Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE) concluded successfully today (6 July). This year's MFE saw an improvement in the number of exhibitors and also in the range of activities, as compared to previous years. The organisers say that as a platform of regional cooperation for chain and franchising business, MFE's name is becoming synonymous with role with satisfactory outcomes.
With the slogan "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be Seized", 2014MFE continued MFE’s tradition of promoting international franchising, chain business and brand co-operation by attracting international brands to MFE's exhibition platform in Macau. The aim is to generate more exchange of trade and more business cooperation opportunities for local young business starters and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with enterprises from neighbouring regions.
The level of the international involvement in MFE has been gradually expanding. That was seen at 2014MFE, which attracted enterprises and organisations from a range of countries and regions. That also helped to boost attendance by the general public. The participation of media partners also strengthened the promotion of 2014MFE on a regional basis. Social networking websites and other emerging media helped to attract a substantial number of exhibitors from different fields.
During the three-day event, a total of about 14,000 visits were recorded. With a total exhibition area of 6,000 square metres and 215 booths, the event brought in 167 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. They included Mainland China, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.
Exhibitors covered a variety of industries. Among them were food and beverage merchants, retailers, service professionals, educationalists, strategic planners and marketers, as well as consultants in investment, finance, and real estate.
A total of 1,304 on-site business matching sessions were arranged over the three days of 2014MFE, 16 of them with participants from Portuguese-speaking countries.
To improve exchanges between industries, 2014MFE arranged 14 networking meetings, involving a total of 115 entities. A total of 6 cooperation protocols were also signed at 2014MFE, including agreements on franchise catering, branded chain stores, brand sales agencies, branding promotion and collaborative agreements of governments.
The high degree of professionalism associated with MFE was maintained at this year’s event. It allowed Macao to extend its role as a platform to attract international brands and chain store operators, thus fulfilling the organisers’ aim against the backdrop of a busy and lively event.On-site activities, including free food and beverage tasting provided by some exhibitors, attracted businesspeople as well as the general public.
A series of forums, seminars and presentation sessions during the three-day event provided education and insight into how to seize business opportunities through chain and franchising operations. The Brand Repackaging Pavilion, Franchise Consultancy Service and “One-stop” Service to support enterprises, Franchise Academy, Branding Workshops and Sharing on Franchise Start-up also featured at 2014MFE.
Macao Franchise Expo 2015 (2015MFE) is scheduled to be held in July next year. The next edition will continue to actively promote the franchising business, and collaborate with business communities both at home and abroad to create more prospective business opportunities.
