Conferences & Receptions
Conferences and receptions managed by BCIU offer opportunities for member companies and governments to jointly address issues of common concern. The initiative to organize a conference is taken by BCIU members, U.S. government officials, or foreign government officials. The host determines the format for the conference or reception.
The conference format may include panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking receptions. One example of a BCIU conference is the Regional Chiefs of Mission Conference. Each Regional Bureau of the U.S. Department of State usually sponsors an annual Chiefs of Mission internal conference, for which BCIU obtains State Department approval to add a business outreach segment. This outreach segment allows BCIU members and ambassadors to meet informally face to face in one event. After breakout sessions, where government officials provide their in-country perspective and view on the economy and political pressures in the region, a networking reception is held. In some instances, when scheduling allows, a dinner session is also on the agenda.
The reception format may include keynote speakers. Receptions offer BCIU members ample networking opportunities with a wide variety of actors, ranging from U.S. government to foreign governments to business executives across different sectors, all of whom have expertise in their respective fields. Sponsorship opportunities may be available to member companies for larger events, which ensures their company's exposure at the event and enhances the company's profile among the participants.
Benefits of Conferences and Receptions
- Conferences allow for focused panel discussions on key issues, with multiple key actors who are knowledgeable about the topics they present, and whom are available afterwards for informal, follow-up discussions.
- Conferences provide an opportunity for both companies and government representatives to raise their profile: companies by sponsoring portions of the conference, and presenting their perspective on trade issues; and government representatives by speaking to a larger forum about topics they are trying to promote, and by making themselves accessible during networking breaks.
- Receptions allow for much more informal discussions, to discuss issues frankly, or to raise awareness about investment opportunities.
- Receptions allow a more specific focus on a given region or trade topic, so that all those interested in the specific topic are gathered together in one evening.