More than 60 exhibitors, 75 speakers, leading franchise brands and 1,600 attendees are expected at Due Drop Events Centre this September.
The New Zealand Franchise & Small Business Expo will bring business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, franchise buyers, advisers and business suppliers together in Auckland for 2 days dedicated to starting, owning and growing a business.
Visitors can choose from 93 workshops, seminars, demonstrations, panel discussions and hosted roundtables.
The programme tackles the issues worrying business owners right now: cash flow, finance, AI, marketing, sales, staffing, leadership, productivity, health and safety, succession planning and preparing a business for sale.
Co-founder and Exhibition Director Rachel Hobbs-Price says the Expo has been built around the real decisions business owners are making every day.
“Running a business means making decisions constantly, often with half the information and very little spare time,” says Hobbs-Price.
“We’ve brought together people who can answer specific questions, demonstrate useful tools and share what they know from running and advising businesses themselves.”
“Our aim is simple. We want visitors to leave with something they can actually use.”
Former National Party leader and Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges will open the business programme.
Hon. Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, will officially open the Expo.
Other speakers include former Food and Grocery Council chief executive Katherine Rich, AI New Zealand founder Justin Flitter, NZ Businesswomen chief executive Carolyn Banks, Icehouse CEO Olivia Blaylock and Business Mentors New Zealand CEO Sarah Trotman.
Sessions include:
- Everyone Has AI. The Difference Is You
- The Assumption Trap
- Built to Sell, Not Just to Survive
- Why Not You? Leadership, Business Ownership and the Courage to Back Yourself
- The People Advantage
- The Trust Economy
- Investing in Your Business: Where to Spend Your Dollar to Grow
Visitors can also join small hosted roundtable discussions, see business tools and services demonstrated live, take part in speedy networking and attend the Friday evening networking function.
For people considering buying a franchise, the Expo is a chance to compare opportunities and meet franchisors face to face before making a major financial decision.
The Expo is supported by the Auckland Business Chamber, the Franchise Association of New Zealand and Franchise New Zealand. ASB is sponsoring the NextWork main stage, and Zoho is the event technology partner.
Entry to the Expo and all 93 business sessions is free. Attendance numbers are capped and registration is essential.
Registered visitors can use the event platform to build a personal agenda, arrange meetings and apply for limited-capacity roundtable sessions.
One registered attendee will also win a 5-night stay for 2 at Edgewater Resort & Spa in Rarotonga.
Event details
New Zealand Franchise & Small Business Expo
Friday 18 September 2026, 9am–5pm
Saturday 19 September 2026, 9am–4pm
Due Drop Events Centre, Auckland
Free parking
Free entry, registration essential
Register and view the full programme at expo.nzsme.co.nz.
Media enquiries
Rachel Hobbs-Price
Co-founder and Exhibition Director
New Zealand Franchise & Small Business Expo
[email protected]
