All events held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted.
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   Click here for details and to access webinars.

• The Brazil Customs Challenge
• Meeting the India Customs Challenge
• Complying with Encryption Export Controls and Import Requirements
• STEP Grant Application Webinar
• Export Control Reform Implementation
• Exporting Temporary, Repair, Replacement and Hand-Carry Shipments

Fundamentals of Exporting @ the BPL

Would you like to expand your business internationally? Have you had some international inquiries, but weren’t sure how to handle them? Or, do you have some international sales, but wish that you could find a way to increase them? If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, this is the program for you! 

This workshop covers all of the most important topics, skills, and resources needed to become a successful exporter. We will discuss all of the major components of the export process:  international sales and marketing; export logistics and finance (including the all-important topic of making sure you get paid). 

Additionally, we will identify state and federal resources available to you – many of which are free of charge or very low cost. Join us for this informative, interactive workshop on how to build your international sales.  

Speakers include:

• Kathleen Kinahan-Newell, Trade Compliance Manager – Massachusetts Export Center
• Paula Murphy, Director – Massachusetts Export Center

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Time: Registration 5:30 p.m.; Program 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Boston Public Library 700 Boylston Street, Conference Rooms 5/6 (concourse level), Boston
Cost: No charge, but preregistration is required
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664.

Fundamentals of Importing @ the BPL

Whether a manufacturer importing components from throughout the world or a trading company reselling foreign-sourced products, imports are a large part of doing business today. 

Join us for this comprehensive program to discuss importing essentials.  This seminar will cover the operational, logistical and financial aspects of importing while addressing special interests of importers such as security and global supply chain management. 

Specific issues to be covered include: product classification and valuation, global sourcing, customs clearance, import financing, logistics, documentation, and working with import service providers.   

Speakers include:

• Paula Connelly, Attorney – Law Offices of Paula M. Connelly
• Bob Kenneally, Director, National Account Development - CH Powell Company

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Time: Registration 5:30 p.m.; Program 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Boston Public Library 700 Boylston Street, Conference Rooms 5/6 (concourse level), Boston
Cost: No charge, but preregistration is required
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664.

Don't Take it Lightly: What You Need to Know About ITAR  

Have you received an order to supply a part, component or accessory as part of a defense weapon, ship, plane, rocket launcher, tank or other military equipment?  Are you beginning to export military-related items, technology or services? Have you been contacted by a prime who wanted to know if you were registered with the State Department?

Many exporters and non-exporters alike are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), but are not clear on their obligations under the regulations. If your company is just beginning to venture into ITAR or needs a refresher course, then this program is for you!

This seminar will cover the nuts and bolts of ITAR, including a regulatory overview, commodity jurisdiction, registration requirements, handling of foreign employees and visitors, licenses and agreements, and more. The program will also specify ITAR compliance areas of concern and obligations for non-exporters. Finally, the seminar will provide tips and best practices for managing compliance with ITAR. The Foreign Corrupt Practice Act will also be addressed.

Speakers:

• Kim Pritula - Smith & Wesson
• Jon Rydberg - Smith & Wesson  

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m.; Program 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Smith & Wesson, 299 Page Boulevard, Springfield (directions)
Cost: $75 / $50 for Compliance Alliance members (includes continental breakfast)
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
413-552-2316.

STEP Grant Application Webinar

Join us for this free webinar to learn about the Massachusetts State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program ("STEP"), which is available to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services. The Massachusetts STEP Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the MSBDC-Massachusetts Export Center, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

This webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP Grant Program and walk participants through the STEP Grant application process. The webinar will provide guidance on completing the application and discuss specific elements that are critical for successful applicants. 

The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application. Those applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting with a well-planned export strategy will have the best likelihood of success! For further details on the STEP program, visit www.mass.gov/export/step.

There is no charge for the webinar, but pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the webinar, so please plan accordingly.

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Complying with U.S. Export Controls

This two-day program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the EAR. The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. We will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR; how to determine your export control classification number (ECCN); steps to take to determine the export licensing requirements for your item; when you can export or reexport without applying for a license; export clearance procedures; and record keeping requirements. Presenters will conduct a number of "hands-on" exercises that will prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company's export activities. This program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR.  

This program is pre-approved by NASBITE as a CGBP recertification program. Attendees will receive 10 CPEs (CGBP Recertification Credits) towards annual recertification.

Accommodations: Please make reservations directly with the Revere Hotel by calling 855-673-8373. 

Dates: Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Time: Registration & continental breakfast 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on both days 
Location: Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (directions)
Cost: $490 (includes continental breakfast, breaks, lunch, and training materials for both days. Parking is not included.)
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664.

Technology and Encryption Export Controls

This full-day program will offer a comprehensive look at how to comply with the U.S. export and reexport controls relating to technology, software and encryption. Discussion will focus on the regulatory requirements relating to technology and software, including what is considered an export or reexport of technology or software; the kinds of technology and software subject to the EAR; how to determine the Export Control Classification Number; license exceptions; and the unique application requirements of technology and software. 

The program will also discuss how items with encryption functionality are classified under the EAR; how the provision for >64-bit “mass market” encryption may apply to products that you use, sell or buy; license exception provisions for encryption source code (open source and proprietary); license exception provisions for U.S. subsidiaries and certain eligible countries and for U.S.-origin encryption parts and components incorporated into foreign products; encryption classification and reporting requirements; Encryption Licensing Arrangements; conditions placed on encryption licenses, and encryption technology issues. 

BIS technical and policy specialists will also discuss important export control issues that may arise in the employment of foreign nationals and for foreign items incorporating, or produced from, controlled U.S.-origin software and technology.  Instructors are experienced BIS export policy specialists and engineering personnel and will be available throughout the day to answer your questions.

This program is pre-approved by NASBITE as a CGBP recertification program. Attendees will receive 6 CPEs (CGBP Recertification Credits) towards annual recertification.

Accommodations: Please make reservations directly with the Revere Hotel by calling 855-673-8373.

Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Time: Registration & continental breakfast 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (directions)
Cost: $270 (includes continental breakfast, breaks, lunch, and training materials.  Parking is not included.) 
Contact: If you have questions, contact the MA Export Center at 617-973-8664.

Export Forum: Opportunities for Western Massachusetts Exporters

Today's global economy provides opportunities for businesses around the world. Come learn what it takes to achieve export success from those who have done just that! 

The Export Forum will include a panel of business exporters from Western Massachusetts who will share their success stories. The forum also will feature an overview of a broad range of programs available to help companies with their international business efforts, including the opportunity of grant money available to small businesses to export.  

The keynote speaker will be Congressman Richard E. Neal. Welcoming remarks will be presented by Holyoke Community College President William Messener.

Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with government officials and local businesses to answer specific export questions.  

Speakers include:

• Melissa Branzburg, International Trade Specialist - U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Frank Canning, Investment Banking - MassDevelopment
• Steven Graham, President - Toner Plastics
• John Joyce, Regional Manager, U.S. Export Assistance Center - U.S. Small Business Administration
• Diana LaMuraglia, Director of Business Development - Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment
• Ann Pieroway, Western Massachusetts Regional Director - Massachusetts Export Center
• Heather Welch-Smith, Director of Sales - Suki Naturals
• Alan Wosky, President - Belt Technologies

Date: Friday, May 10, 2013  
Time: Registration 8:00 a.m.; Continental Breakfast & Networking 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.; Program 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.  
Location: The Kittredge Business Center at Holyoke Community College, People’s Conference Room, Holyoke (directions)
Cost: $15
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at 413-552-2316.

Export Control Reform Implementation

Years in the making – it’s finally here: the official implementation of export control reform. 

On April 15, 2013 the Departments of State and Commerce published major final revisions to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). These final rules definitively establish the structure, provisions, and definitions for a positive control list and mark the start of the transition of many items from the ITAR to the licensing jurisdiction of the EAR and control on the Commerce Control List ("CCL").

Join us for a two-hour webinar to discuss the new "600 Series" ECCNs; the new definition of "Specially Designed"; de minimus requirements; licensing requirements; license exceptions; and the overall export control reform initiative. Gain perspective on how these revisions will affect your export control program and licensing requirements in the near future!  

Speakers include:

• Ian Moss, Esq. – Middleton & Shrull, LLC
• Corey Norton, Esq. – Keller and Heckman LLP

Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Location: webinar
Cost: $35 / no charge for Compliance Alliance or CONECT members
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664.

Export School Fast Track Certificate Program & CGBP Review

The most successful exporters are those who properly educate themselves on the export process and who effectively plan their international business operations.

This one-day, fast-paced version of our Export School will offer three tracks on all major components of the export process: international sales and marketing; export logistics and banking; and export regulatory compliance and legal issues.

This comprehensive, hands-on seminar will offer "one-stop-shopping" for all of your export questions! In addition, the program will feature a "resource table" highlighting a wide range of government programs that assist exporters, as well as an optional CGBP exam review session at the end of the program.

This program is pre-approved by NASBITE as a CGBP recertification program. Attendees will receive 6 CPEs (CGBP Recertification Credits) towards annual recertification. The program is also ideal for busy export operations managers and executives who need a quick refresher or a high-level introduction to all aspects of exporting. Program participants will receive a certificate of completion. Space is limited, so register early!

Speakers Include:  

• Julia Dvorko, Central Massachusetts Regional Director – Massachusetts Export Center
• Ekene Ofodile, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing - Randolph Engineering, Inc.
• Stephanie Perini-Hegarty, Esq., Managing Attorney - Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C.
• Jeannette Reed, President and CEO – Evolutions in Business
• Carla Winfield, VP, Global Treasury Management Advisor - Silicon Valley Bank
• Joseph Wyson, Executive Vice President – OceanAir, Inc.

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Time: Registration 8.30 a.m.; Program 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Location: Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, 75 North Drive, Westborough (directions)
Cost: $75 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
508-929-8844.

Exporting Temporary, Repair, Replacement and Hand-Carry Shipments

Is your company paying duties and taxes on temporary shipments or on shipment of goods covered under warranty? Are these shipments getting stuck in Customs? Are employees carrying equipment internationally and getting detained in Customs? 

Many exporters face challenges like these and end up either swallowing the added cost or passing on the cost to an unhappy customer. This can be avoided, however, with accurate and complete annotations on export documentation; using tools such as carnets or temporary import bonds; and, in particular, the development of distinct processes for these special-circumstance transactions. 

This two-part webinar will provide guidance on several issues that require special attention in these cases, including: proper valuation and classification of products and repairs; documentary requirements and verbiage; handling of AES reporting requirements; Customs clearance facilitation; and more. 

This program is pre-approved by NASBITE as a CGBP recertification program. Attendees will receive 10 CPEs (CGBP Recertification Credits) towards annual recertification. Join us to learn the tricks of the trade to ensure smooth processing of your shipments. Bring your questions!
 

Speakers include:

• Amanda Barlow, Director, Marketing, Carnet and Trade Services – U.S. Council for International Business
• Dudre Begon, CBP Officer - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Bill Connolly, Director of Customs House Brokerage - Oceanair 
• Vincent de Vries, Managing Director, Triple Logistics - The Netherlands
• Larry Disenhof, Group Director, Export Compliance & Government Relations – Cadence Design Systems
• Colleen Downey, CBP Officer - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Thomas Naughton, CBP Officer - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Kathleen Newell, Trade Compliance Manager – Massachusetts Export Center
• Harvey Waite, Vice President, Compliance and Security - Oceanair

Dates: Friday, June 7 and Friday, June 14, 2013
Time: 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Location: webinar
Cost: $100 / $50 for Compliance Alliance members  
Contact: If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664.

Compliance Alliance Networking Briefing - Routed Exports: Your Responsibilities and Best Practices to Avoid Violations

Many exporters frequently find themselves as a party to routed export transactions, where the foreign customer (or Foreign Principal Party in Interest) controls the entire export shipment and authorizes a U.S. agent to export products on their behalf from the United States. 

Routed export transactions are extremely common in cases where the foreign customer is paying for the shipment and related costs, and some U.S. exporters may even prefer routed transactions due to the seemingly lower level of hassle. Though these transactions may seem easier, routed export shipments often put U.S. firms at greater risk for export violations. 

Join us to learn about best practices in routed export transactions and tips for avoiding pitfalls that may lead to export violations. Speakers will discuss the responsibilities of each party involved in a routed export transaction, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, operational procedures, and best practices for working with routed freight forwarders.     

Speakers include:      

• Brian Amero, Director, Compliance and Ethics - Teradyne, Inc.
• Scott Barney, Export Compliance Manager USA - Panalpina, Inc.
• Paul DiVecchio, Principal - DiVecchio & Associates

Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: Registration 8:30 a.m.; Program & Networking 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Location: Teradyne, 600 Riverpark Drive, North Reading (directions)
Cost: $50 / no charge for Compliance Alliance members (includes seminar materials and breakfast; parking is complimentary)
Contact: Register online with link below. If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at 617-973-8664.

Export Control Reform: Practical Strategies for Compliance

Export Control Reform is underway. Get prepared now! Join us for this roundtable discussion that will review how Export Control Reform may impact your business. 

Topics include: 

• the new definition of “specially designed” and how that will impact jurisdiction and classification decisions;
• current status and timeline of Export Control Reform;
• transition planning across all aspects of your business;
• changes in license exceptions, including possible implementation challenges;
• guidance on commodity jurisdiction determination and export control classification; and much more! 

Our special guest speaker will be Susan M.C. Kovarovics, partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave, LLP.

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Time: Registration, 8:30 a.m.; Program, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor Conference Center, Conference Room 2, Boston (directions)
Cost: $50 / no charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Register online with link below. If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at 617-973-8664.

Export Expo - Save the Date!

 Join us for the most comprehensive export event of the year that brings together export resources, training and information – all under one roof!   

The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide variety of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day export operations.

Exhibitors will include law firms, banks, freight forwarders, consulting firms, translation firms, customs and compliance automated solutions providers, and various government and non-profit organizations serving the export community.  

Coinciding with the exhibition, the Export Center will convene workshops and panel discussions throughout the day on a wide variety of export-related topics, such as global supply chain management, export regulatory compliance, global trade risk mitigation, international marketing and business development, legal issues in international trade, and more! Last year’s Export Expo attracted over 200 attendees.  

Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available. For further information, please contact Paula Murphy at 617-973-8664.  

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Time: Registration and Exhibits Open 9:00 a.m.; Program 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor Conference Center, Boston (directions)
Cost: $35 / no charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Registration will open in the fall. If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Export Center at 617-973-8664.