- Tom Kallman unveils the idea behind US Partnership Pavilion
Paris/New Jersey. 13 June 2023. With all eyes on the suburb of Paris, Le Bourget , as Paris Air Show is all set to return after a cruel Covid-19 break, the news which hit headlines is the presence of the biggest US delegation to Paris Air Show till date. And one name which flashes infront of the aviation world is Kallman Worldwide, the agency which creates the umbrella for the US industry at all shows by consolidating the US Pavilion and showcasing the American strength.
Since Jerry Kallman Sr. began his one-man firm in 1963 to represent and find American businesses to display at European trade shows, Kallman Worldwide has come a long way. 60 years later, it is still a pioneering organisation that provides a common platform for US industry to present itself under the auspices of Kallman Worldwide. It was also an advocate for US exports and a trailblazer for both large and small US exhibitors.
And in an exclusive interview to Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) Tom Kallman , the man who is taking forward the legacy of his father stated, ” Today, 60 years later, at Kallman Worldwide Inc., we are 45+ people and I am proud to be leading a globally recognized trade show brand with a worldwide reputation – in partnership with international trade fair organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and numerous other champions for global trade.” Unveiling a great conversation, as Paris Air Show returns with a bang.
ADU. As the CEO & President of Kallman Worldwide what role do you envisage for it, beyond US Delegations for aerospace, defence and homeland security in the export market?
TK. Trade shows are one of our core strengths, but we’ve never thought of ourselves as just a trade show company. Our mission 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.
For example, our latest enterprise, launched in 2022, is a partnership with the new Sourcehere.com global supply chain network. Sourcehere supports thousands of suppliers and buyers with tools and utilities — including direct messaging — to connect, conduct business, and build trade relationships online, anywhere, anytime. We’ve moved our pavilion directories to Sourcehere.com, and our exhibitors have an extended presence on the platform before and after our shows. We think it’s a great fit for our business because it’s a great service for our clients.
ADU. How does Kallman Worldwide adapt its business model to cater to different international markets?
TK. There’s a reason we call it the “Partnership Pavilion.” Since 1963, Kallman Worldwide has worked in more than 50 countries to advance STEM-driven industries and supply chains. That includes nearly 30 years organizing the U.S. presence at the world’s most important trade events. Every step forward has been in partnership with countless individuals and institutions, exhibitors and organizers, who share our belief that national pavilions are more than a patriotic expression of collective industry pride. They’re an invitation to international cooperation. Wherever we go, we don’t need to adapt. We’re already aligned.
ADU. What is the long-term vision and strategic direction of Kallman Worldwide?
TK. 2023 is our 60th anniversary in the business of advancing global trade. The world has changed a lot in 60 years, but our strategy has not. Each of our four business channels — event management, creative services, supply chain networking and workforce advocacy — is dedicated to helping our clients and stakeholders in government, military, industry and academia advance their global trade interests every day of the year.
ADU. How does Kallman Worldwide differentiate itself from competitors in the market?
TK. Our DNA is ORI. It stands for opportunities, relationships, and impact. On-site, online, anywhere, anytime, we create unique opportunities for our clients and stakeholders to build business relationships around the world by maximizing their impact in global trade.
ADU. How do you perceive the current state of the industry in which Kallman Worldwide operates?
TK. In every crisis there’s an opportunity, and in the business of advancing global trade, that opportunity is in reopening the marketplace to reunite supply and demand, or even creating a new marketplace to serve an immediate, desperate need. I’m glad to see our industry and our clients’ businesses bounce back stronger than ever from the pandemic. We are resilient!
ADU. What strategies does the company employ to build and maintain successful partnerships with clients and stakeholders?
TK. We listen to understand their needs. We innovate to exceed their expectations. We are accountable to the results.
ADU. Can you throw light on the US Delegation at Paris Air Show 2023 and how will the umbrella of Kallman Worldwide make the event a lucrative business proposition for them?
TK. 2023 is the 28th year organizing Team USA at Paris. The scope of our program at Le Bourget exemplifies our brand of enterprise and innovation. We work hard to optimize every square meter of opportunity for our exhibitors, partners, and visitors. And in terms of scale, it’s bigger than anything we’ve ever done.”
In addition the 6,500 sqm USA Partnership Pavilion, which is home to 300-plus exhibiting companies, including 17 state pavilions and the FORUM thought-leadership stage, our digital Pavilion directory on Sourcehere.com, Shared Chalet (with 21 companies on board), and the Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship Awards we will present Thursday 22 June, all align to amplify America’s prominent participation in the show and leadership in the global aerospace economy.
(As given to ADU)
