SISO
Time for US to improve access for international tradeshow visitors
It ’ s a defining time for international participation in US tradeshows , says Society of Independent Show Organisers ’ CEO Vincent Polito
ith 2024 already in
W full contact mode , I have three differing data points around international attendance to events to discuss , particularly with a focus on international travel to the US .
• Global tech event CES had a very successful show with an expected attendance of over 130,000 , which was expected to include 150 + countries , territories and regions participating ( audited figures not available at time of writing ).
• I just attended CCPIT ’ s ( The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade ) CEFCO event of which SISO serves as a co-host .
• A US Travel commissioned study focused on leading travel markets and global competitiveness .
CES By its own description , CES is the most powerful tech event in the world and it showcases the entire tech landscape at one event . While this is not the place to detail every automotive or healthcare technology advance ( and there were many ), it is important to note that CES had significant international participation .
CES ’ s global reputation makes it a highly recognised and desired destination for international travellers to come to the US . As a participant in the US Department of Commerce ’ s Trade Event Partnership Program , I know there is a concerted effort to bring international delegations to the event . This success was in spite of the fact that the visa backlog funding is still unresolved and wait times in both Mexico and India remain at unacceptable levels , to name just two countries .
Above : Vincent Polito
“ US ranked nearly dead last in competition for global travellers ”
The 19th China Expo Forum for International Co-operation CCPIT , which can be considered the China Chamber of International Commerce , produces an annual event designed to encourage and stimulate co-operation between China and other nations in the area of conferences and tradeshows . While this is not the place to discuss initiatives or outcomes , I want to point out the ease of obtaining a 10-year Visa to visit China . With no expedited handling , and no hand holding , I was able to gain my visa by simply following an online form and a visit to the Consulate . Which reminded me of countries where trusted travellers can obtain visas or 5-day visa waivers at airports for certain countries .
US travel study This week , US travel issued a release titled ‘ Stunning New Research Ranks United States Nearly Dead Last in Competition for Global Travelers ’.
Both the summary report and the full report are available on the US Travel website . If interested I would encourage you to review the report .
The conclusion from these data points is the following : we are at a tipping point regarding international tradeshow participation globally . While world renowned shows will garner international attendees to the US , without significant investment by organisers and assistance from the US government to treat travel with the same importance as other nations , then international attendance and commerce will leave the US for other markets that are interested in attracting visitors with money to spend . EW
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 1 2024 13