For the first time in history more than half the world is middle-class-thanks to rapid growth in emerging countries.
The Economist, February 14, 2009
Sometime last year, the world we inhabit went from Civilization 2.0 to 3.0. And if you are an association with an eye to serving a wider, more diverse audience beyond the shores of the United States, then this news is very compelling. Every product or membership manager needs a customer, and for those of us who are in the business of finding new markets and customers for our products, the emerging market countries are building a powerful new customer base.
Get ready for “hundreds of millions” more who will add their collective effort to improve themselves, their local communities and contribute to the great globalization of supply and demand that drives economic consumption around the world.
If you seek access to the emerging markets of China and the Middle East or want ideas to develop a sustainable business model for your existing activities, then don’t miss MCI’s Emerging Markets Strategy Workshop to be held August 13th in Chicago and August 20th in Washington DC.
MCI thanks APICS and SHRM for providing meeting rooms at their headquarters in the Chicago and Washington metro areas for these sessions.
These complimentary half-day workshops for association executives will provide proven strategies and practices to help better navigate these regional markets. And registrants will be invited to share questions in advance to help our presenters customize remarks to your needs.
Here are some highlights:
Engaging China
Your board and members are talking about it. You know you need to be in China. But how and when do you engage in China? What resources and capacity do you need to ensure a good start?
Learn how other associations have established themselves in China and the strategies and practices used to enter China successfully, build win-win partnerships, and deliver compelling and competitive services in this local markets.
Presented by Ms. Vivian Friess, MCI China Business Analyst, participants with take away:
- What does a successful China entry strategy look like?
- How do you build win-win partnerships with Chinese organizations?
- Delivery of competitive products and services locally
Each topic will be supported with one to two relevant case studies.
Engaging the Middle East
The crossroad of the world’s developed and emerging markets is once again the Middle East with massive global logistics hubs for multinational supply chains and ambitious plans and wealth to evolve from oil-based economies to 21st century knowledge-based economies.
More than ever, companies and associations are entering the market through their meetings/conferences and education product portfolios with the aim of expanding their brand awareness among an array of stakeholders. Fast growing business capitals like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh are creating new business opportunities as a result of massive infrastructure development as they vie for your attention.
Included in this session, we will share research from a 2008 study looking at the challenges, opportunities and infrastructure needs expressed by US and EU based associations who want to gain access to this region. We shall also offer do’s and don’t of business communication as well as dispel common misconceptions.
Whether you are already engaging with the Middle East or considering it in the near future, listen why the Middle East should be on your radar and how you can develop a plan to have a successful event, build membership or disseminate your products and services locally. We shall also share information on the legalities involved in setting up and running international chapters or branch offices in the region to provide adequate services to your members
Practical case studies will be shared to enhance your knowledge of the overall environment of association development in the region.
Presented by Mr. Ajay Bhojwani, MCI Middle East Business Analyst, participants with take away:
- What do US and EU associations with regional aspirations find to be their biggest challenges/opportunities in the next 12 months?
- How does one navigate the region’s unique business culture?
- What common strategies are associations using to develop a sustainable business?
To Register or For More Information
Contact Peter Turner +1.571.275.1516 or Vivian Friess +1.202.412.6605.
Workshop Locations
In Chicago – August 13th 9am-12noon
APICS Headquarters
8430 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: (800) 444-2742 or (773) 867-1777
http://www.apics.org/About/Contact/directions_Ill.htm
…………………
In Washington DC (Alexandria) – August 20th, 9am -12noon
SHRM Headquarters
1800 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States
Phone: (800) 283-SHRM
To reach these emerging markets, one must build business relationships in these regions to demonstrate local presence and a willingness to contribute “locally relevant” products and services. In his new book “The Second World Empires & Influence in the New Global Order,” Parag Khanna urges organizations that to succeed you must have good local relationships, a team who can execute sound local tactics, and a strategy that conveys value that can drive local needs be they personal professional or at an enterprise level.
Come to the MCI Emerging Market Strategy Workshop and refine your strategy from local business analysts in the field.
