THE Middle East Franchise Expo, the region’s premier franchising event, will be organised by the Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association (Menafa) and held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Convention Centre in Dubai on October 21 and 22. 

The event is supported by the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Local and international brands, products and services of over 80 companies will be showcased, alongside workshops, networking opportunities and Meet the Buyer meetings.

Over the two days, more than 500 delegates will have the opportunity to attend as prospective development partners. Using the highly successful format of World Franchise Forums, the Menafa Expo focuses on bringing together many high-networth investors and franchisors interested in building successful international and national networks.

A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of the ‘Menafa Awards for Excellence in Franchising’. The categories will include Best ME Multi-Brand Operator, Best ME Master Franchisee Operator, Best ME Franchise Brand and Best ME Franchise Professional.

“We are delighted to manage the expo on behalf of Menafa using our highly successful format from our international franchise forums over the last five years,” said Kit Brinkley, director of World Franchise Associates (WFA), the renowned franchise consultants.  “As the principal sponsors of the event we are bringing together franchisors and investors on a common platform, offering them an unrivalled opportunity to meet to do business.  In addition we will provide real depth and diversity through high-level brand presentations and workshops to ensure that everyone benefits.”

Among the topics to be covered at the convention will be: Trends and Opportunities in Franchising, Choosing the Right Franchise, ABC of Successful Franchising, Franchise Legal and Regulatory Requirements, Best Practice for National and International Expansion, Women in Franchising, eCommerce and Social Media and Shopping Mall Developments.

The organisers have urged registered visitors to sign up for one to one meetings with franchisors and senior brand representatives to discuss their investment and business aspirations. 

“The Menafa Middle East Franchise Expo is a must for anyone involved or interested in franchising, from potential franchisees and investors to government organisations wishing to support the industry,” said Sary Hamway, director of WFA. 

The Middle East Franchise Expo will create networking opportunities with franchise professionals from across the world, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate established franchise brands from the US, Europe and the Middle East. Among the franchised business sectors represented at the expo will be food and beverage, retail, service, B2B and B2C.

The 2014 Middle East Franchise Expo is being held under the royal patronage of His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled Al-Saud, honorary chairman of Menafa.

Menafa is a membership organisation of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.  It works to build strong franchise businesses in every Middle Eastern and North African country with the goal of delivering comprehensive resources for effective franchise business in the Middle East and North Africa.

World Franchise Associates is a renowned consultancy which enables franchisors to enter international markets for area-development, multi-unit, master and multi-country agreements. In 2013 the consultancy secured country and area development agreements for 19 brands covering 52 markets and commitments to 257 locations. WFA has offices in Chicago, London, Cologne, Valencia, Moscow, Dubai, Riyadh, Manama and Lahore.