International Visitors Program

Take advantage of a special International Business Program and Business Centre services for international visitors jointly organized by Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada and the

The International Business Program has been developed for all international visitors attending our Shows.  This program will help you make use of your time wisely while you are in Canada.

To download the International Business Program details please click here or on the graphic to the right.

Click here or on the button to the right to register online for the international Business Program for international visitors.

The International Business Centre

The International Business Centre is a resource centre and meeting place for international trade and activity and will serve all your informational needs at the Show.

The Centre will be open from Tuesday, December 1 to Friday, December 4 on Level 700 of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building. 

The Centre will be open every day, providing you with an ideal location to hold business meetings or to further explore business opportunities. 
 

The International Business Program - $100 CND

Tuesday, December 1 to Friday, December 4

The International Business Program is a  specialized networking and educational program developed to assist International Visitors to learn, share, meet, and build relationships with Canadian companies.  The International Business Program is comprised of a bus tour, informative seminar program and a Networking Luncheon.

 Tuesday, December 1

8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bus Tour of Innovative Buildings & Projects in Toronto
(Space is limited. "First come, first serve")

A half-day guided tour will feature a selection of high-profile buildings and projects that have reached high standards in design and construction.  Sign-up early, space is limited to first come first serve.

Wednesday, December 2

9:00 a.m.  to 10:00 a.m.
Beyond the USA: Opening up New International Markets for Your Products and Services
For most Canadian companies, "going international" has meant pursuing U.S. markets. While the U.S. remains attractive, the recent financial crisis, followed by waves of trade protectionism have awoken Canadians to the pressing need to broaden their horizons. However, the prospect of dealing with more distant locations, with different languages, laws and cultures can be daunting for many. Staying home is no longer an option in a global economy.

Foreign buyers are eager to do business with Canadians, but relatively few Canadians feel bold enough to venture alone onto the world stage. Discover how to bridge the gap by tapping a wealth of professional service providers, consultants, trading houses, sales agents, legal services, logistics and more, to cost-effectively begin to access the vast new markets awaiting you.

Speaker
David Geldart, President,  Trade & Investment Services Alliance (TISA)

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Latin America and the Caribbean: Market Potential and Analysis for 2010 and Beyond
Learn about the economics of key overseas markets and countries where construction and building product opportunities exist for Canadian companies. In particular, discover new opportunities, best practices and logistics for market entry and development in Latin America and the Caribbean countries.

Moderator
Alan Ballak, Trade Commissioner, Ontario Region
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Panel
Alan Ballak, Trade Commissioner, Ontario Region
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Paulina Barnes, Senior Trade Consultant, CMHC International

Ken Giffen, Account Manager, Export Development Canada

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
NRCan's Best Practices to Support Energy Efficient and Sustainable Buildings
The key to success is the engagement of the stakeholders involved in a building lifecycle.Through the ecoENERGY Efficiency initiative, NRCan encourages the design, construction, operation and retrofit of more energy-efficient buildings by offering technical publications, training, software and other on-line tools. For example, the commercial and institutional buildings offers the Dollars to $ense workshops, monthly newsletters, retrofit incentives and validation of new building designs service. NRCan’s Building Division actively promotes and supports energy efficient practices in buildings from conception to building optimization.

Speaker
Phil Jago, Director of Buildings Division, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Networking Luncheon
The Networking Luncheon is an opportunity to network with other international visitors, as well as Canadian architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers.  Admission to the luncheon for international visitors is included in your registration fee.

2:00 p.m.  to 3:00 p.m.
Exporting to the US - New Realities and New Opportunities: Logistics, Customs and Marketing Options in the Current Cross-Border Environment
The US remains Canada’s most important export market in the building and construction sector. New political administrations, new economic pressures, and continuing security challenges are changing the way goods and people move across the border. This panel discussion features two experienced professionals who will provide participants with up-to-date information and insight on how things are changing from “Washington to your warehouse”, and on how you can craft an integrated customs and logistics strategy to maximize your competitiveness in the US market.

Moderator
Marek Karwowski, Area Director: Automotive, Construction and Environment
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

Panel
Birgit Matthiesen, Special Advisor to the President, US Government Relations
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

Terri Strain, President Ameri-Connect Freight Services Inc.

2:00 p.m.  to 4:00 p.m.
Export Café - One-on-One Meetings
This is an ideal opportunity to meet with Canadian manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, engineers, architects and consultants, and learn about their products, services and technologies. Speak with trade experts from Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, program speakers, and government agencies official. The meetings will provide you with information on local market conditions, business opportunities in prime markets, and resources that will support your export activities.

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Choose From 200 Presentations and 450 Speakers

Self-Directed Tour of 1050 Exhibits