Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures, and this is why 2021 will see Austria’s Franchise Fair and Germany’s Franchise Expo Frankfurt banding together for the first time to run the only, and largest, franchise expo (FEX21) in the German-speaking world.
A hybrid edition of FEX21 will be taking place 4-6 November live in Frankfurt, and simultaneously broadcast online.
The focus of the organisers of both fairs has always been on creating a unique meeting place for the entire franchise scene, for the equal enjoyment of exhibitors and delegates, and this was certainly the case at Expo 2019, which managed to showcase 150 international brands to 3,000 visitors from 54 countries. An exclusively online edition followed the year after, and this year’s combination of real-world and virtual events is intended to ensure that the fair actually takes place, for one thing, as well as making sure that all those involved have access to a wide range of options to participate.
In these extraordinary times, the franchise sector has both experienced further consolidation and continued to expand well, as is shown by figures from the Österreichischer Franchiseverband (ÖFV; Austrian Franchise Association):
There are some 480 franchise systems in operation on the Austrian market, with a total of 9,400 franchisees at 11,700 locations, and franchising is enjoying increasing popularity as an attractive form of self-employment.
About the Expo
Contributors will include well-known brands such as McDonald´s, Triumph, Leonidas, Bodystreet, Ankerbrot and Burgerista, along with fledgling systems like Biogena and storebox. Visitors will find successful brands from all sectors and at every investment level, and the list of exhibitors is being constantly updated on the event website.
The fair is aimed at anyone considering going it alone as a franchisee, companies wishing to expand, investors, and the franchise scene as a whole.
© MFV/Roland Unger
