WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and U.S. Grains Council (USGC) announced that Export Exchange 2014 will take place Oct. 20-22 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Held every two years by RFA and USGC, Export Exchange is the nation’s premier international trade conference focused on the export of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. Last year’s record-breaking event attracted buying teams from 33 countries, including all of the top U.S. international markets.

In 2014, approximately 150 foreign buyers of U.S. coarse grains and co-products are expected in Seattle — eager to meet and build relationships with more than 300 domestic suppliers in attendance — over two days of educational sessions and networking opportunities at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.

“Export Exchange 2012 exceeded all expectations,” said USGC Chairman Julius Schaaf, “and many of our foreign guests have already expressed their intent to return in 2014. Buyers will converge in Seattle next October, ready to make contacts and do business. We’re really looking forward to this event.”

Export Exchange focuses on bringing international buyers of U.S. coarse grains and distiller’s dried grains with solubles together with U.S. producers and agribusiness professionals.

“There is an increased global demand for DDGS (distiller’s dried grains with solubles) and Export Exchange connects the dots by bringing interested buyers and sellers together to help grow the international market,” said Bob Dinneen, president and chief executive officer of the RFA.

“U.S. grains sellers and ethanol producers can expect to rub shoulders with more than 80% of the world’s top buyers at Export Exchange,” Schaaf said. “Key stakeholders will surely benefit from attending.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-conference missions to view the U.S. production and export complex and learn more about the capacity, reliability and quality of the United States as a long-term supplier.

Additional information regarding Export Exchange 2014 can be found at www.exportexchange.org. Those interested can sign up for a mailing list to automatically receive conference updates by emailing info@exportexchange.org.