2008 Intl. Buyer Program Shows Announced

The U.S. Dept. of Commerce has announced the tradeshows that will be part of its 2008 Intl. Buyer Program. Among the eight shows that are new to the list are the High Point Market and The WSA Show.

The Intl. Buyer Program each year offers 25 to 40 American tradeshows overseas promotional assistance. The Commerce Department selects shows serving industries that could benefit from expanded markets in other countries.

In all, 32 U.S. exhibitions qualified for the 2008 list at press time, with three additional first-time selections still pending. That is a typical number of shows, according to Joseph J. English, a senior international trade specialist with the department.

This year's list had 42 shows, more than usual because the program is transitioning from a fiscal to a calendar year, causing the schedule to cover the 15-month period from Oct 1, 2006, to Dec. 31, 2007.

To qualify for inclusion on the list, a show must be recognized as an international leader within its industry and be suitable for promotion to overseas markets through embassies and consulates. It also must have significant international interest and be in an industry with high export potential. Finally, English said, it must offer intellectual property rights protection. Tradeshows with exhibitors featuring a high percentage of U.S. products or products with a high degree of U.S. content are preferred.

One of this year's first-time IBP shows is footwear event The WSA Show. Diane Stone, COO of the show, said she expected the Commerce Department's involvement to attract participation from countries where WSA doesn't yet have a direct presence, while increasing interest in areas where it's already built a solid foundation.

Following are the 2008 IBP shows as of press time. Shows marked with an asterisk (*) are first-time participants:

• 2008 Intl. CES, Jan. 7–10, Las Vegas
• *Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, Jan. 21–24, Las Vegas
• World of Concrete, Jan. 22–25, Las Vegas
• Intl. Poultry Exposition, Jan. 23–25, Las Vegas
• The Intl. Builders' Show/TecHomExpo, Feb. 13–16, Orlando
• Satellite 2008 Conference & Exhibition, Feb. 25–28, Washington, D.C.
• Graphics of the Americas, Feb. 28–March 1, Miami Beach, Fla.
• CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008, March 11–15, Las Vegas
• Intl. Home & Housewares Show 2008, March 16–18, Chicago
• MinExpo Intl. Natl. Mining Assn., March 22–24, Las Vegas
• Intl. Franchise Expo, March 30–April 1, Washington, D.C.
• *High Point Market, March 31–April 6, High Point, N.C.
• CTIA Wireless 2008, April 1–3, Las Vegas
• NAB2008, April 12–17, Las Vegas
• WasteExpo, May 5–8, Chicago
• Natl. Restaurant Assn. Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 17–20, Chicago
• NXTcomm, June 16–19, Las Vegas
• InfoComm Intl. 2008, June 18–20, Las Vegas
• IFT 2008 Annual Meeting & Food Expo, June 28–July 2, New Orleans
• AACC/ASCLS Annual Meetings & Clinical Lab Expo, July 27–31, Washington, D.C.
• *The WSA Show, July 28–30, Las Vegas
• *Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Aug. 8–10, Salt Lake City
• Intl. Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair-USA, Aug. 20–23, Atlanta
• *ASR Trade Expo, Sept. 6–7, San Diego
• *Intl. Public Transportation Exposition 2008, Oct. 6–8, San Diego
• *IFAI Expo, Oct. 21–23, Charlotte, N.C.
• Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and SEMA Show, Nov. 4–7, Las Vegas
• Pack Expo Intl., Nov. 9–13, Chicago
• *ITS America's 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition, Nov. 17–20, New York
• IAAPA Attractions Expo, Nov. 17–21, Atlanta
• Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 28–Dec. 3, New York
• Power-Gen Intl., Dec. 2–4, Orlando