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High Point Markets Awarded IBP Designation for 2011

Furniture World Magazine

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As delegations from around the globe prepare for the Spring High Point Market, April 2-7, the High Point Market Authority reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce has once again designated the Spring 2011 Market as U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program events. This is the fourth time the High Point Market has been honored with the IBP designation.
 
The Fall 2011 Market has also been designated an IBP Market, the first time this event has received the honor for both shows in a calendar year. The High Point Market also is the only home furnishings trade show to receive the designation.
 
According to Brian Casey, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, the IBP program is designed to connect U.S. companies with foreign customers, and to raise global awareness of a the High Point Market.
 
“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 this year,” Casey says. “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.”
 
“We are pleased to be partnering again with High Point Market this year to increase exports in this industry that support economic growth and jobs for Americans,” says Blanche Ziv, IBP director. “The High Point Market is receiving the unusual distinction of having both the spring and fall events in 2011 designated as IBP events. This is due to the high export potential of this sector and the high interest from international delegations in attending this Market.”
 
In the past four years, the U.S. Commercial Service has helped in the recruitment of 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.
 
“International promotion of the High Point Market has been augmented by our international trade publication initiative, through which we invite journalists from all over the world to High Point to cover the Market each season,” says Casey. “This spring we are hosting editors from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Russia, and Canada. In prior Markets we have hosted editors from Dubai, Brazil, Columbia, Australia, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Italy, Ukraine, and India, which has given us very positive editorial coverage in publications around the world. These articles are proving to be much more cost-effective in garnering attention from readers in these regions than simply booking advertisements.”
 
Along with developing an integrated strategic approach to messaging, marketing and outreach in the global marketplace, Casey has increased the High Point 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.
 
About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority, www.highpointmarket.org, is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.