Six major franchise conferences are heading to Cairns in 2026, bringing 3,450 delegates to Tropical North Queensland. Among them is the Body Fit Conference, returning to the region for a second consecutive year.
Since hosting the National Franchise Convention in May 2024, Cairns has secured 13 franchise events representing over 6,000 delegates and generating A$27 million (US$19.5 million) for the local economy. The city has attracted a diverse mix of sectors – including gyms, builders, pharmacies, and food outlets – with event sizes ranging from 75 to 1,000 attendees.
“The ease of getting to Cairns from any Australian destination, New Zealand and South-east Asia, and then travelling just 10 minutes from the airport to city accommodation is attractive to busy franchise owners,” said Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s general manager of partnerships and events, Tara Bennett.
“More than 20 per cent of delegates extend their stay and meeting organisers tell us that the destination’s appeal is a significant factor in their marketing,” she added.
The compact footprint of Cairns allows major brands to conduct full city takeovers, while offering unique offsite venues for events such as Hemingway’s Brewery, The Tanks Arts Centre, and a repurposed timber mill.
Among the 2026 lineup, the Carpet Court Australia Conference brought 600 delegates for an educational programme and exhibition at the Cairns Convention Centre and Crystalbrook Flynn.
To maximise engagement, event organiser Rebecca Sullivan from Impact noted that delegates were given a midweek break to absorb the content. “This was one of the most repeated positives in the event’s feedback, with delegates heading to the Great Barrier Reef, joining a coach trip for a day out in Port Douglas, or golfing at Yorkeys Knob,” Sullivan shared.
