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The Trade Event Partnership Program is the framework facilitating mutually beneficial collaboration between the International Trade Administration (ITA) and the organizers of trade events and trade event pavilions (organizer) that feature U.S. products and services. The objective of the program is to leverage the networks and resources of ITA and the Event or Pavilion Organizer collectively to promote U.S. exports at trade events, such as trade shows, trade fairs, and through U.S. pavilions at such events. ITA supports trade events and U.S. Pavilions at those events because they serve as vital access vehicles for U.S. firms to enter and expand foreign markets. Innovative U.S. products and services are often best featured and marketed face-to-face where the buyer can experience the value-add of U.S. ingenuity firsthand.
A partner organization at trade events (e.g., trade shows, trade fairs, industry conferences) in support of ITA’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promote trade and investment, and ensure fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. Partnership activities help to grow the U.S exporter base, educate the public about the benefits of international trade, and increase awareness of ITA and other government resources available to assist exporters and investors. The Partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
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Partnerships apply to a single event in a single year. Partners must reapply for subsequent editions of any event.
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There is no financial contribution to apply. If accepted, the base partnership package begins at $4,700. Visit the TEPP price structure to view costs.
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To be considered for the program, please start by signing up for an account and completing our interest form. We’ll acknowledge your interest within two business days. Please note that submitting the form does not bind you to participation. Partnerships and individual services are customized to meet your needs and will be finalized following approval. If you have questions, please contact us. An ITA representative will contact you within two business days to confirm interest form receipt.
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Partnership requests will be considered via the following criteria:
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Resource demands (event may be denied based on lack of adequate resources to support the event
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Support of the statutory mandate in 15 U.S.C. 4721 to promote U.S. exports, especially those of small- and medium-sized enterprises
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Export potential
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U.S. Content of Show Exhibitors
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Level of Exhibitor Interest
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Scope and Stature of the Show
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Logistics & Accommodations – capable of accommodating large numbers of attendees whose native language will not be English (as applicable)
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Level of Organizer Cooperation
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Delegation Incentives (for consideration of active recruitment)
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Level of International Interest (for consideration of active recruitment)
Partners must be free of conflicts of interest or other issues that could adversely reflect on ITA. Furthermore, Partners cannot seek an ITA endorsement of their views, products and/or services.
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The criteria for a Trade Event Partnership includes several factors typically assessed using data from prior trade events. To the extent that the organizer of a first-time trade event is able to provide such data based on a related prior trade event, ITA will consider such requests.
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Because the lead time and level of effort varies depending on the depth and breadth of activities requested, there is no hard deadline for submitting your interest form. However, requests are evaluated (in part) according to resource demands and availability, as well as existing conflicts with other events. Therefore, submitting your interest form as early as possible (e.g., six-months prior to an event) allows ITA to properly evaluate and, if accepted, provides adequate lead time to adhere to the high standards for which the organization is known.
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Not at all! Outside of the TEPP, you may request ITA coordinate and deliver value-added services at your event directly through your local trade specialist or post. As a show or pavilion organizer, you can view the fees associated with a la carte service delivery. Please note that the Department of Commerce does not authorize use of its logo on organizers’ promotional material or officially endorse a trade event outside of the TEPP agreement.
Email us at TradeEvents@trade.gov if you have additional questions about the Trade Event Partnership Program.
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While specific organizer responsibilities will vary from show to show, general expected responsibilities could include, but are not limited to, the following list of items. For more information, including responsibilities specific to U.S. Pavilion Organizers, please refer to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be agreed upon by both the organizer and ITA.
- Designate an official authorized to work with ITA, assist with international visitor information and product locating services.
- Have established practice guidelines to address intellectual property right protections.
- Develop a system that allows non-U.S. exhibitors to self-identify as exporters of U.S. goods and services for trade shows taking place outside of the U.S. or develop a list of exhibiting U.S. exporters that consent to be contacted by ITA for shows taking place in the United States.
- Provide information on TEPP services being provided by ITA to exhibiting U.S. exporters.
- Provide complimentary access to the exhibit floor and networking events to allow ITA staff to fulfill TEPP responsibilities.
- In certain cases, provide full or partial assistance for airfare, lodging, etc. for at least one ITA staff member attending the event.
- Conduct a promotional campaign in the local language for events located outside of the United States.
- Provide applicable information and data collected in conjunction with the event to incorporate into a final event report.
- Timely remit the appropriate partnership contribution, which is generally non-refundable other than explicitly stated.
