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Vol.07  Issue 06/04, 19.06.2007

The WSA SHOW and The COLLECTIONS At WSA Accepted By
U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program

Only 32 Shows Selected Per Year for Prestigious
Program to Augment Global Buyer Recruitment

The August, 2008 edition of The WSA Show, the largest global footwear and accessories trade show in the world, with more than 37,000 participants from 95 countries, and its luxury show-within-a-show, The Collections at WSA, have been selected to participate in the 2008 International Buyer Program (IBP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This designation is earned by only 32 tradeshows per year. Shows held more than once a year receive the designation only for one event in that calendar year. Acceptance into this prestigious program will support the show's global retail outreach programs to promote buyer participation from outside the U.S. to generate greater exposure of American brands.

The International Buyer Program promotes trade shows and their exhibitors through U.S. consulates and trade missions around the world by facilitating meetings with qualified foreign buyers, representatives and distributors. Through participation in IBP, The WSA Show will have access to international trade leads and export counseling from U.S. Commercial Service industry experts as well as access to on-site assistance at the show.

"Being selected to participate in the International Buyer Program provides further evidence of our role as the global footwear marketplace leader," stated Diane Stone, WSA chief operating officer. "We expect our involvement to attract participation from countries where we do not already have a direct presence, while raising the bar where we have already built a solid international foundation. Our commitment to building strong international relationships has been a paramount focal point for The WSA Show. International attendance at the February 2007 show rose to 26.5 percent, which is extraordinarily high for a U.S.-based show, and we only expect those figures to grow."

Stone further stated that "the current growth in international attendance at the show is a direct result of our efforts during the past three years, which include European-based operations that are focused on driving an international buyer outreach program, the appointment of retail ambassadors in several countries, and the creation of a buyer-focused marketing and PR program."

As part of IBP, WSA will continue to target key international markets such as Russia, Japan, China, India, and Latin America, as well as portions of the Middle East. In addition, the constantly evolving marketplaces across the expanded European Union will continue to be a focus. These promising international arenas will provide The WSA Show with a base from which to expand its marketing to adjoining regions and support the show's already strong global audience.

In preparation for the increase in international attendees, The WSA Show has already developed an extensive support system. Pre-show support, includes buyer/exhibitor match-making, help with registration and travel/hospitality arrangements through a global network of international travel partners; on-site support which includes introductions to exhibitors, networking and educational events, retail tours and interpreters; and post- show assistance through special trend reports, as well as vendor/buyer communication facilitation. In addition, as required of participating IBP tradeshows, an International Business Center and an expansion of the show's already multi-lingual websites, literature and marketing materials will be developed to support these efforts for the August, 2008 event.

About The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA
The WSA Show is the world's largest and most comprehensive footwear, handbags and accessories marketplace. The twice-yearly events in Las Vegas attract more than 37,000 participants from 95 countries in 2.1 million square feet of space The Collections at WSA, a show-within-a-show, features over 350 luxury footwear and accessories designers from around the globe in an exclusive upscale setting in the suites at The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.

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