Press

Government-industry partnership drives $1 billion in new business for U.S. companies

ALEXANDRIA, VA., June 23, 2015—In news that promises to further fuel global business activity at the solar energy industry’s preeminent conference and exhibition, Solar Power International (SPI) has been selected as a 2016 trade show participant in the U.S. Commercial Service’s International Buyers Program, SPI organizers announced.

The International Buyers Program is a respected initiative that enhances exhibitors’ global opportunities by recruiting thousands of qualified overseas buyers, sales representatives, and business partners to attend U.S. trade shows each year. A joint government-industry effort, the program enables business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at such events.

Every year, the International Buyers Program results in approximately $1 billion in new business for U.S. companies, in addition to increased international attendance. Starting with SPI 2016, the industry will be able to tap the ability of the International Buyers Program to facilitate cross-border business activity.

“Solar Power International is already an international market hub for the solar industry—its very name is the first indication of that,” said Stephen Miner, CEO of Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC. “SPI’s participation in the International Buyers Program will only increase global opportunities for SPI exhibitors and other participants, so we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this powerful initiative.”

The news of SPI’s selection for the 2016 International Buyers Program comes just as the industry accelerates its preparations for SPI 2015, Sept. 14-17 in Anaheim, CA. Featuring such sessions as “International Markets: Best Practices from Around the World to Drive the US Market” as well as business participation from around the world, SPI 2015 boasts an array of opportunities to conduct business on a global scale and take in programming that will tackle the most pressing industry issues.

For information on SPI 2015 go to www.solarpowerinternational.com.

About SPI 2015

Solar Power International is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA)®, whose combined efforts have created world-class events. This event focuses solely on creating an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise for furthering solar energy development in the United States. Unlike other solar industry events, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s® advocacy efforts.

About SEIA®

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org.

About SEPA®

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of utilities, their customers and the public good. With more than 900 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to advancing new business strategies, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org