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Attending a conference can be a useful way to gain industry knowledge, insight and important new contacts. If your role involves dealing with imports and exports, whether as a buyer or an import/export manager, put these conference dates in your calendar for 2018.
Institute of Export & International Trade (IOEx) – International Documentation & Customs Compliance
Monthly from 23 Jan, London or Manchester
http://www.export.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=899012&group=
Not technically a conference, but a useful learning opportunity all the same. This course on International Documentation & Customs Compliance is run by the UK’s only professional body representing international trade.
Other IOEx courses to consider include:
- Post Brexit Planning Workshop
- An Introduction to Exporting – Physical Goods
- Advanced Financing of International Trade
- International Business Essentials
Find the full schedule at http://www.export.org.uk/events/event_list.asp
Business In & Out of Scotland Conference
13 Mar, Edinburgh
http://www.scottishimportexportshow.co.uk/
Those importing to or exporting from Scotland can gather expert insight into the current trends, tips and best practices, at this practical workshop and seminar-based conference.
6th Annual CBBC (China Britain Business Council) China Business Conference
14 Mar, London QEII Centre
http://www.cbbc.org/whatson/china-business-conference-2018/
Those involved in trade with China will benefit from attending this conference, with the aim of developing trading relations against the backdrop of Brexit.
EXIM Summit 2018 – Ireland’s Export Import & Global Trade Conference
19 Mar, Croke Park, Dublin
https://eximsummit.com/
If you’re importing to or exporting from Ireland, the EXIM Summit is a leading source of insight into the global trade industry from an Irish perspective. Expect the day to feature keynote speakers, a networking breakfast, business showcase, the EXIM hero awards ceremony, an evening networking reception, training and workshops.
IRX Internet Retailing Expo
21-22 Mar, NEC Birmingham
https://internetretailingexpo.com/
This two-day conference and exhibition is aimed at internet retailers, including eBay traders, online retailers, mail order companies and e-business start-ups.
ICETD 2018 (International Conference on Economics, Trade and Development)
7-9 Apr, Prague
http://www.icetd.org/
ICETD 2018 will bring together researchers, scientists, engineers and academics to discuss the practical challenges involved in all aspects of Economics, Trade and Development, and the possible solutions.
MultiModal 2018, the UK and Ireland’s one stop shop for cargo owners
1-3 May, NEC Birmingham
https://www.multimodal.org.uk/
This 3 day conference is the UK and Ireland’s only one stop shop for cargo owners. Visit to; Meet new suppliers, Compare new routes and modes, source new products and ideas to improve efficiency and network with the industry.
Shippers and cargo owners attend to improve their businesses; by finding ways of moving their products more efficiently and by meeting new suppliers. The event is characterised by key vertical sectors, including manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, chemical, automotive, electronics, FMCG, food & drink, fashion, pharmaceuticals, construction, aerospace, energy, real estate, recycling, paper/print and perishables, amongst others, whilst horizontally, the show covers all modes of transportation, including sea, road, rail, air and inland waterways.
International Trade Convention 2018
2-4 May, Malta
https://www.itc.events/
An annual international trading and networking convention for distributors, traders, brokers and resellers.
Global Trade Review – Europe Trade & Export Finance Conference 2018
22 May, Hotel Pullman, Paris
https://www.gtreview.com/events/europe/gtr-europe-trade-export-finance-conference-2018/
GTR is the world’s leading trade and trade finance media company, providing information, news, events and services to companies and individuals involved in global trade. This conference offers an overview of European trade and export, gathering European trade and export finance specialists and business leaders from across the continent.
Global Trade Review – Asia Trade & Treasury Week 2018
4-7 Sept, Singapore
https://www.gtreview.com/events/asia/gtr-asia-trade-treasury-week-2018
Those trading with Asia may find attending this four-day long trade and treasury conference a valuable experience. Speakers will address issues currently shaping Asian trade, including identifying key regional hotspots and mitigating risk. Global Trade Review also runs conferences focusing on other trade markets including Russia, India, Africa, China and the UK (2018 details not yet released).
Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference
24-25 Sept, London
https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/supply-chain-uk
This conference is described as the world’s most important gathering of supply chain leaders, and is aimed at those working in supply chain roles including procurement, logistics and distribution executives. Delegates will develop their ability to anticipate, adapt and transform supply chains to deliver reliability and performance for their organisation.
ecommerce Expo 2018
26-27 Sept, London Olympia
https://www.ecommerceexpo.co.uk/
ecommerce Expo 2017 had over 150 exhibitors and was the best attended ecommerce event in the UK, which makes a 2018 ticket a safe bet if ecommerce is your area. Attendees will learn from industry gurus and benefit from two days of networking, as well as a stronger focus on strategic sessions for 2018.
British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Summit
Oct 2018, Birmingham – exact date and location tba
http://www.bccexport.co.uk/
With practical workshops and seminars, the BCC International Trade Summit is a popular event with British SMEs who are looking to trade internationally.
United Kingdom ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) – UK Trade Finance Conference
Nov 2018, London – exact date and location tba
https://www.iccwbo.uk/products/icc-united-kingdoms-annual-trade-finance-conference
If you’re interested in the subject of trade finance, consider this annual conference run by ICC United Kingdom. 2017 topics included De-risking, Implementation of Brexit, and Sources of Alternative Trade Finance, so it’s sure to be an informative experience for importers and exporters.