December
2 The Connect District Export Council and Unz and Company will sponsor a full-day "Tariff Classification Under the Harmonized System" seminar and workshop at a site to be announced. The seminar will focus on how the Harmonized System is structured, how it works, and how to apply the system in order to properly classify goods. Pre-registration is required. For information or to register, call Unz and Company at 800-631-3098.

2 The New England Latin America Business Council will sponsor "Business Opportunities in Latin America Through the Inter-American Development Bank" at the Bank of America, 100 Federal Street, 2nd floor conference center, Boston. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and will be followed by a presentation, a question and answer session, and one-on-one sessions with IDB specialists. The program will examine how IDB can help advance opportunities for selling products and services in Latin America, finding partners, networking, and winning contracts. The program fee is $20 for members and $50 for non-members. To pre-register, e-mail info@nelabc.org or call 617-434-0928.

8 The World Affairs Council will sponsor a "Haiti at 200" exhibition from 6 - 8 p.m. in the concourse of the State Legislative Office Building, Capitol Avenue, Hartford. The event will celebrate Haiti's history, culture, music, and food. For more information, contact the Council at 860-594-4100.

January
8-18 The pan-New England international entrepreneur group iNetwork128 is organizing its sixth SME (small and mid-size enterprises) trade mission to China with extensive pre-trip matchmaking activities. The delegation will visit Beijing, Shenyang (Capital of Liaoning Province), Shanghai and another emerging city to be determined. The mission will be supported by government entities from both the U.S. and China and by various Chinese hosts. For information, contact Shawn He at shawn@iNetwork128.org or call 617-633-3806.

19-23 The U.S. Commercial Service will sponsor a mission to Bolsa de Turismo (BTL) in Lisbon, Portugal. BTL boasts nearly 900 exhibitors with representation from more than 60 countries. The 2004 show attracted more than 52,000 visitors, including tour operators and industry media. Free assistance is provided by U.S. Commercial Service at BTL including a tailored market briefing by travel/tourism experts at the U.S. Embassy. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Kane at 617-424-5990 or e-mail her at Jennifer.Kane@mail.doc.gov

February
8-11 A trade mission to ExpoComm Mexico 2005 will be sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service. ExpoComm is an international telecommunications, wireless, Internet and broadband technology exhibition and conference for Mexico and Central America. It is the largest and longest-running telecommunication event in Mexico. For more information, contact Beth Harrington at harrington@ejkrause.com or log on to the expo website, expocomm.com

15-16 The U.S. Commercial Service will sponsor "Explore BC," a trade mission to Vancouver, British Columbia. Participating U.S. companies will benefit from briefings by local experts on the Canadian market, a networking reception and pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with potential agents/distributors or manufacturers/representatives in their industry. For more information, e-mail Cheryl Schell, Commercial Specialist, Office of the U.S. Consulate General at cheryl.schell@mail.doc.gov or call 604-642-6679.