Membercon is back, and it's bigger and better than before

The Institute of Export & International Trade’s (IOE&IT) flagship show for members, MemberCon, is back for 2023. 

Marco Forgione, director general of IOE&IT, says after last year’s successful inaugural event, the whole organization is looking forward to this year’s get together, which takes place in Liverpool on 5th July.

“It will be a great opportunity for members to meet and hear from a range of experts in international trade,” he says.

“This year we have two workstreams running throughout the day, both offering a great opportunity to learn and explore how you can overcome export challenges and make sure you are set up to exploit the incredible opportunities that exist for UK businesses internationally.”

Grace Thompson, public affairs lead at IOE&IT, has been involved in curating the agenda and recruiting speakers. She explains that the first workstream is built on feedback members gave following last year's event:

“As well as some keynote speeches, there will be a series of panel discussions covering the key issues in trade. These include how to manage the impact of inflation, the upcoming deadline for exporters to start using CDS, how you can make the most of the UK’s free trade agreements and how to benefit from freeports such as the site in Liverpool.”

Thompson adds that the team is delighted to have landed several industry leaders to participate in each of these discussions:

“We have people such as John Lucy, director of the Liverpool freeport, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, the Institute's very own Kevin Shakespeare, and award- winning exporters like Nairn's Oatcakes.”

The second workstream is a series of “Ask the Experts” clinics. IOE&IT’s executive editor, William Barns-Graham, who has also been closely involved in developing the agenda, explains:

“The idea is that members can ask questions directly to our team of customs and trade consultants. We’ve looked at the key questions members have asked us across all our services and we’ll be focusing on topics such as completing customs declarations, rules of origin, claiming preferential tariffs and how the new Target Operating Model affects importers.”

Whether you are interested in networking with peers, hearing the latest insights from industry thought leaders, or getting practical answers to your most pressing trade questions, there is bound to be something for everyone at Membercon23.

Click here for more details and to register for the event.