Once a year, international business professionals from the housewares industry gather at the IBC Global Forum to increase their global sales through education and networking. For more than 20 years, the International Business Council (formerly HECNA) has put together a strong, multi-day event to provide attendees with the tools needed to succeed in the global economy.
And this year is no exception with a wide variety of educational topics and networking opportunities planned for June 8-10 in Chicago. Learn from and meet directly with buyers from Central America, Indonesia, China & Scandinavia, with a European market-entry specialist and with a representative from the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria.
Networking is another great benefit of attending the Global Forum. At receptions and dinners and at a special strategic problem solving session, attendees have access to housewares-industry peers who offer hundreds of years of global experience. If you’re new to international sales and need to learn how to get started, or if you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find industry colleagues happy to discuss, council and advise on how to get the most out of your international programs.
To follow is an overview of the events and programs planned:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
4:30 pm – IBC 101: International Business Basics
6:00 pm – Networking Reception & Dinner
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
9:00 am – Welcome
9:30 am – 3:50 pm – Executive Education: European Market Entry Strategies
4:05 pm – Market Overview: Reaching Export Markets Through Africa
6:30 pm – Networking Dinner
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
8:00 am – China Retail Overview: VIP.com (Internet Retailer)
8:45 am – Scandinavian Market Overview: Hippie De Luxe (Distributor)
9:45 am – Strategic Problem Solving: Networking Session
11:15 am – Honduras Retail Overview: Corporación Lady Lee (Retailer)
12:00 pm – Indonesia Retail Overview: Ace Indonesia (Retailer)
12:45 pm – IBC General Meeting
1:00 pm – Farewell
The IBC Global Forum is a melting pot of knowledge and culture with attendees already registered for the 2016 event coming from Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, China, Indonesia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Nigeria, and of course from the United States. There is simply no better place to engage with the global housewares community!
Additional information and registration details are available on the IBC website. And, feel free to reach out to Lori Szudarek directly to ask questions!
The International Housewares Association and the International Business Council plan the Global Forum each year to benefit our membership – take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to grow your international sales!
