Upcoming International Trade Events & Opportunities

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Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities


Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. 


Best Regards,


Debra H. Rogers

Senior International Trade Specialist

U.S. Department of Commerce

Commercial Service - Chicago 

debra.rogers@trade.gov

 


Export News

Applications for MCE Export Assistance Now Open

Metro Chicago Exports is accepting applications of interest for our export assistance programs. MCE’s complimentary export assistance programs help businesses reach their export potential by providing a range of financial, networking, and training support. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from now through September 30, 2018. 

Exporters with fewer than 500 employees and located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will County, or in the City of Chicago, are encouraged to apply.  More information can be found at MetroChicagoExports.com.

Local Midwest Events

August 27, 2018: Brazil Cargo Rail Technologies Business Briefing & Reverse Trade Mission – Chicago
The U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), in coordination with the U.S. Commercial Service, is organizing a Brazil Cargo Rail Technologies Reverse Trade Mission that will bring senior representatives from Brazil’s freight railroad industry to the U.S. to familiarize them with U.S. technologies and equipment for railroad safety and efficiency. The delegation will be led by the Brazilian National Association of Railway Carriers (ANTF) and will include representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) and a number of railway operators. The group will hold a business briefing in Chicago on August 27, to include an overview of Brazil’s freight rail infrastructure, the regulatory environment in Brazil, upcoming procurements for railroad safety and efficiency technologies. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about upcoming freight railway projects, understand the needs and challenges of Brazil’s freight rail industry, and meet one-on-one with members of the delegation. Cost: Complimentary. 9:00am – 4:30pm at the Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. Registration required. For more information & registration, please e-mail davidelliott@kealtd.com with cc to dan.kim@trade.gov .

 

August 28, 2018: Protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in China – Iowa City, IA

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, partnering with the University of Iowa, will present a one-day event on better protection of intellectual property (IP) in China. The Road Show will bring to local businesses and stakeholders the expertise and knowledge of the USPTO’s China specialists as well as that of special invited guests, such as local businesspeople and IP experts. Small and medium-sized businesses and new-to-market exporters are especially encouraged to attend. The Road Shows are free and open to the public. Learn more and register for this event.

 

August 30, 2018: Protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in China – Kansas City

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, partnering with the University of Iowa, will present a one-day event on better protection of intellectual property (IP) in China. The Road Show will bring to local businesses and stakeholders the expertise and knowledge of the USPTO’s China specialists as well as that of special invited guests, such as local businesspeople and IP experts. Small and medium-sized businesses and new-to-market exporters are especially encouraged to attend. The Road Shows are free and open to the public.  Learn more and register for this event.

 

September 10-15, 2018: IMTS – Chicago – McCormick Place

For 90 years, the International Manufacturing Technology Show has been the premier manufacturing technology show in the Northern Hemisphere. IMTS is held every two years in Chicago and attracts buyers and sellers from 117 countries.  This year the Commercial Service will bring specialists from across the U.S and the following markets to offer export assistance to U.S. companies: China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Turkey, Russia, and Slovakia*. Some of the complimentary services that we will be providing at IMTS 2018 include:

  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Export Diagnostic Tool (How export-ready is your business?)
  • Export market counseling

If you are interested in any of these services, please contact Allison Mello or Dan Kim.

*Overseas staff subject to change.

 

September 28, 2018: Doing Business with the World Bank – Chicago

Breakfast seminar organized by the U.S. Commercial Service–Chicago and the Global Midwest Alliance, and sponsored by K&L Gates. Featured speaker will be Mr. Enzo de Laurentiis, Chief Procurement Officer of the World Bank, who will discuss the World Bank’s new business-friendly procurement framework, which emphasizes value for money instead of lowest bidder. He will also address how to conduct business with the World Bank and provide information about World Bank projects in the pipeline.  8:00-11:00am. Venue:  K&L Gates, 70 W. Madison St., 33rd Floor, Chicago.  Registration fee of $95 includes breakfast. Please register by September 27 at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efkbcc9l07c43711&oseq=&c=&ch=  For questions, contact Gail Longmore at glongmore@globalmidwestalliance.org  

Webinars


August 21, 2018 @ 9:00am: India’s Civil Aviation & Airport Development – Opportunities for U.S. Companies - Webinar

In this U.S. Commercial Service-organized webinar, India's Airports Authority of India and expert speakers will share their industry insights.  India’s overall aviation market is estimated to be over $16 billion, and domestic aviation passenger traffic is growing at over 20% per year.  Airport projects are a top opportunity, with new major airports planned. India’s Regional Connectivity plan is budgeted and aims to revitalize 160 airports and airstrips.  India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation encourages U.S. companies to engage on Indian opportunities.  Fee $25.  Please register online at https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=8QGB  For questions, please contact A.J. Anderson at Andrew.Anderson@trade.gov or 316-263-4067.

 

August 22, 2018:  FCPA and its Effect on Doing Business in the Caribbean - Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will explore the implications of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act on doing business in the Caribbean. 10:00 a.m. CDT. Fee: $25. For information & registration, please

see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=38708&InputType=EVENT.

 

August 22, 2018:  Market Insider Tips from Key Experts In Russian Ecommerce – Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, features a panel of eCommerce experts currently active and successful in the Russian eCommerce space, who will discuss: legal issues; logistical obstacles and opportunities; marketing strategies; tips to operating online stores in Russia (domestic and international). 11:30 a.m. CDT. Fee: $25. For information & registration, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=38700&InputType=EVENT.  For questions, contact Anastasia Mukherjee at email: Anastasia.Mukherjee@trade.gov.

 

August 23, 2018:  Upcoming Infrastructure Projects in Brazil - Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will describe one of Brazil’s largest infrastructure development pushes ever, including plans to award projects in transportation, power generation and transmission, telecommunications infrastructure and water and sanitation, with an estimated total investment of $80 billion dollars. 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. CDT. Fee: $40. For information & registration, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=38660&InputType=EVENT.

 

August 28, 2018:  Export Controls: When are Educational Institutions Subject to Export Controls? - Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will help participants to:  Understand the concepts of deemed export licenses and technology licenses as applied to the U.S. education sector; Learn to determine when an export license may or may not be required; Receive the latest guidance on the Entity List and tips for navigating; Learn from an educational institution which has successfully created a compliance plan for export control regulations.  12:00 p.m. CDT. Fee: $25. For information & registration, please see:

https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=38723&InputType=EVENT.

 

September 11-18, 2018 @ 10:00am CDT – Exploring European E-commerce – Webinar Series

Join the US Commercial Service as we explore the implications of the EU Digital Market strategy for U.S. exporters. Over the course of the series, experts will provide insight on how to find best markets, getting goods to market and tips on e-commerce VAT. Speakers will offer practical advice to U.S. SMEs looking to do business in Europe.  This three-part series includes sessions on finding ideal E-commerce markets in Europe, logistics and distribution challenges, as well as fulfilling VAT requirements. Interested participants can sign up for the program by clicking HERE Price: $75 for the 3-part series.

 

September 13, 2018: Opportunities for U.S. Businesses in Bahrain’s Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Sector - Webinar

Organized by the Bureau of Economic & Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State. U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Justin Siberell leads a discussion about opportunities for U.S. businesses with Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, H.E. Minister of Electricity & Water Affairs, and Alexander Al Samahiji, Acting Director of Bahrain’s Sustainable Energy Unit. 8:00 a.m. CDT. No charge; advance registration required. For information & registration, please see: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/directline/events/284139.htm.

 

Trade Missions

September 17-21, 2018: Mexico Water Trade Mission with AWWA – Mexico City & Monterrey

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in conjunction with AWWA.  Mexico is poised for growth over the next few years, and this is a great opportunity to meet with officials from the water industry. This mission offers two days of individual B2B meetings in Mexico City and Monterrey. For information and registration, see https://www.awwa.org/conferences-education/exhibitor-sponsor-resources/global-opportunities.aspx  For questions, please email Francisco.Ceron@trade.gov and jjohnson@awwa.org  with cc to Debra.Rogers@trade.gov

 

September 19-21, 2018: Oil & Gas Trade Mission to Brazil

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, this mission offers a timely and cost-effective means for U.S. firms to engage with key stakeholders and to enter the promising Brazilian oil and gas market for oil and gas equipment, technology, and services. The delegation will be comprised of 10 – 15 U.S. firms representing a cross-section of U.S. oil and gas segments that have developed products and services for subsea (deep water) and onshore, oil and gas exploration and production. U.S. oil and gas operators and representatives of U.S. oil and gas trade associations may also apply to be part of the mission. For information & an application, please see: http://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=37815&InputType=EVENT

 

September 19-22, 2018: U.S. Print/Packaging Manufacturers Trade Mission - Jakarta, Indonesia
This mission is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service and The Association for Print Technologies (APTech) to explore Indonesia as a growing export market for U.S. Print/Packaging Manufacturers.  Indonesia is the 3rd fastest growing print packaging market globally. Revenues will reach $2.3bn (U.S.) by 2020, growing at an annual average rate of 9.5% in U.S. dollar terms, more than double the pace of real GDP growth and zero tariffs for imported equipment.  The mission fee includes: Paid In-Country Expenses: Accommodations, Food and Transportation; Free Tabletop Exhibits at the PrintPack Outlook Conference and participation in the APTech booth at INDOPRINT/ INDOPACK/INDOPLAS 3-in-1 Show; and Networking Opportunities pre-arranged meetings with foreign buyers. Purchase your airfare to Indonesia — APTech will take care of the rest!  For questions, contact Vicki Tolefree at vicki.tolefree@trade.gov or Phone: 312-353-3748.  Register with Pernilla Jonsson at Email: pjonsson@aptech.org or Phone: 703/264-7200, ext. 252

 

December 3-7, 2018:  Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission to Turkey: Ankara, Eskisehir, Istanbul

Join the American Turkish Council, and the U.S. Commercial Service for the second ADTM to Turkey, providing access to this $11 billion dollar market. This program will provide access to business briefings from sector experts, B2B meetings with Turkish private sector & foundation companies, site visits, governmental meetings, and numerous receptions, networking opportunities. To reserve your spot today or learn more, visit: atc.to/adtmission or contact Richard Carpenter at richard.carpenter@trade.gov Base cost for this trade mission is $5,000.

 

March 24-29, 2019: Trade Mission to Southern Cone Region

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration is organizing this trade mission to Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile (Southern Cone Region) that will include the Trade Americas – Business Opportunities in the Southern Cone Region Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mission participants will attend a mission briefing and will engage in one-on-one consultations with U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) Commercial Officers and/or Economic/Commercial Officers from U.S. Embassies in the Southern Cone Region. The mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of industries with growing potential in the Southern Cone Region, but is focused on U.S. companies representing best prospects sectors such as: infrastructure and construction; architecture services; engineering services; construction equipment; building products; airports; ports; transportation; housing; environmental technologies; safety & security; energy & oil & gas; mining equipment; medical equipment; aerospace & defense; ICT & digital services; and logistics. For information & an application, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=38696&InputType=EVENT.


Other Events & Opportunities

September 4-6, 2018: 2018 Green Expo & Aquatech Mexico 
These two events combine to form the largest and most successful Environmental Event for the renewable energy, water, waste and recycling industries in Latin America. Over 9,000 attendees from 29 different countries attended last year, making the GREEN Expo & Aquatech Mexico the largest and most international event in Latin America presenting sustainable solutions.  The U.S. Department of Commerce will be supporting U.S. participation in Green Expo/Aquatech , as the show is deemed to provide excellent trade opportunities for U.S. companies.  The Dept of Commerce Commercial Service in Mexico is organizing a U.S. pavilion, which will be fully staffed & supported by the U.S. Commercial Service, and will include turn-key individual exhibit booth in premium position, on-site counseling and networking assistance of Commercial Service staff, logistical support before, during, and after the show.  Furnished Exhibits start at just $4,750 for Aquatech and $5,324 for the GREEN Expo. For more information, contact: Claudia Salgado, Claudia.Salgado@trade.gov; Francisco Ceron, Francisco.Ceron@trade.gov

 

September 17-19, 2018 – Brazil Fintech Roadshow – Sao Paulo, Brazil

Attend this Fintech trade show hosted by the U.S Commercial Service and PHM International. This event will be held in Brazil, which holds the largest number of FinTech startups in Latin America. Attendees will have the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with companies assembled by the U.S. Consulate.  They will also be provided with the complete contact information of all qualified Brazilian attendees, and be able to attend a sector briefing by the U.S. Embassy and Brazilian experts.  A networking reception at the U.S. Consulate General Residence in Sao Paola is also scheduled as part of this trade show. If you are interested in this event and would like to learn more, please visit www.phmintl.com/brazil-application/.

 

September 18-20, 2018:  Test the Waters at FENASAN – Sao Paulo, Brazil

The U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil (CS Brazil) will have a booth at the FENASAN show in Sao Paulo, the largest environmental sanitation event in Latin America, and will use the space to promote U.S. technologies.  For U.S. companies interested in testing the waters of the Brazilian market, CS Brazil is offering a package of services for qualified U.S. companies, which consists of the following:

·         Drafting a paragraph (in Portuguese) on each of the participating companies, including their contact information and Website.

·         Preparing 4 series of e-mails to the 570 contacts in our mailing list (water and wastewater utilities, professionals, environmental companies and water & wastewater related firms),

·         Displaying catalogs/samples at the FENASAN.

·         Sending each of the U.S. participating companies the list of Brazilian trade leads, with their contact information.

Participation fee:  $280.  Interested U.S. companies should email Teresa.Wagner@trade.gov with cc to Debra.Rogers@trade.gov.

 

October 30-November 9, 2018:  International Book Fair of Algiers, SILA 2018

The U.S. Commercial Service and the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers are pleased to offer an opportunity to U.S. publishers to participate in the 23rd edition of the SILA (Salon International du Livre d’Alger).  The International Book Fair of Algiers is the most important cultural event in Algeria and one of the biggest book fairs in the region with 970 exhibitors from 52 countries and about 2 million visitors. The U.S. embassy will offer the following to interested U.S. companies:   

• Targeted list of contacts

• Inclusion in the Algiers Book Fair catalogue

• Online promotion through the U.S. Embassy website and social media

• Post-show follow-up and trade leads

For information and Registration:  Contact: Jugurtha Rabia, email: Jugurtha.rabia@trade.gov or Zine Mosbahi email: Zine.mosbahi@trade.gov.

 

November 26-29, 2018 @11am-7pm – The Big 5 Dubai – Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE

The Big 5 Dubai will exhibit U.S. companies to influence buyers from the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and South-East Asia.  It is the largest construction exhibition for these regions and covers categories such as Building Envelop & Special Construction, Building Interiors & Finishes, Construction Technology & Innovation, Solar Power, and Design & Landscaping. Over 64,000 people attend the show, representing 137 countries, and there are over 2,600 exhibitors.  Any U.S. businesses who are exhibiting at this show will have full support from U.S. Commercial Service personnel and their resources.  They will be there to help connect you with qualified business contacts throughout the region. For more information about the show itself, please see www.thebig5.ae.

 

December 10-12, 2018: Discover Global Markets (DGM): Indo-Pacific – Salt Lake City, UT

This US Department of Commerce event will enable U.S. companies to explore sales channels and the project pipeline in the civil aviation, defense, and security sectors across the Indo-Pacific region.  Conference sessions and one-on-one meetings will allow U.S. firms to dive deeper into markets of interest and hear from experts on market challenges, sales outlook, and proven strategies for developing partners in Australia, Bangladesh, Burma, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.  Participants will learn about how the supply chain is changing throughout the region in the face of innovation and disruption; and hear how companies are optimizing their supply chain to drive sales growth.  Expert presenters will be available to help operationalize participating companies’ strategies by sharing insights on IPR, export compliance, cybersecurity, finance, advocacy, and more.  Targeted attendees include CEOs/presidents, sales and marketing professionals, business development managers, engineers, procurement representatives, and supply chain managers. Register by Sept 5 & Save!  Registration Link: http://bit.ly/DGMIndoPacific  Early Bird Registration: $325 through September 5; $395 after September 5.  For more information, please contact Shelby Daiek at shelby.daiek@trade.gov or Phone: 801-524-3091