MILAN, Italy (BRAIN)--The deadline for getting a spot in a U.S. government-sponsored pavilion at Italy’s EICMA trade show is just weeks away, on July 31.
There’s still far more space available than the U.S. Commercial Service officials in Italy would wish for, though: “Unfortunately until now we don't have any booked companies yet, but we sent a massive mailing campaign three weeks ago and I requested to my colleagues in the USA to do the follow up. Therefore I am still waiting for some positive replies,” said Valentina Massari, a spokesperson for the service, which is a branch of the Department of Commerce.
Services include a turnkey booth, translators, publicity, marketing assistance, discounted hotel rates, and even trouble-shooting with customs or trade show organizers if necessary.
EICMA organizers gave the Commercial Service discounted booth rates to encourage U.S. exhibitors, who can get a turnkey, fully constructed and furnished booth for 2,370 euros (about $3,200), a very competitive price for trade show space.
The agency successfully worked with EICMA’s big motorcycle show last year and decided to expand into the bicycle side. The Nov. 8-11 bicycle show runs concurrently with the Nov. 6-11 motorcycle show this year, a practice that in the past has boosted the number of consumers going to the bicycle exhibit.
For more details, refer to the June 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry news, or go to www.buyusa.gov/italy/en/eicmabrochure.pdf. Contacts in Milan are Andrea Rosa (andrea.rosa@mail.doc.gov) and Valentina Massari (valentina.massari@mail.doc.gov). -John Crenshaw
