International Visitors

You are cordially invited to attend the largest technical textiles trade show in the Americas.

 

International visitors find IFAI Expo to be a trade event of exceptional quality--it’s the only event in the Americas that provides you with access to a worldwide network of leading suppliers and producers in the textile manufacturing industry.

 

Benefits to International Travelers

• As a visitor you will gain valuable insights about new products, materials, technologies, design initiatives, production techniques and marketing strategies

• IFAI Expo 2008 has been designated as an International Buyer Program by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. Department of Commerce will be organizing buyer delegations from all over the world for this trade event. If you are interested in being part of a delegation from your country, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office Trade Specialist in your country (visit www.buyusa.gov).

• As a participant in this International Buyer Program event, an experienced, onsite Commercial Service officer will also assist you with market analysis and matchmaking services at the Charlotte Convention Center.

• You will also have the use of an International Business Center where your company can meet privately with prospective U.S. sellers and business partners.

• International visitors are cordially invited you to attend the IFA I Expo 2008 Welcome Reception on 21 October, as well as the International Visitor Reception on 22 October to relax and network with industry peers from around the world.

 

Important Contacts & Links

Download IFAI Expo 2008 International Visitor Brochures
- English
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Chinese
- French

Registration, visa and general visitor information: Contact Tracie Coopet at +1 651 225 6947 or tkcoopet@ifai.com.

Hotel reservations, airfare discounts:  www.ifaiexpo.com/housing_transportation.cfm

To purchase an exhibit stand: Contact Sarah Hyland at +1 651 225 6950 or schyland@ifai.com

U.S. Government visas:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html

U.S. Commercial Service Offices: http://export.gov/eac/index.asp

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialists In U.S. Offices: www.export.gov

International Visitor Assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce

International Buyer Program, designation awarded to IFAI Expo 2008 by the U.S. Department of Commerce—one of only 28 trade shows to receive it this year. U.S. Department of Commerce offices mobilize worldwide to promote IFAI Expo 2008 and organize delegations of visitors to the show. The U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Commercial Service can help you by organizing meetings and providing matchmaking services and business counseling during the show. As a participant at an IBP event, you will receive many valuable benefits:
- Assistance with the logistics of your trip organized for you
- Meet with qualified U.S. sellers, representatives and distributors
- Free access to the Export Interest Directory, published by IFAI, the show organizer· Counseling, market analysis and matchmaking services
- Use of an International Business Center where your company can meet privately with prospective U.S. sellers and business partners, and obtain assistance from the experienced Commercial Service staff.

 

Meeting and Matchmaking Assistance

U.S. Foreign Commercial Service offices can help you get the most out of the show with friendly assistance in your language; help U.S. suppliers before, during, and after the show; help arrange hotel and travel packages; and much more. Best of all, if you join an official delegation, you receive complimentary admission to the Exhibit Hall.

 

Travel Visas

Apply for your visa well in advance of your travel! Important steps to remember: Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal. The photograph format required for the nonimmigrant visa has changed. This format is similar to that required for U.S. passport processing - http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html. Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available - http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php. Visit the embassy or consular section Web site where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions. Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.