General Information
U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
14th & Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-2000
The U.S. Department of Commerce (USDC) has offices in nearly every state, covering every commercially significant area throughout the U.S. Speak to an international trade specialist about your plans to exhibit.
International shows sponsored by the USDC have more financial support, wider publicity, and more exposure than many private shows.
A source of information on international events that may be of interest to their membership is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
International Division
1615 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20062
202-463-5455
Export Promotion Activities
The USDC International Trade Administration publishes a quarterly calendar listing its export promotion activities. Call 202-482-4231 for further information on the "Export Promotion Calendar."
The USDC publishes a biweekly magazine, Business America, with interesting articles on different aspects of international trade. Call 202-482-3251 for more information.
Shipping
Most European trade fair authorities will have their own officially designated freight forwarder who is familiar with all relevant details. Generally, the forwarder coordinates all details of both air and surface shipping - invoicing, licenses, declarations, bills of lading, insurance and all other necessary documentation.
For comprehensive information on all aspects of shipping information, consult the most recent edition of the "Handbook for International Trade," published by:
Shipping Digest
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-689-4411
Licenses and Carnets
In the United States, many high technology items or commodities of a politically sensitive nature require a license from one or more U.S. government agencies for temporary exportation. The two primary government agencies issuing licenses are:
U.S. Department of Commerce
Office of Export Licensing, Rm. 2705
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-377-4811
U.S. Department of State
Office of Defense Trade Control
Building SA-6, Rm. 200
Washington, DC
202-522-0602
Call 703-875-6644 for information on licensing. For carnet information, contact:
U.S. Council for International Business
1212 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
212-354-4480
Export Data Call 1-800-USE-XPORT for information on free international market research and other services.
National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) is the government's most comprehensive source of world trade data and business information. Market research, export/import data, exporting guides, government publications, etc. are provided by 19 federal agencies, and are available on CD ROM or accessible via Internet. Call 202-482-1986 for more information.
Financing
Some official sources of financing are:
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
811 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20571
202-566-8860
Small Business Administration
Office of International Trade
409 3rd Street SW
Washington, DC 20416
202-205-6720
U.S. Agency for International Development
320 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20523
202-235-1840
Patents and Trademarks Most European countries offer protection on patents and trademarks. However, most countries have their own patent laws. The appropriate country specialists at the USDC can advise you on extending your protection overseas.
Cultural Awareness
The most recent book on this subject is written by K.C. Chan-Herur, "Communicating With Customers Around the World." Available through:
AuMonde International Publishing Co.
P.O. Box 471705
San Francisco, CA 94147-1705
415-281-8470
Information on individual countries, customs, courtesies, etc. are available in Culturegrams. Contact:
The Center for International Studies
Brigham Young University
Publication Services
280 HRCB
Provo, UT 84602
801-378-6528
Exhibiting Trade Directories
For information on expositions around the globe:
Successful Meetings
(TradeShows & Exhibits Schedule)
365 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010-1789
212-592-6200
Tradeshow Week Data Book
(INTERNATIONAL EDITION)
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-521-8110
Export Hotline Directory
International Strategies, Inc.
260 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
617-439-6633
The Exhibit Review
Phoenix Communications, Inc.
4620 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy.
Suite B1
Portland, OR 97221
503-244-8677
Resources
"Marketing By Exhibiting in the Global Market" by Michael S. Muribi & Carol A. Fojtik, Expressions International, Inc. Lombard, IL.
"Introductory Overview to Global Exhibiting" by Diane Silberstein, Stewart Associates, Atlanta, GA.
- Reprinted with permission from ExhibiTips, an International Exhibitors Association publication, 703-941-3725.