We welcome you to join a Pennsylvania Trade Mission or Trade Event.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Center for Trade Development organizes international trade missions and trade shows around the world.  You can meet face-to-face with international business prospects and share your experience with other PA businesses.  During the events, you also can schedule individual appointments to discuss your company’s needs and receive in-country assistance.

Why Participate in a Pennsylvania Sponsored Trade Event?

Pennsylvania Center for Trade Development (CTD)’s trade missions and trade shows provide Pennsylvania companies with a a cost-effective way to travel and meet with potential customers, agents, distributors and joint venture partners.

Pennsylvania-sponsored trade shows allow your company to benefit from exhibiting in person, without the high cost.  CTD purchases a number of booths in the U.S. Pavilion and sells them to Pennsylvania companies at a reduced rate.  Staff will help you transport you your literature and/or exhibit to the show.  The Pennsylvania Overseas Director from the event area, a CTD Trade Specialist, or both, will travel with your group and provide assistance with the show.

Trade mission participation also offers companies a cost-effective way to travel to international markets.  Missions typically are limited to 10-12 companies, so the CTD staff and Overseas Director can work with you one-on-one to customize the schedule to suit your company’s needs.  Every participant receives assistance with travel arrangements, accommodations, scheduling meetings with potential trading partners, translation services, and/or attending receptions.  In-country staff also is available to provide assistance.

Why Should my Company Participate in a Pennsylvania Sponsored Trade Event?

1.   Trade Events Have Buyers.
Corporations and governments often send buying delegations to international trade shows. The best way to make valuable business contacts is to board the plane and appear in person.  It demonstrates the commitment and respect needed to develop solid, long-term relationships.
2.   Agents and Distributors Participate in Trade Events.
Agents and Distributors build their reputations by providing their customers with quality imports.  They participate in trade events to find the best the world has to offer.  You can meet with them to find what they need.  It is a great way to get your product or service into existing buying channels in many countries worldwide.
3.   Trade Events Are Cost-Effective.
Trade events are among the best ways to maximize your overseas marketing budget.  When you attend an international trade event, you meet the most interested potential clients and trading partners. 
4.   Trade Shows Provide Market Research.
Participating in an event provides you with first-hand, unbiased market intelligence.  When you talk with potential international clients, you find exactly what they are looking for, and what their customers want.  You may discover that your preconceived notions about international markets are wrong.  You may learn about special requirements and opportunities by region.  Or, you may find a niche market for a very specialized product or service that you are uniquely qualified to produce or sell.
5.   Trade Shows Provide Product Testing.
Trade shows give exhibitors the chance to compare themselves against a global audience of buyers and producers.  You learn where you excel, or where others are ahead, in business philosophy, knowledge, methods, or skills.

How to Select the Right Show or Mission

Many trade shows are held annually within the United States and around the world.  Select the event that matches your company’s goals and objectives.

• Consider:  Which global industry sectors have the most potential for your product?  Will your competitors be exhibiting?  How many visitors have attended the show in past years?  What is the profile and total number of attendees from each country?
  
• Decide what you hope to achieve by participating in the event: selling direct to new customers, initiating relationships with agents and or distributors, gaining competitive market intelligence, or testing your company’s products and services in the wider global marketplace.

Source:  http://www.fas.usda.gov/