Trade Show Office Information Sheet

Why Should My Company Participate in a Trade Show?

What Different Types of Shows and Missions Is FAS Involved With?

How Do I Select the Right Show?

	USDA Sponsored and Endorsed Shows / American Café
	Trade Missions
	Other International Opportunities
	Trade Shows in the US Which Attract International Buyers

Why Should My Company Participate in a Trade Show?

International trade shows are "one-stop shops" which provide high visibility to U.S. companies and allow US exhibitors to further analyze the local market and observe their competition.

• Trade shows are the most cost-effective and efficient marketing tool available to exporters.

• Trade shows provide in-country market research.

• Trade shows provide opportunities for product testing.

• Trade shows provide face-to-face contact with buyers.

• Trade shows offer opportunities to meet important distributors and agents.

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What Different Types of Shows and Missions Is FAS Involved With?

USDA Sponsored and Endorsed Shows / American Café 

Trade Missions

Other International Opportunities

2003-04 Trade Show Calendar  / Trade Show Search Engine (Events Database) / What's Hot (current recruitment)

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How Do I Select the Right Show?

There are many food and beverage trade shows held annually within the United States and around the world. For the new-to-export, selecting the appropriate show should match your goals and objectives.

• Consider the sector which has the most potential for your product, i.e. retail or food service; trade shows often target one sector over another in terms of visitor participation.

• Decide what it is you hope to achieve by participating in the show, e.g. "testing the waters" for product demand and observing the competition; initiating working relationships with agents and distributors; increasing sales; etc.

USDA SPONSORED AND ENDORSED SHOWS

For the period of 2003-04, the FAS Trade Show Office will select and organize overseas trade shows in the best prospective markets in order to expand market opportunities and exposure for US companies and products. It will select the best 25 overseas trade shows for FAS endorsement or sponsorship.

Download: 2004-05 Trade Show Calendar (.pdf format)

USDA Sponsored Shows:

• USDA is involved in all aspects of show management, and provides services, including:

*assistance in sample product shipment;
*rental of floor space;
*booth design/layout;
*marketing the show to potential exhibitors via mass mailing, invitations to special events, and printing of show directory; and
*hotel reservations for show participants.

• USDA staff from Washington, D.C. and the local US Embassy provide support to U.S. exhibitors. USDA has recourse over sample product shipment, by the contract freight forwarder.

USDA Endorsed Shows:

• USDA develops partnerships with show organizers for US Pavilions and negotiates quality services that meet FAS standards.

• The best avenue to enter prospective markets for consumer-oriented foods, and USDA services related to these shows, include:

  *marketing;
  *direct mailings of advertising materials;
  *market information;
  *guidance to US firms;
  *referrals to show organizers;
  *on-site assistance;
  *pre-show promotion; and
  *invitations to potential buyers.

American Café:

The American Café is a special area within the USA Pavilion where you can display and highlight your products at international shows, without the expenses associated with a full booth.  Your sample products will be prepared and distributed to potential importers by USDA overseas or Trade Show Office Staff.  We will send you feedback and leads immediately after the show, providing you with the opportunity to follow up with potential buyers or importers.

Reasons for your company to be involved in American Café:

• American Café serves as an option for small agribusinesses that are not financially able to participate in terms of an actual booth in the USA Pavilion.

• Allows companies to send products for a minimal cost and receive new market exposure.

• Lead forms that are provided by your company or FAS (upon request) are filled out by potential importers and buyers that sample your products, these forms are then returned to your company by FAS after the show is completed.

Want more information?  Brochure in Word format (.doc) / Brochure in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

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TRADE MISSIONS

Trade missions personalize business relationships by introducing potential trade partners.  Outgoing sales missions shorten the time it takes to learn about another market.  Participants learn first-hand by hearing market briefings, visiting sales channels, and attending one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers.  We even provide interpreters.  Buyer missions (also called reverse trade missions) bring foreign buyers into the United States to introduce them to the wide variety and high quality agricultural products available here.  Both types of missions offer the U.S. exporter a great way to make contacts quickly and cost effectively.

Trade Mission opportunities can be found using the Trade Show Search Engine (Events Database) or checking the "What's Hot" page for missions currently under recruitment.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

This is a collection of marketing opportunities for exporters and non-exporters interested in food and agricultural products. Highlighted opportunities range from seminars to world wide trade shows.

2004-05 Trade Show Calendar

Trade Show Search Engine (Events Database)

TRADE SHOWS IN THE US WHICH ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

Domestic (U.S.) Trade Show Calendar

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