Global Franchising2002 to be Held this Fall in Singapore

Reaffirming the commitment to promote the Franchising industry with a handshake, SES (Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd) and SIFA (Singapore International Franchise Association) have inked an agreement to jointly organize the premier franchising trade event, Global Franchising, for five years. Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of this inaugural joint organization of Global Franchising on 4 February 2002 is Mr Robert Leong, Chairman of SIFA, and Mr Stephen Tan, Chief Executive of SES.

"Co-organising Global Franchising with SES is in line with SIFA's core objectives of supporting and engaging in activities that nurture and develop Singapore's franchise industry in both the domestic and international markets," said Mr Leong. "This partnership creates a win-win situation whereby SIFA can leverage on Global Franchising as the ideal platform to further its objectives, whilst Global Franchising can tap on SIFA's franchise expertise and industry contacts."

Commenting on this partnership with enthusiasm is Mr Stephen Tan of SES, "We are indeed very glad and honoured to have forged this agreement with SIFA. With SIFA's strong support and industry contacts, we are confident that this partnership will enhance the profile of Global Franchising, elevating it to greater heights. This sends out a very strong message to our counterparts in the franchising industry, as well as signals the value of this trade event."

Global Franchising2002
Global Franchising2002 is expected to attract the participation of 220 companies from over 20 countries. Promising another round of franchise galore featuring an assortment of tested-and-proven business concepts and brand names, the trade event anticipates 9,000 trade visitors, of which 20% cme from overseas.

Catering to the needs of both franchisors and franchisees, Global Franchising2002 continues with the tradition of offering a series of value-added programme and concurrent events welcomed by both exhibitors and visitors of the show. Franchise Opportunities Seminars allow exhibitors to present detailed background information and available business opportunities to potential franchisees. Highlighting selected franchise opportunities from various industries, interested franchisees can find out more about products and services, marketing strategies and business formats to make better-informed business decisions.

Brand & Franchise Clinics provides one-to-one business advice to investors/businessmen and entrepreneurs interested in starting a franchise business or expanding their existing franchise operations. A panel of prominent industry consultants will also be present at various times during the show to cover topics relevant to the franchising business.

Paving the way for business partnerships is the Business Matching Programme where potential investors and exhibitors were match-made prior to the show. Also scheduled to return this year is the Franchise Excellence Awards, where the achievements of successful Franchises will be recognised.

Providing a forum within which each properly constituted national Franchise Association in the Asia Pacific Region can share experience and exchange information, SIFA will host the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC) Meeting in conjunction with Global Franchising2002. Apart from meeting counterparts in the franchising industry, participants will also be able to further develop their industry networks as well as share technical know-how on franchising.

To be held in Suntec Singapore from 18-20 September 2002, Global Franchising2002 and its associated conferences or seminars are open to trade and business visitors.