The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier event for companies looking to expand into the U.S., and every year, thousands of business leaders, economic developers, and trade experts come together to make connections and explore opportunities.
To help companies get the most out of the event, we sat down on Belly2Belly with Paul Zito, a seasoned SelectUSA participant and a key leader at RGP Northwest Ohio, to discuss why this event is a must-attend and how companies can prepare for success.
Why SelectUSA?
With over 5,000 attendees, including 2,500 international business leaders and representatives from nearly all 50 states, SelectUSA is the ultimate marketplace for foreign direct investment in the U.S. Paul put it simply:
“One would be a fool not to go to the SelectUSA Summit as an economic development organization.”
For companies, this event provides direct access to state and regional economic development organizations (EDOs), industry experts, and U.S. Commercial Service advisors, all of whom are there to help businesses navigate their expansion into the U.S.
Tips for Success at SelectUSA
Paul shared some top strategies to ensure attendees maximize their time at the event:
✔ Leverage the U.S. Commercial Service: Before you even land at SelectUSA, connect with your local U.S. Commercial Service officers at U.S. embassies and consulates. They can help with industry insights, regulatory guidance, and networking.
✔ Do Your Homework: Research potential locations, workforce availability, and cost factors before arriving. Paul suggests a simple Google search like “Doing business in Ohio” to get initial insights.
✔ Use the Matchmaking Tool: SelectUSA’s matchmaking platform helps attendees schedule meetings in advance. It takes a little practice, but it’s a game-changer for targeting the right connections.
✔ Network, Network, Network: Some of the best business connections happen outside of scheduled meetings. As Paul puts it:
“Introduce yourself to someone new every hour and a half. Some of my best connections have happened in the hallways, at receptions, or even in an elevator.”
✔ Come Rested & Wear Comfortable Shoes: With early mornings, late nights, and jam-packed days, pacing yourself is key!
Ohio’s Invitation to SelectUSA Attendees
For those considering Ohio as a business location, Paul extends a warm invitation:
“Come to the Ohio reception during SelectUSA. Be my guest!”
If you’re attending SelectUSA 2025, make sure to connect with Paul and the RGP Northwest Ohio team. Their expertise, resources, and network can help make your U.S. expansion seamless and successful.
Join the Conversation
Are you attending SelectUSA this year? What strategies do you use to make the most of industry events? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Additional Resources
For more on this topic, we suggest reading Making the Room Small: A Strategic Approach to B2B Trade Shows and Events.
About
MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.
