During the 2016 International Business Council’s Global Forum, held in Chicago, June 8-10, attendees came to discuss difficulties with international sales and seek solutions through networking with other IHA suppliers in attendance.
One attendee noted, “It was great to brainstorm with other companies and to realize that our issues are not unique. It’s good to know there are resources, within the others in IBC, that could advise when needed.”
The Strategic Problem Solving session was led by the IBC Board of Directors, comprised of:
Wendy Gulzad (National Presto)
Joel Arivett (Microplane)
Aaron Goodman (Spectrum Diversified Designs)
Valorie Langille (Arrow Home Products Company)
Gincarlo Barzotti (Whitmor)
When asked of the greatest value in attending the 2016 IBC Global Forum, attendees unanimously agreed that the combination of the speakers’ knowledge of their markets and the networking made the 2-day meeting a fantastic usage of their time. One attendee said, “IBC has a really unique way of creating such a casual and friendly professional atmosphere to get current with what is going on in the industry and with particular customers, companies and countries.”
Speakers expanded on topics specific to their retail markets, including: Working with retailers at Ace Hardware Indonesia presented by Nana Puspa Dewi and Donny Prayoga of Ace Hardware Indonesia, Fulfilling buyer expectations when selling to Corporación Lady Lee in Honduras presented by Carlos Zelaya of Corporación Lady Lee, Entering Chinese e-tail with VIP.com presented by Tony Shan of VIP.com, and Managing consumer product expectations within the Scandinavian markets presented by Linus Kolmeik of Hippie De Luxe.
In-depth coverage of the western European home and housewares markets was presented by Francois Boutet of START’HOMEurope, availing strategies to companies looking to enter these markets or enhance their existing sales in western Europe. An overview of reaching key export markets in Africa was presented by Ambrose Thomas of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria.
Not only did attendees have time to interact with like-minded exporters, they also benefitted from access to the speakers, setting the stage for potential sales or expanded future business with the speakers who were buyers.
What else does IHA offer to members looking to grow their export business? IHA’s core mission is to bring buyers and sellers together. This is done each March through the International Home + Housewares Show and throughout the year at various global trade events. Three such events are available for members to attend during 2016:
Mexico Trade Mission
August 21-26, 2016
Offering attendees one-on-one retailer meetings and a retail tour of targeted home and housewares stores within Mexico.
Australia / New Zealand Trade Mission
October 30 – November 4, 2016
Offering attendees one-on-one retailer meetings and a retail tours of targeted home and housewares stores within Australia and New Zealand
Interior Lifestyle China Pavilion
September 20-22, 2016
Offering participants within IHA’s pavilion the opportunity to meet Chinese retailers and distributors, with a goal of reaching consumers within mainland China. IHA will manage the logistics of organizing booths, allowing exhibitors to focus efforts on sales and marketing while exhibiting at the fair.
These are turn-key events run by IHA staff that allow you to focus on your products, customers and sales rather on the logistical details. Whether you are new to international sales or a seasoned veteran, you are sure to benefit by participating.
Contact Lori Szudarek at +1.847.692.0116 for additional information on participating.
