SIDO Fall Training Forum
August 26-28, 2015
The World Trade Center
7733 Forsyth Blvd #2200
St. Louis, Missouri
Wednesday, August 26:
1:00 – 1:15 PMWelcome
1:15 –2:45 PMOperating an Effective State Trade Office
This best practice session will discuss how states operate and manage an effective state trade program. Experts will outline how they structure their office(s) and serve their businesses; including staff functions/divisions, marketing services, client relations management systems, outreach and communication, and setting up overseas offices.
2:45- 3:00 PMBreak
3:00–4:15PMCoordinating with Federal and Private Partners
Federal trade agencies and private organizations play an important role in trade promotion efforts. Panelists will discuss opportunities and best practices in working with public and private organizations.
4:30 – 5:15 PMSTEP Grant Workshop and Budget Reporting
This session will feature a discussion on best practices in developing a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant proposal, and communicating your budget proposal with the state legislature, Governor’s office and other budget authorities.
6:00 PMWelcome Reception and Dinner
Thursday, August 27:
8:00 – 8:30 AMBreakfast at Hotel
8:45 – 10:00 AMMarket Research and Trade Data
SIDO leaders will lead a discussion on the best practices in market research and trade data. Experts will discuss how to identify market opportunities for your clients, screening potential buyers, and deciding the best trade events for your state.
10:00 – 10:15AMBreak
10:15 – 11:45AMClient Development and Assistance
Naturally, state trade leaders offer a variety of services to best service the unique needs of their clients. This session will highlight the best practices in providing services to various businesses, including large company advocacy, developing an export plan, expanding to a new market, screening buyers, and closing the deal.
11:45 – 12:45 PMLunch
1:00 –5:00 PMAfternoon Breakout Sessions
SIDO leaders will host professional development sessions on various trade promotion services.
1:00 – 2:00 PMSession 1
(Room A) Logistics and Export Documentation
Experts will review basics of understanding freight forwarding and logistic options for your state. They will also outline requirements for export documentation (certificates of origin, shipping declarations, etc.)
(Room B) Utilizing E-Commerce for Exporters
This session will outline best practices for e-commerce platforms for marketing products or services abroad.
2:00 – 2:10 PMBreak
2:10 – 3:10 PMSession 2
(Room A) Counseling Service Industry Exporters
Experts will examine best practices in promoting service industry exports, including market research and how to identify foreign buyers.
(Room B) Compliance and License requirements
This session will review best practices in identifying export compliance requirements including foreign regulations, domestic licenses, and other requirements.
3:10 – 3:20 PMBreak
3:20 – 4:20 PMSession 3
(Room A) Trade Finance
Trade finance experts will discuss Best practices in identifying export finance in your state.
(Room B) Protecting the Intellectual Property of your clients
Protecting against intellectual property theft is an essential part of the export process. This session will highlight best practices in protecting your clients’ intellectual property while conducting international business, including cyber security and fighting counterfeiting.
4:30 –5:45 PMExecuting Successful Trade Events
Trade missions and shows continue to be one of the most effective ways for U.S. companies to sell their products and services abroad. State leaders and experts will lead a best practice session on how to develop and execute a successful trade event. They will discuss client recruitment, booth design, marketing and media, travel logistics, and following-up after the event to secure the deal.
6:30 PMReception and Dinner
Friday, August 28:
8:00 – 8:30 AMBreakfast at Hotel
8:45 – 9:15 AMHold for Open Discussion
9:30 – 10:15 AMDeveloping a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy
Foreign direct investment is a growing component of state trade director’s portfolio. This session will examine best practices in developing an effective FDI strategy, and coordinating with federal and private partners.
10:15 – 10:30 AMBreak
10:30 – 11:45 PMCoordinating with Agribusiness Exporters
Some state trade offices provide consultative services for both goods/services and agriculture products, while others are held in separate departments - similar to the U.S. Department of Commerce and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This session will examine best practices in coordinating with agribusiness partners, including USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service.
12:00 – 1:00 PMLunchSpeaker
1:00 – 2:00 PMSIDO Administration and Adjourn