The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier event for companies looking to expand into the U.S., and if you’re attending, preparation is key. To shed light on how businesses can make the most of this incredible opportunity, I recently sat down with Nicola Bain and Wade Maleck from CLA on Belly2Belly to discuss their insights and tips for success.
What Does CLA Do for International Companies?
CLA is a full-service CPA firm with over 130 offices across the U.S. and 9,000 employees. They specialize in guiding international companies through the complexities of U.S. expansion, offering expertise in tax, assurance, outsourcing, digital solutions, and more.
“We help companies get their EIN, set up banking solutions, complete state registrations, and connect with essential partners,” says Nicola Bain, Managing Principal for CLA’s New York and New Jersey offices and a leader in their global concierge practice. CLA provides hands-on guidance through a company’s first year and beyond, offering support in areas like payroll, global mobility, and transfer pricing.
Why SelectUSA Is a Must-Attend Event
Nicola has attended many conferences, but she describes SelectUSA as one of the most valuable events for foreign direct investment.
“There are over 5,000 attendees, all focused on investing in the U.S. Every conversation—whether with economic development officers, service providers, or entrepreneurs—has real meaning,” she explains.
The event features a packed agenda, including plenary sessions, industry-specific breakouts, and countless networking opportunities. Attendees can also participate in country-specific sessions before the main event to establish key connections in advance.
How to Maximize Your Time at SelectUSA
Wade Maleck, who will be speaking at the event, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead.
“You have to be strategic with your time,” he advises. “Look at the attendee list, reach out in advance, and set up meetings. That way, when you approach someone at the event, it’s not a cold introduction.”
For those attending, Wade suggests:
- Researching key speakers and attendees.
- Scheduling meetings before arriving.
- Using WhatsApp or QR codes on business cards to facilitate easy connections.
- Being proactive—tell people who you want to meet and ask for introductions.
Meet CLA at SelectUSA
Wade Maleck will be speaking at the U.S. Expansion Essentials Workshop on May 13th from 10:30 AM to noon. If you’re attending SelectUSA and want expert guidance on U.S. expansion, be sure to connect with Wade and Nicola.
As Wade puts it, “I’m here to help. The U.S. is a complex landscape with a lot of tax and regulatory challenges, and we want to make that journey as smooth as possible.”
See you at SelectUSA!
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.
