With Largest International Presence at FIDAE 2016, U.S. Showcases Commitment to Aerospace, Defense and Security Partnerships, Investment in Latin America – More than 95 exhibitors, 25% of total exhibit space dedicated to U.S. equipment, products and services
SANTIAGO, Chile and WALDWICK, N.J., March 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — When the biennial FIDAE International Air and Space Fair 2016 opens March 29 in Santiago, the United States of America will be the show’s largest international exhibitor. With more than 95 participating companies and nearly 25% of FIDAE’s total 11,000–plus sqm of indoor exhibit space, the size of the American contingent is a strong indicator of how important the region is to the U.S. aerospace and defense business, and that countries across the region are likewise interested in working with U.S. companies to further their defense, security and economic goals.
FIDAE is Latin America’s most prominent aerospace and defense trade event. The U.S. presence, featuring industry leading companies such as Boeing (Booth #C38), GE Aviation (Booth #C55), Honeywell (Booth #C34), Lockheed Martin (Booth #C48), Pratt & Whitney (Booth #C47) and Raytheon (Sponsor), is organized by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., the designated U.S. Representative of the show since 1994, in coordination with numerous U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Commerce and Defense. For a complete list of U.S. companies at FIDAE 2016 visit the searchable online directory at kallman.com/fidae-airshow.
The centerpiece of the national effort, the 2,500-plus sqm (gross) U.S. International Pavilion in Hall C, is a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet a critical mass of U.S. suppliers, and an on-site business hub for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event. Ranging from publicly-traded stalwarts to privately-held small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the 75 U.S. exhibitors in the Pavilion represent a cross-section of leading American suppliers working to initiate and strengthen international partnerships.
“When U.S. companies commit to exhibit at FIDAE, they’re saying they believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers. The steady growth and diversification of the show speaks for itself,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “Our team is proud to help our exhibitors capitalize on this influential international business opportunity to grow their share of the marketplace and our nation’s trade and investment partnerships in the region.”
This year’s U.S. International Pavilion features 20 first-time FIDAE exhibitors, reflecting a growing trend among SMEs. Encouraged by the accessibility of global markets and the increasing level of federal and state support to offset some of their expenses, more SMEs are exhibiting at international trade shows.
Chile is a particularly friendly U.S. trading partner, Kallman noted, and FIDAE is, perhaps, the country’s premier international trade event. The 2016 edition will be the first since the signing this past October of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade, investment and regulatory agreement among 12 Pacific Rim countries, including Chile and the United States. The policy aligns with the U.S. Commerce Department’s “Look South” initiative, which was unveiled by Secretary Penny Pritzker just prior to FIDAE 2014. Look South encourages U.S. companies to capitalize on expanding Latin American markets to grow exports and increase cooperation with companies in the region.
“The trade environment in Chile has benefited the U.S. aerospace and defense industry significantly since our two countries signed a free trade agreement in 2004,” Kallman said. “Building on more than a decade of mutual success, Look South and TPP are certain to influence conversations —and negotiations — among American aerospace leaders and their Latin American counterparts at FIDAE 2016.”
In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman Worldwide is promoting U.S. exhibitors with its “Ask America First” advocacy campaign. The message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and promoted in social media (follow on Twitter @kallmanEWC #AskAmericaFirst).
“The United States is the world’s biggest aerospace and defense supplier, but that’s no guarantee that buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “As the organizer of the U.S. presence at FIDAE, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our nation in this highly competitive marketplace. We want every visitor to ‘Ask America first’ at FIDAE, and to be assured that America is listening.”