International Trade Calendar
Here is a selected list of international trade events of interest, including ITA-sponsored events, as well as a selection of upcoming international trade fairs. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) maintains a comprehensive listing of industry shows at www.export.gov.
May 2008
May 5–8
Offshore Technology Conference 2008
Houston, Texas
This conference is the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. It ranks among the largest 200 trade shows held annually in the United States. More than 2,000 companies from 110 countries are expected to participate. For more information, contact Pam Plagens of the USFCS, tel.: (713) 209-3106; e-mail: pam.plagens@mail.doc.gov.
May 5–9
Invest in America Week
Events held across the country will highlight the importance of foreign direct investment to the U.S. economy. For more information, contact Aaron Brickman of the Department of Commerce, tel.: (202) 482-1889; e-mail: aaron.brickman@mail.doc.gov.
May 6
Succeed in the European Union: Navigating the Maze
Scottsdale, Arizona
This hands-on workshop on succeeding in the European Union will help companies update their knowledge on important topics, such as regulatory requirements, cultural issues, and distribution channels. For more information, contact Pompeya Lambrecht of the USFCS, tel.: (602) 277-5223; e-mail: pompeya.lambrecht@mail.doc.gov.
May 12–16
SVIAZ/Expo Comm 2008
Moscow, Russia
This event is the leading show for telecommunications and information technology equipment manufacturers and service providers looking to meet buyers from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. A U.S. pavilion will include 50 U.S. exhibitors. About 675 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees are expected during this five-day event. For more information, contact William Corfitzen of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-0584; e-mail: william.corfitzen@mail.doc.gov.
May 15
This Webinar will look at the benefits that free trade agreements can bring to U.S. chemical producers. It will run from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. For more information, or to register, send an e-mail to Linda Abbruzzese of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-1086; e-mail: linda.abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov.
May 16
Exporting and Taxes
Austin, Texas
Properly integrated and cohesive tax planning is essential when business spans international border. This seminar will identify the basics for direct and indirect exporters. For more information, contact Karen Parker of the USFCS, tel.: (512) 916-5939; e-mail: karen.parker@mail.doc.gov.
May 20–22
Sustainabilitylive! 2008
Birmingham, United Kingdom
This show is the United Kingdom’s largest trade event showcasing innovation in the environment, water, land, and sustainable energy industries. A U.S. product literature center will offer U.S. firms the best opportunity to raise their international market profile, to test market interest, and to collect trade leads. For more information, contact Andrew Williams of the USFCS, tel.: +44 (20) 7894-0417; e-mail: andrew.williams@mail.doc.gov.
May 21
International Trade Administration Alumni Reunion
Washington, D.C.
This reunion will be an opportunity for current staff members of ITA to meet with former employees, to discuss issues of interest to ITA and the trade community, and to assess alumni interest in working on selected projects to further ITA’s mission. For more information, contact MaryAnn McFate of the Office of Organization and Management Support, tel.: (202) 482-6282; e-mail: itaalumniassociation@mail.doc.gov.
May 31–June 4
International Pow Wow 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada
This show is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel. During three days of intensive, prescheduled business appointments, international delegates will meet with targeted suppliers from more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every U.S. region and market segment. For more information, contact Juan Carlos Ruiz of the USFCS, tel.: +52 (55) 5140-2654; e-mail: juancarlos.ruiz@mail.doc.gov.
On the Horizon
June 16–20
Trade Mission to Vietnam
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This mission will help U.S. companies launch or increase their export business in the Vietnamese market. Participants will have many opportunities to gain valuable firsthand market information, to make business and government contacts, to solidify business strategies, and to advance specific projects. For more information, contact Karen Dubin of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-3786; e-mail: karen.dubin@mail.doc.gov.
June 17–20
CommunicAsia
Singapore
This show, which is held in conjunction with BroadcastAsia 2008 and EnterpriseIT 2008, is an excellent platform for U.S. information and communications technology firms interested in the Asian market. U.S. exhibitors will be provided value-added services, such as matchmaking, a market briefing, networking events, welcome kits, and market reports. USFCS Singapore will also staff a business information booth at the show. For more information, contact Sweehoon Chia of the USFCS, tel.: +65 6476 9037; e-mail: sweehoon.chia@mail.doc.gov.
June
Business Development Mission to Iraq
Erbil, Iraq
This mission is open to U.S. companies from all non-petroleum sectors, especially companies with interests in the housing, financial services, agribusiness and food processing, health, and franchising sectors. The mission will provide participating companies with an opportunity to meet with key officials from the Kurdistan regional government, local chambers of commerce, and other business groups. Applications are due May 8, 2008. For more information, contact Adam Choppin or Melisa Kersey of the Department of Commerce, tel.: (202) 482-5228; e-mail: adam.choppin@mail.doc.gov; melisa.kersey@mail.doc.gov.