Franchising confab opens today

MANILA, Philippines - The two-day Franchise 2009, the 17th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo (PIFCE), the biggest international franchise show in the country, starts today at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

Mounted by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) with the theme “Thriving and Growing Amidst Global Challenges,” Franchise 2009 highlights the unlimited opportunities in franchising despite the economic slowdown.

Keynote speaker is former Senator Vicente Paterno, chairman of the board of Philippine Seven Corp. on “Leadership: Inspiring and Sustaining a Great Performance”, while Lin Deres, PIFCE 2009 overall chairman and franchise relations manager of Goldilocks, will give an overview of the conference.

Other speakers are: Dr. Bernardo Villegas, of the University of Asia and the Pacific, on “Philippine Economic and Business Outlook: 2^nd half of 2009 and 2010; Samie Lim, PFA chairman emeritus, on “Spotting Opportunities in Today’s Environment.”

Cheryl Babcock, founding director, International Institute for Franchise Education, USA on the “Basics of International Expansion;” Josiah L. Go, foremost marketing strategist, on “Market-Driving Strategies”, and Greg Nathan, managing director, Franchise Relations Institute Australia on “How to Get Franchisee Buy-In to New Initiatives” who will also facilitate the Franchise Relationship Clinics, a special feature of Franchise 2009.

PIFCE 2009 also includes the three-day Expo on July 3-5 at the SMX Convention Center; Australia’s noted franchise expert Greg Nathan will also conduct a franchise relationship clinic on July 3 at the SMX Convention Center.