Taking Advantage of the International Buyer Program

What is the IBP?

The International Buyer Program (IBP) is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions. Through the IBP, the Department of Commerce recognizes leading U.S. trade shows in industries with high export potential.

Events are selected annually through a collegial selection process that results in a worldwide commitment by Commercial Service to support events selected for participation. IBP events provide a venue for U.S. firms to market their products and services to increased numbers of international buyers visiting IBP shows.

Commercial Service overseas posts and State Department partner posts assist in promoting IBP events overseas to contacts in the local business and government community.

How does exhibiting at an IBP trade show help a U.S. company?

Your chances of finding the right international business partner greatly increases at a trade show that’s part of the IBP. You’ll not only meet more buyers, representatives and distributors, but your products and services can be listed in the Export Interest Directory and distributed to all international visitors.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Access to hundreds of current international trade leads in your industry

• Hands-on export counseling, marketing analysis, and matchmaking services by country and industry experts from the U.S. Commercial Service

• Use of an on-site International Business Center, where your company can meet privately with prospective international buyers, prospective sales representatives, and business partners and obtain assistance from our experienced U.S. Commercial Service staff.

The Commercial Service project officer and trade show organizer contact can provide you with additional information on the International Buyer Program and other international sales and marketing initiatives at the show.

Participating – view the listing, how to register, and where to go if they have questions?

Exhibiting at an IBP trade show is easy. To register for a show:

• Follow the link for the specific event you wish to exhibit at from the participating trade shows listing.

• Follow the exhibitor registration process available on the show website.

If you have any questions regarding a particular show, the Commercial Service project officer and show contacts are available to assist you.