Franchise Asia Phl opens today

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will take center stage in the global franchising industry this week when Franchise Asia Philippines 2014 opens its gates to about 500 exhibitors and over 50,000 attendees, including business experts, and trade buyers, making it the biggest, grandest and most anticipated franchising event in the world this year.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) gathered the best minds in the industry to head the different committees and subcommittees and ensure that the 4-in-1 event will be another global spectacle and follow the success of the Franchise Asia 2011,  2012 and 2013, which gave the Philippines, through PFA, the honor to host the convergence of the top leaders in the international franchise community and the record-breaking International Franchise Conference and International Franchise Expo.

The week-long event started with the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program on July 14 and 15 at the AIM Conference Center Makati with noted franchise relations expert Greg Nathan, CFE, who conducted Module I of the program. The CFE Program is a mini-MBA professional development program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of franchise professionals.

Festivities will then shift to the SMX Convention Center starting today (Wednesday) with the International Franchise Conference from July 16 to 17.

Among the topics to be discussed at the two-day International Conference are:  The Philippines Amidst Asean Integration; The Next Phase of Retail Innovations That Will Change How Consumers Shop; International Retail and Shopping Trends: Making Things Personal; Conquering the Global Market with Your Brand;  CEO Forum: Leadership Styles and Growth Strategies; Clicks and Bricks in Today’s Retailing; and the Psychology of Healthy Franchise Relationships.

For inquiries, call the PFA secretariat at (632) 687-0365 to 67 or (63917) 832-0732, or e-mail [email protected] (general inquiries); [email protected] (CFE), [email protected] (conference) or [email protected] (expo).

After that will be the International Franchise Expo on July 18 to 20, the biggest franchise showcase in the world today with almost 10,000 square meters in exhibit area, covering all four halls of the SMX Convention Center.   It will showcase the best unlimited business opportunities ranging from established and successful brands – both local and international – to new and promising franchise concepts covering every sector at various investment levels.

About 500 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees are expected at the expo, which is also highlighted by special areas of interest, among them the Petro and Energy  Pavilion, where petroleum and related businesses will be exhibited; successful franchise brands in the food, retail and service sector that have penetrated foreign markets; international brands looking at the Philippines as market for expansion and as an entry to the Asean Market; and allied services supplying franchises in the country as well.