The
International Trade Center,
Inc. ( ITC)
is a privately-owned corporation specializing in organizing promotional
events on behalf of Italian government agencies and private sector
institutions targeting U.S. markets.
Headquartered in
New York since its founding in 1982, the ITC has an extensive network
of contacts with trade professionals, the press, opinion leaders and other
VIPs. The ITC's promotional activities have received wide acclaim for
their professionalism and attention to detail. Following are examples of
events organized by the ITC:
·
Participation in
local trade shows
The ITC
provides complete preparation for trade shows, including all necessary
arrangements for the reservation and set-up of exhibition areas and any
other up-front services required. Particular attention is given to drafting,
printing and distribution of catalogs and invitations sent to the U.S.
companies targeted as potential attendees as well as the crafting and
distributing of press releases on behalf of the participating Italian
companies and organizations. ITC is always on hand to provide
assistance to exhibitors during shows and to deliver any necessary
follow-up.
·
Organization of
trade shows
The ITC
has organized complete trade shows both for Italian manufacturers of
specific products and for Italian trade associations, Chambers of Commerce,
regions and provinces exhibiting a broad set of products which often can
span a diverse group of industries or end markets.
·
Organization of
food and wine tastings
Individual Italian
regions have frequently requested events to showcase their products in
selected hotels, restaurants and retail outlet and supermarkets in leading
U.S. metropolitan centers. The preparation of such events includes all
necessary arrangements for the rental of exhibition space, the writing of
press releases and the mailing of press kits to specifically targeted press,
as well as the placement of ads in local newspapers and magazines.
·
Organization of
eno-gastronomic festivals
Such events are
typically organized to showcase Italian food and wines in renowned
restaurants and other marquee venues in key cities.
·
Organization of
fashion shows
Italian fashion
houses have engaged the ITC for introductory and promotional fashion
events and requested complete packages, including the reservation of venues,
preparation and mailing of catalogs and invitations to the trade, and the
distribution of press releases and media kits to
the media.
·
Organization of
promotions in department stores
The ITC has
carried out promotions throughout the U.S. and Canada with renowned
retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Holt
Renfrew in Canada, among others, in collaboration with the
Italian Government.
·
Organization of
visits by U.S. trade groups and media to foreign countries and vice versa
One of the ITC’s
strongest areas from its inception has been organizing such visits. These
packages include all reservations and other arrangements with Italian and
American venues to be visited (such as trade shows, manufacturing plants,
wine producers and vineyards) and involve extensive promotional
contacts and mailings to the press and interested trades people.
Further
Activities
The ITC also
organizes other promotional and commercial activities such as press
presentations, market surveys, conferences, advertising and public relations
campaigns and more.
The President of the
International
Trade Center,
Dr. Lucio Caputo, has been active in the promotion of a large
variety of products in the U.S. for over 35 years and has accumulated
extensive experience in this field while serving as Italian Trade
Commissioner for North America and later as President of the
International Trade Center, the Italian Wine and Food
Institute (both of which corporations he founded), and the European
Wine Council. Lucio Caputo also holds membership in several prestigious
American organizations.
He also founded Gruppo Esponenti Italiani (GEI),
an association of representatives of leading financial and industrial
institutions headquartered in the New York area. Dr. Caputo is also
President of GEI.
GEI
provides a forum for both Italian and American experts in politics, society,
business and finance to exchange ideas on the Italian image and to organize
special events to promote Italy. In particular, GEI hosts working
luncheons with local and visiting personalities to focus on relations
between Italy and the United States. Guests-of-honor have included the
American ambassadors to Italy and the Italian ambassadors to the United
States, numerous members of Italian Government and Parliament during their
visits to the United States, as well as the presidents of various Italian
regions, Senators, Governors, Mayors, chairpersons of leading companies and
financial institutions, renowned journalists, educators and representatives
of the cultural world.