TRADE SHOWS
Trade shows are industry specific (vertical) and are scheduled worldwide. Solo Exhibits are initiated and staged by the U.S. Commercial Service and feature only U.S. exhibitors and their products. Certified Trade Shows feature a U. S. section or pavilion to display U.S. products. Cost of participation in a trade show varies, but they can be one of the most cost-effective ways of developing an export market.
CATALOG SHOWS
These exhibitions are held worldwide and feature displays of companies' product catalogs or sales brochures at trade shows and other events held at American Embassies and Consulates. Catalog shows present an excellent and inexpensive opportunity for U.S. companies to test product interest in other markets, develop sales leads and locate potential agents or distributors.
TRADE MISSIONS
U.S. Government-sponsored trade missions offer a great promotion potential at a relatively low cost. A government official escorts a group of U.S. companies to one or more foreign markets where they are provided a schedule of meetings with potential foreign agents, distributors and/or joint-venture partners. Meetings may also take place with in-country government and regulatory officials, depending on the scope of the trade mission. Please visit our trade mission calendar at http://www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html for more information and a list of currently scheduled events.
MATCHMAKER TRADE DELEGATIONS
Matchmakers are industry specific trade delegations that travel to two or more export markets. They are often planned in conjunction with a recognized international trade fair. Commercial Specialists at U. S. Embassies match U.S. companies with potential agents, distributors, joint venture or licensee partners depending on the market penetration strategy of the company. Delegation participants are responsible for their own expenses (i.e., airfare, hotel, and meals) and contributions to defray general expenses.
