INDIVIDUALS looking to explore new business prospects can seize the chance to do so at the coming Malaysia International Retail, Franchise and Licensing Fair (MIRF 2016).
Organised by the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), the inaugural fair will take place from March 3 to 6 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.
The fair, themed “Unleashing Borderless Business Opportunities”, aims to highlight new retail franchise licensing opportunities and will be coupled with conferences, workshops and business networking sessions to give a better understanding of the retail scene while opening up new ties.
MIRF 2016 organising chairman Datuk Liew Bin said the event, which will take place in less than two months’ time, had already registered more than 180 franchisors, retailers, licensors and e-tailers, not including overseas participants.
“We expect 250 local and international exhibitors, and there will probably be more than 30,000 visitors,” he said.
On top of workshops, stage activities and product demonstrations throughout the fair, there will also be the MRCA retail conference on March 2 meant specially for trade visitors.
At the conference, visitors will have a glimpse into the world of retail through viewpoints of government bodies, long-time players in the industry and newcomers on the rise.
Some of the topics that will be covered include business frameworks, laws and regulation, retail and franchise as well as stories of successes and mistakes.
Some of the confirmed speakers include SME Corp chief executive officer Datuk Habsah Hashim and entrepreneur Joel Neoh.
Speaking at the exhibitors’ briefing and soft launch of MIRF 2016, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mah Siew Keong said the fair was a must-go as it served as a venue for retailer and consumers to interact, transact and to forge new partnerships and cross-border collaboration.
“It will provide in-depth focus on the next wave of retail, franchising, licensing, technology and engagement between retailers and consumers,” he said.
Mah also said Malaysian companies did not take part enough in events to show off their products.
“Our products and services must be exposed more, and we must be more innovative and eager to take up challenges.”
He said with buyers coming in from overseas, local exhibitors would also find export opportunities at the fair.
MIRF is endorsed by the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and supported by the Tourism and Culture Ministry, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) as well as entrepreneurial and trade bodies from local and abroad.
The booths for MRCA Members are priced from RM4,800 while non-members’ booths are priced from RM5,800 upwards.
Source - http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/smebiz/news/2016/01/15/new-fair-for-retailers-franchisors-international-event-in-march-aims-to-highlight-licensing-opportun/