What awaits you at Franchise Expo Paris 2024
As the prestigious Franchise Expo Paris gears up for its 2024 edition, the event promises to be a landmark in the franchising world. Sylvie Gaudy, the Director, is sharing a glimpse into the transformative changes and exciting innovations attendees can ex
Shaun M Jooste, writer
Decades of Evolution: Franchise Expo Paris Reflecting Market Dynamics
Under Sylvie Gaudy's leadership, Franchise Expo Paris has become a mirror of the ever-changing landscapes of urban centres and consumer preferences. The expo has witnessed and participated in the ebb and flow of various sectors, adapting to the winds of legislative and technological change.
From the burgeoning organic food and bakery segments to the diversification of fast food, the expo has consistently showcased emerging market trends.
One of the most significant transformations has been in the service sector. This sector has grown exponentially, evolving from traditional franchising models to more diverse and innovative formats. Today, it stands as the second most represented sector at the expo, a testament to the changing face of franchising.
Franchise Expo Paris and Infopro Digital Showcases Strengths and Offerings
The acquisition of Franchise Expo Paris by Infopro Digital in 2023 marked a pivotal moment. This partnership has enhanced the expo's offerings and expanded its promotional reach, leveraging the strengths of various Infopro Digital entities.
The 2023 edition was a resounding success, receiving accolades for improvements in the visitor journey and the integration of digital tools. The expo's international appeal was noteworthy, cementing its status as the premier global franchise exhibition.
Looking Ahead to 2024: A Global Gathering of Franchising Excellence
The 2024 edition is poised to be a global showcase, expecting to host 600 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors, including a significant contingent of international brands. The expo will continue to serve as a global melting pot of diverse franchising opportunities, with an increased presence of international participants, reflecting the global nature of modern franchising.
Innovating the Format: A Three-Day Intensive Expo
A major innovation for 2024 is the reduction of the expo's duration from four to three days. This strategic shift is designed to optimise the return on investment for exhibitors and cater to the preferences of franchise candidates. The new format, including an entire weekend, is tailored to provide a more focused and efficient experience for all attendees, from seasoned entrepreneurs to newcomers in the franchising world.
Elevating the Visitor Experience: New Services and Digital Enhancements
Franchise Expo Paris 2024 aims to elevate the visitor experience with several new services and digital innovations. These include a nursery service, a diverse food court, and various digital tools to facilitate seamless interactions between visitors and franchisors. A mobile application and a suite of pre-event content, including webinars and podcasts, will further enrich the visitor experience, providing valuable insights and information.
Content Strategy and Ambitions: Shaping the Future of Franchising
While the reduced duration of the expo means a more concentrated offering of content during the event, the focus will be on delivering high-value pre-event content. The expo's ambition extends beyond attracting potential franchisees; it aims to nurture a broader spectrum of business creation candidates, guiding them towards realising their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Showcase of Sectoral Evolution
Franchise Expo Paris has always reflected the broader changes in the business world. The expo has seen the rise of new concepts and markets. In contrast, others have faded away due to legislative or technological shifts. For instance, sectors like tanning shops and DVD rental companies, once staples of the franchising world, have given way to new segments like organic food and innovative fast-food concepts.
The Rise of Service Franchises
The service sector's growth is notable, particularly in services for individuals and businesses. Initially more prevalent in countries like the UK and the USA, service franchises have seen a significant rise in France, especially post-2005 with the introduction of the Borloo plan. This plan, aimed at boosting services to individuals, has led to new franchising concepts around education, childcare, and home services, particularly those targeted at aiding seniors in their homes.
International Attractiveness and the Future
The international attractiveness of the expo, especially post-COVID, is a significant aspect of its success. The 2024 edition is expected to consolidate this status further, with a strong representation of international brands and visitors. Introducing regional pavilions, like the Saudi pavilion, is a testament to the expo's global appeal.
Revolutionising the Franchise Expo Experience
With a focus on enhancing the visitor experience, expanding international participation, and providing valuable content and resources, the expo is poised to shape the future of franchising, offering a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and established franchisors alike to explore new opportunities and forge successful partnerships.
The focus on high-value pre-event content is part of a strategy to engage potential franchisees and business creation candidates even before the expo begins. This approach, coupled with the development of tools to help attendees understand their entrepreneurial profile, aims to attract diverse participants and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the franchising world.
Shaun M Jooste, writer