by Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator
IHA opens its Global Forum, the essential annual meeting for sales professionals and companies looking to grow their international business, on Tuesday, June 17 at the Intercontinental O’Hare hotel. Participants will hear market overviews by retailers from Kuwait, China, Russia, Brazil, Czech Republic and Australia and will learn valuable strategic information in sessions on critical global business issues during the two-day conference. Attendees will also benefit from networking events with industry peers and will build their connections with retail buyers.
The Global Forum is sponsored by the International Business Council (IBC), a special interest group of International Housewares Association members dedicated to increasing their international business. The popular conference, offered for more than a decade by IHA, is open to IBC and non-IBC members and sessions are geared toward both novice and veteran export executives.
Preceding the conference opening, participants new to exporting can attend a primer on international sales, led by Jeff Murphy of Wilton Industries. IBC 101: International Essentials, will cover topics including market selection, export mechanics, distribution models and international pricing. The conference begins with the Executive Education session, Rethinking the 4 P’s, by Jonathan Knowles, CEO of Type 2 Consulting.
Registered attendees include CEOs, international sales managers, and export specialists from companies located around the U.S., along with participants from Turkey, Poland, France, Germany, Canada and Mexico.
Follow this blog to read reporting direct from the conference on each presentation Tuesday June 17 and Wednesday June 18.
For further information, visit www.housewares.org/globalforum or contact Lori Szudarek, manager, international trade development, at +1 847-692-0116 or email lszudarek@housewares.org
