Due to COVID and the global pandemic, the Austrian Franchise Exhibition and Franchise Expo Frankfurt have come together in 2021 to form the single largest German-speaking franchise exhibition.
Content Partnership*
In association with other German and European franchise associations, this will prove to be the single largest franchise expo in the German-speaking region of Europe. The expo will follow a hybrid format, allowing for a mix of digital and physical events to guarantee that the entire expo will run without any canceled events.
“We know that these are special and challenging times for everyone. Now we are already looking forward to the hybrid edition this year and to meet again in person in Frankfurt while complying with all the regulations that might be valid in November 2021. We believe, that we can realize a physical show,” says Tom Portesy from MFV Expositions / Comexposium.
With the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the global pandemic, it has never been more important to work together and adapt to the new surroundings organizations find themselves in.
“From the beginning in 2018 the German Franchise Association has supported MFV Comexposium in its activities to build a strong Franchise Expo in Frankfurt (FEX), Germany. The reason is that we as the leading institution for franchising in Germany, of course, endorse activities which contribute to underline the importance and strength of our sector on the one hand.” says Torben Brodersen, general secretary of the German Franchise Association, “On the other side the FEX is a perfect and efficient platform to support our members to network with potential franchisees. We are very happy – after a digital FEX edition in 2020 – to have a physical FEX21 this year again.”
Passion for the franchising space led to both organizations discussing how they can pool resources to put on the best franchise expo. The last physical exhibition in 2019 saw huge attendance, with 3,000 attendees from 54 countries, making their way through 150 brands presenting on the show floor. After an online-only expo last year, the conditions are more conducive to a hybrid approach with eased restrictions and a year of learning to put into place.
“A high degree of innovation and a partnership on equal terms within the systems is not only evident in times of crisis but has gained even more importance. We are so pleased that the merger of the Austrian franchise fair with the Franchise Expo Frankfurt to form the biggest event for the franchise industry on the German-speaking market is taking place and that the hybrid concept will bring certainty and a way forward,” said Barbara Steiner, general secretary of the Austrian Franchise Association.
AT A GLANCE
Where: Frankfurt & Online
When: Nov 4-6
Contact: carina.felzmann@comexposium.com
