21st World Korean Business Convention gears up to attract local businesses

With just over 90 days until the 21st World Korean Business Convention (WKBC), which will be held overseas for the first time, the WKBC organizing committee has started attracting local Korean businesses to participate.

The business networking event will be held in Anaheim, Orange County, from October 11 to 14, 2023.

During the 2023 WKBC business presentation held at the Oxford Palace Hotel in LA Koreatown on July 12, the organizing committee provided an update on the preparations for WKBC and encouraged the Korean community’s interest and participation. More than 100 Korean American businesspersons attended the event, including organizations such as KOTRA and officials from the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.

Venue Chairman Sean Roh said, “We initially expected 400 exhibitors, but through our promotional activities in Korea over the past 15 months, we have attracted more than 450 Korean SMEs, expanding the total number of exhibitors to 600.” He added, “We are actively attracting local Korean businesses and onshore companies to the event.”

Byung Gu Hwang, president of the Organizing Committee, mentioned the challenges faced in preparing for the first overseas and largest-ever event, but expressed gratitude for the support received. Hwang emphasized the goal of uniting Koreans in the United States through the event and called for the interest, support, and participation of the Korean American community.

According to the announcement, the event will feature business networking among Korean businesses from over 60 countries, as well as direct business matching programs with companies and U.S. government agencies. The General Services Administration (GSA) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will have booths at the event to provide on-site consultation and matching services. The Korea Federation of SMEs, SBA Seoul, Busan Economic Promotion Agency, Public Procurement Service, and local governments from Korea will also set up booths to introduce participating companies and products.

Additionally, various venture capital investment forums, a startup contest with a $30,000 prize, and a one-on-one business consultation corner will be held. K-culture performances, K-food, and a K-convenience store experience area will also be available to cater to the interests and purchasing desires of buyers from different ethnic backgrounds.

Jim Koo, Executive Vice Chair, mentioned the launch of a dedicated website (wkbc.us) to provide the latest updates and accept participation registrations. Local Korean American merchants and businesses interested in participating can apply until the end of August.

Koo urged early registration and provided details on ticket prices, including a $250 ticket for general individual attendees that covers all three days of events and a $50 ticket for access to the exhibition hall only, which is available at a special discount with the code (2023WKBC) before September 10.

BY NAKI PARK    [park.naki@koreadaily.com]