FEBRUARY EVENTS - 2010

February 9 - May 18, 2010: U.S. Dept. of Commerce/Baker & McKenzie International Export Webinar Series - Export, Import and Product Compliance
Baker & McKenzie, one of the largest global law firms in the world, will present four webinar programs for companies involved in international trade. The series is sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service to assist U.S. businesses with exporting their products or services. Venue: Your Computer. Time: 11:00-12:30pm CST. Cost: $75 per company for each webinar. Register for all four webinars to receive 25% discount. Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/webinarseries.html.  Questions, contact monica.toporkiewicz@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , 312-353-8059.

February 17, 2010: Afraid You won’t get Paid for an International Sale? Learn Common Methods of International Payment to Ensure Your Risk is Minimized  - 'Making Exporting Easier' Webinar Series
All programs will be held from 10:00am to 11:15am CST. $40 for each live session; $200 for all six sessions. To Register: www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/206.pdf

February 25, 2010: Corporate Espionage & Global Security Seminar: Protecting Your Business Interests - Rosemont, IL
The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that American businesses lose $250 billion to corporate information theft annually. This loss can cause smaller entities to cease to exist, and whole sectors of the economy can weaken and fall behind in the global marketplace.

Get briefed by speakers from the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Commerce and State Departments and learn how to protect your business interests from bad actors in the U.S. and around the globe. Joined by private sector experts from Baker & McKenzie and Dupont, gain insight into minimizing exposure, liability and risk for you and your organization from those interested in stealing your trade secrets.

Topics will include: Latest Trends Cyber and Traditional Espionage Methods (targets, actors, scams); Protecting Electronic Data/Trade Secrets; Cyber Espionage; Vetting International Partners/Due Diligence; Role of the Overseas Security Advisory Council.

Sponsored by Baker & McKenzie and supported by the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, Illinois District Export Council, Overseas Security Advisory Council and U.S. Commercial Service Chicago. Full-day seminar will be held from 8:30am - 5:30pm, including continental breakfast, lunch and wine/cheese reception. Download draft agenda & registration form here: http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/324.html. Deadline to register February 22nd, 4:00pm. Questions, contact the ITA/GC at rsvp@N0SPAM.itagc.org or 773-725-1106. 

MARCH EVENTS - 2010 

March 3, 2010: Are Trade Shows Generating the Quality and Quantity of Sales Leads You Expect? Learn Effective Ways to use Trade Shows to Maximize Sales Leads  - 'Making Exporting Easier' Webinar Series
All programs will be held from 10:00am to 11:15am CST. $40 for each live session; $200 for all six sessions. To Register: www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/206.pdf

March 9 - 11, 2010: Complying with US Export Controls and Developing an Export Management & Compliance Program - Chicagoland
The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry Security (BIS) will be in Chicago conducting two days of training on how to comply with U.S. export control requirements, with an optional third day program on how to develop an export management and compliance program. Led by the professional counseling staff of U.S. government officials, you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about export control policies, regulations and procedures. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and the Illinois District Export Council. Venue: Embassy Suites Chicago - O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois. Fee for three-day program: $675. Click here to Register. For attendees requiring overnight lodging, a block of rooms has been reserved for March 8 - 10, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Chicago - O'Hare at a special room rate of $139 plus tax per single occupancy/$149 plus tax double occupancy. Room reservations can be made at http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/CHIRMES-UC3-20100305/index.jhtml or 1-800-362-2779 referencing group name "U.S. Commercial Service", group code "UC3". Vendor opportunities are available. For questions, contact International Trade Specialist Jeff Graber at 312-353-7711 or jeffrey.graber@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

March 15, 2010: Trade Winds 2010: The Americas - Webinar Series on Exporting to North America/Caribbean - Best Prospects in Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago
The Americas regions of the world encompass the fastest growing economic partners of the United States. Many experts forecast this growth continuing over the next few years. Position your business to take advantage of this growth by attending the complete Trade Winds 2010: The Americas Webinar Series and learn more about which markets offer the most lucrative opportunities for your products or services. Each must-take webinar is designed for new and experienced exporters to gain knowledge of the export opportunities, financing options and best prospects in a specific region, as well as to understand cultural differences, economic conditions and technological capabilities of potential partners. For more information contact Diego.Gattesco@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov  . Venue: Your Computer, Time: 10:00-11:00am CST, Cost: $45 per company for each webinar. Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/twws.html .

March 17, 2010: Can’t Make Sense of Export Classification Numbers? Learn about the Harmonized System and the General Rules of Interpretation for Successful Export Transactions: An Advanced Product Classification (HS) Webinar with Examples  - 'Making Exporting Easier' Webinar Series
All programs will be held from 10:00am to 11:15am CST. $40 for each live session; $200 for all six sessions. To Register: www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/206.pdf

March 23, 2010: U.S. Dept. of Commerce/Baker & McKenzie International Export Webinar Series -  'International Distribution Agreements'
Baker & McKenzie, one of the largest global law firms in the world, will present four webinar programs for companies involved in international trade. The series is sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service to assist U.S. businesses with exporting their products or services. Venue: Your Computer. Time: 11:00-12:30pm CST. Cost: $75 per company for each webinar. Register for all four webinars to receive 25% discount. Questions, contact monica.toporkiewicz@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , 312-353-8059. Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/webinarseries.html.  

March 31, 2010: How can Export Credit Insurance Boost Sales for Your Company? Learn how the U.S. Export-Import Bank can Help You Offer Attractive Financing for Your International Customers - 'Making Exporting Easier' Webinar Series
All programs will be held from 10:00am to 11:15am CST. $40 for each live session; $200 for all six sessions. To Register: www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/206.pdf

APRIL EVENTS  - 2010

April 20, 2010: U.S. Dept. of Commerce/Baker & McKenzie International Export Webinar Series - 'Foreign Incorporations to Support US Exports'
Baker & McKenzie, one of the largest global law firms in the world, will present four webinar programs for companies involved in international trade. The series is sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service to assist U.S. businesses with exporting their products or services. Venue: Your Computer. Time: 11:00-12:30pm CST. Cost: $75 per company for each webinar. Register for all four webinars to receive 25% discount. Questions, contact monica.toporkiewicz@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , 312-353-8059. Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/webinarseries.html. 

April 28-29, 2010: Saudi Arabia - Unprecedented Opportunities for U.S. Companies - Chicago
In light of Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global economy and the need for a collaborative U.S.-Saudi relationship in these areas, this two-day event will provide an opportunity for businesspeople and high-level government officials from both countries to discuss greater economic cooperation and develop new and lasting business ties. The Forum will feature panels, keynote addresses, and concurrent breakout sessions. The event will have broad media coverage and offer successful networking opportunities with an emphasis on identifying specific commercial and investment opportunities, particularly for small and medium sized companies. The Saudi Ministers of Education, Finance, Commerce and Industry, and of Petroleum & Minerals are all expected to be in attendance. The U.S. Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, and Treasury; the U.S. Trade Representative, and the SBA Administrator have been invited as well.
Breakout sessions will be on Saudi industry sectors including: energy, information technology, water & electricity, petrochemicals and plastics, and construction. Sessions will feature senior executives from U.S. companies currently engaged successfully in the Saudi market along with Saudi government or private-sector individuals expert in the field. Specific and immediate business opportunities will be presented offering profit-making potential for U.S. firms. Organized by the Committee for International Trade of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service. Venue will be the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in downtown Chicago. Please save the date. More details will be forthcoming. Contact: Debra.Rogers@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov   or 312-353-6988.

MAY EVENTS  - 2010

May 18, 2010: U.S. Dept. of Commerce/Baker & McKenzie International Export Webinar Series - ' International Labor, Employment, and Immigration'
Baker & McKenzie, one of the largest global law firms in the world, will present four webinar programs for companies involved in international trade. The series is sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service to assist U.S. businesses with exporting their products or services. Venue: Your Computer. Time: 11:00-12:30pm CST. Cost: $75 per company for each webinar. Register for all four webinars to receive 25% discount. Questions, contact monica.toporkiewicz@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , 312-353-8059. Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/webinarseries.html.  

OTHER EVENTS 

April 19-20, 2010: Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference 

The APBO conference, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with the full support of the U.S. Commercial Service, is the longest-running, regional conference focusing specifically on Asian markets. It is an opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet with fourteen senior commercial officers (SCOs) from throughout the Asia Pacific region, India and Mexico at one venue. The SCOs from American embassies, consulates and institutes in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will speak in small group workshops and be available for private one-on-one consultations with APBO participants. Space is limited so sign up today. Learn more at: http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouth/apbo.html.

走进美国"- Feature Your Service Expertise to PRC Clients
"AccessAmerica"is our new online Chinese-language directory of U.S. firms that provide customized services to Chinese companies that want to conduct business in the U.S., including finding partners and setting up offices. The "AccessAmerica" Service Provider directory gives U.S.-based companies and economic development agencies access and exposure to Chinese clients who seek U.S. expertise in global logistics, trade finance, HR, site selection, tax, insurance, legal and regulatory issues, marketing, and other support related to investing in the U.S. It is promoted in China, in Chinese, in cooperation with our partners including the Council of American States in China, CCPIT, Shanghai Overseas Investment Development Board, the U.S.-China Business Council and the American Chambers of Commerce in China, among others. State partners include Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi and New York. AccessAmerica is featured on the U.S. Embassy Chinese webpage which has 100,000 hits per month. It is also featured at Invest in America programs in the U.S. and China, such as the China Overseas Investment Fair and Invest New York events in November. AccessAmerica was featured in China Business Review, Xinhua and China Trade News and is generating actionable leads for subscribers. Your listing will include company information, company logo, and contact details, all translated into Chinese, for a one-year subscription fee of $400. Increase your firm's visibility in China and boost your service exports! Visit "AccessAmerica" at http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ and direct questions to julie.carducci@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

PARTNERS' EVENT CALENDARS 

Visit our partners' event calendars for additional international trade and policy-related events:

Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing - NORBIC Calendar

Global Midwest Alliance - Global Midwest Alliance Programs 

International Trade Club of Chicago - ITCC Events

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs - Council Programs

The International Trade Association of Greater Chicago - ITA/GC Calendar

For a complete listing of upcoming Domestic and International Trade Events supported by the U.S. Commercial Service, visit the Trade Events Calendar.