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Conference Overview

The rewards of sourcing from China are well known, but succeeding at it is far from simple. With a sluggish global economy resulting in unpredictable market changes, cost-effective sourcing is important.

To help you build or sharpen your China sourcing strategies, a new series of "How to Source from China" conferences are back at the China Sourcing Fair (May 29-31, Dubai)!

Led by a select industry expert, the conference reveals real-life sourcing risks in China, shares actionable knowledge at every step as the project moves from concept to delivery, and offers in-depth insights and practical tips on do's and don'ts of China sourcing. Whether you're a beginner or veteran buying professional, the FREE conference program is your chance to learn how to source efficiently and effectively from the "world's factory".

Register now to enhance your importing skills and knowledge today! Conference seats are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

"How to Source from China" Conference

Admission is FREE!

Venue:Conference Room Abu Dhabi B
          Level 1
          Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre

May 30 (Wednesday)

Time Topic/Speaker Language
11:00 am - 12:00 pm How to source from China seminar series (module 1)
Buying from China: What New Buyers Need to Know
Topics include:
• An essential reference guide for entry-level buyers to the China supply market
Matthew Kowalak, Executive Director, High Cappin; Editor, China Sourcing Information Center 		Register now for this conference English
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm How to source from China seminar series (module 2)
The Top 10 Common Mistakes Made by Foreign Buyers in China
• Case studies on the most common China sourcing mistakes and their solutions
Matthew Kowalak, Executive Director, High Cappin; Editor, China Sourcing Information Center 		Register now for this conference English
3:20 pm - 4:20 pm Ask the Experts
•
Free personalized, professional advice on your sourcing concerns - one-on-one consultations with 3rd-party specialist and on-the-ground sourcing professional!
Matthew Kowalak, Executive Director, High Cappin; Editor, China Sourcing Information Center 		Book your appointment now English

Note:
1. The Fair Management reserves the right to alter or cancel the content, speakers, and timing of the conference without any prior notice.
2. Admission is FREE — limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis
3. Business card required for seminar entrance.

Register now to confirm your seat!

Bookmark this page for latest updates on the conference to be held in May 2012. If you have any questions, e-mail us at seminars-ec@chinasourcingfair.com

How to source from China seminar series (module 1)

Buying from China: What New Buyers Need to Know
Matthew Kowalak, Executive Director, High Cappin; Editor, China Sourcing Information Center

Back by popular demand, this introductory level course on sourcing from China includes classic topics such as:

  • Managing expectations: Sourcing opportunities and common pitfalls
  • Qualifying suppliers & communications
  • Quality control essentials
  • Supplier contracts and payments

Whether you're a new or seasoned buyer who wants a fresh perspective on the subject, this seminar will give you valuable advices on sourcing more productively and profitably. Gain China sourcing information that will continue to pay off for years to come.

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How to Source from China' Seminar Series (Module 2)

The Top 10 Common Mistakes Made by Foreign Buyers in China
Matthew Kowalak, Executive Director, High Cappin; Editor, China Sourcing Information Center

The program will offer case studies and solutions to the following mistakes:

  • Poorly defined specs
  • Not knowing the all-in cost of the "China price"
  • Failure to audit the factory/ Falling for the golden sample
  • Failure to conduct due diligence and verify key information
  • Who's the project manager?
  • Payments not linked to performance
  • Leaky contracts
  • Arm's length buying
  • Registering your intellectual property after you have been knocked off
  • Not knowing which functions to outsource and which ones to keep in house
This intermediate-level course is designed to continue and discuss further some of the topics from the entry-level seminar entitled Buying from China (Module 1): What New Buyers Need to Know. It is recommended that interested parties take part in both seminars to gain more valuable insights on sourcing from China.

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About the speaker

Mr. Matthew Kowalak is the Executive Director for High Cappin, a textile and fashion accessory project management company in Hong Kong. Besides, he also runs Southern Perspective SZ, a firm helping international buyers to repair the relationship with their Chinese supplier when it's on the rocks.

Matt received his LLM in Chinese Business Law, with a focus on Chinese Intellectual Property law in 2010 after attending classes in Hong Kong in the evening and simultaneously directing Southern Perspective SZ during the day. Not recommended for the faint-hearted, studying law while practicing business provided him with an opportunity to learn both the theoretical side of Chinese business law but also experience how the law is put to use on the ground in China. These experiences in the real world of doing business in China have enabled Southern Perspective SZ to provide insight to their clients that other Chinese and international law firms are unable to.

Matt also had rich experiences working for various sourcing companies, both internationally and Chinese owned, that worked to source a wide range of products. By watching and learning the interactions between international buyers and Chinese suppliers and focusing on learning the Chinese language and culture, Matt gained valuable experience on the ground in China since he moved to China in 2004.

Recognized as an expert in Chinese contract law and importing from China, Matt also contributes to the China Sourcing Information Center, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educate, develop, and advance the China sourcing profession.

Before moving to China, Matt was a student of Public Law and Chinese history at Western Michigan University. Matt speaks, reads and types Chinese. Originally from Detroit Michigan and born in 1980.

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