“The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition Concludes its Proceedings with Success”

The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition successfully concluded its proceedings on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at the HELEXPO PALACE in Athens.

Despite the international financial crisis that has also affected our country, visitor attendance (from Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, U.K, USA and Venezuela) was overall more than satisfactory, as it exceeded all expectations and reached last year’s numbers. Greek investors showed intense interest, as they are in search of a business opportunity that will take them out of the dead-end, and will open up new entrepreneurial horizons.

As the majority of exhibitors stated, the expo was one of the most successful editions they have participated in regards to the quality of visitors - investors. Following 4 days of conversation with prospect investors they are anticipating many lucrative deals to be made.

The exhibition hosted a significant number of both Greek and International franchise chains that presented their concepts to the investing public that visited it. This year’s expo hosted concepts from France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Turkey and Russia.

The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition 2010 was organized under the auspices of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce, the Franchise Association of Greece, the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the European Franchise Federation (EFF).

KEM’s upcoming exhibitions have been programmed as follows:

• 9th ΚΕΜ Franchise Exhibition of Northern Greece - November 5-7, 2010 (HYATT REGENCY, Salonica)
• 13th ΚΕΜ International Franchise Exhibition  2011 – February 25 – 28 2011
(HELEXPO PALACE, Athens)

“ 

“ΚΕΜ Honors Former Minister, Mr. Ch. Folias for his 12-Year Contribution to Franchising”  He Inaugurated the KEM Expo along with N.C.H.C. & A.C.C.I. Presidents, Mr. Korkidis and Mr.Mihalos                                                                 

The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition was inaugurated on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at the HELEXPO PALACE in Athens, in the presence of the country’s business community.
Visitor attendance was overall more than satisfactory, as it reached last year’s numbers.

This year, KEM honored former Minister, Mr. Ch. Folias for his overall contribution to the franchising sector and his support to KEM’s efforts all these years in promoting and strengthening the sector.
The inauguration ceremony was realized by Mr. Folias, along with the President of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce, Mr. B. Korkidis and the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. K. Mihalos.
The Expo was also greeted by the President of the Hellenic Franchise Association, Mr. Iliadis. Also, present at the inauguration ceremony was the Secretary General of the Italian Franchise Association, Mr. Bussoli.

Former Minister, Mr. Folias, during his speech said. “…this is an overwhelming moment…we grew up with franchising…it is my natural duty to offer all I can to the sector…”. And he continued by saying, “It is at these times that our country is going through a crisis, due to the international financial crisis, that franchising offers opportunities. By choosing the appropriate investment form, we can even today revitalize the marketplace…”.
The President of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce, Mr. B. Korkidis greeted the expo and expressed his joy for his predecessor’s, Mr. Armenakis’, initiative to support the Exhibition through the Confederation’s aegis, and stated that he will continue to support KEM and its efforts.

The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. K. Mihalos, thanked KEM for the invitation, and wished every success to all participants.  He pointed out that the country is going through a difficult period and that Franchising offers employment, which by itself shows that the sector has escaped the well-known problems of Greek entrepreneurship. He also commented on the expo’s extensive seminar programme and said that KEM sends an optimistic message, as it has adopted ‘life-learning’. This way both the franchising sector and the idea of Franchising are stimulated.
Finally, the President of the Hellenic Franchise Association, Mr. Iliadis, stressed that in this difficult period in time, we should not only save up, but we should also focus on development and mentioned that Franchising is the only business solution with high return.

The exhibition hosted a significant number of both Greek and International franchise chains that presented their concepts to the investing public that visited it. This year’s expo hosted concepts from France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Turkey and Russia.

The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition 2010 was organized under the auspices of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce, the Franchise Association of Greece, the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the European Franchise Federation (EFF).

“The 12th KEM International Franchise Exhibition is Co-Organized with the 6th KEM VENDING MACHINE Exhibition & the KEM SHOP DESIGN Exhibition from 19-22 February 2010”

The expo is renewed by 40% and will present everything new in the franchising industry                                                 

The expo will take place from the 19th until the 22nd of February 2010 at HELEXPO PALACE, Kifissias Av., 39. Athens.