Some 400 U.S. companies, more than half of which are small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs), are exhibiting at this year’s Paris Airshow. The turnout marks the largest U.S. presence at the trade show to date. Some 300 of the 400 companies occupy the USA Partnership Pavilion in Hall 3.
More than half of the USA Pavilion exhibitors employ fewer than 500 employees, which reflects the growing value and importance of SMEs to the global supply chain, said Tom Kallman, president and CEO of Kallman Worldwide.
The organization works to advance global trade in STEM-driven industries and to strengthen international business relations by maximizing impact at physical trade shows and through online digital events. “SMEs are heroes of America’s export economy, and we work hard to make sure the pavilion works for them,” he said. “Before they hit the showroom floor, we coordinate with the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, Transportation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, to help ensure our exhibitors have the funding, market intelligence, and logistical support they need.”
The U.S. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), a partner of the Pavilion, also advocates for the role SMEs play in the U.S. economy and national security. Twenty-nine AIA member companies are exhibiting at Paris this week. “AIA’s participation in the USA Partnership Pavilion at Paris underscores our commitment to engage with worldwide beneficiaries of American civil aviation, space, and defense products,” explained AIA president and CEO Eric Fanning. SMEs in the supply chain represent more than half the value of all American aerospace and defense exports, reaching more than 200 countries. “They are our industry’s and our country’s essential exporters,” he stressed.
Seventeen departments of economic development and commerce are hosting their own state-branded pavilions featuring local small businesses. A collaboration with the State International Development Organizations (SIDO) created the “Made in the USA” SME zone, featuring 18 companies representing seven states.
SIDO supports governors’ international trade agendas by serving and representing the 50 state trade agencies to the federal government. “This opportunity provides a unique platform for states and businesses to participate in one of the most important international trade shows in the world,” said SIDO executive director Andy Karellas. “SMEs can collaborate and utilize our resources to execute their international sales and grow U.S. exports.”
Of almost 300 start-ups from 21 countries, 16 from the U.S. are participating in the “Start-Me-Up Zone,” an SIAE program to help qualifying startups stretch their show budgets.
