North Dakota will host over 100 visitors from around the world Sept. 9-12 at the seventh annual Big Iron International Visitors Program, the international portion of the Big Iron Farm Show designed to assist the state’s agribusinesses in expanding their international sales. This year, NDTO will introduce an interactive exhibition portion to the Big Iron IVP event.
In 2012, approximately 120 buyers, dealers and distributors of agricultural machinery products from more than 10 countries participated in the Big Iron IVP and its programs from countries such as Romania, Uruguay, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. Similar numbers are expected in 2013.
More than thirty North Dakota companies took advantage of the program last year. These companies consisted not only of agricultural machinery manufacturers but a wide variety of agribusiness industries including seed producers and distributors, food-grade commodity producers, agriculture service providers, commodity storage and handling systems, livestock producers and researchers.
For international buyers, the Big Iron Farm Show is the must-see agricultural exhibition for those interested in the latest technologies for large-scale agriculture production. For North Dakota companies, the Big Iron International Visitors Program (IVP) offers a unique opportunity to connect with potential buyers and foster business relationships with overseas partners. Foreign delegates have the opportunity to observe first-hand the design, manufacture and demonstration of products through equipment demonstrations and facility tours, coordinated by NDTO.
This year, NDTO will be changing programming to allow North Dakota companies to introduce their products directly to the international visitors during an indoor presentation session on the first day of the program. Additionally, companies will have table-top exhibits to meet one-on-one with international visitors and discuss sales opportunities throughout the event.
International visitors can also take advantage of the International Visitors Pavilion where they have can access private meeting rooms, take advantage of volunteer interpreters, and enjoy refreshments as well as Internet access to help facilitate their business. International guests who register for the Big Iron IVP enjoy all special programming and events at no cost.
For more information about the Big Iron IVP, or to register, visit www.ndto.com or contact Lindsey Warner at Lindsey@ndto.com.