Don't miss the Melbourne Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo this week at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August. Entry is $15 but pre-register online and receive a free ticket to the show.

More than 80 exhibitors will be showcasing their business, from food franchises such as Baskin Robbins, Muffin Break and Wendy's to mobile opportunities like Fastway Couriers and Jim's Dog Wash, to service franchises such as Brian Tracy International, Minuteman Press and Telcoinabox.

Franchising magazine will be hosting the Franchising Networking Lounge, a great stopping-off point for some refreshments and the chance to talk about franchising issues and concerns.

Bootcamp is always a successful and popular part of the franchising expos as it presents visitors with an opportunity to hear from franchisees themselves about the challenges and achievements of franchising. Bootcamp starts each day at 12.00pm.

A host of speakers will be sharing their expertise in the seminar program; for instance, there are talks about the franchising Code of Conduct and what you need to know before you sign; Diana Williams from Fernwood fitness centres share her vision of surviving the bad times to thrive in the good; Jim Penman, founder of the Jim's Group of franchise networks looks at customer service as the key to growth in a recession; Simon Crowe from Grill'd discusses brand recognition; there are tips on how to approach a bank for finance, a review of whether or not franchising is right for you, marketing seminars and government advice included in the three-day line-up.

Visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au and to register for your complimentary entry enter the code FM.