Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Trade Winds Business Forum and the mission stops?

The Trade Winds Business Forum is the main conference for Trade Winds, featuring speeches from business and government leaders, panel discussions with key experts, networking events, and one-on-one counseling with commercial experts from a number of regional markets. Trade Winds attendees can register just for the business forum, for the forum plus a mission stop, or just for a mission stop.

How can I know if Trade Winds is right for my business?

Our team of industry and market experts will work with you once you register to help you determine if the Trade Winds forum location or mission stops are a good market for you.

What are the one-on-one appointments with commercial experts?

The U.S. Commercial Service has industry experts based in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Trade Winds offers the opportunity for attending companies and organizations to meet with these experts to understand market-specific trends and opportunities. Each company can register for 20-minute strategy consultations with experts from markets of your choice. These experts work on the ground every day in your target markets, so their personalized advice can be crucial as you finalize your export strategy

Is there financial support available for my company?

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funds are available for qualifying companies in many states across the country. Learn about what funds are available for your state here: https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/exporting/step.

Can I follow a different order for the mission stops than what is on the itinerary?

Attendees must follow the established itinerary.

Do I need a visa to enter the countries I’m visiting?

We will post detailed travel information for each mission stop in advance of Trade Winds to make sure all attendees are prepared.

Where will I stay during Trade Winds?

For ease of logistics and planning, and to help reduce your costs, we work with hotels in each market to set up group rates. Staying in these hotels makes it easy for you to get to events and access transportation to any business-to-business meetings we arrange for you.

Can I stay in a different hotel?

You are welcome to stay in another hotel, but we will not be able to secure transportation for you. You will need to arrange your own transportation to our designated hotel to get to your business-to-business meetings or to attend events.

What is the dress code?

We do not have a formal dress code, but recommend that you dress for business. Certain networking events may require a formal dress code, and we will let you know of that in advance.

My company has some manufacturing outside of the US; can I participate in Trade Winds?

As long as your products have at least 51 percent U.S. content, you are eligible to participate.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please send inquiries to tradewinds@trade.gov.