May 11 - 15, 2009, The MUSON Center, 8/9 Marina - Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria
Theme: "Growing the Market Through Partnerships in Technology.".
The U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria will host CTO 2009 from May 11- 15, 2009, at the MUSON Center in Lagos. The CTO exhibitions and seminars are market development tools of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria. It is the largest exhibition of its kind in West Africa where local companies representing or working with U.S. manufacturers and suppliers showcase the very best of computing and telecommunications solutions available in Nigeria and the region. CTO2009 will feature an all-day seminar on May 11, focusing on the theme of “Growing the Market Through Partnerships in Technology.” The exhibition and seminars are open to the public, but attendees younger than 18 years old are not permitted on the exhibit floor, except on Thursday, May 14, 2009, when college and university students are permitted to attend.
CTO seminars help policy makers, industry leaders and professionals understand global trends and to appreciate local market dynamics. They provide a unique platform for local and international experts to interact on critical issues, especially those related to technology diffusion, alliances and partnerships between firms, service delivery, market institutions, bilateral relations, and entrepreneurship. CTO 2009 will help define the path Nigeria may take to prepare its citizens for enhanced professional service delivery and to plug into the global marketplace through partnership in hardware and software technology with US firms.
Background
Major U.S. hardware and software companies in the computer, telecommunications and on-line service industries utilize partnerships with system integrators, software application writers, and hardware manufacturers in order to grow their customer. This allows companies such as Oracle, Intel, Cisco, IBM, HP, Apple, Dell, Sun Microsystems and Microsoft indirect access to new customers and markets through the customized computer hardware and software solutions that other companies can provide to a particular industry or customer set. In Nigeria, this kind of partnership is helping US equipment providers such as Harris Corporation and Motorola to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with leading private operators. Nigeria, with its large population and English-based system educational system could serve as source of new partner companies that provide hardware and software solutions for the domestic and regional market. U.S. providers of professional certification training, consulting and business development services could partner with Nigerian firms and professionals to access other smaller markets in West Africa.
The unprecedented impact the global financial crisis has had on domestic markets is a poignant reminder that local markets are no longer protected by national walls or boundaries. For Nigerian firms, this development should inspire a conscious desire to acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. mission in Nigeria believes that strategic partnership in technology with US firms is the most effective way to empower Nigerian professionals to play a more proactive role in the development of their country. Over the years, American firms have demonstrated that they have competitive advantage in providing specialized training, capacity building, and technology transfer in Nigeria and other emerging markets.
CTO 2009 will highlight and feature U.S. technologies, tools and services that Nigeria needs to enhance its service sector through partnership in technology. Partnerships and collaborations with US firms will enhance service delivery across the country and drive local economic development through technology diffusion and value creation. It will create trade and investment opportunities leading to growth in the quantity and quality of jobs available to Nigerians. These are foundational conditions for Nigeria to diversify its economy and to achieve its vision 2020.
Expression of Interest (For U.S. Companies Only)
U.S. companies interested in participating in the event may do so for a fee of approximately US$2,070 or 300,000 Nigerian naira. The cost covers event documentation, promotion, and construction. It includes one self-contained, 3x3 square meter exhibition booth (multiple booths may be purchased), a table, two chairs, general security at the event site, and participation in the seminars. Potential exhibitors must note that the U.S. Commercial Service has the exclusive right to determine space and booth allocation as well as who participates in CTO 2009.
Special Services for U.S. Companies
U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria is ready and willing to provide additional fee-based services to US firms attending CTO2009.
Matchmaking: USD500.
The cost covers five or more pre-qualified potential local partners, a meeting place and country/market briefing on arrival.
Private, two-hour Seminar/product demonstration: USD1500.
The cost covers seminar venue, group email to trade/industry associations and announcement in CTO2009 promotional materials.
Hotel reservation/ground support: Fee based on individual request. U.S. Commercial Service will only facilitate hotel reservation and ground support.
CTO 2009 Registration for U.S. Companies Only
U.S. organizations that wish to participate as an exhibitor or a speaker in the CTO seminars may send an expression of interest to Senior Commercial Specialist Anayo Agu, Coordinator of CTO 2009. Tel: 01- 460-3654 Email: Anayo.Agu@mail.doc.gov
Expression of Interest (For Nigerian Companies Only)
The cost of participation in the exhibition is 300,000 Naira, payable in bank draft to the U.S. Consulate General Lagos. The cost covers event documentation, promotion, and construction. It includes one self-contained, 3x3 square meter exhibition booth (multiple booths may be purchased), a table, two chairs, general security at the event site, and participation in the seminars. Potential exhibitors must note that the U.S. Commercial Service has the exclusive right to determine space and booth allocation as well as who participates in CTO 2009.
CTO 2009 Registration for Nigerian Companies Only
For CTO 2009 registration, send your payment and one-page company profile by courier, email, or hand delivery to Budget/Admin Assistant Dominica Nwosu, Tel: 460-3654 Dominica.Nwosu@mail.doc.gov For companies new to the U.S. Commercial Service, basic registration with USCS/Nigeria’s Network USA is mandatory and can be done by visiting www.buyusa.gov/nigeria If you require any clarification or assistance on the registration process, contact Commercial Assistant Folashade Egbaiyelo, Folashade.Egbaiyelo@mail.doc.gov
CTO 2009 Sponsorship
Organizations that wish to participate in CTO 2009 as event partners or facilitators may send an expression of interest to Senior Commercial Specialist Anayo Agu, Coordinator of CTO 2009. Tel: 01- 460-3654 Email: Anayo.Agu@mail.doc.gov
Sincerely, Larry Farris Commercial Counselor