Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) opened to the public starting today (5 July), following a first day for professional visitors. It attracted many local businesspeople and members of the general public. There were a number of activities providing attendees with professional advice on brand packaging and chain operations. There was positive feedback from franchisors and potential franchisees.
Sunday (6 July) is the final day of 2014MFE and is also open to the public. Information on exhibitors can be obtained at the exhibition. Some exhibitors will provide franchising promotions.
As an annual event, MFE has been playing the role of a business platform for exhibitors to seize business opportunities and seek partners for cooperation. MFE's role in promoting franchise development in the regional market has been enhanced this year with more enterprises hoping to expand their market by franchising and more people wishing to start their business through becoming a franchisee.
To better assist the exhibitors and business start-ups, more activities have been organised this year, providing professional consultation services and expert advice.
Events that took place today included a seminar on "Change Package to Create More Value for the Product". Ms. Cynthia Lee, a deluxe packaging designer from Taiwan, shared her experience on how to promote brand value through product packaging and brand features. She explained the package design concepts of several renowned enterprises and the impact of suitable packaging for products.
Participants asked questions regarding package design, storage and logistics as well as materials. Ms. Cynthia Lee said that each product was likely to have its own packaging design according to the product's needs.
She added that it is easy to reach Macao by overland route from Zhuhai in Mainland China, and therefore it should be easy to deliver tailor-made packaging to Macao. She also pointed out that a trademark usable by products of local enterprises, should be specifically designed for Macao. That would also help overseas consumers and buyers easily locate Macao products and have the effect of making "Made in Macao" a recognised brand.
The Macao Ideas, the Macao Products Display Centre, also held a seminar on "Exploring of Macao Branded Products Networking" this afternoon. There is a total of 112 exhibitors in Macao Ideas, of which several food and beverage exhibitors from Macao participated in this event. There were product-tasting events open to all.
The "Brand Repackaging Consultancy Service" and the "Franchise Consultancy Service" also featured at MFE this year. Participants considered these services of great help in solving inquiries on chain operations via professional tailor-made advice from experts. Such support helps enterprises consider and plan their own franchising and chain operations. People intending to become a franchisee can also acquire information on matters needing attention before stepping into that field.
Co-organised with the Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association, the "Franchise Academy" was held this afternoon. The event invited professionals to share their experience and insights, introducing relevant information on preparations for starting a business. That includes legal knowledge, information on financing and business promotion, and market trends. The event helped prepare business starters for their future path.
A total of 826 matching sessions as well as 8 group matching sessions (with the participation of 67 organisations) were successfully held today, the second day of 2014MFE.
The day saw good attendances at the expo, with visitors offered promotions by local exhibitors as well food and beverage tasting. Promotions included franchise owners offering a franchise fee below 10,000 patacas People intending to start their business may seize the business opportunities according to their interests and conditions.
On the final day, 6 July, a session called "Franchise Start-up - I Am Boss”, as well as the brand repackaging and franchise consultancy services from the previous days. The new session will include people sharing their experience, of the joys and challenges of starting a business.
On Sunday a lucky draw session will be held. And from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Macao's São Paulo Sports Association will hold a demonstration of football technical skills at 2014MFE.
Macao residents are welcomed to attend the final day. A shuttle bus service will be available between downtown Macao and the 2014MFE venue. For more details, please visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo
