Intl. Buyer Program '07 Shows Announced

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 3/27/2006

The U.S. Department of Commerce has released the list of tradeshows it plans to promote overseas next year. The 41 shows in the 2007 Intl. Buyer Program reflect an interest in information and communications technology, and the agribusiness sector.

Five shows are new to the list:

• MEGATEX 2006 (textiles and apparel)
• IAAPA Attractions Expo 2006 and 2007 (amusement park industry)
• Interop New York, Interop Las Vegas (ICT)
• AWFSVegas/Assn. of Woodworking & Furnishings SuppliersVegas
• FIME Intl. Medical Expo

The IBP promotes selected shows through its overseas offices in more than 150 cities. It helps set up meetings with qualified foreign buyers, representatives and distributors; offers access to international trade leads and export counseling from department experts; and provides on-site assistance at the shows.

"We do try to add new shows in industries with viable export potential, but these may number only one or two per event calendar," said Joseph English, acting manager of the Intl. Buyer Program.

Ana Druk, AWFS international relations coordinator, said her group considered itself lucky to be accepted into the program for the first time. She said the inclusion was the culmination of years of hard work to attract international attendees, including forging relationships with international publications, going to overseas shows and introducing an export directory at last year's AWFSVegas.