US Department of Commerce awards fall High Point Market IBP designation

DOC to help recruit international buyers for Market

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 9/29/2011 1:04:37 PM

HIGH POINT, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Commerce has again designated the upcoming High Point Market as a U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program event. The High Point Market is the only home furnishings trade show to receive the designation, according to a press release from the High Point Market Authority.

The IBP program aims to connect U.S. companies with international customers.

This is the fifth time the High Point Market has received the IBP designation, but the first time for a fall edition of the Market. The designation also marks the first time both the spring and fall shows in a single calendar year have received the honor.

"The High Point Market is among more than 40 U.S. trade events representing major business sectors that have been selected for the IBP by the U.S. Department of Commerce," said Tom Conley, president and CEO, High Point Market Authority. "It is the only home furnishings trade event to receive the designation and recognizes the importance of our Market to the home furnishings industry here in the U.S. and the role that we play in the expansion of exports. The IBP designation also underscores the global nature of our Market and its influence on the world economy."

In the past five years, the U.S. Commercial Service has helped recruit delegations to the High Point Market from Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Asia and the Pacific Rim countries, Africa, India and the Middle East, according to the release.

The High Point Market Authority has also increased Market's presence at other trade shows, meeting with consulate representatives around the world that assist in promotion of the Market and initiating cross-promotional activities with other trade show organizers where appropriate.