International Business Week - August 7-18
by Rebecca Gill
With
13 per cent of small to medium Australian businesses regularly operating
in the lucrative international market, exporting is no longer only for
the corporate giants. Remarkable financial rewards await those who can
successfully tap into an overseas client base, however, most experts
agree it is a move that needs to be carefully considered.
And for those wanting to swim with the big fish – or for those established in the industry wishing to update their knowledge – UniSA’s International Business Week (IBW) between August 7 and 18 is an event not to be missed.
IBW consists of two weeks jam-packed with seminars and panel discussions (many of which are free) tackling issues at the forefront of foreign trade, such as law and cultural differences. This year, with an expanded schedule of 43 events (nine in regional SA) to accommodate growing public interest, IBW will play host to an anticipated 2500 attendees.
Rex Jones, Senior Business Manager at UniSA’s Division of Business said that exports are a key part of the state’s economic advancement.
"Some South Australian businesses have done extremely well. Examples of SME success stories include skincare company Jurlique, and designer and manufacturer of horse racing equipment, Adelaide hills based Steriline.
"Australia’s own domestic market is fairly small so, by increasing the size of the market, exporting opens up many more opportunities," he said.
Wanting to earn money from the rest of the world is a realistic aim but, having to deal with added pressures like exchange rates and high oil prices, is a daunting task, even for the most experienced SME operator. That’s why IBW is such an important event for SA.
For enterprising businesses wishing to penetrate the lucrative Asian region one should attend Professor Alfred Huang’s seminar Business in China, which provides a first-hand insight into the culture of dealing with companies in East Asia and South East Asia.
In Exceptional women in business, three self-motivated local business women share their personal experience and knowledge on breaking into the global economy.
And for those in the wine industry, Avoiding the Big Boys: Marketing Decisions for small to medium wine makers by UniSA’s Assoc Prof Tony Spawton, Dr Herve Remaud and Andre Beaujanot will provide scholarship on the wine glut and the growing influence of supermarkets in marketing and promoting wine.
In The Japanese Business System in the 21st century - challenges and opportunities, UniSA’s Head of School of Management, Professor John Benson, will outline the modern evolution of Japanese economy and highlight opportunities for business to capitalise on market gaps.
There are also numerous presentations from industry partners like Austrade, the Office of Trade and Business SA.
Four networking sessions and formal presentations will also provide many opportunities to bounce ideas and make important contacts with international business leaders.
For a comprehensive guide to the events schedule for UniSA IBW 2006, please visit http://www.unisaibw.com.au/home.asp