CeBIT 2009, the world’s largest and most influential information and communication technology (ICT) trade fair will take place in Hannover Germany from March 3-8, 2009.  This event is universally regarded as the flagship event for the ICT industry, the leading marketplace for digital business, and the largest convention on ICT-related topics and issues.  In 2008, CeBIT attracted 495,000 attendees, 5,900 exhibitors, and more than 7,000 press and media representatives from all over the world.  Approximately $13 billion in orders were also written at the 2008 show. 

CeBIT 2009 is an outstanding opportunity for you to increase and develop new international sales channels.  Whether your focus is on increasing sales, establishing distribution, networking, generating media exposure, or evaluating your competition, CeBIT provides you with the ideal environment to achieve your goals.

Hot Topic!
California is the official partner state of CeBIT 2009.  This partnership gives California companies unique advantages and extra visibility at the show, including:

•The German-California ICT Summit - A one-day, economic-focused conference program to build awareness and a foundation for greater cooperation and to present success stories and
perspectives from both markets.

•California-European CIO Summit - A one day conference for government, institution and public sector CIOs from California and around Europe.

•California Welcome Center - A variety of exhibition participation options in all sectors of CeBIT, highlighted by the primary California Center and Pavilion, which will feature a focus on Digital New Media solutions, Web-based solutions and Enterprise Mobility.

•Forum participation and presentation opportunities within the Digital New Media
Solutions forum or the dozens of other sector-specific forum and conference programs running in the halls during CeBIT. Additional opportunities are also available in the wide-reaching CeBIT Executive Labs program.

•Sponsorship offerings for extending market reach - Specialized programs for California
companies to sponsor forum programming, events, activities and services are available, allowing your message to reach audiences far beyond the confines of your exhibit space.

•International matchmaking and export assistance programs - The world can meet California at the Matchmaking Center, adjacent to the American Business Center with assistance services and hosting provided by the US Department of Commerce.

•California Networking Night reception - Hosted by the State of California and inviting all California-based exhibitors to participate and meet potential international business partners.

•Specialized press activities designed to bring even greater media access to California
companies large and small.

Some of the exhibit options for California companies include:

1.  CeBIT 2009 American Business Center – This is the most affordable option to participate in the largest ICT trade show in thw world!  Have the same impact as an exhibitor without the booth.  Walk the floor and have a back office at the American Business Center available and at your disposal.  At the fully equipped American Business Center, take advantage of the promotion of your products and services by U.S. Commercial Service staff worldwide. Get exposure for your company without paying the costs of a full booth.  Enjoy pre-promotion services and your own personal assistant during the show!  Also attend a networking reception and a breakfast seminar at no additional cost.

Total Package Cost with USDOC Value Added Services* = $2,000 for 3 days to $2,900 for 6 days (+VAT)

*USDOC Value Added Services include:
•  A full time bilingual assistant (English/German)
•  Your own designated desk and chairs
•  High speed wireless LAN internet connection
•  On-site scheduling assistance, on site translation services
•  Briefings, counseling and advice on whom to approach at the fair
•  Invitations to networking reception
•  Invitation to a breakfast seminar on “Doing Business in Europe”
•  Appointments with ICT Commercial Specialists to discuss your products’  marketability in up  to fifteen European markets.  Limited to first 14 companies to register.
•  Coffee and Tea
•  Two entrance passes and a listing in the Electronic Show Guide

2.  Newcomer Workstation Option - The new Workstation option provides you with a simplified, economical turnkey exhibit option for a fraction of the cost of an exhibit booth.  Take advantage of U.S. Commercial Service Value-Added Services, including your own personal assistant!  The workstation option is available only to firms not exhibiting at CeBIT in the past 3 years. 

Pricing for California workstations starts at $3,950 (+VAT), and upgrade with USDOC Value Added Services* for a Total Package Cost of $4,600 (+VAT).

*USDOC Value Added Service include:
•  Global promotion of your products and services to qualified buyers through the USDOC’s overseas network of commercial specialists.
•  Appointments with ICT Commercial Specialists to discuss your products’  marketability in up to fifteen European markets. Limited to first 14 companies to register.
•  Guide to European ICT markets: research reports on 20 markets together with lists of agents and distributors from select countries.
•  Complimentary breakfast seminar featuring topics "Be Aware of EU regulations and Policy", "How to Do Business with European Buyers", and “IPR concerns”.
•  Invitation to a U.S. networking reception.
•  “Quicktake” evaluates your product’s potential in up to six European markets of your choice. Limited to first 15 companies that register before 31 January 2009.

3.  Turnkey Exhibit Booth - A typical package includes booth with wall elements and carpeting, standard furnishings, company name sign, overhead banner with company logo, overhead lighting electrical receptacle, listings in online show directory, exhibitor entrance tickets, multilingual pavilion management staff, interpreter service, shared conference rooms for private meetings, fax services, common lounge area with refreshments, and nightly security and cleaning.

Pricing for Exhibit Booths begins at $800 per square meter, or $9,600 (+VAT) for a 12 square meter booth and $12,000 (+VAT) for a 15 square meter booth.*

*You may also reduce your exhibit costs at CeBIT 2009: To support the Partner State California Program at CeBIT, California’s Business, Transportation & Housing Agency has made subsidy funds available for State of California exhibitors at CeBIT 2009. This funding can provide you a competitive advantage and help you reduce your cost of exhibit space by up to 20%!

To register for this event and to have your questions answered, please contact Sacramento U.S. Export Assistance Center Director George Tastard directly.

George Tastard, Director
Sacramento US Export Assistance Center
US Commercial Service
US Department of Commerce
1410 Ethan Way
Sacramento CA  95825
Tel: 916-566-7170
Fax: 916-566-7123
E-Mail: George.Tastard@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov
https://www.buyusa.gov/sacramento/

Additional information about this event is also available on the CeBIT 2009 homepage at: http://www.cebit.de/homepage_e?typ=e