US Ambassador to Bulgaria Marcie Ries to Open 'Discover US'

The US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria will host the Discover US Expo on March 7, 2013 to promote travel, tourism, and educational opportunities in the United States.

The event will take place at NDK Hall 6 from 9:30 to 18:00 and is free and open to the public.

Ambassador Ries will officially open the expo at 11:00, alongside the president of AmCham Bulgaria, Peter Lithgow.

The expo will provide opportunities to learn more about travel and study in the United States, as well as to attend interactive informational sessions throughout the day which will be held in room 1.7 on the second floor of NDK with simultaneous interpretation.

At 14.00, there will be a question and answer session on U.S. visas led by Consul General Deborah Campbell, at 15.00 the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission will run an education advising session, and at 16.00, Emily Wolman, Associate Publisher of Lonely Planet Americas, will give a presentation entitled: "Secrets of Budget Travel in the United States."

Bulgarians around the country interested in budget travel will also be given an opportunity to ask Emily Wolman questions on the Embassy's Facebook page – US Embassy Sofia – on March 8.  Seating for the informational sessions will be on a first come, first served basis.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for the chance to win some great prizes, including a free round-trip ticket to the United States from Turkish Airlines  – prize winners will be announced at 17.30 and do not have to be present to win.

Exhibitors include Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Premier Tours, Vakantsia, Contitrans M, Integral, Orange Education, Usit Colours, Viking, and ZIP Travel.

There will also be representatives from the US Embassy's Consular Section, the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, the US Foreign Agriculture Service, AmCham Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission/Education USA.