The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced trade shows for next year’s International Buyer Program (IBP), and the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is one of only 24 U.S. trade events to receive the IBP designation (PDF) for 2015. The IBP recruits thousands of pre-screened foreign buyers, sales representatives and business partners to U.S. trade shows each year, giving U.S. companies excellent opportunities to expand sales globally.
IBP Brings Together International Customers and Buyers
Construction manufacturers and suppliers have long recognized the value in showcasing their products to the international buyer. The demand for home products is not limited to the United States, and the home building and remodeling industry continues to have high export potential.
“Through our collaboration with the NAHB, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program was a great success at IBS [last year],” stated Dustin Ross, the 2014 Project Officer for the IBP. “Our Commercial Specialists brought over 160 delegates from around the world to the IBS – all eager to do business with U.S. exhibitors.”
An international trade center—International Central—will be available at IBS where foreign buyers can become familiar with the show floor, use interpreter services and obtain assistance identifying potential business partners. Many U.S. exhibitors appreciate the face-to-face export counseling from overseas representatives who accompany the visiting delegations and make use of the space to meet and negotiate new opportunities.
“The Brazilian delegation had over 50 B2B meetings [with companies] interested in doing business with Brazil,” explained Patrick Levy, Commercial Specialist and Delegation Leader for Brazil.
IBS exhibitors can also take advantage of an online business matchmaking service to connect and schedule meetings with international visitors ahead of the Show.
There are a number of benefits for international visitors to attend as part of their country’s delegation. Delegation members can:
- Travel with other home building professionals from their country.
- Use the online Export Interest Directory prior to the show, and receive a printed copy upon arrival. This mini-guide is designed specifically for international attendees. It lists, by country and/or region of the world, the U.S. exhibitors who currently export their products and services or have an interest in exporting.
- Gain access to International Central, the space dedicated exclusively for international visitors. While there they can have a beverage, obtain language assistance and hold discussions in private meeting rooms.
- Attend the International Buyer Reception to network with other international buyers and exhibitors who export home building products.
Merry Cao, Commercial Specialist and Delegation Leader for China, said: “The IBS [2014] … was well organized and visitors learned a lot [about] the latest products in this field.”
IBS will take place January 20-22, 2015 in Las Vegas and is part of Design & Construction Week™. International visitors who attend through the IBP delegation receive registration fee discounts and other benefits that add value to their trip. To find out how to join a delegation, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you or visit BuildersShow.com/delegations.