PA Showcases Business Opportunities on International Stage
The United States was the partner country for the 2016 Hannover Messe Trade Show in Germany, giving Team PA the opportunity, in partnership with our colleagues in the public and private sectors, to promote Pennsylvania at this international venue.
More than 190,000 professionals visited Hannover Messe from April 25 through the 29th. Approximately 5,000 visitors attended from the United States. The Commonwealth’s booth stood out in a sea over of 5,200 exhibitor booths. Representatives from the Office of International Business Development, CORE PA, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Select Greater Philadelphia worked together to establish new investment connections, bolster existing relationships and ultimately highlight the fact that Pennsylvania is an ideal location to do business.
Event attendees saw heightened security during the first few days of the conference as President Barack Obama strolled through the exhibitor halls with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. President Obama was the first U.S. President to serve as the keynote speaker during the Hannover Messe opening ceremonies. With 465 U.S. exhibitors showcasing digitizing manufacturing technologies, President Obama was particularly interested in America’s specialized robotics that were showcased.
The trip to Germany was certainly a productive one for the Pennsylvania team. Director of International Initiatives Lindsay Helsel alone held 11 meetings with investment prospects and 10 meetings with federal partners, and she connected with 7 Select USA international representatives to discuss Pennsylvania projects and initiatives. In total, she participated in 59 individual meetings over the course of the trade show, including a follow-up conversation with Certuss Steam Generators, a German firm that successfully launched their business in Pennsylvania. The show also provided a forum to connect with national Industry 4.0 leaders and innovations during a coordinated tour.
As part of the 2016 Hannover Messe trade show, Pennsylvania was able to showcase and connect products and businesses on the international stage. Over the next few months, Pennsylvania’s team members will work to follow up with all of the connections made during the trip with the hope that some of those meetings result in driving more business to the commonwealth and increased export opportunities for our Pennsylvania-based businesses.