Tomorrow (29 June) will be the last day on which you can register for one of the few remaining places at this year’s MemberCon23 – the second annual conference from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT).
After a hugely successful inaugural show in Birmingham last year, MemberCon this year arrives in Liverpool with an even bigger and better line-up of speakers, with more for members to see and do.
With a strapline of “How to get trade moving: practical solutions for UK exporters and importers”, the whole agenda is focused on providing actionable insights for attendees.
We listened
IOE&IT’s membership development manager, Helen Hastie, says that this year’s agenda has been heavily influenced by feedback from last year’s show:
“We listened to what members told us last year. While the feedback from our first event was overwhelmingly positive, members said they particularly enjoyed hearing from other members and that they also wanted a more practical tone to sessions.
“This year our expert speaker line-up consists almost entirely of members. Alongside a keynote address and plenary speeches, the format this year is mostly based on panel discussions, which allows even more members’ voices to be featured.”
Hastie notes that delegates will learn about some of the following trade practicalities:
- Claiming preferential tariffs using trade deals
- Making the most of the customs benefits in freeports
- Best practice on reducing supply chain emissions
- Moving from CHIEF to CDS for completing export declarations
Second workstream
For further practical takeaways, Hastie points to a new second workstream that has been added to this year’s conference, which features numerous ‘Ask the Expert’ trade clinics with IOE&IT trade and customs specialists.
They will be on hand to offer tips and advice on the most pertinent practical trade questions that delegates might have.
As Hastie explains,
“We want people to leave not only having had a great day and having enjoyed networking and catching up with friends and colleagues from across the industry, but also to leave with a sense that they learned something new.”
The clinics will cover key activities in trade such as completing customs declarations, complying with export control regulations and using Incoterms.
Keynote speakers
The event will be addressed by local MP Dan Carden and Lord Offord, the minister for exports. Elsewhere there will be panel sessions to discuss how to make the most of the UK’s post-Brexit trade deals, greening supply chains and how to manage the cost of international trade.
There is also a panel featuring members from award-winning businesses such as Nairn’s Oatcakes. These businesses will explain their own trade journey and how they managed to get recognition as a global trade champion.
Whether you’re an established industry leader or a new trader just entering the market, at MemberCon23 you will experience an unmissable day of professional development and networking with like-minded peers.
To secure one of the last few places at MemberCon23, make sure you book before midnight tomorrow.
