The MN District Export Council, in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service, is pleased to present Access the Western Hemisphere Conference, one of two regional International Trade Administration conferences to be held in Minneapolis in 2013!

This annual conference will bring 10 Senior Commercial Diplomats covering over 15 markets across the Western Hemisphere. This conference is an excellent opportunity for businesses—especially small and medium size businesses—to ask questions in one-on-one consultations about selling their products and services internationally. Participants will discover how to identify new export opportunities, increase market share and competitive edge, and develop strategic relationships with those that are on the forefront of business and exporting in these key markets.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Pre-schedule one-on-one meetings with Senior Commercial Diplomats*;

• Attend keynote addresses by leaders from government and industry;

• Share and learn best practices in each country;

• Interact with public and private service providers; and

• Identify where their next, best business opportunity may be in the Western Hemisphere.

* Limited appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please register early to ensure you get appointments for your priority markets.

Download the Access the Western Hemisphere Conference Flyer

Market Coverage

This conference will cover markets from Canada to Chile, and most markets in between. Whether you're looking to expand into Canada, address the complexities of Brazil, or take advantage of existing and new Free Trade Agreements, this conference is a must for anyone seeking to expand throughout the Americas. Countries and markets covered at Access the Western Hemisphere include such countries/markets as:

Conference Fees

Regular Conference Rate: $349

Government and Academic Rate: $249

(Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   to request discount code for Government or Academic registration)

MN Small Business (STEP Grant Eligible Only)  $174.50

 Discounts for Minnesota Small and Medium-Sized Business

Are you a Minnesota-based small business interested in registering for the "Access the Western Hemisphere" or "Gateway to Europe" international trade conferences?

Eligible Minnesota small businesses may qualify for a 50% discount on the Regular Conference rate through the STEP Export Assistance for Small Business Program, funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To confirm eligibility and obtain the discount code, please contact Connie Ireland at the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 651-259-7036).  Limited amount are available on a first come, first served basis for qualified small businesses.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE ACCESS THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE CONFERENCE

Venue

Access the Western Hemisphere will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis. Special room rates of $159 + tax/night available.

Click here to get the special room rate for the Access the Western Hemisphere conference

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Interested in supporting one or both regional trade conferences in 2013? A conference sponsorship or exhibitor package provides your company exposure to hundreds of exporters and internationally focused individuals and companies.

To learn how to be a part of these unique events, review the Sponsorship Opportunities page and conact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on sponsorship and exhibition packages and benefits.

More Information

Vist the conference agenda page to view the program and get updates on topics and speakers.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the U.S. Commercial Service - Minnesota at 612-348-1638, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .