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Spring, fall High Point Markets win International Buyer designation

First time both shows qualify for U.S. government program

Alex Lemonde-Gray -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2011

HIGH POINT — As delegations from around the globe prepare for the spring High Point Market, set for April 2-7, the U.S. Department of Commerce has designated the spring market as a U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program event for the fourth time.

And for the first time, the department also has given the fall 2011 market the same designation. High Point remains the only home furnishings trade show to receive the designation.

Brian Casey, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, said the International Buyer Program is designed to connect U.S. companies with foreign customers and to raise global awareness of designated events.

"The High Point Market is among more than 40 U.S. trade events representing major business sectors that have been selected for the IBP by the U.S. Department of Commerce this year," Casey said. "It is the only home furnishings trade event to receive the designation and recognizes the importance of our market to the home furnishings industry here in the U.S. and the role that we play in the expansion of exports. The IBP designation also underscores the global nature of our market and its influence on the world economy."

Blanche Ziv, IBP director, said the "unusual distinction of having both the spring and fall events in 2011 designated as IBP events ... is due to the high export potential of this sector and the high interest from international delegations in attending this market."

In the past four years, the U.S. Commercial Service has helped recruit delegations to High Point from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, India and the Middle East.

Casey said that articles produced by an international trade publication initiative have been a more cost-effective means of garnering international attention than standard advertising.

According to a press release, Casey also has increased the High Point Market's presence at other trade shows, meeting with consulate representatives around the world that assist in promotion of the market and initiating cross-promotional activities with other trade show organizers.

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Spring, fall High Point Markets in DOC program

Mar 4, 2011

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