April 16, 2010 — ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 and the co-located International Exposition for Power Transmission (IFPE) 2011 have been named to the U.S. government's International Buyer Program (IBP). The IBP is designed to boost international attendance at U.S.-based trade shows and create international business opportunities for show exhibitors. A select number of U.S. trade shows, in industries with export potential, receive the IBP designation each year from the Department of Commerce. The next ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE will be held March 22-26, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Under the IBP, the government will assist show promotion through its worldwide network of embassies and consulates as well as recruit official trade delegations to attend. The IBP also provides exhibitors with practical, hands-on assistance such as export counseling and market analysis. A "matchmaking" service will bring together international buyers with exhibitors interested in expanding their export business.

"ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE serve as the global gathering place in North America for our industries, and this IBP support helps facilitate invaluable face-to-face conversations between buyers and sellers from around the world," stated IFPE Show Director Melissa Magestro.

"International trade connections are especially important in today's economy, and IBP selection reinforces our shows' value as a quality destination to conduct business," stated Megan Tanel, AEM's vice president exhibitions and events.

Tanel said that AEM continues to meet with U.S. officials to try to improve the visa application process for international show participants. "This issue affects international attendance at all U.S.-based AEM shows. We commend the Commerce Department for launching a task force to review challenges faced by qualified customers trying to enter the U.S. to conduct business," Tanel stated.

Under the IBP, ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE will:

    ♦ Provide multi-language show informational materials (print and online) and assistance to international delegations with travel, housing and registration;

    ♦ Offer simultaneous interpretation of select show education sessions in major world languages;

    ♦ Operate a show International Trade Center (ITC) in a convenient location onsite with multi-lingual interpreters, a message center, phone/fax/e-mail access, and private meeting rooms;

    ♦ Produce a special show Export Opportunities Guide (print and electronic) with information on exhibitors interested in doing business globally through export sales, agency relationships, distributor investment and joint ventures. The guide will be available at the shows and also distributed to U.S. Department of Commerce international posts.