A large number of international visitors are expected at the IFAI (Industrial Fabrics Association International) Expo, to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October 2008, after the show received International Buyer's Program (IBP) designation from the US Department of Commerce for the second time.

The IBP was created by the Department of Commerce to bring international delegations to American tradeshows in order to assist US companies and encourage both global trade and business partnerships. The department is now working on promotional strategies as part of the programme.

IFAI Expo first received the designation for the 2006 show which was held as part of the Megatex event in Atlanta. The event welcomed participants from 81 countries and attracted a record 8,122 participants.