Delegates from the member-nations of the World Franchise Council (WFC) and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC) converge in Manila this September to chart the future of global franchising.

To date, 24 member-country associations have confirmed attendance to the Manila event, namely: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and USA as well as the European Franchise Federation according to Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) president.

“The global franchising community has given our country the rare honor of hosting anew the twin WFC-APFC meetings. We won the won the bid to host the meetings in Malaysia in 2008 as a result of the concerted efforts of the domestic franchising sector,” Orbeta said, who sits as chairman of Wendy’s Philippines. “In particular, PFA officials led by incoming WFC chair Samie Lim, PFA chairman Robert F. Trota, and Franchise Asia 2011 chairman Bing Sibal-Limjoco worked hard to present the Philippines as a trade and tourism investment powerhouse in Asia.”

Lim, who is also PFA chairman emeritus, said “Manila gathers together the most important figures in international franchising and business to further shape and strengthen franchising’s contributions to the economies of Asia and the world. In the last WFC meeting in Berlin, there was a collective agreement and declaration among member-nations that franchising would continue to fuel the economic activity of developed and newly-industrialized countries.”

“Likewise, our event would catalyze better international cooperation among players and stakeholders towards the protection and promotion of franchising worldwide,” Lim added. “Indeed, with these high-level meetings under Franchise Asia 2011, the sector is upbeat and optimistic in setting another milestone in the global franchising arena!”

Co-presented by PLDT SME Nation and PLDT Alpha Enterprise, the four-in-one event is headlined by the WFC and APFC meetings. Featuring an international conference, franchise expo, and educational seminars, Franchise Asia 2011 will take place from September 19-25 at the SMX Convention Center.

Limjoco, concurrent PFA vice chair said, “We have designed the event as an international platform and showcase for the best Asian franchise brands & companies in keeping with our theme “Asia to the World ● The World to Asia.”

“As the acknowledged “Franchise Hub of Asia,” we envision the event to further underscore the enviable position of the Philippines as the gateway for international and homegrown brands to reach the 600 million ASEAN market,” Limjoco adds.

Jollibee Foods Corporation chair and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong; Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation International senior vice president Jeff Welch; and 7-Eleven International senior vice president Chris Tanco lead the powerhouse roster of speakers for Franchise Asia 2011.
In particular, international conference features: (a) case presentations of industry leaders on “The Making of Successful Brands” to be led by Tan Caktiong, Jeff Welch and Tanco; (b) business leaders’ fora on the “Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the developed economies and the emerging and growth regions”; (c) panel of experts on issues affecting the growth and development of the franchising sector such as “Sustaining the Triple Bottomline and the Use of the Social Media for enhanced Profitability.”

Limjoco added that the “presence of high caliber speakers from different business disciplines would make for informed and robust discussions that would greatly benefit franchisors, franchisees and entrepreneurs attending Franchise Asia 2011.”

Meanwhile, the international franchise expo is a one-stop shop for the best business opportunities ranging from established and successful brands to new and promising franchise concepts – in food, retail and service – both homegrown and international. With almost 10,000 square meters in exhibit area, the expo will showcase around 500 booth spaces to world-class exhibitors. A showcase of country pavilions from the U.S., Europe and Asian countries will complement other features of the expo, which is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors.

Franchise Asia 2011 is supported by the following Platinum Sponsors: Hewlett-Packard, BPI Family Bank Ka-Negosyo; Philippine National Bank; and Caltex. The Gold Sponsors include: 7-Eleven; Max’s Restaurant; Max’s Corner Bakery; Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; Bodega Site; Hungry Juan; Monterey Meatshop; Magnolia Chicken Station; and Quali Plus International.

The Silver Sponsors are as follows: Goldilocks; Seaoil: Aquabest; HBC; and Francorp Philippines. Meantime, the Bronze Sponsors are: The Generics Pharmacy; Jollibee; McDonalds Philippines; PR Gaz Haus; Mister Donut; Pepsi; Crystal Clear; Bibingkinitan; Manels; Banco De Oro; and Corporate Pisanti

Mall Partners include: SM Supermalls; Robinsons Malls; and Tri Noma. Media Partners: Philippine Daily Inquirer; The Philippine Star; Manila Bulletin; Business World; Business Mirror; Entrepreneur Philippines; and Inquirer.net. The Web Partner is Mindgate Systems Inc. while the Official Printer is AM Cleofe Prints. Hotel Partners are: Manila Hotel; Microtel; Century Park Hotel; and Diamond Hotel.

To know more about the event, visit http://www.franchiseasia2011.com.ph or www.pfa.org.ph and register on-line for special admission rates. Other details can be obtained from the PFA Secretariat at tel. nos. (02) 687-0365 to 67; (02) 798-2543; 0917-8320731, or e-mail pfa@pfa.org.ph. For more information on the Expo, call the exhibit management team Global Link MP Events at (02) 750-8588; 0917-8320732 or e-mail franchise@globallinkmp.com.