As the global economy grows ever larger, this fifth annual Beyond Borders edition is dedicated to helping planners build a solid skill base in the management of international meetings, trade shows, exhibits, and incentive travel programs. From tips on negotiating international contracts, to how to reclaim VAT or ship your international materials--we've put some of the best minds in the meeting industry to work for you in this issue, including several experts who spoke at the second Beyond Borders Conference in New York City in March. This guide focuses strictly on the information needs of the global meeting manager.

TOP FIVE SITE SELECTION CRITERIA Our panel of meeting experts tells what considerations are most important when meeting outside the U.S.

TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Essential advice--from what to tell your attendees to what to look for on a site inspection.

NEGOTIATING INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS Be prepared to adapt to different customs, terms, and legalities, says legal expert Jonathan Howe.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE STRATEGIES Our foreign exchange expert reviews several budgeting options for managing international events.

ALL ABOUT VAT Recovering the Value-Added Tax on international expenses can significantly reduce your meeting budget.

SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS MADE EASIER How to get your shipments to your international event on time.

PLANNING OFFSHORE EXPOSITIONS This checklist of pointers and reminders is where you should start when planning an overseas trade show.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS--FAST! How to expedite passports and visas for yourself and your international meeting participants.

EUROPEANIZING YOUR EVENT How to add "Eurostyle" to your European event.

WORLD WIDE WEB GUIDE Useful Web sites for planning international events.

RESOURCE GUIDE A list of helpful publications, organizations, and agencies.