U.S. Advances Innovation To Strengthen Global Partnerships At FIA ’24

Farnborough, UK and Waldwick, NJ/July 22, 2024 — With an eye toward initiating or expanding global aerospace and defense partnerships, the United States is bringing more than 400 exhibitors, an array of military and commercial aircraft, and a high-level contingent of diplomatic, government, military, and industry leaders to next week’s 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. 

Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, particularly wars in Ukraine and Gaza, it’s the largest international presence on-site and the country’s strongest showing at Farnborough since the pandemic, underscoring America’s unwavering commitment to cooperation on a wide range of global and regional issues, foremost peace and economic security.  

"I’m thrilled to see a strong U.S. presence at Farnborough this week. From the big names that everyone knows and trusts to the smaller companies that are crucial links in the supply chain, every U.S. aerospace and defense company plays a vital role in projecting American power and supporting American partnerships across the world,” said United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jane D. Hartley. “And the United States truly has no closer partner, no closer military relationship, than the one we have with the United Kingdom. Together, we defend democracy, liberty, the rule of law, and the right of every nation to its sovereignty and security." 

The hub of U.S. industry at the show is the USA Partnership Pavilion, organized for 28 years (13 editions accounting for the canceled 2020 event) by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., in coordination with government agencies including the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, State and Transportation. Covering 4,500-plus sqm in Halls 2, 3, and 4, the Pavilion is America’s headquarters on-site, a high-profile showcase for 250 U.S. exhibitors to meet more customers and prospects, and a venue for all to share ideas and insights.  

Pavilion exhibitors are looking to generate new business and create more jobs back home by growing exports, expanding their international footprints, and/or recruiting overseas partners to establish or participate in stateside operations. The roster includes 74 exhibitors that are new to the show and 49 new to the market. A total of 34 are states represented, including 17 stand-alone state pavilions — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York (North Country), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington — within the larger U.S. space.  

Adjacent to Hall 1, Kallman also hosts the Partnership Chalet, a 1,400 sqm executive business and hospitality destination that is home base for 18 participating clients. 

Kallman Worldwide President and CEO Tom Kallman said American participation in the show, particularly in the Pavilion, reflects larger trends in global trade. 

“Our company has represented the Farnborough International Airshow in the United States for nearly three decades. Now more than ever, our exhibitors benefit from our focus on partnership and teamwork,” said Kallman. “The USA Partnership Pavilion helps advance America’s national security and global trade interests by helping our customers build stronger business relationships in international markets.” 

In addition to the exhibit floor, the Pavilion helps exhibitors engage with international visitors at “The Forum,” a thought leadership stage (H3-3050) that will present a daily schedule of discussions featuring representatives from NATO, NASA, the U.S. DoD and more. Among the highlights, Deloitte will present “Infinite Flight: Navigating the Future of Aircraft Sustainment” at 10 am Tuesday, July 23, and “Flying High: Resilient and Efficient Supply Chains for the Aerospace Industry” on Wednesday, July 24.  

Endeavour Scholarships Advance the Future Workforce 

The Pavilion will also be buzzing with reports from the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship Program, Kallman’s lead corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, which successfully graduated its Class of 2024 — 32 students and 8 educators from six countries: Australia, Chile, Poland, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States — earlier this month at Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. 

The not-for-profit program was launched in 2019 by Kallman to honor his friend and colleague, Worden, pilot of the Apollo 15 Command Module “Endeavour.” The two shared a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education that led to Worden serving as Kallman Worldwide’s STEM ambassador at trade shows around the world from 2016 until his passing in 2020. He was succeeded in this role by Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot, Charlie Duke who passed the torch to former NASA Space Shuttle Commander, Mike Bloomfield in 2023.  

To date, the program has awarded scholarships of a week-long, hands-on, astronaut team training experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp to 80 students and 20 educators from nine countries. The all-expenses paid scholarships are funded entirely by private donations. 

“The global support for Endeavour is deeply gratifying and exemplifies the spirit of partnership that fuels this program. Every country we work in — and we’ve worked in at least 50 of them since my father founded the company in 1963 — is facing the same challenges to prepare its young people for the future. For example, at Farnborough on Friday, July 26, the show will present “Pioneers of Tomorrow,” a dedicated STEM-focused event designed to inspire and engage the next generation of aerospace leaders,“ said Kallman. “As an extension of our work advancing global trade in exhibition halls around the world, and with the support of global partners in government, industry, the military, and academia, the Endeavour Scholarship connects with worldwide interest in space to promote STEM careers in all industries.” 

Sourcehere Fuels the Year-Round Supply Chain Conversation 

When it comes to generating business leads at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, U.S. exhibitors have an extra advantage over their competitors. In partnership with Sourcehere.com, the global supply chain networking platform, Kallman Worldwide has produced a digital show directory to connect more international buyers with U.S. suppliers on-site and online before, during, and after the show. 

Sourcehere supports thousands of B2B suppliers and buyers around the world with interactive tools and utilities — including direct messaging — to meet, conduct business, and build trade relationships anywhere, anytime. The company launched in 2022 with a focus on trade shows, capitalizing on spikes in market interest around events such as Farnborough to demonstrate its robust, 24/7/365 platform as an alternative to traditional printed show guides.  

It's a good fit for Kallman, whose trademark Pavilion is recognized around the world as the hub of American business at many of industry’s most important international trade events. The company’s portfolio of exhibitor services, custom stand building, supply chain support services, and workforce advocacy programs further solidify its reputation as an enterprising partner above and beyond simply managing floor space in exhibition halls.  

For Pavilion exhibitors, Sourcehere extends their reach in target sectors and adds measurable year-round marketing visibility. And for companies that aren’t exhibiting yet, the platform offers an inexpensive, cost-effective way to dip their toes in the trade show pool online before diving into a live show overseas.  

“Trade shows have always been our core strength, but we’ve never thought of ourselves as just a trade show company,” said Kallman. “Our focus is advancing global trade, connecting suppliers and buyers wherever, whenever, however we can. Their business is a year-round conversation punctuated by trade events, and so is ours.” 

As Sourcehere establishes its value on the trade show floor, it’s also building equity with a wider circle of stakeholders and influencers in event communities, such as the American Chambers of Commerce around the world. 

“For American companies with business interests in other countries, it’s important to have a local presence,” said Kallman. “As a supply chain networking platform, Sourcehere gives U.S. trade show exhibitors, many of whom are also AmCham members, an extended competitive advantage in the local business conversation.” 

For more information about U.S. exhibitors and activities at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, search the USA Partnership Pavilion Directory at Sourcehere.com