Navigating the diverse barriers to foreign trade can be a challenge. Fortunately for businesses in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region, a bevy of experts and organizations stand ready to assist companies in launching or expanding their export operations.
The 2014 Celebration of International Trade: Conference and Exposition-sponsored by the Maryland/DC District Export Council (DEC), JP Morgan Chase & Co., UPS, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and others-will bring all of these resources together on May 22 in Linthicum, Maryland.
The second annual conference, held at the Maritime Institute Conference Center, will feature representatives of several industries and countries presenting a series of interactive panel discussions. Experts will include Libo Suen, the U.S. Small Business Administration Washington Metropolitan Area District Office's District International Trade Officer, and Bill Houck, Regional Manager with the Office of International Trade at Export Solutions. Local, state and federal government and commercial exhibitors will also show their resources and services at the conference.
Carl Livesay, Manufacturing Program Manager with the Office of Strategic Industries and Innovation at DBED, who is part of the event's organizing team, urges business representatives to register as soon as possible. The first annual conference attracted more than 400 attendees, but the upcoming conference is already on track to draw more than 500, he said.
"This is the No. 1 opportunity for companies looking to overcome the barriers to international trade. Leaders in international trade will be presenting all day. Many companies are sending two representatives so they can glean information from as many sessions as possible," Livesay said.
"This is not the type of conference where you simply listen to a speaker and go home. This truly is a content-rich conference. You will interact and network and receive practical advice for your company," he added.
Find additional registration details on the DEC website here.
Find coverage of the 2013 Celebration of International Trade: Conference and Exposition on MDBIZ News, including advice from industry experts and reaction from organizers and participants.