2016 International Buyer Program Applications Now Being Accepted
December 4, 2014
The 2016 International Buyer Program (IBP) application period is now open. Interested shows have until Dec. 22 to apply.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions.
Exhibitors are always looking to connect with qualified buyers. If a show has exhibitors who are interested in exporting their goods and connecting with pre-screened buyers from outside the U.S., this program is designed for them.
“Buyer delegates recruited by our locally engaged staff in over 70 markets are pre-screened to ensure they are the right fit for the show” said Vidya Desai, acting director of the IBP. “The locally engaged staff based in our Embassies and Consulates worldwide provide a unique value to show organizers, as they understand the industries and products in demand in their respective markets and network with industry associations in country to service the needs of foreign buyers.”
Just a few of the shows accepted in the program next year include International CES, World of Concrete, International Production & Processing Expo and Pack Expo Las Vegas.
"The International CES is the global gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. With CES attendees from more than 140 countries, International CES is a proud participant in the International Buyer Program (IBP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration," said Tara Dunion, senior director of communications at the Consumer Electronics Association, which runs the show.
She added, "As part of the IBP program, CES is promoted via their offices worldwide to recruit delegations of qualified international buyers, representatives, and distributors. There were over 35 IBP led delegations at the 2014 CES bringing a total of more than 1,000 qualified buyers and industry affiliates."
The National Shooting Sports Foundation's SHOT Show also is part of the 2015 IBP program and recently applies for the 2016 program as well, according to Diedra Cauley, NSSF's director of Exhibitions & Conferences.
"The International Buyer Program is crucial to our ongoing marketing efforts to increase international buyers at the SHOT Show," she added, "Over the past three years, our goal was to increase international attendance by 20 percent. With the assistance of the Department of Commerce, we achieved that goal and we look forward to seeing that growth continue this year and beyond."
The IBP, with the help of Commerce Department trade specialists from around the nation, works to match U.S. companies exhibiting at your show with these vetted buyers, in hopes of increasing international sales for your U.S. exhibitors.
"Onsite at the 2015 CES, international trade specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce are available in the International Business Center (IBC), located in the LVCC South Hall Connector, Room S224, to provide matchmaking assistance and export trade counseling to international attendees and exhibitors," Dunion said.
For more information and to apply for the 2016 program, visit the IBP Web site at www.export.gov/ibp or contact IBP2016@trade.gov.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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