Iowa set to host 2014 Midwest-U.S.-Japan Association Conference September 7-9, 2014

Media requested to register for security purposes

(DES MOINES) - "Building a Robust and Sustainable Future" is the theme of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference, set for September 7 - 9, 2014 in Des Moines, Iowa at the Des Moines Marriott hotel.

For over four decades, business leaders from the Midwest region of the U.S.  and Japan have met on an annual basis to discuss the growth and progress of economic relations of the American Midwest and Japan.

The conference typically attracts top-level speakers and representatives from member states. This year is no exception, with remarks scheduled from:

• Hon. James R. Thompson, U.S. Conference Chairman, and former Governor of Illinois
• Yuzaburo Mogi, Japan Conference Chairman, Honorary CEO and Chairman of the Board, Kikkoman Corporation
• Gov. Terry E. Branstad, State of Iowa, Conference Host
• Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, State of Iowa
• Hon. Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan at Chicago
• Gov. Dave Heineman, State of Nebraska
• Gov. Kiyoshi Ueda, Saitama Prefecture
• Gov. Jay Nixon, State of Missouri
• Gov. Shomei Yokouchi, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Gov. Mike Pence, State of Indiana
• Gov. Rick Snyder, State of Michigan
• Gov. Scott Walker, State of Wisconsin
• Michael Beeman, Acting Assistant USTR for Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
• H.E. Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States
• Hon. Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Detroit

The full agenda for the conference can be found at http://www.midwest-japan.org/pages/agenda.aspx.

MEDIA REGISTRATION DETAILS

Reporters wishing to cover conference events will need to request credentials to attend and follow the below security precautions:

• Complete media registration at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MWJAMediaReg to request credentials for each event
• Registration must be completed by Thursday, September 4. NOTE: Credentials will not be available after this date.
• Bring a media credential from your news outlet
• Bring a government-issued photo ID

NOTE: If these security measures are not followed, the reporter will not be allowed into the events.

The following events will be open to credentialed media:

Monday, September 8, 2014:

8:35 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.       Governor Terry E. Branstad and Governor Shomei Yokouchi:

Celebration of State of Iowa and Yamanashi Prefecture sister state relationship and Signing of Memorandum of Understanding dedicated to the continued growth of the state to state partnership.

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Salon ABC - 2^nd floor)

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.                  2014 Midwest-U.S. - Japan Association Conference Opening Remarks and Plenary Sessions (see complete agenda at http://www.midwest-japan.org/pages/agenda.aspx)

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Des Moines Room - 3^rd floor)

NOTE:                                Reporters will have a riser at the rear of the plenary session room.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014:

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.                  2014 Midwest-U.S. - Japan Association Conference Plenary Session and Closing Remarks

(Location: Des Moines Marriott, Des Moines Room - 3^rd floor)