This year, PMMI’s annual packaging and processing trade show had a bigger international audience than ever, and with a total number of delegations more than doubling to 46 and the show hosting more than 4,000 international attendees from 120 countries, the margin of growth was significant.

“The increase in international presence at this year’s show, a jump of over 17 percent, speaks volumes to the importance of events like PACK EXPO, in the world marketplace,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of market development, PMMI. “With delegations from more than 35 countries, including some as wide-spread as Argentina, India and Zambia, this show isn’t just international, it’s global.”

In addition to developing nations like China, which brought eight delegations accounting for over 100 delegates, and India, PACK EXPO International was also host to buyers from Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Zambia.

Mexico, consistently among the leading trade partners for U.S. packaging machinery manufacturers, sent more than 300 delegates to PACK EXPO International 2010.

PMMI drove international traffic to the show through participation in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) International Buyer Program (IBP) and through relationships with a number of international end user associations and industry groups.

IBC and IBP Provide Expert Guidance for Exporters

The International Business Center (IBC) at PACK EXPO was the hub of activity for international attendees, hosting the 46 international delegations and providing expert advice to both buyers and solutions providers on site with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

“The U.S. DOC and its IBP were fantastic resources, not only for guiding exhibitors and attendees through the intricacies of doing business across borders, but also in driving international delegations to the show,” Izquierdo added.

In addition to providing negotiating assistance and translation services, IBC staff performed matchmaking tasks to help international buyers find the products they needed on the show floor.

The DOC helps U.S.-based companies find opportunities in the global marketplace throughout the year, and regularly sponsors events to discuss foreign markets, including upcoming events focused on opportunities in India (Dec. 8 ) and Latin America (monthly through March). Learn more about these events in the “International Markets” section of  PMMI.org.

Matchmaking Event Connects Members with the World

PMMI’s 4^th annual Agent-Member matchmaking reception, which took place at PACK EXPO International, featured over 90 meetings between 33 PMMI members and 36 Agents in a speed-dating formatted event that centered around a series of up to five 15-minute meetings between members and international agents.

And when they weren’t ‘speed dating’ with agents, members and agents networked less formally over cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres  in the ‘reception’ area of the event.

“The Member-Agent Matchmaking Reception is one of the quickest and easiest ways for PMMI members to meet the people who can bring their products to international markets,” Izquierdo noted.

PMMI will hold an additional Member-Agent matchmaking event at interpack 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Friday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Ryan Oklewicz for details at ryan@pmmi.org org or at 703.243.8555.

Contact PMMI year round for assistance with finding agents or for guidance choosing the right overseas markets for your product lines.