Atlanta, GA
June 8-12, 2008

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Global Environmental Team, in cooperation with AWWA, will again offer high-quality information and assistance to help your company break into global markets at AWWA's ACE08.  The following programs will be offered at the show to assist U.S. companies expand their international reach and hone in on sales opportunities: 

Online Export Interest Directory

The Global Environmental Team will offer its Industry Focused Promotion to exhibitors at this year's ACE08.  Exhibitors interested in reaching international buyers should list themselves in this online export interest directory, which is pushed out to buyers worldwide.  Should an international buyer have an interest in any of the U.S. companies listed in the online directory, the Global Environmental Team will connect buyer and seller.  

The registration for the free listing in the Online Export Interest Directory, is now CLOSED.  To view the list of 2008 Export Interest Directory, please click here.

International Buyer Matchmaking Meetings at ACE08

The U.S. Department of Commerce will pre-schedule one-on-one meetings between international buyers and U.S. firms at AWWA ACE08, available at no cost to the exhibitor.  International buyers from markets all over the world will be matched with U.S. firms that offer the products and technology they seek. 

The international buyer delegations will include representatives from overseas environmental companies as well as government officials interested in meeting with U.S. suppliers. Be sure to register early and indicate your interest in meeting with these international buyers.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.  FOR AVAILABILITY ON APPOINTMENTS WITH SELECT INTERNATIONAL BUYERS AT AWWA, PLEASE VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER IN ROOM B402 ON MONDAY, JUNE 9.

Showtime: Meet with U.S. Embassy Environmental Specialists

Don't miss your chance to receive export counseling from Environmental Specialists serving in the commercial offices at U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. This program, also known as ShowTime, allows you to present your products and services, learn about new markets, ask about challenges and trade barriers you may be encountering, find out how we can assist your marketing efforts, and much more. This service is offered FREE of CHARGE to U.S. firms exhibiting and attending AWWA ACE08.

Showtime meetings will take place at the International Resource Center, Room B402, or at your booth.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR SHOWTIME IS NOW CLOSED.  PLEASE VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER IN ROOM B402 ON MONDAY JUNE 9 TO REGISTER FOR MEETINGS ON-SITE.

You will have the opportunity to meet with Commercial Specialists from several countries including:  

Note:  In addition to Commercial Specialists from various countries, representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available for Show time meetings to discuss export financing options.  Click here for more information on SBA and ExIm.

Seminar: Mexico's Business Opportunities in the Water Sector

Senior Commercial Specialist Francisco Ceron of the U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico City will moderate a seminar targeted toward U.S. companies interested in the Mexican water sector. The seminar will include an overview of the water industry in Mexico, as well as remarks by Mexican delegates on specific opportunities of interest to U.S. companies.

This seminar is free and open to all U.S. companies that attend AWWA ACE08.

Date: Monday, June 9, 2008
Time:  1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Building B, Room 201

Presentations include:
Mexico’s Hydraulic Program 2008-2012
Jose Antonio Rodriguez, National Water Commission

Mexican Water Society: Private Sector’s View on Water Opportunities
Carlos Caballero, Mexican Water Society

The Lerma River-Lake Chapala Project
Sandra Herrera, Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources

Desalination Plant in Puerto Penasco, Sonora
Jorge Ayala, Municipality of Puerto Penasco, Sonora

Questions? Please contact Debra Delay at debra.delay@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or at 617-565-4302.

Seminar: Exporting 101: How Your Company Can Join The Global Marketplace

Sponsored by AWWA Manufacturers/Associates Council, and U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Energy & Environmental Industries.

The value of the global market for water and wastewater treatment technologies is estimated at $420 billion; two thirds of which lies outside of the United States. Growth rates in developing countries have exceeded 10% annually for the past 5 years, while US markets have remained steady at 4–6% per year. Through the work of World Trade Organization, and bilateral trade agreements such as NAFTA, global tariffs on environmental technologies are at an all-time low, and many foreign governments are increasing their investments in water infrastructure. The time is now for US companies to establish a market presence and take advantage of the growing business opportunities overseas. This seminar will provide you with firsthand information on business opportunities overseas, financing options, and, most important, suggestions as to how your company can get involved. It will also provide information on public and private organizations that can assist you in your company in joining the growing global market. Featured speakers will include US and foreign government experts, senior executives from multinational water companies that have been successful exporting, and export finance experts.

This seminar is free and open to all U.S. companies that attend AWWA ACE08.

Date: Sunday, June 8, 2008
Time:  1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Room B311

Questions? Please contact Ellen Bohon at ellen.bohon@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or at 202-482-5665.