NPE2018: The Plastics Show has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce to participate in its 2018 International Buyer Program (IBP).

The IBP is a joint government-industry effort under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) that brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for B2B matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

Every year, the IBP results in approximately a billion dollars in new business for U.S. companies and increased international attendance for participating U.S. trade show organizers, according to IBP officials.

“We’re honored to again have the opportunity to participate in the International Buyers Program,” said Bill Carteaux, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), which owns NPE.

He continued, “We have participated in the IBP since 2000. In those years, we’ve increased international attendance 187 percent and now have international participation from 128 countries. This program provides an exceptional business opportunity for our exhibitors to meet, network and develop business partnerships with international buyers, sales representatives and strategic partners, and provides them with a tremendous value-added service.”

As an IBP show, the triennial international plastics manufacturing exposition will have access to a global network of U.S. Department of Commerce trade professionals in more than 75 countries and across the U.S. to help bridge the import/export gap as well as recruit and bring qualified international buyers, representatives and distributors to its 2018 event.

The IBP will also help optimize international attendee experience by providing them with the support and services they need to efficiently meet and conduct business with exhibiting brands.

As a member of an official U.S. Embassy IBP Delegation, trade show buyers will receive U.S. Embassy travel assistance, including registration and visa procedures, access to networking events and receptions, pre-arranged briefings and meetings customized according to buying interests as well as other attendee benefits and opportunities.

“The goal of this joint government-industry program is to support U.S. businesses and meet their objectives to grow internationally, while facilitating introductions to interested international buyers,” explained Vidya Desai, senior advisor of trade event programs for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

She continued, “By bringing delegations to NPE 2018, we are able to assist NPE in their efforts to provide unique opportunities for U.S. exhibitors to navigate international prospects without having to incur added expense. By participating in this program, U.S. exhibitors are able to increase their exporting knowledge and identify options to expand market-share and grow their brands internationally.”

During NPE2018, the IBP will maintain an official International Trade Center on the showfloor where foreign buyers can obtain assistance in identifying potential U.S. business partners and meet with U.S. companies, while U.S. exhibitors can take advantage of interpreter services and face-to-face export counseling from the overseas U.S. Commercial Service – the trade promotion arm of the ITA – to help bridge international barriers.

NPE is the only event in the plastics industry that has been selected in 2018 to participate in the IBP.

Other U.S. trade shows participating in the 2018 IBP include CES; International Woodworking Fair; NAB Show; Natural Products Expo West; POWER-GEN International; SHOT Show; Waste Expo and World of Concrete.

To learn more about the International Buyer Program, go HERE.

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