trams and taxis.
status: unknown
charging points
notes: Charging stations located at Shed Café, Plenary Lounge, Goldfields Café + Bar, behind Sovereign Room staircase, and near Door 17 staircase. Designated charging points for electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs available free of charge.
status: confirmed
- https://www.mcec.com.au
luggage storage
notes: Luggage storage available at Customer Service desk.
status: confirmed
- https://www.mcec.com.au
parking notes: There are a number of car parks close to the venue. Click here to view car park locations and pricing: https://mcec.com.au/visit
floor plan url: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/franchising-expo-production/melbourne-2026/floorplan/Floorplan-Melbourne-2026.pdf
google place id: 0x6ad65d5173a284b5:0x958eeaf04deea384
floor plan page url: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/franchising-expo-production/melbourne-2026/floorplan/Floorplan-Melbourne-2026.pdf
floor plan asset url: https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/franchising-expo-production/melbourne-2026/floorplan/Floorplan-Melbourne-2026.pdf
floor plan schematic
- Exhibition Bays
- Seminar Theatres
view box: 0 0 760 360
has floor plan: true
google maps embed url: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3151.8354345094197!2d144.9532761!3d-37.8246679!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x6ad65d5173a284b5%3A0x958eeaf04deea384
google maps place url: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Melbourne+Convention+and+Exhibition+Centre+(MCEC)/@-37.8246679,144.9532761,17z/
floor plan edition year: 2026
official venue page url: https://mcec.com.au
Entry & registration
event hours: Saturday 01 August 2026, 10am – 5pm; Sunday 02 August 2026, 10am – 5pm
ticket notes: Earlybird Adult Ticket booked before 3 July: $14. Adult Ticket at door: $28. Children 16 years and under free when accompanied by an adult, no registration required.
registration url: https://tickets.lup.com.au/Franchising-Expo-Melbourne-2026
registration deadline: 3 July 2026 (earlybird)
Organisers
- Specialised Events
- Tim Collett
- George Moraitis
- Rebecca Horsburgh
- Kelvin Chen
Programme
- Sophie Cartwright
agenda url: https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/seminars
- Conversations with Franchisees
- Is Franchising Right For You?
agenda status: partial
- Start Your Own Business Expo
- Free Daily Seminars
Previous edition
stats
year: 2024
notes: Nearly 120 exhibitors participated, most of them franchise brands. The event attracted the biggest number of visitors to the Melbourne event since 2017.
end date: 2024-08-18
start date: 2024-08-17
deals count: 0
edition number: 0
floor area sqm: 0
visitors count: 0
pavilions count: 0
exhibitors count: 120
visitor countries: 0
exhibitor countries: 0
recap html: The 2024 Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo drew record crowds, attracting the biggest number of visitors to the Melbourne event since 2017. Nearly 120 exhibitors participated, featuring opportunities across retail, food, fitness, education, services, and logistics.
- Start Your Own Business Expo
- Start Your Own Business Workshops
- Tim Collett
- Fiona Stacey
- Mike Geddes
- Annette Tierney
- James Hucker
exhibitor roi: Exhibitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Kitset Assembly Services reported the Melbourne expo outperformed Sydney in both lead volume and quality, and plans to take a larger space at all three expos in 2025. Poolwerx noted that converting just one or two leads would make the show a success. Plus Fitness secured 'lots of conversations' to follow up as part of its goal to add 100 new gyms. Kool Kidz Childcare described the show as 'really successful' with strong future relationship potential. The six Filipino brands participating for the first time generated over 100 trade leads and USD 20.6 million in actual and potential export sales. CouriersPlease, a regular exhibitor, called previous editions 'the best show we've attended' with 'unbelievable attendance' and strong leads.
impact summary: The 2024 Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo attracted the largest visitor numbers since 2017, signalling a revitalised interest in business ownership and franchising. Exhibition organiser Fiona Stacey attributed the success to an expanded promotional strategy including greater social and digital marketing focus and, for the first time, billboard advertising. The event featured nearly 120 exhibitors, most of them franchise brands, alongside international pavilions from Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. The Philippine delegation alone generated over 100 trade leads and USD 20.6 million in actual and potential export sales. Exhibitors across the board reported strong lead volumes and high-quality conversations, with several planning to expand their presence in future editions.
current edition
year: 2026
end date: 2026-08-02
source url: https://www.eventseye.com/fairs/f-start-your-own-business-expo-melbourne-33500-1.html
start date: 2026-08-01
value status: organiser_forecast
visitors count: 7500
exhibitors count: 100
estimated visitors count: 7500
estimated exhibitors count: 100
- 120
- 100
- 100
- 7500
audience quality: Visitors demonstrated high intent and engagement, with a record crowd since 2017 filling aisles and seminars across both days. Exhibitors consistently reported good quality leads. Kitset Assembly Services noted the Melbourne expo outperformed the Sydney event earlier in the year both in lead volume and lead quality, with Sunday delivering the strongest volume. Poolwerx reported good quality leads and conversion potential. Plus Fitness described conversations as 'very promising'. Kool Kidz Childcare called the show 'really successful' with strong relationship-building outcomes. The audience spanned aspiring franchisees, small business owners and international investors, with interest from Australia (Victoria and NSW), Pakistan and Singapore.
- Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo Melbourne 2023
- Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo Melbourne 2024
- 2026
next edition outlook
year: 2026
summary: The 2026 Start Your Own Business Expo runs 1–2 August at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, co-located with the Franchising Expo. Building on the record-breaking 2024 edition which attracted the biggest crowds since 2017 and the successful introduction of Start Your Own Business workshops, the 2026 event is positioned to continue expanding its reach to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
end date: 2026-08-02
confidence: organiser-stated
start date: 2026-08-01
- Dedicated 'Start a Business' area aimed at attracting young entrepreneurial visitors, building on the successful Start Your Own Business Workshops introduced in 2024.
Exhibitors
total: 658
- Office B
- Level 1
- NSW
- Level 2
- Level 4
- QLD
- Sydney
- VIC
- Level 10
- Level 14
- Level 5
- Unit 3
- 71 Longueville Rd
- Docklands
- Level 6
- Chatswood
- Victoria
- Craveable Brands Level 12
- North Sydney
- Melbourne
- Building 208/1M
- Unit 5
- Level 15
- New Taipei City
- 31 Market St
- Other franchising suppliers
- Food & beverage franchise suppliers
- franchising suppliers (profile pending)
- Fitness, gym & boxing franchise suppliers
- Business coaching & consulting franchise suppliers
- Quick-service restaurant franchise suppliers
- Accounting, tax & legal franchise suppliers
- Coffee, tea & beverage franchise suppliers
- Cleaning & hygiene franchise suppliers
- Health, beauty & spa franchise suppliers
- Tutoring & education franchise suppliers
- Real estate & property franchise suppliers
- Home improvement & trade franchise suppliers
- Courier, logistics & delivery franchise suppliers
- Retail & convenience franchise suppliers
- Sydney NSW 2000
- Australia
- Taiwan
- Level 1 396 Lane Cove Road Macquarie Park NSW 2113
- Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- Robina QLD 4226
- Melbourne VIC 3000
- NSW 2000
- North Sydney NSW 2060
- Lane Cove NSW 2066
- Surry Hills NSW 2010
- 19b Guardhouse Road Banyo Brisbane Queensland 4014
- 12 Help Street Chatswood NSW 2067
- NSW 2060
- Moore Park NSW 2021
- Macquarie Park NSW 2113
- Rydalmere NSW 2116
- Milton QLD 4064
- 2060
- Melbourne Vic 3000
- Richmond VIC 3121
- Malaysia
- NSW 2007
- Melbourne
- 1 Olympic Circuit Southport QLD
- Cheltenham VIC 3192
- NSW 2140
- 3000
- Level 5 24 Hunter Street Parramatta NSW 2150 Australia Parramatta | Barangaroo |Melbourne | Manila
- Rosebery NSW 2018
- Banyo Queensland 4014
- Murarrie QLD 4172
- 49 Elizabeth Street Richmond Vic 3121
- 14a Arundel St. Croydon Vic 3136
- UA1 366 Edgar St Condell Park 2200
- Vic
- Cremorne VIC 3121
- Woolloongabba QLD 4102
- Brisbane CBD
- 6 Forge Drive Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
- Unit 8 12 Kelly Court Landsborough
- Glen Waverley VIC 3150
- Fabe Support Office - 5/213 North Rocks Road North Rocks NSW 2151
- Alexandria NSW 2015
- Sydney NSW
- 4/2-4 Williams Grove Bonbeach VIC 3196
- QLD 4207
- 4/156 Hartley Road Smeaton Grange NSW 2567
- 3043
- Kenthurst
domain enrich
notes: Domains came from the TSI Pro analysis CSV. Trigger DomainEnrich only if deeper company enrichment is needed.
status: not_started
- auda.org.au
- 1300blinds.com.au
- 20v.studio
- absbusinesssales.com.au
- acaiavenue.com.au
- accountmanagementaustralia.com
- accuratefranchising.com.au
- acebodycorp.com.au
- acechefapparels.com.au
- acscleaningmelbourne.com.au
- actioncoachfranchiseanz.com.au
- activewellnessspa.com
- aim4finance.com
- a-p.com.au
- akmecapital.com.au
- alectofinance.com.au
- ambertiles.com.au
- amzimporting.com
- anglobalconsulting.com
- andersens.com.au
- andrewbarton.com.au
- anybusiness.com.au
- anytimefitness.com.au
- anz.com.au
- ownyourown.apco.com.au
- appliancetaggingservices.com.au
- aqua-oversea.com
- aquariumgallery.com.au
- aramex.com.au
- architectsofskin.com
- ascend.com.au
- asset.edu.au
- franchise.org.tw
- astraapartments.com.au
- atm2go.com.au
- aussiebbqcleaning.com.au
- businessforsale.com.au
- ausfranchisee.com.au
- australianimportingclub.com
- bakersdelight.com.au
- eatmoregreen.com.au
- banjos.com.au
- boq.com.au
- barrettwalker.com.au
- barteos.org.au
- baskinrobbins.com.au
- batteryworld.com.au
- batteryzone.com.au
- befreeltd.com
- beginbright.com.au
- belgraviahealth.com.au
- bellamanufacturing.com.au
- beyondmerchantcapital.com.au
- bigbowl.com.au
- bioscalp.co
- bitelocal.com.au
- bizvision.com.au
- bksfranchising.com.au
- bni.com.au
- bodyologyfranchising.com.au
- bodystreet-international.com
- bookit.net.au
- booksgiftsdirect.com
- bookwizbookkeeping.com.au
- boostjuice.com.au
- boptillyoudrop.com.au
- bpoconnect.com.au
- bptax.com.au
- brighterlines.com.au
- rfg.com.au
- budgetone.com.au
- bugroffpestbusters.com
- businessbuyersadvocacy.com.au
- businesschamberqld.com.au
- businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au
- businesspropel.com.au
- businessesforsale.com
- cafe2u.com
- cafe2u.com.au
- cafecafe.global
- cappuccinoxpress.com.au
- carbongroup.com.au
- carvnitup.com.au
- carwardines.com.au
- cateringhq.com.au
- shingleinn.com
- celebrityink.com
- cfooncall.com.au
- charcos.com.au
- chargrillcharlies.com
- chatime.com.au
- chemdryfranchise.com.au
- chickentreat.com.au
- choicesflooring.com.au
- churros1500.com.au
- melbourne.vic.gov.au
- franchising.clarkrubber.com.au
- cleaningedge.com.au
- cleanmade.com.au
- cmbm.com.au
available domain count: 624
exhibitor analysis quality
total rows: 658
rows with hall: 0
classified rows: 658
rows with booth: 0
unclassified rows: 0
classification coverage pct: 100
Market
region: Australia & Asia-Pacific (APAC)
why it matters: Melbourne and the broader Australian small business landscape are experiencing an influx of mid-career changers, side-hustlers, and investors seeking proven business models to mitigate macroeconomic risks. The Start Your Own Business Expo, co-located with the Franchising Expo at MCEC, provides a direct deal-making corridor between turn-key franchise systems, small business service providers, and over 7,500 qualified prospective founders in Victoria.
- Rise of Micro-Franchising and Low-Capital Side-Hustle Concepts
- Co-Location of Franchise Systems and Independent Small Business Tools
- Growth in Health, Wellness, and QSR Multi-Unit Expansion
- AI and Automated Operations for Small Business Efficiency
similar event circuit
title: Global & Regional Franchising & Entrepreneurship Circuit 2026
- Franchising & Start Your Own Business Expo - Brisbane 2026
- International Franchise Show London 2026
- Franchise Asia Philippines 2026
- International Franchise Expo (IFE) New York 2026
- Franchising & Start Your Own Business Expo - Sydney 2026
- Start Your Own Business Expo - Melbourne 2026
summary: A strategic sequence of major domestic Australian expos and international franchising conventions catering to franchisors, small business service providers, multi-unit operators, and prospective business owners throughout 2026.
- Q1 2026 APAC Launch Window
- Q2 2026 Global & Mid-Year Circuit
- Q3 2026 Southern Capital Window
source note: Dates and details compiled from official organiser sites (Specialised Events, MFV Expositions, and international franchise associations).
planning window: Q1 to Q3 2026
Logistics
visa
required: true
official url: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit
ata carnet notes: ATA Carnets are accepted in Australia for the temporary importation of eligible goods, including commercial samples, professional equipment, scientific equipment, and goods for display at events, fairs, and exhibitions. From 1 June 2026, a global transition to digital eATA carnets has begun, but Australia currently only accepts paper ATA carnets. Goods must be exported before the carnet expires and cannot be sold, loaned, or disposed of without permission. The Australian Border Force (ABF) must endorse the paper carnet on import and export. Obtain an ATA Carnet from a Chamber of Commerce in your home country; in Australia, the issuing authority is the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
ata carnet accepted: true
free nationalities notes: Australia does not have a visa-free entry arrangement with any country except New Zealand. New Zealand citizens are granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival. However, citizens of many countries can obtain an eVisitor (free) or ETA (small service fee) online before travel, which effectively provides visa-free-like entry for tourism and business visitor activities. Check eligibility at the official Australian Government visa finder.
weather notes: August is winter in Melbourne. Average temperatures: 8–15°C (46–59°F). Rainfall averages 50–59 mm over 10–14 days. Daytime highs 13–15°C, nighttime lows 6–8°C. Pack layers: warm coat, scarf, gloves, umbrella, and waterproof shoes. Indoor venues are heated.
- Greetings and Communication
- Tipping and Payments
- Public Behaviour
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Dress Code
- Gift Giving
- Melbourne Airport
- Essendon Fields Airport
- Avalon Airport
connectivity notes: MCEC is well-connected: 5-min walk from Southern Cross Station (regional trains, SkyBus terminal). Trams 96, 109, 12 stop directly outside Clarendon Street entrance (stop 124A). Routes 70, 75 and City Circle stop at Spencer St/Flinders St, 5-min walk. Bus 237 from Southern Cross to nearby Lorimer St. Bike hoops at South Wharf Promenade and Convention Centre Place. Taxi/rideshare drop-off at Convention Centre Place entrance.
local currency code: AUD
Visitor persona
visa
notes: All applicants must be genuine temporary visitors, have sufficient funds to support their stay, and meet health and character requirements. Visa application charges increased from AUD200 to AUD250 from 1 July 2026. Concessions apply for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
official url: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit
estimated cost: 175
processing time: Varies by visa type and individual circumstances. Check the official visa processing time guide tool for current estimates. Apply at least 2 months before travel.
requirement summary: All visitors to Australia except New Zealand citizens require a visa or travel authority. For business visitors attending the Start Your Own Business Expo, the most common options are the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream (AUD250), the free eVisitor (subclass 651) for eligible European passport holders, or the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) with a small service fee for other eligible nationalities. Business visitor activities permitted include attending conferences, trade fairs, making business enquiries, and negotiating contracts. Paid work or selling goods directly to the public is not permitted.
hotels
- South Wharf – Closest to MCEC, direct access to Pan Pacific and Novotel.
- Southbank – 10–15 min walk, riverside dining and entertainment.
- Melbourne CBD – 5–20 min by tram or walk, largest choice of hotels.
- Docklands – 10–15 min walk or tram, modern apartments and hotels.
recommended check in: Saturday 1 August 2026 (or Friday 31 July for early setup)
recommended check out: Monday 3 August 2026 (or Sunday 2 August after the expo)
flights
partner url: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au
- Domestic (all Australian cities)
- Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur)
- Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi)
- North America (Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver)
- Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris via connections)
booking notes: Book early for August—winter school holidays and major events can fill flights. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and international carriers serve MEL. Avalon (AVV) is an alternative for Jetstar passengers.
destination airport: Melbourne Airport (MEL)
weather
month: August
packing notes: Warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof jacket, umbrella, and layers. Indoor venues are heated—dress in removable layers. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
temperature range: 6–15°C (43–59°F)
rain or seasonality: Winter; 50–59 mm rainfall over 10–14 days; 5 hours of daily sunshine
transport
parking: Wilson Parking operates 1,060–1,400 undercover spaces at the Exhibition Centre. Entrance off Normanby Road, height limit 2.2m. A$35–50 per day. Additional parking at South Wharf Retail, Siddeley St, Freeway, and Montague St car parks.
ride hail: Uber, Didi, and 13CABS operate throughout Melbourne. Drop-off at Convention Centre Place. Estimated A$15–30 from CBD.
hotel to venue: Most hotels in South Wharf, Southbank, CBD, and Docklands are within a 5–20 minute walk or a short tram ride on routes 96, 109, or 12.
public transit: Trams 96, 109, 12 stop directly outside MCEC (Stop 124A). Trains to Southern Cross or Flinders Street stations, then walk or tram. Free Tram Zone covers the CBD.
airport to venue: SkyBus from Melbourne Airport (T1/T3) to Southern Cross Station (A$17–21, 23 min), then tram 96/109/12 or 10-min walk. Taxi/rideshare A$55–70, ~19 min.
- Confirm event pass and badge details
- Confirm visa and travel documents
- Book flights and hotel
- Shortlist target exhibitors/sessions
- Prepare meeting calendar
itinerary builder
Exhibitor persona
compliance
notes: Detailed exhibitor manual dispatched following stand confirmation.
stand rules url: https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/start-your-own-business
insurance required: Public liability insurance cover (minimum AU$20 million) mandatory.
electrical or safety rules: All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged to Australian standards prior to operation.
lead capture
notes: Official exhibitor portal referenced on site (login required): Exhibitor Login [https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login](https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login)
- [https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login](https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login)
availability status: unknown
recommended followup sla: Follow up all captured leads within 48 hours of show closing.
- Confirm booth package and payment deadlines
- Submit stand design and contractor forms
- Book staff travel and accommodation
- Prepare freight and customs documents
- Prepare lead capture, collateral, and follow-up workflow
freight shipping
notes: MCEC loading dock access via Darling Drive / Normanby Road.
deadline summary: Contact organiser for specific freight bump-in time slots at MCEC loading dock.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (if applicable)
- Delivery docket with stand number
- Public Liability Insurance documentation
official handler: To be confirmed by organiser
Planning
exhibitor
lead capture
notes: Official exhibitor portal referenced on site (login required): Exhibitor Login [https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login](https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/login)
recommended followup sla: Follow up all captured leads within 48 hours of show closing.
- South Wharf Promenade & DFO
- Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex
- Yarra River Promenade
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
best visit day: Saturday 1 August 2026
- South Wharf Promenade
- Goldfields Cafe + Bar
- Crown Riverside Precinct
- Get a myki Card for Public Transport
- SkyBus from the Airport
- Venue Entrances
- Plan for Winter Weather
- Use Contactless Payments
- Arrive Early for Seminars
- Explore South Wharf Precinct
- Use MCEC Facilities
- Franchise Selection
- Startup Enablement
- Educational Seminars
best visit day reasoning: Saturday is opening day with peak exhibitor staffing, full seminar program availability, and maximum networking density across both co-located halls.
Costs
calculator
currency: AUD
per diem usd: 80
booth sqm max: 36
booth sqm min: 6
visa cost usd: 175
- Domestic Return (Sydney to Melbourne)
- Domestic Return (Brisbane to Melbourne)
- International Return (Singapore to Melbourne)
nights default: 3
booth sqm default: 9
insurance cost usd: 150
shell per sqm low usd: 300
shell per sqm high usd: 450
hotel mid per night usd: 160
hotel budget per night usd: 85
hotel premium per night usd: 230
booth prices
notes: Exhibitor pricing is not published on the public website. To receive the latest floor plan and stand pricing, exhibitors must contact the organisers directly via the enquiry form or phone +613 9999 5460.
source: https://www.franchisingexpo.com.au/start-your-own-business
currency: AUD
standard booth sqm: 9
raw space per sqm low: 0
raw space per sqm high: 0
shell scheme per sqm low: 0
shell scheme per sqm high: 0
Decision tools
quiz result config
mode: visit_exhibit_skip
intro: Answer these quick questions to determine whether visiting, exhibiting, or skipping the Start Your Own Business Expo Melbourne 2026 best matches your goals.
- Recommended: Visit as an Attendee
- Recommended: Exhibit with a Stand
- Recommended: Skip This Edition
tie label: Balanced Profile - Consider Both Options
tie description: Your score indicates strong potential for either visiting to scout market trends or exhibiting to capture prospective founders.
Media
- Franchising Expo Melbourne 2026 Hero Banner
- Franchising Expo 2026 Logo
og image url: https://cdn.tradeshowintel.com/assets/tsi_pro/6943b810d27fc58b2b3a9d05/og_1784817059.jpg
hero image url: https://cdn.tradeshowintel.com/assets/tsi_pro/6943b810d27fc58b2b3a9d05/hero_1784817049.jpg
Answers
- Tim Collett
- Fiona Stacey
- Mike Geddes
- Annette Tierney
- James Hucker
Sources
- Franchising Expo News
- Franchising Expo signs new deal with FCA
- Discover the future of franchising at the 2025 Franchising Expo
- Business brokers support new expo for entrepreneurs
- Is 2025 the year you start your own business?
- Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo sparks entrepreneurial excitement!
- Learn from small business leaders and legends!
- Successful Expo signals surge in entrepreneurial enthusiasm!
- Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo returns to Sydney this August
- Learn from Small Business Leaders and Legends!
- Want to start your own business in 2023?
- 15 ways to become an expert exhibitor
- Melbourne Franchising Expo 2026
- Contact Us - Franchising Expo
- Melbourne franchising expo draws record crowds
- Crowds flock back to franchising expo
- Melbourne expo introduces overseas brands
- Expo's one-stop-shop showcases the best of franchising
- Six Filipino franchises secure $20.6 million in sales at Melbourne Expo
- DTI leads PH brands' first participation in Melbourne Franchising Expo, secures USD 20.6M in export sales
- Start Your Own Business Expo Melbourne 2026
- Start Your Own Business Expo Official Site
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre