IBC Global Forum

The IBC Global Forum brings together strategic planning and pragmatic international information to facilitate sales and business development in key export markets. Extensive networking with housewares buyers, industry professionals and seasoned IBC members presents vast opportunities to increase your housewares industry network and sales.

2017 Global Forum Recap: IBC General Meeting

On the second day of the 2017 Global Forum, Mark Adkison, IHA's vice president of international, led the IBC General Meeting to update the membership on upcoming programs, awards and the IBC board of directors. With members earning credits for participating at educational sessions and for taking part in Trade Missions, several IBC members were honored through the group's…

2017 Global Forum Recap: EPA Latin America

Juan Francisco España joined EPA 20 years ago, after 10 years of experience in retail and wholesale of home center products. Mr. España began at EPA as a head buyer for EPA. Following his role as head buyer, he held positions of purchasing manager, sales manager, country manager. In 2009, he became CEO of EPA and manages the retailer’s operations in Venezuela, Costa Rica,…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Strategic Problem Solving 2

The second Strategic Problem Solving Session at the 2017 Global Forum was as successful as the first with attendees further interacting with industry peers. …

2017 Global Forum Recap: YUWA, Japan

Keiichi Kobayashi, president and CEO of the YUWA Group, co-presented this retail market overview with James Karani. Mr. Kobayashi leads YUWA, which was established by his father more than 50 years ago. He began importing consumer goods into Japan, primarily from Europe. Today YUWA is the sole agent for Chantal Cookware in Japan. In addition to working with several U.S.…

2017 Global Forum Recap: MercadoLibre

Two managers from MercadoLibre, Carlos Cernadas, head of cross border trade and Maximo Bach, housewares buyer and category development manager, presented Latin America as a new growth channel through e-commerce. Mr. Cernadas joined MercadoLibre in 2016, after more than eight years of experience working with multinational corporations including Walmart, PwC and Deloitte. He…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Strategic Problem Solving

The IBC's Strategic Problem Solving Sessions allow attendees to meet in peer groups to discuss questions and to find solutions to many of today's exporting challenges. As in previous years, the networking sessions were once again a highlight and primary benefit of attending the 2017 Global Forum. …

2017 Global Forum Recap: International Negotiation 2

Part Two Dr. Dennis Leclerc continued his two-part morning program on international negotiation strategies by detailing nuances of interpersonal contacts. (Part one of can be found here.) Cultural and Psychological Aspects Three things are important to negotiators: results, efficiency and relationships. Every successful negotiation involves: The resolving of…

2017 Global Forum Recap: International Negotiation

The first full day of IBC Global Forum sessions opened with Dr. Dennis Leclerc, educator and principal in his own consulting firm, who led the two-part morning program on international negotiation strategies. Dr. Denis Leclerc teaches cross-cultural communication and global negotiations at Thunderbird School of Global Management. There Dr. Leclerc teaches in multiple…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Networking Reception

Attendees from over 10 countries at the 2017 IBC Global Forum gathered poolside at the East, Miami Hotel to network with old colleagues and to make new friends! 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.…