The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) proudly announces this year’s highly anticipated Franchise Asia Philippines 2026 International Conference, happening on April 23, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Recognized as the country’s premier franchise event, this year’s conference gathers visionary leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and global industry experts under one powerful theme: “Franchising Together: ASEAN to the WORLD.” The event is designed to inspire collaboration, unlock cross-border opportunities, and position ASEAN brands for global success.
Keynote Address & Inspirational Message
The conference will open with a keynote address and inspirational message by the “Father of Philippine Franchising,” Dr. Samie Lim, CFE, who will share key principles behind his success and contributions to nation-building, followed by an inspiring message from Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls, on leadership, innovation, and growth in today’s evolving retail landscape.
Closing Keynote
The conference will conclude with an inspiring closing keynote from the “Mother of Philippine Franchising,” Dr. Bing Sibal-Limjoco, CFE, who will share her vision for the future of franchising and strategies for sustained growth.
A Platform for Growth, Innovation, and Global Expansion
Franchise Asia Philippines 2026 International Conference aims to empower delegates with forward-thinking strategies, meaningful connections, and practical insights to scale their businesses beyond borders. Attendees can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas from some of the most respected voices in franchising and business leadership.
Interactive Business Solution Roundtables
Before the formal opening, participants are already engaged in Business Solution Roundtables, offering hands-on discussions with experts on improving profitability, strengthening operations, and adapting to a rapidly evolving business environment.
High-Impact Panel Discussions
This event features a powerful lineup of forums tackling key issues and opportunities in franchising:
The C-Suite Forum: Franchising Together – ASEAN to the World will bring together top executives to explore leadership strategies, innovation, and pathways to global expansion, led by resource speaker Rod Bristol, CFE, Director of Profit Soup, with reactor-panelists Jose Victor Paterno of 7-Eleven, Steve Benitez of Bo’s Coffee, Robert Trota, CFE of Max’s Group Inc., and Melodina Isaguirre of Tapa King
In The Great Debate Forum: “Expanding? Company-Owned vs. Franchise,” industry leaders will tackle the advantages and challenges of expansion models, featuring Consul Enunina Mangio of Samgyeop Masarap Unlimited Korean BBQ, Dan Hayton of PLK Phils. Inc. (Popeyes) on the Company-owned Position and Joel Cruz of Aficionado, and Miguel Kyan Aman of Miguelito’s International Corporation on the Franchise Position.
The program will also spotlight AI, Innovation & Future-Defining Technologies through a TED-style presentation by Antonilo Mauricio of the Global AI Council and Vic Tria of PLDT Inc. and Multisys Technologies, focusing on leveraging emerging technologies for growth while addressing ethics and risks.
Moreover, the Coffee Story: Hot, Cold & Next? Will feature leading coffee innovators Venon Tian of ZUS Coffee, Rami Chahwan of Pickup Coffee, Benjamin Joseph Batac, CFE of Grainsmart Café, and Rolando Garcia of BigBrew, who will discuss trends, differentiation, and the industry’s future.
The C-Suite Forum: Successful Succession will present real-life insights on leadership transitions from family-led businesses, with speakers from Alice Liu, president and chief executive officer and Bryan Liu, vice president for strategy and operations of Golden ABC Inc. (Penshoppe), Violeta Lapid, co-founder and chief executive officer and Anais Lapid, chief operating officer of R. Lapid’s Premium Chicharon, and Bobby Claudio, CFE, founder with Toby Claudio, president of Toby’s Sports.
Finally, The ASEAN Journey: Start-up to Scale-up will highlight entrepreneurial success stories across Southeast Asia, featuring Deric Yeo of US Pizza and other global brands (Malaysia), Dr. Varongsri Poothakool of Math Talent (Thailand), and Yupi Nguyen of Happi Tea (Vietnam), sharing their experiences in scaling businesses and navigating regional markets.
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