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 http://http://www.export.gov.
January 2010
January 7–10
International Consumer Electronics Show
Las Vegas, Nevada
This event is the world’s largest trade show for consumer electronics technology. This year, it is expected to have more than 2,000 exhibitors, who will be showcasing 20,000 products spanning 30 different categories. The show will feature on-site international business centers, which offer private meeting rooms, Internet stations, a lounge area, and registration assistance. In addition, representatives from the Department of Commerce will be available to assist U.S. companies with any export-related questions and to help match U.S. sellers with international buyers. For more information, contact Vidya Desai of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-2311; e-mail: vidya.desai@mail.doc.gov.
January 13
European Green Industries Market Briefing
This Webinar will bring together representatives from FedEx, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the USFCS to brief participants on the green industry market in Europe and opportunities there. It will include tips on finding buyers, distributors, and agents who can help crack those markets. It will also include a presentation on a FedEx trade mission in April to France, Germany, Italy, the Nordic countries, and the United Kingdom that has been certified by the USFCS. For more information, contact James Golsen of the USFCS, tel.: (901) 598-9574; e-mail: james.golsen@mail.doc.gov.
January 13–16
Heimtextil 2010
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
This show will feature an extensive international range of home textile and industry service products. The USFCS in Frankfurt is supporting U.S. firms visiting or exhibiting at the show by conducting a promotional campaign in Germany and around the world. It will also be providing information to U.S. exhibitors on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. For more information, contact Catherine Mayer of the USFCS, tel.: +49 (69) 7535-3159; e-mail: catherine.mayer@mail.doc.gov.
January 15
Webinar: Exporting to Central America
Wheeling, West Virginia
This Webinar will gather experts from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama to discuss the many opportunities available in Central America. The United States exported $24 billion worth of goods to the region in 2008. It offers many advantages for companies doing business there, including relatively low tariffs, few import restrictions, and standards in line with those of the United States. For more information, contact Leslie Drake of the USFCS, tel.: (304) 347-5123; e-mail: leslie.drake@mail.doc.gov.
January 18–21
World Future Energy Summit 2010
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This event will bring together some of the world’s leading innovators, educators, scientists, venture capitalists, and experts in renewable energy. It is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees and more than 600 exhibitors, with an exhibition space that exceeds 45,000 square meters. For more information, contact Mark Wells of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-0904; e-mail: mark.wells@mail.doc.gov.
January 19–24
IMM—The International Furnishing Show
Düsseldorf, Germany
This show is one of the world’s largest furniture trade fairs. It will feature furniture, kitchen and bathroom equipment, floor coverings, home textiles, wall coverings, lighting, and many other product categories. U.S. exhibitors will be featured on the official USFCS Web site in Germany to generate additional business leads, and introductions will be offered to international trade specialists in the United States for follow-up counseling. For more information, contact Klaus Jonas of the USFCS, tel.: +49 (211) 737-767-50; e-mail: klaus.jonas@mail.doc.gov.
January 20
Webinar: Where in the World Are the Best Markets for Your Products?
St. Louis, Missouri
Companies that are interested in expanding their international sales but are unsure how to target appropriate markets should consider participating in this Webinar. Cosponsored by PNC Bank, it is the first in a series of six Webinars hosted by the U.S. Export Assistance Center in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, contact Kristi Wiggins of the USFCS, tel.: (314) 425-3345; e-mail: kristi.wiggins@mail.doc.gov.
January 27–February 1
Taipei International Book Exhibition
Taipei, Taiwan
This event is Asia’s largest publishing industry show. In 2009, it had more than 650 exhibitors and 500,000 visitors. The USFCS is organizing a U.S. pavilion at the exhibition, which is expected to feature more than 300 U.S. publishers. The USFCS office in Taiwan will also be providing a range of value-added services. For more information, contact Dawn Bruno of the USFCS, tel.: (212) 809-2647; e-mail: dawn.bruno@mail.doc.gov.
January 28
Leveraging Your Web Site for International Sales
New York
This breakfast seminar will help local firms learn about tools and best practices that they can use to more effectively market their products and services locally and internationally. Among other topics, it discuss Web 2.0 and Google tools for small businesses, search engine optimization strategies, localization versus internationalization of Web site content, and international online payments options. For more information, contact Jetta DeNend of the USFCS, tel.: (212) 809-2644; e-mail: jetta.denend@mail.doc.gov.
On the Horizon
February 2–4
Integrated Systems Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This event is one of the largest and most influential trade shows in Europe for the audiovisual systems and electronic integration technology markets. It attracts representatives from a broad spectrum of industries, including architects, staging managers, residential integrators, educational technology managers, content creators, and hotel and leisure professionals. In 2009, the show attracted more than 500 exhibitors and 25,000 attendees from about 100 countries. For more information, contact Graylin Presbury of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-5158; e-mail: graylin.presbury@mail.doc.gov.
February 3–6
MADE Expo 2010
Milan, Italy
This show will focus on doors, windows, and the “building envelope” (roofing, facades, and other areas). It will also feature waterproofing, insulation, civil and environmental engineering technologies, renewable energies, urban furnishings, and many other categories that offer technological solutions for new construction and rebuilding. It represents an opportunity for U.S. firms in the green-building and sustainable construction sectors to promote their products and services to European buyers. In 2009, this show attracted 1,739 exhibitors and 200,126 visitors. For more information, contact Federico Bevini of the USFCS, tel.: +39 (02) 6268-8520; e-mail: federico.bevini@mail.doc.gov.
February 4–7
Education and Careers Expo 2010
Hong Kong
This show is an annual international forum for educational institutions, commercial organizations, government bodies, and professional associations to disseminate the most up-to-date information on education and career opportunities to students and the working public of Hong Kong. In 2009, more than 500 exhibitors participated, and the show attracted more than 160,000 visitors. It consistently receives strong media attention and is one of the most popular education shows for recruiting local students in Hong Kong. For more information, contact Sam Dhir of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-4756; e-mail: sam.dhir@mail.doc.gov.