Thank you for applying to attend an international event in 2023 and represent the Southern Pine and American Softwoods community!
The Southern Forest Products Association team will be in touch with you shortly to confirm your registration! Space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and many events fill quickly. Please do not make travel arrangements until SFPA has confirmed your attendance with you. Please download and read the Conduct Guide for International Trade Shows and International Travel Guidelines below, which are required for international travel with the SFPA and American Softwoods representatives.
Want to register for another event? Click here to submit your request!
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Patch, SFPA administrative assistant and program coordinator, at lpatch@sfpa.org or at 504-443-4464, ext. 1.
International Travel Guidelines
If you’re traveling for marketing-related activities approved by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), check out what you need to do to prepare for international travel, what documents are required for reimbursement, and more as of November 2022.
Click here for the most current International Travel Guidelines
Conduct Guide for International Trade Shows and Missions
USDA funds provided to American Softwoods (AMSO) cooperators under the Foreign Market Development Program and Market Access Program are targeted for the generic promotion of U.S. forest products. When marketing domestic softwood lumber and engineered wood products, products are promoted generically under the AMSO banner. Everyone who participates in an American Softwoods trade show or mission is viewed as an AMSO representative.
While business-to-business sales are the ultimate goal, AMSO representatives must understand and respect the limitations as to where and how private business can be conducted. Individual participants cannot use a program activity or program funds to promote private self-interests or conduct private business. Fellow team members must treat each other with respect and the AMSO brand must be represented professionally, both in bearing and appearance.
Click here to review the conduct guide for international trade shows and missions
Matching Fund Report
If you’re traveling for marketing-related activities approved by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), SFPA asks that you complete and return the sales/matching funds report to our office when you complete your travels. FAS requires SFPA to submit these reports to help us retain funding for future programs.
Your reports also help SFPA leverage your time for our cooperator contributions and share success stories about marketing-related travel, which is also reported to FAS. The report also serves as an evaluation opportunity to help SFPA staff determine whether we participate in and/or improve future events.