Moscow Franchise Expo 2018, an event organized by the Russian Franchise Association (RFA) and co-sponsored by the Roscongress Foundation, the Government of Moscow, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has come to an end in Moscow. More than 2,000 guests visited the three-day convention that had gathered 400 exhibitors.
Key themes included Russian and CIS franchises, international franchising (of companies that are members of the World Franchise Council), automated solutions, vending and new technology (equipment, solutions, services and products for franchising and the consumer market). In addition to theoretical knowledge, visitors to the Moscow Franchise Expo 2018 also received some hands-on experience at workshops held by Topfranchise founder Vasil Gazizullin, CEO of the Exposition Consulting Agency and Russian Export Center Consumer Product Export Support Project Manager Maxim Chapov, and Mosigra Franchising Director Stiva Aralov. Industry insiders shared experiences of how to take a franchise to the global market and participate in exhibitions effectively, and what tools to use to support domestic exporters. Speakers from recognized industry leaders included Ernesto Gonzalez, Senior Vice President, Development, Rosinter Restaurants Holding, Polina Kirova, Co-Founder, Rybset, Anna Eydlin, Head of External Communications, Baskin Robbins, Franchising Academy CEO Mikhail Fainberg, and others.
Participants praised the organization and content of Moscow Franchise Expo 2018. Shokoladnitsa Regional Development and Franchising Director Maxim Trubnikov pointed out the exposition’s format: “There were two pavilions. The ‘Made in Moscow’ and ‘Made in Russia’ one showcased the capital city’s and national brands for international visitors. The second pavilion was geared more towards those who came from Russia’s regions to purchase a franchise. We believe that this combined format is extremely exciting as it helps attract both foreign and regional industry players,” Maxim Trubnikov said, adding that his company had been an active participant but the outcome remained to be seen, once all commercial proposals were finalized.
Hemotest Franchising Department Director Svetlana Vasilenko noted that her company, too, was happy with the results of the show, where effective work had been done. “Entrepreneurs who are genuinely interested in acquiring a franchise came to the expo. Although it was the first event held on such a scale, we believe it was a success. We have received a lot of completed questionnaires and will be reviewing those partners; we are confident that agreements will be signed as a result,” Svetlana Vasilenko said.
Both industry newcomers and veterans have expressed an interest in acquiring franchises. According to Mosigra Franchising Director Stiva Aralov, his company received some 60 contracts, including from foreign entrepreneurs. “We have received an interesting application from the UAE. We will be meeting with and talking to everyone, going forward,” Stiva Aralov said.
Oxana Khakhonina, a representative of the Volgograd brand Konfetki-Baranochki, noted that the concept of their deli store was popular beyond its home region. “The time has come to introduce our franchise nationally. We are taking part in such a high-level expo for the first time as a franchiser and would like to thank the Russian Franchise Association and the Franchising Academy for their comprehensive assistance and support. Expo visitors expressed a strong interest in our franchise. We have reached preliminary agreements with several prospective partners and signed three memoranda of intent,” Oxana Khakhonina added.
