MANILA, Philippines – The much-awaited Franchise Expo 2010 kicks off at the SMX Convention Center at 9:30 a.m. today (July 16), with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis leading the business community in the opening rites.
Ortiz will be joined by Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) chairman emeritus Samie Lim, chairman Robert Trota, vice chair Bing Sibal-Limjoco, president Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta, and Synergy Franchise Development Inc. president and founder Christopher Simnick and the Binibining Pilipinas beauties.
Subsequently, they will lead the exhibitors and guests in a tour of the exhibits and parade of colors and mascots, with Orbeta formally declaring the opening of the Franchise Expo 2010 amid a shower of confetti.
Constituting the expo are exhibits and seminars and other exciting activities that run up to Sunday, (July 18). The exhibits comprise food and non-food franchises, with various others showcased in the international pavilion, IT digital section, Franchise Village, and special areas for new business ideas under incubation, micro/food carts and emerging concepts, women entrepreneurs, suppliers and allied services, sponsors, partner organizations, academe, and media partners.
Occupying some 10,000 square meters of exhibit space, the expo is this year’s biggest franchise event in Asia, highlighting the country’s amazing economic turnaround since the onset of the global financial crunch in 2008.
The expo is expected to attract some 30,000 visitors eager to join the fast-growing franchise industry, which can post up to 30-percent growth in sales this year. Providing a sneak preview of the Franchise Asia 2011 slated in Manila on Sept. 21-25 next year, Franchise Expo 2010 includes seminars on investing in franchise wisely, international franchise opportunities, and how to franchise one’s business.
The seminars will be held during the expo’s three-day run and includes such other exciting activities as business networking, Negosem sa Franchise 2010 by Go Negosyo, launch of the book “Franchise Your Way to Business”, and the staging of the “Franchise Power Fashion Show” as a major attraction.
The fashion show will feature prominent franchisors donning and parading the handwoven Barong Tagalog products of Kalibo weavers and the masterful creations of couturier Michelle Varela-Lim of retail boutique Okasyon.
On the other hand, the Franchise Your Way to Business will be launched at the expo stage area on Saturday at 4:40 p.m. This “bookazine” is published by Entrepreneur Philippines in partnership with the PFA to inspire readers to join the franchising bandwagon and do their part in economic development and nationbuilding.
Organized by the PFA, the expo is designed for new entrepreneurs, budding enterprises, and established small and medium enterprises eyeing new areas for business expansion.
Now on its 18th year, Franchise Expo’s theme for 2010 is “Getting Ready for the World”, which highlights the Philippines’ important role in global franchising.
For details and special admission rates, visit www.franchise2010.com or inquire at the PFA secretariat (tel. (02) 6870365 to 67, 09178320731, or e-mail pfa@pfa.org.ph). Other information on the expo can be obtained from exhibit management team Global Link MP Events (tel. (02) 750-8588 or e-mail franchise@globallinkmp.com).