Tailored specifically for interactive design and development companies, Digital Mission to LA & San Francisco will enable 15 UK based SMEs to head to Silicon Valley for key meetings, advice on working stateside, help with fact-finding, networking events and investor meetings.

The trip will include time spent in both LA & San Francisco, giving the companies attending unrivalled access to UK Trade & Investment resources and industry contacts as well attendance at regular networking events held in Silicon Valley, and digital receptions with a number of very high-profile digerati in attendance. 

Digital Mission to LA & San Francisco is open to interactive design and development companies that are classified as an SME (small to medium enterprises, employing less than 250 employees).

Criteria for application will be as follows; companies must:

• Be UK headquartered
• Be innovative
• Be ready to either do business in the US OR be looking for potential US partners, resellers etc
• Have 2 years trading history, or failing that, compelling early-stage fast-track potential
• Be able to provide references from key sponsors/industry players
• Be able to cover travel and accommodation costs
• Be able to cover contribution towards costs (TBC)

Applications are now open until 6pm on Friday, 21st August '09

Successful applicants will be chosen by the Digital Mission Advisory Board which is traditionally made up of top UK digital entrepreneurs, VCs, journalists, UKTI and regional representatives. In addition, for this mission the panel will also include pivotal digital agency top cats.

Exposé Travel Management is the preferred travel partner for Chinwag and has put together an excellent travel itinerary for the mission as below:

Sunday, 11th October 2009
Depart from London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic flight VS 007 at 1115 hrs.
Arrive into Los Angeles International Airport at 1435 hrs.
Transfer to Beverley Hilton Hotel (http://www.beverlyhilton.com/Overview/overview.asp). Accommodation in single occupancy rooms for 3 nights.

Full programme whilst in Los Angeles will be announced through Chinwag.

14th October 2009
Transfer from your hotel to Los Angeles International Airport.
Depart on United Airlines flight UA 954 at 0930 hrs.
Arrive into San Francisco at 1053 hrs.
Transfer to Orchard Hotel ( www.theorchardhotel.com). Accommodation in single occupancy rooms for 2 nights.

Full programme whilst in San Francisco will be announced by Chinwag.

16th October 2009
Transfer from your hotel to San Francisco Airport.
Depart on Virgin Atlantic flight VS 020 at 1630 hrs.
Arrive into London Heathrow at 1030 hrs on 16th October.

The price for the above itinerary is £1660.00 per person and includes all the flights in economy class as described above, including airport taxes and fuel surcharge, return airport transfers in Los Angeles and San Francisco and accommodation in both cities in single occupancy rooms, including local tax on a room only basis.

If you wish to travel in Premium Economy or Upper Class, please let us know and we will be pleased to offer you  very competitive rates.