On second day of the 3-day event, Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) opened to the general public for the first time. Overall turnout was significantly higher than the first day, as trade visitors and the public were incessantly admitted to the venue. A total of 533 business matching sessions were held on 9 July, which resulted in the signing of 7 cooperation protocols. Gimmicks to improve brand awareness On the second day, the MFE has attracted large number of visitors, including a delegation comprised of approximately 300 experts and entrepreneurs from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. At the exhibition venue, some exhibitors devised ingenious schemes to attract attention, for instance, a cartoon design company from Zhuhai decorated its booth as a living room for small children, adorned with its own cartoon characters and children´s furniture. Attracted by booth´s cute design and the cartoon character, a lot of visitors stationed in front of the booth for pictures. Visitors interested in the exhibition content One of the exhibitors, an operator of animal hospital from Taiwan, expects to increase brand awareness through the MFE and conducted an opinion survey to collect market information from the public regarding development perspectives in the pet market, to plan for expansion overseas. Attracted by the unique characteristics of this type of business, many visitors have shown a lot of interest and inquired about initial investment costs, management model and other similar questions. After being briefed on the way the business is conducted, a visitor who happens to be also a pet shop owner, said that this has inspired him to consider combining his pet shop operation with an animal hospital, and would expand his business in that direction. Free food and beverage tasting particularly popular Aiming to create a lively atmosphere, the Organizers have especially devised a food area. Many food and beverage exhibitors offered free tasting, which received enthusiastic response from the visitors. There was from time to time a long queue at the Fujian gourmet booth. After tasting the food there, a visitor said that if branches of that restaurant were opened in Macao, she would certain pay a visit. The person-in-charge of the booth said that the warm response from the food tasting increased his company´s confidence in setting-up shops in Macao in the future. There is also an MFE Plaza at the venue, where visitors can rest and enjoy the food. The floor of the MFE Plaza is covered with imitation Portuguese cobblestones, giving a typical look to that area. Besides, a multi-purpose zone was set-up for the first time this year, where a "Bridal Catwalk Show" was held at 3:00 p.m. Models wearing elegant bridal gowns designed and made in Macao paraded before the public. Several cooperation protocols signed on Day 2 533 business matching sessions were arranged for the second day of the 2011MFE, resulting in the signing of seven cooperation protocols, as follows: franchise agreement on establishment of a food and beverage chain store in Macao, franchise agreement on the setting-up of a branded restaurant in Macao, agency for environmental protection energy saving lighting system, agency for Yunfu marble, agency for an international brand chocolate, and agency for Memorigin Tourbillon watches in Macao. The signing parties come from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and Macao. Larger scale and increased professionalism For the first time, Macao Franchise Expo is staged at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, occupying an area in excess of five thousand square metres. There is an almost 30% increase, both in the number of exhibitors (over 150) and the number of booths (more than 200), as compared with last year. Also, the proportion of overseas exhibitors has increased, this year accounting for 70% of the total. Furthermore, the level of professionalism has also improved, as many famous international and local brands mark their presence. MFE has gradually become an ideal regional cooperation platform for franchise and chain store operations, providing excellent opportunity to young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Only one day remaining, don´t lose the opportunity to visit 2011MFE There is only one day remaining – July 10 (Sunday). Opening hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Organizers have arranged free shuttle bus service for visitors to and from the venue. There are two routes, one departing from Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Iao Hong Branch) and the other one from Avenida do Doutor Mario Soares (Macau Square). The Organizers hope that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises planning to transfer and upgrade their business to grasp this opportunity and visit the MFE. For enquiries, please call the 2011MFE Secretariat at 6212 8811 or visit the following MFE official website: www.mfe.mo
