BC Wood is pleased to announce the return of the infamous Global Buyers Mission (GBM), the largest and most important wood show for international buyers and Canadian sellers of value-added wood products. This one-of-a-kind networking event for buyers and sellers—postponed due to Covid-19—is now scheduled for January 25-29 in an exciting and unique virtual format.
Like the usual in-person event, the new format includes direct contact and live meetings with pre-qualified international buyers, but in a virtual Whistler setting—right down to the simulated booth locations on the tradeshow floor. Further, buyers and mission-leaders will have advanced access to the tradeshow and company promotional materials, to facilitate the scheduling of meetings that will take place during the live event. Sellers in turn will have attendee and buyer listings for pre-and-post event outreach.
In Whistler, the GBM was constrained by venue size and international travel limitations, but a virtual event has no limitations on the information exhibitors can share in their booth, or on the number of qualified buyers who can participate. As such, BC Wood expects to attract many more than the 400+ buyers and specifiers from 22 countries that have attended the in-person event in the past.
The GBM will feature face-to-face business meetings from live video links, displays and exhibits, networking activities, and educational opportunities. In this digital age, there are numerous opportunities and means to not just stay in touch, but also – for U.S. wood products buyers – to expand their business options and diversify markets and product lines. There will be a significant demand for distributors to find new suppliers, see new product offerings, meet some new folks, and even renew old acquaintances.
Time is important, so BC Wood’s goal is to make the virtual GBM one that exceeds expectations for making new connections worldwide. With no hindrance of travel time or costs, both new and returning buyers looking to source wood products from Canadian manufacturers and suppliers will be welcome. The upcoming virtual GBM will invite the world to meet, and they encourage you to join.
Value-added Wood Products promoted and sold at the GBM will include:
- Log and timber frame homes
- Pre–fabricated structures
- Engineered wood products and specialty lumber
- Windows and doors
- Cabinets, mouldings, flooring, and other value–added wood building products
- Specialty lumber and Western Red Cedar products
As BC Wood’s premier business development activity, the GBM helps value-added manufacturers connect with hundreds of qualified buyers and specifiers of wood products. Sales generated on the trade show floor have increased nine-fold since the first event in 2004, to $35 million per year.
For more information and to request an invitation, email gbm@bcwood.com.
