Exporting Opportunities for Canadian Companies

Strong International Focus at Canada's Largest Annual Construction Show

The International Business Program has been jointly organized for the benefit of Canadian firms by Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada, and Ontario Ministry of International Trade & Investment, with the assistance of the Canadian Construction Association.

International Business Centre

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

The centre will provide a focal point for International visitors by providing ongoing information, staff resources and a comfortable space for informal business meetings.  The centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1 to Thursday, December 3 and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, December 4 on the 700 Level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building. 

Strong Speaker Line-Up

Whether you are an active Canadian exporter or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this year’s program. We have a strong line-up of speakers that can address exporting questions even to the most seasoned exporters.

Featured Speaker

Birgit Matthiesen is the Senior Advisor, US Government Relations, to the President for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME). She is the association’s point person in the United States to advocate trade and economic issues on behalf of Canada’s manufacturing and export interests and works closely with U.S. associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers, the US Chamber of Commerce and other groups towards a common North American competitiveness cause. She was on staff at the Embassy of Canada in Washington DC in the Economic and Trade Policy Division where she monitored and provided analysis of U.S. legislative and regulatory developments and a member of the Canadian government negotiating team for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America initiative. Ms. Matthiesen will be speaking at Exporting to the US - New Realities and New Opportunities: Logistics, Customs and Marketing Options in the Current Cross-Border Environment. Click here for more information.

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

Wednesday, December 2

S104 - Export Business Opportunities:
International Business Program

Price: $85 Before Nov 20/ $95 After Nov 20

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.

The International Business Centre and Program is brought to you by: