More than 16,000 entrepreneurs visited EXPOFRANQUICIA 2007, which took place at Feria de Madrid between 26th and 28th April. As occurs each year, these visitors revealed their growing knowledge of the world of franchising, demonstrating a strong decision-making capacity and their confidence in this form of business as an ideal trade formula.

This figure, combined with the strong level of business participation, confirmed the fair's favourable development. In effect, EXPOFRANQUICIA 2007 achieved some record participation figures in all areas, featuring some 241 direct exhibitors (a 26 per cent increase compared to the year 2006 edition), some 346 franchises (a 12 per cent increase) and a net exhibition area measuring 7,003 square metres (a 15 per cent increase). The general feeling observed among exhibitors and visitors was one of satisfaction, based on the high stature and quality of this edition.

The FIRST MADRID FRANCHISE FORUM was especially warmly received, thanks to the considerable interest and topicality of the questions it tackled. This meeting sought to promote training and agreement within the sector as a whole, also proving a useful guide for all those interested in entering the world of franchising. The Conferences, which were organised by the fair itself, in conjunction with the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Madrid and Mundo Franquicia Consulting, were delivered by a series of highly-qualified experts on the world of franchising, thus offering all participants a faithful overview of this important economic activity.

Furthermore, EXPOFRANQUICIA was the setting chosen for the staging of a number of different events. Thus, the press group known as Dirigentes and its magazine "Nuestros Negocios" presented their First "Nuestros Negocios" Awards for the Most Outstanding Franchises of the Year 2006 during the course of the fair. On this occasion, the awards went to the following franchises: Tecno Wash (within the Environment category); Credit Service (Nationwide Establishment), Grupo Presto (International Establishment), Neck & Neck (Brand), HPS Home Personal Services (Corporate Social Responsibility), CHS Espacio de imagen (Quality), Mail Boxes (Franchised Service), UPI Informática (Leadership), Carlin (Expansion), Tapasbar (Development), Climastar (Innovative Idea) and Era Inmobiliaria (Management). Furthermore, the trade fair offered an ideal forum at which to present the report entitled "Franchising in Spain in the Year 2006", which was produced by the Spanish Franchisers' Association, AEF.

The Franchising Trade Fair, EXPOFRANQUICIA, has already begun preparing for its 14th edition, which will take place between 22nd and 24th May 2008 at Feria de Madrid.