Washington, DC – Organizers of small and mid-sized trade shows have the opportunity to get a boost in their overseas marketing from Uncle Sam by applying for the federal government’s 2015 International Buyer Program (IBP) Select.
The deadline for applications from shows with fewer than 1,200 exhibitors is May 19. Application forms are found at http://export.gov/ibp/eg_main_055297.asp, but must be submitted by FedEx or another courier service to the U.S. International Trade Administration in Washington, DC.
The IBP Select program is the cousin of the popular International Buyer Program (IBP), which has provided marketing support around the world for major shows. The goal is to bring in more overseas attendees to the U.S., which would translate into increased exports of U.S. products.
The IBP’s application period for 2015 closed at the end of 2013. The 2014 class included 26 well-known shows such as the International Consumer Electronics Show, World of Concrete, the Fancy Food Show (Summer), and Greater New York Dental Meeting.
IBP Select focuses on productive shows with a smaller number of exhibiting companies. Last year’s list had eight events, including Natural Products Expo East, MODEX 2014 and the 52nd Annual National RV Trade Show.
The shows in the IBP Select program receive promotional assistance overseas from the U.S. government similar to the main program, but scaled back from unlimited worldwide promotion to a maximum of five international markets and five separate attendee delegations. The cost to the organizers is also lower, $6,000 compared to $9,800 for the IBP.
Reach Gary Rand, director, International Buyer Program, at (202) 482-0691 or gary.rand@trade.gov
