SUNBELT EXPO OPENS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTER
MOULTRIE, GA---Responding to interest from around the world, the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition has a new International Business Center for visitors from other countries.
During the annual show, October 16-18 this year, the Center will be located right next door to Expo headquarters on the Spence Field site in Moultrie, GA.
“We are really excited about having a building to host international guests during the show,” said Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Expo Executive Director. “This gives us more space to facilitate their visits with exhibitors who are interested in establishing international business relationships.”
At the International Business Center, the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism (GDITT) will assist visitors in making appointments with exhibitors, provide transportation for international delegates, and interpreters where needed. Southeast Agricultural Coalition and the Valdosta Convention Visitors Bureau will act as hosts and provide refreshments to guests.
The GDITT conducts intensive promotion campaigns for the Sunbelt Expo. Qualified buyers and prospective representatives and distributors are recruited from all over the world to attend the three-day agricultural event. Countries and regions targeted include South Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Argentina, China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Middle East.
“Carlos Martel of the GDITT, International Trade Division has committed to putting Sunbelt on the map,” said the GDITT’s Sheila Hortman. “Our international trade representatives are the catalysts for getting information out to countries all over the world.”
The Sunbelt Expo’s international marketing program gained momentum during its two-year participation in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program. With the program’s additional tools and resources to promote globally, the Expo has continued to increase international attendance each year.
Over 300 international visitors representing more than 30 countries attended the Expo last year. As a result, Sunbelt Expo exhibitors are also benefiting - utilizing the show to achieve their individual international marketing goals.
“The International Buyer Program presented an unequaled opportunity to promote the Sunbelt Expo to the world and has given us a sound road map to enhance the international marketing efforts of our exhibitors,” said Blalock.
“Working in cooperation with the GDITT enhances the global marketing outreach that we offer our exhibitors as well as our community and the surrounding areas,” Blalock added.
Representatives from three of the 11 partners that make up the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) will attend the Expo - the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the Small Business Administration. USEAC offers a wealth of marketing and financial services for developing and expanding a private sector export program. USEAC has in-country contacts in over 120 countries to help companies at any level--large or small, experienced in exporting or not--get top dollar results from their endeavors. In addition to a resource center, the USEAC conducts workshops on how to export to specific countries--sharing industry-specific information and international standards. Export-ready companies can also receive one-on-one counseling from the USEAC to develop their strategies.
The Sunbelt Expo show hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 8:30 am to 4 pm on Thursday. The three-day show will be held at Spence Field; four miles southeast of US Hwy 319 on Highway 133 near Moultrie, GA. Admission is $5 per day, per person. Children under 6 are admitted free with a parent. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo office at Telephone: (229) 985-1968, Fax: (229) 890-8518, E-mail: info@sunbeltexpo.com -- Address: 290-G Harper Blvd., Moultrie, GA. 31768.