Event Product Standards

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Cancellation

Either the Department of Commerce or the Company/Participant may cancel this agreement by providing written notice to the other party.  Cancellation shall be effective upon receipt of such notice.  Upon cancellation, the Company/Participant will remain liable to the Department of Commerce for any cost incurred by US&FCS prior to cancellation, including work performed, and any reasonable charges resulting from cancellation. 

Legal Disclaimer

The U.S. Commercial Service makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information that it provides to Company/Participant.  U.S. Commercial Service provides this information as an additional resource for Company/Participant to use in the exercise of its business judgment. Company/Participant should conduct its own due diligence before entering into a business relationship or otherwise relying on this information.  When utilizing the information provided, Company/Participant is responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).  The U.S. Commercial Service is not liable for the consequences of any business decisions made by Company/Participant. 

Information provided to the U.S. Commercial Service is intended solely for internal use and the US&FCS will protect business confidential information to the full extent permitted by law and U.S. Government policy.  In addition, U.S. law generally prohibits U.S. government employees from disclosing trade secrets.    

The U.S. Commercial Service makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information that it provides to Company/Participant. The U.S. Commercial Service provides this information as an additional resource for Company/Participant to use in the exercise of its business judgment. 

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U.S. Department of Commerce Certified Trade Missions (CTMs) are overseas events planned, organized, recruited, and led by private and public sector export-oriented groups outside of the U.S. Department of Commerce. CTMs are hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s overseas Commercial Service offices.

• Learn all about the CTM program. 

A Certified Trade Mission (CTM) provides an effective way for groups of U.S. companies to explore business opportunities in overseas markets. A CTM may consist of the following activities: Market Briefing, Gold Key Service, and Reception/Site Visit/Technical Seminar, etc. The trade mission organizer and U.S. Commercial Service (CS) will determine how many of these activities will be included in the CTM for all CTM participants. Trade mission organizers include, but are not limited to: CS staff, industry trade associations, agencies of state and local governments, chambers of commerce, regional groups, and other export-oriented groups.

Also offered are trade missions which are led by U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) industry experts and designed for U.S. businesses who will travel to target countries.

• Learn all about DOC Trade Missions. 

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person
• Counsel you on how to maximize the benefits of a CTM 
• Designate the mission as an official Certified Trade Mission  
• Schedule a conference call with the appropriate staff to understand your objectives and requirements  
• Agree and arrange a program of services (GKS, Market Briefing, Reception/Site Visit/Technical Seminar, etc.)  
  • If the selected package includes GKS meetings, all applicable standards of the GKS will apply 
  • Perform an Initial Market Check (IMC) at the standard fee if market potential is unknown for an applicant 
  • The IMC fee will be applied to the applicant’s mission fee if applicant proceeds with CTM participation 
  • If the performed IMC indicates a lack of market potential for the applicant, US&FCS will recommend against participation in the mission. Should the applicant still participate in the mission against US&FCS’s recommendation, GKS meetings will not be provided 
• Provide information regarding in-country travel logistics 
• The service is considered completed after delivery of the agreed-upon activities
  • Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance to CTM participants of up to one hour total within three months of completion of the CTM
  • In-depth follow-up assistance for CTM participants beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost to the individual participant
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows:  
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work).  

You Will

• Provide us contact information for appropriate points of contact 
• Submit a completed application no later than six months prior to the proposed start date of the trade mission 
• Recruit participants for the mission and complete recruitment by the identified date 
• Ensure that all products and services promoted by mission participants are:
  • manufactured or produced in the United States (i.e. of U.S. origin), or
  • if manufactured or produced outside of the United States marketed under the name of a U.S. firm, with U.S. content representing at least fifty-one percent of the value of the finished goods or services
• Submit a Company Questionnaire on behalf of each applicant at least 60 days prior to the proposed start date of the trade mission 
• Agree on a program of services (GKS, Market Briefing, Reception/Site Visit/Technical Seminar, etc.) 
• Pay for the service and any direct costs 
  • Should an applicant’s participation not be recommended based on the outcome of an IMC, CS will not arrange GKS meetings for the applicant 
  • Direct costs can include venue rental, catering, translation, etc. 
• Understand that work on this service will begin only after payment is received, date of service is finalized and any requested materials are received 
• Ensure fee arrangements with participants do not include a commission on eventual sales or quantifiable results generated by the mission 
• Attend all preparatory meetings and participate in planning conference calls 
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries 
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point 
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail 
• Inform the US&FCS when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success.   

 
You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• Foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described in (a) and (b) above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company represent is, exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided in (a), and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine, on the basis of information provided under (a) or (b) or that it otherwise receives, not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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Services and support provided to foreign delegates participating in trade events.

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person 
• Counsel you on the appropriateness of participating in the event 
• Understand your business objectives and requirements 
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows:  
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work) 

You Will

• Pay for the service and any direct costs if applicable 
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries 
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point 
• Inform the CS when your objectives are achieved; and share any resulting success 

You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided in (a), and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine, on the basis of information provided under (a) or (b) or that it otherwise receives, not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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To help navigate the increasingly complex international marketplace, the Seminars, Webinars and Conferences offered by CS provide companies with export/investment knowledge and/or market intelligence from experts located around the globe. 

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person 
• Coordinate and facilitate logistics required for the event 
• Conduct the event 
• Provide you with any relevant electronic materials  
• Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance of up to one hour total within three months of completion of service. In-depth follow-up assistance beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost 
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows:  
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work)  

You Will

• Pay for the service and any direct costs if applicable 
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries 
• Have the necessary equipment and capabilities (touch-tone phone, internet connection, etc.) to connect to the event if applicable 
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point 
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail 
• Inform the CS when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success 

 You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents, and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• Foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described in (a) and (b) above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company representative is exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.  

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided, and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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The Single Company Promotion (SCP) provides U.S. companies with promotional services to help increase the awareness of their product/service in a specific market.  The promotional event may consist of a technical seminar, press conference, luncheon, dinner, or reception, with targeted direct mail or e-mail campaigns. 

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person 
• Counsel you on the appropriateness of conducting Single Company Promotion 
• Schedule a conference call with the appropriate staff to understand your objectives and requirements 
• Provide appropriate promotional services that may include: 
  • Targeted direct mail or e-mail campaigns 
  • Special events including receptions, dinners, seminars, and news conferences 
• Manage promotional campaign and event-related logistics 
• Complete the promotional services within the negotiated timeframe 
• Provide a post-event de-briefing and final report 
• Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance of up to one hour total within three months of completion of service. In-depth follow-up assistance beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost 
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows:  
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work)

You Will

• Pay for the service and any direct costs  
  • Direct costs can include venue rental, catering, promotional materials, etc. 
• Clearly communicate your promotional objectives and product/service intricacies 
• Complete the Company Questionnaire promptly 
• Understand that work on this service will begin only after payment and any requested materials are received 
• Complete the Service Request Form promptly 
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other requests for information and decisions 
• Deliver product literature and other materials via a service with package-tracking capabilities 
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point 
• Understand that the service is complete upon delivery of the final report 
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail 
• Inform the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success.    

You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents, and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• A foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described in (a) and (b) above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company representative is exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.  

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided, and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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To help navigate the increasingly complex international marketplace, the CS provides assistance to U.S. companies at specified trade events. The types of services offered at each event may vary.

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person
• Counsel you on the appropriateness of participating in the event
• Coordinate, facilitate, and moderate logistics required for the event
• Promote the event
• Understand your business objectives and requirements
• Provide you with any relevant materials 
• Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance of up to one hour total within three months of completion of service.  In-depth follow-up assistance beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows: 
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work).

You Will

• Pay for the service and any direct costs if applicable
• Clearly communicate business objectives and product/service intricacies
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail
• Inform the CS when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success.

You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents, and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• Foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company representative is exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided, and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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The Trade Show Representation service provides U.S. companies and economic development organizations with the ability to increase their marketing exposure at an overseas trade show when they are unable to attend in person. The service entails conducting pre-trade show promotions via Internet/ social media/email campaigns; showcasing the client’s product or service at the overseas trade show; displaying the client’s promotional materials at the trade show under the CS brand; conducting outreach to foreign buyers/distributors in attendance at the trade show; and providing an End of Show Report summarizing activities conducted at the event. Multiple clients’ products and services may be showcased by CS at the event.

We will

• Provide you with a primary contact person
• Counsel you on the appropriateness of participating in Trade Show Representation event
• Coordinate, facilitate, and moderate logistics required for the event
• Understand your business objectives and requirements
• Conduct pre-trade show promotion 
• Showcase your product/service at an overseas trade show
• Display your promotional material in a trade show under the US&FCS brand
• Conduct outreach at the trade show to foreign buyers/distributors
• Provide an End of Show Report 
• Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance of up to one hour total within three months of completion of service.  In-depth follow-up assistance beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows: 
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work).

You Will

• Clearly communicate business objectives and product/service intricacies
• Pay for the service and any direct costs
  • Direct costs can include the fee for booth space, translation services, equipment, and associated materials (if incurred). The fee for booth space and any relevant shared costs will be divided by the total number of participants electing for the designated service  
• Understand that payment and promotional materials must be provided at least six weeks in advance of the event
• Mail product and promotional literature via a service with package tracking capabilities to ensure timely receipt in advance of the trade show
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail
• Inform the CS when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success.

You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents, and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• Foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described in (a) and (b) above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company representative is exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided, and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.

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Virtual Fair (VF) events provide a group of U.S. entities with an opportunity to promote their products/services to potential partners live via a webinar platform through the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (CS).  Each VF is limited to participation by six U.S. entities. 

We Will

• Provide you with a primary contact person 
• Counsel you on the appropriateness of participating in a Virtual Fair event 
• Coordinate and facilitate logistics required for the event 
• Promote the event 
• Understand your recruitment and/or partnership objectives and requirements 
• Provide a one-on-one training session prior to the event 
• Provide a virtual “Welcome Kit” that includes updated market information and contacts of participants overseas 
• Subject to the availability of resources, provide minimal follow-up assistance of up to one hour total within three months of completion of service.  In-depth follow-up assistance beyond the duration of one hour total can be provided at an additional cost 
• Provide logistical and administrative support as agreed upon as follows:  
  • (Specify special requirements that are unique to this statement of work). 

We Will

• Pay for the service and any direct costs if applicable prior to the event 
• Clearly communicate business objectives and product/service inquiries 
• Respond promptly to e-mail and other inquiries from the event team 
• Have the necessary equipment and capabilities (touch-tone phone, internet connection, etc.) to connect to and present during the virtual event 
• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation and deliver to the identified CS contact by the specified date prior to the event, with the required specifications 
• Mail or email marketing materials (with tracking capabilities if available) prior to the event 
• Participate in a one-on-one training session with the CS Virtual Fair Coordinator prior to the event 
• Ask questions and express concerns at any point 
• Complete a Comment Card when you receive it via e-mail 
• Inform the CS when your objectives are achieved; and collaborate with your assigned Trade Specialist who will request that you review and respond to a narrative describing the completed work and any resulting success. 

You also certify that you are, that your company is, that you or your company represents, and/or that each participant on the mission is a:  

• United States citizen;  
• Corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or of any State; or  
• Foreign corporation, partnership, or other association, more than 95 percent of which is owned by persons described above;  

 AND 

You certify that your company is, or the entity you or your company representative is exporting, or seek(s) to export: 

• Goods or services are of U.S. origin; or  
• Goods or services that contain at least 51% U.S. content.  

 You understand that this certification is a requirement to receive the requested service and that an intentionally false certification may result in termination of the service and/or denial of future services.  

• You certify that you have provided to CS all information of which you are aware regarding the participants in the services (individuals, companies, or their representatives), the goods or services to be promoted, or the markets in which the goods or services are to be exported, that could adversely affect the ability of CS to provide the service or could raise an appearance issue for CS; 
• You undertake to update the information provided, and to bring to the attention of CS additional relevant information after the date of this PA until the service has been provided; and 
• You acknowledge that CS may determine not to provide or not to complete the provision of the service.