The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program (IBP) is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions. IBP events provide a venue for U.S. firms to market their products and services to increased numbers of international buyers visiting IBP shows. The IBP provides practical, hands-on assistance to U.S. exhibitors interested in exporting and making contacts with prospective qualified overseas trade partners. This assistance includes export counseling, marketing analysis, and matchmaking services.