Use this comprehensive selection of Web sites, publications, associations, and U.S. agencies to help plan your international events.

Travel Services/Destination Information

• U.S. Passport Services. A nationwide list of where to apply for a passport; how to get passports the easy way; downloadable, printable passport applications; and a section with answers to frequently asked questions. travel.state.gov/passport

• U.S. Customs Know Before You Go has specific information for U.S. residents returning home, including duty regulations and customs exemptions from various foreign countries. www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/index.htm

• Background Notes, a valuable source of information on specific destinations around the world can be found on the Web under “Countries and Regions” at www.state.gov, or call the State Department's public information number at (202) 647-6575.

• U.S. Embassies abroad offer a range of information. See a list of available “U.S. Missions” online under “Regions” at www.state.gov. Americans who register in the consular section of the U.S. embassy in foreign countries can obtain up-to-date information on travel and security in that country. The Overseas Citizen Services 24-hour travelers' hotline is (202) 647-5225. For links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates Around the World: travel.state.gov

• The International Trade Administration home page is a good source of government data on various countries and hyperlinks. See trade events at www.ita.doc.gov/.

• Trade Compass, a Web site on international business operated by Sun Microsystems, is a source for information of interest to international planners, with many useful hotlinks, such as Regulations Update and Dollar Rates. (202) 266-2000; Fax: (202) 783-7133; www.tradecompass.com

• World Weather Forecasts lists weather information and satellite images for cities and regions around the world. National and international 5-day forecasts: www.intellicast.com/weather

• Travelocity, the mother of all travel Web sites, with detailed site and travel information on a huge destination database. Type in specific requests on the “Search the World” search engine. www.travelocity.com

• Event Planner provides country-by-country information, including “Fare Finder” and “Hot Fares.” www.eventplanner.com/cities/europe/uk.htm

• Excite Travel Guides. Information on 14,000 destinations, including each country's culture, lodging, maps, transportation, weather, and yellow pages. www.excite.com/travel

• Business Travel Net has information on business travel products and services worldwide, including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. www.business-travel-net.com

• Travel Web, a comprehensive database of links to accommodations, airlines, ground transportation, cruising, tour operators, travel insurance, worldwide destinations, and more. www.travel.com/index

• U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. Listings of travel warnings issued by the State Department as well as Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world, including such information as the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, unusual currency and entry regulations, and crime and security facts. The site also has public announcements about relatively short-term conditions that could pose risks to the security of travelers. www.travel.state.gov

• International Dialing Codes Information on phone codes, electrical plugs and codes worldwide, plus direct-dial prefixes for destinations worldwide facilitates mobile computing anywhere. Also has an explanation of how to make calls to and from foreign countries. www.kropla.com

• Swiss Info Page has the local time for cities and locales worldwide. www.swissinfo.net/cgi/worldtime

Language

• Foreign Languages for Travelers on the Web. Click your mouse on the icon of the language you want to learn, and access translations in seven categories that include dining, directions, places, and travel. There are also translating dictionaries and a worldwide hotel database. www.travlang.com/languages

Expositions/Exhibiting

• The Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center, (800) USA-TRADE (872-8723); hearing-impaired: (800) 833-8723; Fax: (202) 482-4473; tic@ita.doc.gov; tradeinfo.doc.gov

• Department of Commerce produces catalog exhibitions that display product catalogs to potential agents, distributors, or buyers in selected world markets. Contact Export Promotion Services at (202) 482-3973; Fax: (202) 482-2718.

• The National Trade Data Bank is a compilation of export promotion and international trade data from 17 U.S. government agencies. To order, call (800) STAT-USA, (202) 482-1986; Fax: (202) 482-2164; statmail@mail.doc.gov; www.stat-usa.gov.

• The International Association of Professional Congress Organizers can get you in touch with member PCOs in specific countries. The International Association of Professional Congress Organizers, 40 rue Washington, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; 32 2 640 71 05; Fax: 32 2 640 47 31; iapco@xs4all.be; www.iapco.org

• The International Association for Exposition Management offers Fact Files on “How U.S. and European Fairs Differ,” “Brazil and ColumbiaTrade Show Opportunities,” and “The A.T.A. Carnet.” “Going Global” is an exhibitor's checklist that show managers can add to the exhibitor manual.

  Contact IAEM, 501 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 350, Dallas, TX 75244; (972) 458-8002; Fax: (972) 458-8119; www.iaem.org.

• The Center for Exhibition Industry Research is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that represents the entire exhibition industry. Founded in 1978 as the Trade Show Bureau, CEIR's mission is to generate research and communications programs that promote the value and benefits of exhibition as a primary component in a company's integrated marketing communications program. CEIR provides research and information about the industry. Contact CEIR, 2301 So. Lake Shore Drive, Ste. E-1002, Chicago, IL 60616; (312) 808-2347; Fax: (312) 949-3472; www.ceir.org.

• The Trade Show Exhibitors Association has published The TSEA Guide to Successful International Exhibiting, by Rayna Skolnik. The 84-page book includes sections of preshow planning, international style, sources of information and assistance, statistics on 99 international exhibition facilities, and a glossary of international exhibiting terms. Available to members of TSEA. Contact The Trade Show Exhibitors Association, 5501 Backlick Rd., Ste. 105, Springfield, VA 22151; (703) 941-3725; Fax: (703)941-8275; tsea@tsea.org; www.tsea.org.

• Trade Shows Worldwide puts out an International Directory of Events, Facilities and Suppliers. Gale Group, 27500 Drake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48331; (800) 877-4253, (248) 699-4253; Fax: (248) 699-8093 www.galegroup.com

International Show Management Companies/Publications

• E.J. Krause & Associates Inc., (301) 493-5500; Fax: (301) 493-5705; www.ejkrause.com; ejkinfo@ejkrause.com

• Knowledge Industry Publications Inc., (914) 328-9157; Fax: (914) 328-2020; www.kipinet.com

• Show Management & Services Inc., (630) 271-8210; Fax: (630) 271-8234; sms@ameritech.net

U.S. Representatives of International Shows

• Messe Dusseldorf North America, (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; info@mdna.com; www.mdna.com

• Hannover Fairs USA Inc., (609) 987-1202; Fax: (609) 987-0092; info@hfusa.com; www.hfusa.com

• Gerald G. Kallman Sr., Kallman Global Consulting, (201) 652-4637; Fax: (201) 493-9853; Kallmancon@aol.com; www.kallman.com

• Cologne International Trade Fairs, (212) 974-8835; Fax: (212) 974-8838; info@citf.com; www.koelnmesse.de

Shipping/Customs Freight Forwarders

• R.E. Rogers Inc., (310) 641-6600; Fax: (310) 641-0703 or (310) 641-1568

• Schenker International Inc., (630) 595-0095; Fax: (630) 860-9166; www.schenkerusa.com

• Sho-Air International Inc., (800) 227-9111, (949) 476-9111; Fax: (949) 476-9991; www.shoair.com

• TWI Global Exhibition Logistics, (702) 691-9000; Fax: (702) 691-9065; bozawa@twiglobal.com; www.twiglobal.com

• D. Hauser Inc., Michael J. Bonvissuto Sr., VP, 182-23 150th Ave., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413; (718) 656-7767

• Panalpina Inc. Handles freight forwarding on six continents, including West and South Africa and Kazakhstan. Panalpina Inc., 800 Arthur Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; (847) 545-1500; Fax: (847) 545-5599; www.panalpina.com

• ATA Carnet. For a list of ATA Carnet member countries and copies of ATA Carnet forms, contact the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036; (212) 354-4480; info@uscib.org; www.uscib.org

Safety, Security, and Medical Services/Information

• International SOS Assistance Inc. provides a number of medical clinics worldwide, as well as emergency assistance and insurance plans. A plan called Global Premier provides individual and group medical coverage, death and disability insurance, emergency evacuation, 24-hour access to multilingual operators, and monitoring of medical problems abroad by SOS specialists. (215) 245-4707, (215) 244-1500; Fax: (215) 244-2227; for Emergencies: (800) 523-6586; corpcomm@internationalsos.com; www.internationalsos.com

• MEDEX Assistance Corp. offers plans for emergency assistance or supplemental medical coverage in foreign locales. (800) 527-0218, (410) 453-6300; Fax: (410) 453-6301; info@medexassist.com; www.medexassist.com

• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers is a nonprofit organization that publishes a directory listing of 850 English-speaking doctors in 130 countries who have agreed to treat travelers for set prices. Membership is free, but fees are charged for services. Doctors are U.S., Canadian, or British-trained. (716) 754-4883; iamat@sentex.net; www.cybermall.co.nz/nz/iamat

• Worldwide Assistance Services Inc. specializes in security, health, emergency planning, and staff communication system services for meetings, events, and travel. Worldwide Assistance offers pre-trip and travel information, emergency assistance, and communication services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (800) 777-8710, ext. 417; Fax: (202) 828-5892; www.worldwideassistance.com

• In-House Physicians, Jonathan Spero, MD. This company will consult with planners on their medical liability on overseas trips and also can provide medical staff to travel with groups. (800) 919-3627 or (773) 251-4087

• GlobalCare and Global Emergency Medical Services Inc. GlobalCare offers the MedPass program. Its Web pages offer an overview of the medical services and support provided by this company, including a help desk staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, who are able to provide telephone assistance in medical situations and make referrals to English-speaking providers or arrange medical evacuations. An online enrollment form is included. (800) 249-2533, (770) 475-1114; Fax: (770) 475-0058; customer.service@globalems.com; www.globalems.com or www.globalmed.com

• MedicinePlanet.com is a health site that features a pre-travel checklist, global food and water precautions, information on insect avoidance and altitude illness, country profiles, lists of travel medicine providers, and pointers on traveling with medications. A large site with many links and much information. (415) 362-1444; Fax: (415) 834-9554; www.medicineplanet.com

• The U.S. Department of State Citizens' Emergency Center issues travel warnings, health precautions, and other safety information for those traveling abroad. The Web site includes a long list of informational publications on various aspects of foreign travel, from “A Safe Trip Abroad” to “Foreign Entry Requirements.” (202) 647-5225; Fax: (202) 647-3732; travel.state.gov/travel_pubs.html

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers Hotline offers health information on specific countries, including geographic health recommendations for every region of the globe. (877) FYI-TRIP; Fax: (888) 232-3299 (call nights or evenings for best accessibility); www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm

• To obtain the phone number of any U.S. embassy or consulate, call (202) 647-4000.

VAT/Tax Reclaim

• Global Refund, (845203) 348-7673 674-8145, (800) 566-9828 KNOW-VAT; Fax: (845203)348-1549 674-8709; taxfree@us.globalrefund.com; www.globalrefund.com

• FEXCO Tax Reclaim Services, 011 353 66 97 61772; (800) 865-4561; UK Freephone: 0800 39 38 58; Fax: 011 353 66 97 61753; koconnor@fexco.ie; www.fexco.com/services/

• Meridian Reclaim Services, (212) 554-6700 6600; Fax: (212) 974-0673; www.meridianvat.com

• Revenue Canada Visitor Rebate, (902) 432-5608; Fax: (902) 432-5592; www.visitors@rc.gc.ca; www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors

• Corporate VAT Management provides a section on VAT refunds for businesses. Created by a management consulting firm that sells VAT refund software called AUTO VAT. (888) 828-6468; (206) 292-0300; Fax: (206) 292-0123; www.corporatevat.com

Currency

• The Universal Currency Converter is an interactive chart that lets you convert U.S. dollars into a selected currency, and vice versa. www.xe.comnet/ucc currency

• Exchange Rates lets you view currency exchange rates for any of 164 currencies since January 1, 1990; provides interbank rates, currency codes. www.oanda.com/convert/classic/

• Ruesch International, (202) 408-1200; Fax: (202) 408-1211; www.ruesch.com

• Thomas Cook Currency Services Inc., (800) 424-2923, (416) 359-3834; Fax: (800) 266-5150

• Travelex Financial Services, (800) 535-4681; Fax: (800) 235-2544; www.travelexusa.com

• CNN's Financial Network Currencies Market provides charts of currency values compared to the U.S. dollar, showing the latest trade dates. www.cnnfn.com/markets/currencies

• Visa Expo. Click on the ATM Locator on Visa's Expo site to pinpoint the exact location of ATM machines in cities and airports around the world. Site includes safety tips for using ATMs and credit cards worldwide. www.visa.com

Publications on Cultural Protocol

• Do's and Taboos Around the World, 3rd edition, edited by Roger E. Axtell, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993

• Do's And Taboos Around the World for Women in Business, by Roger E. Axtell, Tami Briggs, Margaret Corcoran, and Mary Beth Lamb, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1997

• Do's and Taboos of Hosting International Visitors, by Roger E. Axtell, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1990

• Do's and Taboos of Preparing for Your Trip Abroad, by Roger E. Axtell and John P. Healy, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1994

• Do's and Taboos of Using English Around the World, by Roger E. Axtell, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1995

• Gestures: Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World, by Roger E. Axtell, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1998

• Russian Etiquette & Ethics in Business, by Drew Wilson and Lloyd Donaldson, NTC Business Books, a division of NTC Publishing Group, 1996

• Chinese Etiquette & Ethics in Business, 2nd ed., by Boye Lafayette De Mente, NTC Business Books, a division of NTC Publishing Group, 1994

• Japanese Etiquette & Ethics in Business, 6th ed., by Boye Lafayette De Mente, NTC Business Books, a division of NTC Publishing Group, 1996

• Korean Etiquette & Ethics in Business, 2nd ed., by Boye Lafayette De Mente, NTC Business Books, a division of NTC Publishing Group, 1994

• Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How To Do Business in 60 Countries, by Terri Morrison et al., Adams Media Corp., 1995

• Multicultural Manners: New Rules of Etiquette for a Changing Society, by Norine Dresser, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1996

• Professional Meeting Management: A European Handbook, 35 authors, available through Meeting Professionals International at www.mpiweb.org

• Put Your Best Foot Forward: Europe, by Mary Murray Bosrock, available through MPI at www.mpiweb.org

• Put Your Best Foot Forward: Mexico/Canada, by Mary Murray Bosrock, available through MPI at www.mpiweb.org

• Going International: How to Make Friends and Deal Effectively in the Global Marketplace, by Lennie Copeland and Lewis Griggs, NAL, 1990 (out of print, but available from www.amazon.com)

• The Traveler's Guide to Latin American Customs & Manners, by Nancy L. Braganti and Elizabeth Devine, St. Martin's Press, 1989

• The Intercultural Press offers many cross-cultural communication guides. (207) 846-5168, (800) 370-2665; Fax: (207) 846-5181; books@interculturalpress.com; www.interculturalpress.com

• Brigham Young University and the Millennial Star Network (MSTAR.NET) publish four-page CulturGram briefings that cover greetings, dining customs, courtesies, gestures, lifestyles, and attitudes of a nation's people. CulturGrams are available for more than 175 countries and are updated annually. (800) 528-6279; Fax: (801) 705-4350; www.culturgrams.com

• United Nations Publications — Sales Section, Room DC2-853, Dept. I004, New York, NY 10017; (800) 253-9646 or (212) 963-3489 (for international publications and current information); publications@un.org

• Digital Passport is an easy-to-use site with lots of helpful information for international travel on topics that include currency exchange, time zones, embassies, international deliveries, and international airports.

More Organizations and Associations

• Meeting Professionals International offers executives a global network of colleagues, continuing education, and a resource center that sells literature. MPI maintains a European office in Brussels that is a good information source for those planning European meetings. MPI Headquarters, 4455 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 1200, Dallas, TX 75244; (972) 702-3000; Fax: (972) 702-3070; www.mpiweb.org

• Kathryn Cyr in Canada at kcyr@MPI.webcanada.

• Diedre Scaillet, European operations manager, (322) 743-1574; dscaillet@associationhq.com; MPI European Office, Avenue des Gaulois, B1040, Brussels, Belgium 32.02.743.15.44

• For MPI's Convention Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Plan, call Seabury & Smith at (800) 323-2106; Fax: (847) 803-4649.

• The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives holds educational conferences and workshops on international business challenges. SITE constituents located in key international destinations can be consulted or linked into a developing incentive program. SITE World Headquarters, 21 W. 38th St., 10th Fl., New York, NY 10018-5584; (212) 575-0910; Fax: (212) 575-1838; communications@site-int.org; www.site-intl.org

• International Meetings and Marketing Inc. is a specialized organization that serves the international trade, investment, and meetings marketplace. Members are decision-making executives of associations or corporations with an ongoing global program. Contact Stefanie Gramm, Director of Member Services, 1110 North Glebe Rd, Ste 580, Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 908-0707; Fax: (703) 908 0709; www.imminetwork.com.

• The Professional Convention Management Association offers continuing education programs on international meeting planning. For information, contact PCMA, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., Ste. 1001, Chicago, IL 60616; (877) 827-7262, (312) 423-7262; Fax: (312) 423-7222; www.pcma.org.

• The American Society of Association Executives has an international department and professional interest section to support association executives and their suppliers who are operating globally. It also maintains relations with 13 other societies of association executives worldwide. Web site provides tools for meeting planners, self-study courses, job bank, and industry research. Global Resource Center, ASAE, 15751 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 626-2723; Fax: (202) 371-8825; www.asaenet.org; intlsec@asaenet.org

• The International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus publishes a directory listing 480 member bureaus in 30 countries. The member CVBs can help plan a meeting, often free of charge. Address: 2025 M St. NW, Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 296-7888; Fax: (202) 296-7889; info@iacvb.org; www.iacvb.org.

• For Asian destinations, get contacts and information from the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, c/o Macau Government Tourist Office, 2/F Tourism and Conference Centre, Rua Luis Gonzaga, Gomes, Macau; (853) 7984156/57; Fax: (853) 703 213; secretariat@aacvb.org; www.aacvb.org.

• L'Association Internationale des Palais de Congrès publishes a directory of 100 leading convention centers around the world. Marianne de Raar, 55 Rue de Amazone, 1060 Brussels, Belgium 32.2.534.5953; Fax: 32.2.534.6338; secretariat@aipc.org; www.aipc.org

• The European Federation of Conference Towns offers many services to U.S. meetings executives, including a free directory of more than 100 European convention destinations in 34 countries that have proven ability to handle a minimum of 300 delegates (300+ guest rooms and meeting space for 300 minimum). EFCT Secretariat, PO Box 182, 1040 Brussels, Belgium; 32 2 7326954; Fax: 32 2 7354840; www.efct.com

• The International Congress and Convention Association has about 450 members in 76 countries representing the main specialists in handling, transporting, and accommodating international events. ICCA has an extensive database with information on more than approximately 7,300 international meetings, some of which can be purchased by non-ICCA members. ICCA, Entrada 121, 1096 EB, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 31 20 398 1919; Fax: 31 20 699 0781; U.S. office: Karin Van Der Cammen, ICCA North America, 8104 Thoreau Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817; (301) 365-5238; Fax: (301) 365-8026; iccausa@aol.com; www.icca.nl

• Tourism Offices Worldwide. Directory contains a comprehensive database of official government tourism offices and similar agencies around the globe, with links to those that have Web sites. www.towd.com; admin@towd.com

Travel Wisely

If you think jetlag is the worst that can happen to your world-traveling attendees, pull your head out of the sand. While there's no need to be paranoid, a healthy dose of caution is advised inside and outside our borders. Franklin, Tenn. — based Event & Meeting Security Services, which specializes in the management of security, health, staff communications, and contingency planning for events, publishes a free e-newsletter to update event planners on travel safety and security issues around the world.

Did you know, for example, that at the time of the January 31 edition of the newsletter, airport workers in Athens were holding protests, or that American Airlines had plans to launch a Skycaare program, allowing ill passengers to bring a nurse along for a discounted fare?

Content-rich and nearly self-promotion free, the weekly newsletter features four standard departments — State Department Announcements, Situations to Watch, Airline/Travel Labor Watch, and Weather Watch — along with short news items, cultural tips, and useful links. The newsletter doesn't distinguish between news pertinent to key meeting destinations and elsewhere, so you'll find plenty of info on trouble spots like Uganda, Laos, and Guyana. But since the departments are organized by country, they're easy to scan for items of interest. (It would be nice if the countries were alphabetized within those department, but now I'm getting picky.)

Overall, for planners heading overseas, this publication is well worth the short time it takes to glean the latest news.

To subscribe, send your name, the name of your organization, job title, and e-mail address to Ricki Ford at rford@eventsecurity.com or go to the EMSS Web site, www.eventsecurity.com. To contact the company directly, call (615) 377-3200.

One-Stop Shopping: ASIA

In-country partners make planning an international event much easier. EventClicks Ltd. is a new event management company specializing in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company offers an online site-selection/RFP service (www.eventclicks.com) that provides information on venues in 50 cities in the region, including 500 hotels. EventClicks also provides staff expertise in planning conferences, incentives, and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific area. For more information, contact EventClick's North American representative, Steve O'Rourke, (415) 504-8818; steveo@eventclicks.com.

Is Your Modem Multilingual?

If you're a laptop-toting globetrotter, the Mobile Connectivity Guide can help you through the daunting maze of foreign plugs, PBXs, and other incompatibility problems. While the 120-page pocket-sized book has a self-serving side — its publisher, The TeleAdapt Group, sells connectivity tools online and by catalog — the content goes well beyond the company's product line.

The book takes a problem/solution approach to the material and is rich with photos, illustrations, checklists, and charts. You'll learn that phone systems vary far more than power standards: The guide has clear illustrations of 40 different modem/telephone adapters to make your RJ-11 clips work from Argentina to Yugoslavia, as well as photos of the 10 plug adapters you'd need to make your way around the world.

Much of the book is devoted to getting you online, with explanations of such procedures as making your system ignore unrecognizable foreign