Member Article

Major USA trade tour chance for North East digital businesses

North East-based digital SMEs are set for a business boost with the chance to visit the Web 2.0 Expo in New York and the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas thanks to a trade mission organised by Chinwag for UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) and North East centre for digital innovation Codeworks.

Chinwag has been nominated as the UKTI’s designated partner for the ‘Digital Mission’ to take small-to-medium-sized agencies, start-ups and other businesses in the digital sector on two separate visits to the US to make business contacts and market their services at two of the most celebrated and influential global web events.

The mission to New York City from 14-19 September, 2008, is for 25 UK companies, while the Texas trip takes 40 companies to SXSW Interactive in Austin from 13-17 March, 2009.

Chinwag CEO, Sam Michel, said: “The Digital Missions to NYC and Austin represent a major opportunity for UK participants to make connections and build fruitful business relationships against the vibrant backdrop of hugely successful events. Working with the UKTI and the broader web community on this initiative is a natural progression of our aim: to be a connecting rod for ideas and talent across new media.”

Entries are being welcomed from companies ranging from marketing agencies through to ecommerce operators, mobile service providers and start-ups. Companies will be selected by a judging panel of industry experts and commentators including TechCrunch UK Editor, Mike Butcher, and the CEO of Codeworks, Herb Kim.

Entry for the Digital Mission is now open at www.digital-mission.org. The closing date for NYC entries is Wednesday 23 July.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .