USA PAVILION FACTS

As China prepares to host the largest World Expo in history in 2010, a U.S. pavilion offers opportunities to:

• Present America’s story to 60 million Chinese visitors plus 10 million international visitors over a period of six months;

• Demonstrate U.S. commitment to strengthening U.S. - China relations and engagement in Asia;

• Provide corporate sponsors an unsurpassed marketing platform;

• Show support for the environmental theme of the Expo.

• Restriction on USG Funding: The USG is prohibited by statute from spending appropriated funds to support a national pavilion. Therefore, in conformity with law and prior practice, a non-governmental entity was formed to design the pavilion and raise 100% of the funding from the private sector.

• USA Pavilion Organizer: After a lengthy bidding process, the Department of State signed a letter of intent in March 2008 with "Shanghai Expo 2010", a non-profit group led by Nick Winslow and Ellen Eliasoph with decades of Expo and theme-park experience. Secretary Rice and Shanghai Mayor Han both provided letters of support to the group.

• USA Pavilion Concept: The USA Pavilion's theme at Shanghai Expo 2010 is "Rising to the Challenge." It tells the story of the American spirit of perseverance, innovation, and community-building in a multi-dimensional, hi-tech presentation. The Pavilion presents the U.S. as a place of opportunity and diversity where people come together to change their communities for the better.

Current Status

• As of February, more than 50 million dollars of the required funds have been raised via contributions from a number of major corporations. The non-profit USA Pavilion team continues to pursue sponsorship commitments to complete the fundraising.

World Expo 2010 Basic Facts

• The Expo will run May 1 - October 31, 2010. It is expected to attract 70 million visitors – more than any Expo in 150 years of Expo history.
  

• To date, 185 countries and 46 international organizations have accepted invitations to attend the World Expo, the largest number in Expo history.
  

• The theme of the Expo, "Better City – Better Life", signifies Shanghai's commitment to green urban development and status as a major economic and cultural center
  

• The Expo is sited in downtown Shanghai along both sides of the Huangpu River.