U.S. Department of Commerce Selects Graphics of the Americas for 2005 International Buyer Program

Published: June 11, 2004, By pffc-online.com

PRESS RELEASE

MIAMI, FL, USA—The Graphics of the Americas (GOA) show reports the U.S. Department of Commerce has selected it to participate in its 2005 International Buyer Program (IBP).

According to GOA, 2005 marks the 30th "pearl anniversary" of the GOA conference and exhibition event, the second largest graphic arts and converting show in America. GOA management adds the annual Miami Beach-based event provides a strong venue for the Southeast and Northeast US, as well as for the Caribbean and Latin American markets.

Says GOA VP/GM Chris Price, "We’re pleased to meet the criteria for participation in the International Buyer Program, as it allows us to extend unique support and benefits for our international attendees and exhibitors."

About the IBP
The IBP promotes key US trade shows to international business executives. The program brings thousands of international buyers each year to meet with US companies at major US trade shows. According to GOA show management, Graphics of the Americas is among only 35 trade shows—out of a pool of approximately 7,000 US events—chosen for IBP.

Price says GOA has traditionally attracted strong Latin American buyer and international supplier attendance. "In fact, with 40 percent of visitors coming from Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, many graphic arts professionals consider Graphics of the Americas to be the largest annual Latin American printing show," he explains.

"Through the years and now through our successful efforts to become an official participant in the US Dept. of Commerce’s International Buyer Program, GOA continues to be a leading supporter of the multi-billion dollar international graphic arts business," adds Price.

According to GOA, participants in the IBP program receive:

• Recognition as one of the leading trade shows in the US and thus the world.
• Identification by the US Government as one of the leading venues for US technology, products, and services.
• Worldwide event promotion through IBP’s network of more than 150 overseas offices in 85 countries, plus 105 offices throughout the US.
• Access to business counsel and research on market relevance of the event and exhibitors.
• An opportunity to have exhibitors receive a variety of educational and practical assistance in finding, qualifying, and conducting business with overseas firms with established credentials.

Among specific benefits and support provided under the GOA International Buyer Program are:

• International Business Center
  The US Department of Commerce will maintain a comprehensive International Business Center (IBC) during GOA 2005. The IBC will provide translation services, company matching services, private meeting rooms, telephones, fax, and lounge area.
• Housing
  GOA will set aside blocks of hotel rooms specifically for international attendees. Visit graphicsoftheamericas.com for information regarding rooms and availability.
• Export Interest Directory
  Interested exhibitors can be listed within an export interest directory, which will detail products/services, location of export interest, and all relevant contact information. It will be made available to all attendees and exhibitors.
• Worldwide Promotional Campaign
  To attract the largest possible buying audience, GOA 2005 is embarking on a worldwide, multi-language promotional campaign involving direct mail and industry advertising, incentive programs, public relations, trade journal advertising, and world wide web interactive media. GOA will work with its in-country partners to promote the event.

For information about exhibiting at GOA 2004, call 800/749-4855, ext. 18. From outside the United States and Canada, please dial 305/558-4855, ext. 18.

For more information about the IBP, contact Helen Simpson-David, project officer at the US Dept. of Commerce, at 202/482-1882 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about Graphics of the Americas at graphicsoftheamericas.com.