The best business minds and the biggest showcase of franchise investment opportunities will headline Franchise Asia Philippines (FAP) 2012, as Asia’s premier 4-in1 event takes center stage on July 25 – 29 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This was announced by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), the country’s pioneer and largest franchise association, organizer of the event.

Co-presented by PLDT SME Nation, PLDT Alpha Enterprise and BPI Family Savings Bank, FAP2012 is Asia’s biggest franchise show topbilled by its four events: the International Franchise Conference on July 25 and 26; the three-day International Franchise Expo on July 27-29; Franchise Seminars simultaneous with the Expo; and, the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program on July 23 and 24 at the AIM Conference Center Makati.

PFA President Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta is inviting all franchise enthusiasts to the show and explore the latest opportunities in franchising. “FAP2012 is an evolution of the annual Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo, and last year’s milestone international event Franchise Asia 2011, which gave our country, through PFA, the honor of hosting the convergence of the top leaders in the international franchise community, aside from holding a record-breaking International Franchise Conference and International Franchise Expo,” Orbeta said.

Unlimited investment opportunities – from around 500 booths, covering all sectors at various investment levels – is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors in the Expo. “The International Franchise Expo is a one-stop-shop which also serves as an excellent venue to network with suppliers as well as form new joint business partnerships. Through the years, we have made it to be the trendsetting benchmark in the country’s trade shows, and this year we are making the event more exciting with the inclusion of a PetroBusiness Pavilion, which will offer opportunities in the petroleum and related business,” reveals Orbeta.

Orbeta, who is also the Chairman of Wendy’s Philippines, added that FAP2012, through a powerhouse team comprising the Organizing Committee, will bring together more than 30 speakers from the best minds in franchising and related industries to present the latest trends and developments in the sector.

The two-day International Conference sets the tempo as it opens the annual event on July 25 and 26, offering empowering sessions from renowned experts – both from the Philippines and abroad – who will share their expertise and vast experiences on addressing some of the most challenging issues in today’s business landscape, and thus provide sound business practices, practical tips and tools to help the franchising business stay ahead in today’s increasingly complex and ever-changing business environment. Among the topics to be discussed in the plenary are Global Franchising Trends and Developments; Shopper Trends and Evolving Consumer Behavior; Translating your Brand Personality into your Store Look; Using Innovative Solutions to Grow and Manage Your Business; “The Customer is King” – Using This Simple Principle to Improve Business Performance; Managing Multiple Brands: Benefits and Advantages; Managing and Profiting from Digital and Mobile Marketing; and, many more.

Adding excitement to the Conference are the Breakout Sessions where thoughtful discussions and lively exchange of ideas transpire within industry peers. Among the topics featured are Running a Family Business; Location, Location, Location; Putting Premium in Your Brand; Bring Out the Best in Your People; Managing Profitability; Going International; Access to Financing; Supply Management; and, Exploring Career Opportunities in Franchising.

On July 27 to 29, the International Franchise Expo will showcase the best unlimited business opportunities ranging from established and successful brands – both local and international – to new and promising franchise concepts covering every sector at various investment levels. The biggest franchise showcase in Asia with almost 10,000 square meters in exhibit area, covering all four halls of the SMX Convention Center, the Expo – aside from a wide range of local and international franchise brands – is also highlighted by special areas of interest, among them the PetroBusiness Pavilion, Incubation and Emerging Concepts Area, International Suppliers and Allied Services, Tindahang Pinoy: The Best of the Philippines, and many more.

The Expo also provides another learning venue through the Franchise Seminars. Three seminars will be conducted to serve as a forum for business matching between franchisors and franchisees – “Master Franchising 101: International Franchise Opportunity” for local investors who want to be a master franchisee, an area developer or a partner of a foreign brand on July 27; and, the How to Franchise your Business” for micro, small or medium enterprise owners who want to expand their business through franchising, and “How to Invest in the Right Franchise” for would-be franchisees, both on July 28 and 29.

Another highlight of the annual show is the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program on July 23 and 24 at the AIM Conference Center Makati. The CFE Program is a mini-MBA professional development program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of franchise professionals. As the first to be accredited by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) to offer the program outside the US, PFA has already produced 48 Filipino CFE graduates, and currently has over 50 enrollees from the country and nearby Asian neighbors, further boosting the Philippines’ esteemed professional standing in the international franchise community.

FAP2012 is supported by the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation, with Caltex, Philippine Seven Corp. (7-Eleven), Magnolia Chicken Station, Hungry Juan, Monterey, Qualiplus, Coca-Cola, Max’s Restaurant, Max’s Corner Bakery, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Seaoil Philippines, Potato Corner, Tea 101, Pepsi Cola, Francorp Philippines, Aqua Best, The Generics Pharmacy, PR Gaz Haus, Mister Donut, Meralco, Bibingkinitan, Liloan Pride Liempo, Crystal Clear, HP (Hewlett-Packard Phils. Corp.), Corporate Pisanti, Ayala Malls, Robinson’s Malls, SM Supermalls, Trinoma, ANC, Entrepreneur Philippines, the Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Panay News, RJ 100, 88DD.Com, Mindgate Systems, AM Cleofe Prints and Go Negosyo.

To know more about the event, visit www.franchiseasiaphl2012.com.ph and register on-line for special admission rates. Other details can be obtained from the PFA Secretariat at tel. nos. (02) 6870365 to 67, 09178320731, or e-mail pfa@pfa.org.ph. For more information on the Expo, call the exhibit management team Global Link MP Events at (02) 750-8588 or e-mail franchise@globallinkmp.com.