The Maryland Department of Commerce is leading a delegation of companies this week to FIDAE 2022 , the International Air and Space Fair in Santiago, Chile.

Held April 5-10, FIDAE focuses on the aerospace, defense, and security industries, and is recognized as the region’s top event. The exhibition features both a trade show and an air show for attendees.

Maryland Commerce is attending the trade show for the first time, with funding from the U.S. SBA’s STEP grant . The state is hosting a 30 square-meter (or 323 square-foot) space, located in Hall C at Booth 32, where five Maryland companies will exhibit including AIRtec, Inc (St. Mary's); ITSOFTNET, LLC (Anne Arundel); Maven Engineering Corporation (Montgomery); Patriot Group LLC (Anne Arundel); and Zehirut International (Montgomery).

Companies traveling as part of the Maryland delegation will receive display space and meeting areas within the booth, as well as matchmaking assistance through Maryland’s international trade office in Santiago. ExportMD grants  were utilized to help some of the companies offset the costs associated with international travel and marketing.

“We are very excited to participate in the FIDAE International Air and Space Fair as part of the Maryland Department of Commerce team,” said Patriot Group President and CEO Kevin Campbell. “This is our first time attending FIDAE and we look forward to showcasing our client’s innovative technology to our South American partner nations. We also hope to meet potential new clients and bring more aerospace work to Maryland."

In previous years, FIDAE has attracted more than 530 exhibitors from 50 nations, 120,000 visitors, and 525 delegations from around the world. To learn more about international trade show opportunities with Maryland Commerce, visit our website .

Photo courtesy of FIDAE