The U.S. Department of Commerce wants to increase U.S. exports, and it thinks the meetings industry can help it do so. For that reason, the department's International Trade Administration (ITA) has formed a strategic partnership with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), IAEE announced yesterday.
Under the terms of the partnership, IAEE will cooperate with ITA on marketing, education programs and events leveraging both entities' expertise to help make U.S. businesses -- small and medium-sized businesses, in particular -- more export-savvy. Joint activities may include building awareness through outreach at trade shows, collaborative press and digital communication, and online registration for resource support.
"Keeping IAEE's mission of globally promoting the unique value of exhibitions and events as the principal resource for those who plan, produce and service the industry top of mind, I am very pleased that this collaboration will allow and afford new opportunities for our members who rely on international attendees and global exporters to ensure the success of their events," IAEE Chairperson Skip Cox said in a statement. "This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for us as we are refocusing our strategic plan on international efforts and making significant strides to engage organizers, exhibitors and attendees globally to minimize barriers to our members' success."
Added Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig, "We're pleased to welcome IAEE as a partner in our efforts to strengthen the U.S. economy and support local jobs through expanding U.S. exports. With more than 95 percent of potential customers living outside U.S. borders, the International Trade Administration remains laser-focused on helping U.S. companies of all sizes explore and enter new markets for their world-class products and services."
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