Franchise Asia expo seen to draw record-breaking attendance

MANILA, Philippines - The franchising world will focus anew on the Philippines next month when it stages Franchise Asia Philippines  2013, touted as the region’s biggest and grandest four-in-one franchising event consisting of the international franchise expo and conference, the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program, and educational/franchise seminars.

Organized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), this year’s franchise show is expected  to achieve record-breaking numbers anew.

“As the voice of Philippine franchising, PFA has always strived to put the franchising sector where it is now—among the global frontrunners in franchising,” said PFA president and Wendy’s chairman Yvette Pardo-Orbeta. Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 will be held on July 17 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center.

Co-presented by BPI Family Ka-negosyo, PLDT SME Nation and Sun Cellular, Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 will feature a two-day international franchise conference on July 17-18 which will highlight the latest trends and developments in international franchising; three-day international franchise expo on July 19-21; franchise educational seminars on July 19-21; and, the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program on July 15-16.

Sponsored by 7-Eleven, Hungry Juan, Seaoil, Meralco, San Mig Food Avenue, Smokeys, Quali Plus International, Max’s Restaurant, Mister Donut, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., Phoenix, Francorp Philippines, Pepsi, Crystal Clear, The Generics Pharmacy, Bibingkinitan, PR Gaz, Hewlett Packard Philippines, Wendy’s Philippines, Blooming Ventures Inc., Philippine Business Bank and Corporate Pisanti, this year’s banner theme â€œAsia to the World, The World to Asia: Driving Growth Towards a Philippine Tiger Economy” highlights the positive economic outlook in Asia especially the Philippines, which, according to economists is now an economic success and on the road to becoming a tiger economy and a preferred investment destination in Asia soon.

“This year’s line up of speakers at the international conference will present local and international franchise experts and gurus,” said Franchise Asia Philippines 2013 overall chairman Franklin Go.  “No less than Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima will keynote the event,” Go added.  Online registration is now available at www.franchiseasiaphl2013.com.ph; www.pfa.org.ph. . Early bird for the conference (PFA member-P6,500.00; Non-PFA member-P7,650; international rate-¢180) is on or before June 15.

The three-day one-stop-shop international franchise expo is expected to gather over 50,000 visitors to the SMX Convention Center to personally inquire about the business opportunities on the food, retail and service sectors being showcased by some 500 home-grown brands, both emerging and successful, and international brands that desire to penetrate the Philippine market.

The expo highlights a one-stop-shop-special feature that includes a petro and energy pavilion, where petroleum and related businesses will be exhibited; successful franchise brand in the food, retail and service sector that have penetrated both the domestic and 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.

The franchise expo will also feature an incubation area, where micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with high franchise success potentials will showcase their products and services. Likewise included in the area are various emerging business opportunities such as micro food carts.