BCD Meetings & Events Extends Global Partner Network to Increase Reach and Local Service

Thirteen partner markets including Colombia, Russia and Vietnam added

CHICAGO – February 4, 2016 – BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) increased its global presence by adding 13 partner markets to expand its Global Partner Network and better serve customers needing global scope with local delivery.

The Global Partner Network extends BCD M&E’s reach in 2016 through well-established, expert meetings & events companies around the world which supplement its wholly-owned locations. Recently signed markets include Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Romania, Poland, Greece, South Africa and Colombia. These companies are industry leaders in their individual markets and bring specific local expertise to customers needing the leverage and accessibility of a global agency but the customization and expertise in local markets and nuances such as VAT, pricing and legal specifics.

“There is only so much organic growth that can happen at the pace we need to expand,” said Scott Graf, Global President of BCD M&E. “When looking to grow specific markets, we make a strategic decision to either expand our wholly-owned operations or partner with best-in-class local businesses to serve our customers’ specific needs.”

BCD M&E employs a stringent qualification process to ensure its partners understand and adhere to the quality of service that it delivers to customers. Target markets are largely driven by customer demand, and BCD M&E plans to continue its Global Partner Network expansion in key markets throughout the world in 2016.

“There are advantages when partnering with organizations that know the regional and cultural nuances of doing business in certain markets,” said Graf. “We believe that they will help us provide superior, localized service. They, in return, have the benefit of working under a recognized, global brand with extensive resources and expertise.”

“Colombia continues to be a very attractive business center due to its growing economy, its strategic geographical position in the Americas and the vitality that foreign direct investment maintains,” said Andres Mongui Vera, President, BCD M&E Colombia. “For us, becoming a member of BCD M&E is more than joining a leader network. It is a very important and significant step in our pursuit of developing new business strategies that will better position us in the rising industry.”