The international conference – EXPORT – engine of the development

The international conference „EXPORT – engine of the development: The Trade Fair Industry a key for the growth of export and internationalization of European companies“, Zagreb, March 23, 2013

CBBS, consulting and EU lobbying company from Zagreb organized together with Central and SE European trade fair associations CEFA (Central European Fair Alliance) from Vienna, CENTREX from Budapest and B2B magazine Suvremena.hr from Zagreb international conference: EXPORT – engine of the development: The Trade Fair Industry a key for the growth of export and internationalization of European companies“, that took place in hotel Westin, Zagreb, March, 22, 2013.

Co organizers and partners of the conference were think thank Zagreb initiative, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Croatian Exporters, state agency HAMAG INVEST and AHK (German – Croatian Chamber of Industry & Trade).

The conference was also supported by HOK (Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts), HGK (Croatian Chamber of Economy), Zagreb Assembley, Zagreb Tourist Board, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Crafts and Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia.

Conference in Zagreb broght together some 120 participants from Croatia and SE/Central Europe, representatives of business community, governmental bodies and institutions, trade associations, chambers, trade promotion and business development agencies, local government and media interested in export and internationalization of business activities through international trade fairs, conferences, matchmaking and other networking events. Participants were also able to meet leading trade fair companies from Central and SE Europe, CEFA and CENTREX members, that were attending conference in Zagreb.

The key note speakers, top professionals from the global trade fair industry: dr Nina Schniering, Director of Strategic Development of Messe München, Marco Spinger, Director, Division Global Markets, AUMA (Association of the German Trade Fair Industry), Berlin, Aleksandar Medjedovic, Managing Director, Messe FrankfurtIstanbul Ltd., Istanbul and Franz Reisbeck, CEFA (Central European Fair Alliance) General Secretary, Munich were presenting international trade fairs; as marketing, networking and learning platforms, very important for the companies interested in the further growth and internationalization of its business activities in the new and emerging markets.

Dr. Nina Schniering, spoke in her presentation: “The internationalization of the model Messe München – Trade fairs to enter the global market” about the models of Bavarian and German export, with the support of the Government of Bavaria, through exhibiting at international trade fairs organized by Messe München world wide.

dr. Nina Schniering, director of Strategic Development, Messe München

Marco Spinger presented in his presentation topic: „How Germany increases its export rates – The Foreign Trade Fair Participation Programme of Germany“, presenting models and ways of supporting German export companies entering global markets. He spoke about organizational and financial support through different support programmes, programmes for innovative start-up companies and foreign trade fair participation programme of Germany, especially promoting branding of German pavilions and products „Made in Germany“.

Marco Spinger, Director, Division Global Markets, AUMA

Aleksandar Medjedovic from Istanbul presented model of Turkey in entering global markets. In his presentation: „The Fair „Globetrotters“ – Turkish Companies at Fairs Worldwide“ he presented how Turkey, 16th largest economy and one of the fastest growing economy in the world, is supporting export oriented companies to participate in trade fairs around the globe. Total annual amount reaches more than 100 million Euro for supporting Turkish companies at exhibiting in trade fairs abroad, in 2012, there were 2770 trade fairs subsidized in 69 countries around the world.

Aleksandar Medjedovic, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt Istanbul Ltd.

Franz Reisbeck, CEFA General Secretary, took part in the panel discussion with other representatives of Croatian and regional business associations, export oriented companies, chambers, government agencies. He gave them some good tips/advices for the companies exhibiting in international trade fairs, especially regarding the preparation for the trade fairs, education of the stand staff and importance of follow up after the trade fair.

Franz Reisbeck (first from the right) in panel discussion on trade fairs and export

The conference fulfilled the expectations of participants, partners and organizers and brought following statements and conclusions summerized by Berislav Čižmek, CEO of CBBS:

Berislav Čižmek, CEO of CBBS

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