When the biennial International Marrakech Air Show 2016 (IMAS) opens on April 27 at the Menara Airport, RMAF Military Base, the United States of America will be among the show’s largest international exhibitors. With 15 participating companies, the size of the American contingent is a strong indicator of how important the region is to the U.S. aerospace and defence industry, and that countries throughout the region are likewise interested in working with U.S. companies to further their industry and economic goals.
IMAS is Morocco’s most prominent aerospace and defence trade event. The U.S. presence, featuring industry leading companies such as Boeing (Booth #F-14), FLIR (Booth #F-25), Lockheed Martin (Booth #F-11) and Pratt & Whitney (Booth #F-10) is organised by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., the newly designated U.S. representative of the show, in coordination with numerous U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defence and State.
Represents a cross-section of leading American suppliers
The centrepiece of the national effort, the nearly 500 sqm (gross) U.S. International Pavilion located in show Pavilion F, is a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet a critical mass of U.S. suppliers, and an on-site business hub for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximise their exposure and impact at the event. Ranging from publicly traded stalwarts to privately held small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as Dillon, M International and WAGA International, exhibitors in the Pavilion represent a cross-section of leading American suppliers working to initiate and strengthen regional partnerships.
“The growth of the show |
WAGA and another U.S. SME, Aerospace Maintenance Solutions (AMS) recently announced their own partnership to better support military aircraft from Morocco and other countries. The companies will exhibit together at IMAS at the WAGA Booth #F-5, where they will meet with military delegations regarding new repair capabilities, including parts for C-130s, F-5s and F-16s.
“When U.S. companies commit to exhibit at IMAS, they’re saying they believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “The growth of the show and the expansion of military and commercial aerospace infrastructure in Morocco say a lot about the long-term opportunities for our exhibitors here.”
“Ask America First” advocacy campaign
In addition to organising the national Pavilion, Kallman Worldwide will promote U.S. exhibitors with its “Ask America First” advocacy campaign. The message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and highlighted in social media.
“The United States is the world's biggest aerospace and defence supplier, but that’s no guarantee that buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “As the organiser of the U.S. presence at Marrakech, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our nation in this highly competitive marketplace. We want every visitor to ‘Ask America first’ at IMAS, and to be assured that America is listening.”
