MAATS goes international

CHICAGO – The Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) has become an international event, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in a statement yesterday.

At this year’s show, being held July 8-11 at the Las Vegas Hilton, there will be more international exhibitors, buyers, and new features to cater to global attendees, it stated.

“The international audience MAATS attracts continues to grow while interest in exporting among U.S. companies is on the rise,” says MAATS director Jennifer Thompson. “Domestic and international exhibitors at MAATS have a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with global buyers to get their products into new markets.”

NMMA, organizer of the show, has confirmed a dozen international buyers will participate in the hosted buyer program at MAATS representing Argentina, Australia, Finland, France, Mexico, Russia, St. Maarten, Turkey and the UK.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to present their new products to these invited buyers by participating in the Buyer-Supplier meetings program at MAATS, according to NMMA. This feature allows exhibitors to schedule a 25 or 55-minute private meeting with one of the hosted buyers, away from their competition and traffic on the show floor.

NMMA is also offering U.S. exhibitors the opportunity to learn more about exporting before deciding to enter international markets. A representative from the Department of Commerce will be stationed at the International Meeting Center on-site to assist exhibitors and attendees with their export questions, the association said.

International marine accessory suppliers interested in entering the U.S. market will be at the show including a Pavilion of companies from the UK hosted by the British Marine Federation (BMF). Interest in exhibiting in the Pavilion is on the rise, as the BMF has sold out all of their originally allotted space for this year’s show, NMMA reported.

Additionally, a seminar geared toward helping international exhibitors prepare for their meetings at MAATS will be presented by David Pilvelait of Homeport Marine Marketing on July 7.

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