The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) has announced that its 4th VITTS (Virginia Israel Technology Trade Summit) conference will take place in Israel on June 17-18. According to VIAB’s Executive Director, Mr. Ralph Robbins, “This mission will be the most cost effective way for Virginia companies to locate new business partners. We’ll work closely with each participating Virginia company to develop a tailored list of companies they should meet. We’ll take them to each company for one-on-one, on-site visits with top management.”

In addition to the intensive schedule of meetings, there will be a major “Networking” Gala event on the evening of June 17. Various leaders from the business, government and military sector will be attending.

While the Mission officially ends on June 18, Robbins suggests that participants plan to remain in Israel for at least a few more days for follow up meetings, new meetings that will result from the networking event, an optional trip to Jerusalem and/or the Sea of Galilee, or just for some great R&R on Israel’s beaches and golf course in historic Cesarea.

The Virginia Israel Advisory Board will provide the following for all participants:

1. A minimum of 6 quality on-site, targeted meetings.

2. Consultation on business development including assistance in exploring databases and the VIAB’s business network connections.

3. A pre-trip orientation on “How to Turn Cultural Difference to Your Advantage”, given by Ms. Smadar Sabo, an organizational consultant with masters’ degrees from both Israel’s Ben Gurion University and George Mason University.

4. Private transportation to all individual meetings taking place on June 17-18.

5. Two nights in a 5-star hotel either in the famous historical Mediterranean resort town of Cesarea or the famous Tel Aviv David Intercontinental, which is on the Mediterranean.

6. Participation in the “Networking” Event on the evening of June 17, 2002.

7. Descriptive listing in this newsletter with a link to your site and email.

8. Conference room in the hotel if needed.

Total cost for each company for the above benefits: $1,000

Additional rooms per night or for extended stays: $160 per room per night

Air Fare: not included.

For more information and a discussion with our Director, please contact Ralph Robbins at: robbins@viab.org or call: 703-481-7494