Irish franchise exhibition dates announced

The Irish Franchise Association has announced that it is intending to build on the success of The Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO and Awards 2010 by running an even larger and more professional event next year.

Next year's event will take place on the 25th and 26th of February 2011 at Croke Park Dublin and will present an array of franchise opportunities; both existing and new concepts while maintaining a strong focus on business format franchising. The EXPO will also feature educational seminars covering all aspects of franchising from legal matters to finance with interesting case studies and strong strategic management advice.

It is intended that the Irish Franchise EXPO in 2011 will introduce a new international village concept where international franchisors, which are looking to recruit suitable Master Franchises for Ireland, will exhibit. New workshops will also be introduced and a separate seminar area as well as private break out rooms for franchisors and prospective franchise owners to discuss the opportunities will also be made available.

David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association, said: "As with last year's exhibition, this EXPO is being run purely on a not for profit basis and any excess funds generated will be reinvested back into the franchise sector to assist our voluntary body deliver on our mission of promoting and developing best practice franchising in Ireland and creating an environment within which franchising can grow. We strongly appeal to the incumbent franchisors to get behind this initiative and give it their full support. The success of this important event will ensure that the Irish Franchise Association has the necessary resources to continue to promote the development of our sector over the coming years."