Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) came to a satisfactory conclusion at 6:00 p.m. today (July 10). The 3-day event achieved satisfactory results, having received overwhelming response from the visitors. As of 3:30 p.m. today, a total of 12,234 admissions was registered. During this year´s MFE, the Organizers have successfully arranged 1,196 business matching sessions, which resulted in the signing of 21 cooperation protocols. 2011MFE is jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store & Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and Japan Franchise Association. The event, which was coordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, took place from July 8 to 10, at Exhibition Hall D of the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel. The theme of this year´s edition of the MFE is "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be Seized". As of 3:30 p.m. today (third day of the event), there was a total of 12,234 visitors, corresponding to a 65% increase over last year. According to the figures collected by the Organizers, improvements were registered in all areas when compared with the previous edition. In this regard, number of exhibitors increased by 27%, to 156. A total of 13 countries/regions participated in the 2011MFE, including Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Macao, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Portugal, the United States of America and Mexico, which showcased their products and services in such diverse areas as food and beverage, retail, services, education, marketing strategy and business consultancy. To accommodate the 32% increase in the number of booths this year, which totalled 206, the area of the venue was accordingly increased by 42%, to 5400 square metres. During the 2011MFE, a total of 1196 business matching sessions were held (last year: 1033), of which 85% were specially arranged for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and business starters, corresponding to a 16% increase over last year.. A total of 21 cooperation protocols were signed (last year: 18),increase 16.7%), including 10 in respect of franchising of food and beverage business, one relating to chain store, 8 for sale agency of international branded products and two connected with brands promotion. Scale of this year´s edition of the MFE was further expanded. Professional level of the event has also been enhanced, with Macao acting as a portal platform to attract international brands and chain store operators to showcase international brands from home and abroad at the 2011MFE, aiming to strengthen exchange and achieve cooperation. According to the figures and the number of visitors collected by the Organizers, this year´s edition of the MFE has achieved the desired results and offered a lively atmosphere at the venue. It is believed that there are several reasons in the increase of the number of visitors, one of which due to the fact that the two days opened to the public fall on a week-end, which facilitated for people to bring along their whole family. The second being that spectacular performances are organized at the multi-purpose area: while showcasing the products, an entertainment flavour was added, which greatly contribute to offer a lively atmosphere. Besides, free food and beverage tasting at the Food and Beverage Area was also one of the main attractions of the 2011MFE. Furthermore, there were several professional presentations and forums, which greatly contributed to inspire the audience to think about starting a franchising business. At the business matching area, an ideal environment was created to facilitate exchange of ideas and to discuss about cooperation opportunities. The Organizers have also provided one-stop service at the venue, to provide consultation services to persons intending to start or develop their own business through franchising. According to the preliminary data collected from a survey conducted on the first two days of the 2011MFE, visitors´ age ranged from 18 to 30 years-old (44%) and from 31 to 45 years (38%). This shows that the MFE has met its objective of creating a platform for potential young entrepreneurs to start their own business. The survey also shows that a majority (85%) of the exhibitors are basically satisfied with the arrangements and planning, and have expressed that they would be interested to participate in editions of the 2011MFE. (most probably: 28%, likely: 69%). At the press briefing this afternoon, Ms. Echo Chan, Acting President of IPIM said that, in view of the yearly increase in the number of exhibitors and the level of internationalization, MFE has gradually become a platform for business ventures, and specially benefits young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, as a means to build brand image and to enhance corporate culture. Ms. Echo Chan said that the Organizers will make use of the experience gained from the organization of the past editions of the MFE, to appropriately articulate with the development of the tourism industry and the adequate diversification of Macao´s economy, and will put more efforts into promoting the local brands to the international markets while attracting at the same time more international brands to invest in Macao. Macao Franchise Expo 2012 will tentatively take place from July 6 to 8 next year, and will continue to actively promote the franchising industry, working hand-in-hand with the local and overseas business communities to create more business opportunities.
