Iran - Post Sanctions
2016-10-12 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
With a population of 80 million, a diverse economy and an incredible demand for all things new and luxurious Iran has been described as the next “big thing”. However, a year after reaching a deal to end some of the internationally imposed sanctions challenges prove as formidable as opportunities. This is particularly true in the aviation sector where Iran tried to acquire close to 300 new airplanes placing orders with Boeing and Airbus.
Be sure to register to learn more from Ali Dadpay, PhD, Advisory Board Member of the United States-Iran Chamber of Commerce (USIRCC). USIRCC utilizes its strategic position to advance American and Iranian business interests within legal and regulatory parameters.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2016-10-13 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Business Center 2nd Floor Boardroom, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
The Central Texas International Business Coalition program will include great speakers and global trade updates. Our featured speaker this month includes:

Darren Hutchinson, Vice President, Corporate Sales at World First.

Arun M. Kumar, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Services, leads the trade and investment promotion efforts for the US Government. He also serves as the International Trade Administration’s lead official advocating better market access for US exporters. Kumar has extensive global experience in the business world. Prior to his nomination by President Obama, he was a partner and member of the Board of Directors at KPMG, LLP. He led the firm’s West Coast Management Consulting practice serving major global clients while creating thought leadership to advance business practices in finance management. He also founded and led KPMG’s US-India Practice. Previously, Kumar was a founding CEO and CFO of three Silicon Valley technology ventures.
World First is one of the world’s leading international payment companies, helping over 100,000 clients save money on their international exchange. Whether importing or exporting, paying salaries overseas or making supplier payments, exchange rates are critical and can impact your company’s bottom line. World First will offer insights regarding ways to protect your company earnings against economic factors such as Brexit by utilizing their FX solution tailored specifically for the needs of your business.

The International Business Coalition (IBC) strives to develop international business in central Texas, focusing its efforts on:

Attracting foreign direct investment;
Encouraging international business relocation to central Texas; and
Promoting international trade among central Texas businesses.

United Kingdom MedTech Briefing
2016-10-20 15:00 - 18:30 | TX
More Grand Prix cars are made in Britain than any other country. The UK’s world-leading technology and advanced engineering results in high performance on the track as well as innovation across diverse industries.
Experts from some of the UK’s most innovative companies and the Dell Medical School will explore how measuring human health can be expanded to affect systemic health challenges, discuss existing technologies and critical gaps, and unique opportunities for innovation.
Confirmed speakers include:
• Duncan Bradley, Design Director, McLaren Applied Technologies
• Stacey Chang, Executive Director, Design Institute for Health, Dell Medical School
• Adam Hill, MD, Chief Medical Officer, McLaren Applied Technologies
• Clay Johnston, MD, PhD, Dean, Dell Medical School
• Philip Kennedy, Chairman, Association of British Healthcare Industries
• William Tierney, MD, Chair of Population Health, Dell Medical School
• Nick van Terheyden, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dell Computers

Thursday 20 October 2016

3:00 – 5:00pm Panel Discussion
5:00 – 6:30pm Reception

Global Business Series: Successfully Entering Japan's IoT Market
2016-10-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Headliner’s Club, 221 W. Sixth Street,, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Is your company ready to reap the benefits of expanding into the world’s second largest technology market? Please join us as we welcome Mr. Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, JETRO Japan Technology Advisor (Former CTO & VP, Corporate Development at Panasonic North America) for an interactive discussion of Japan’s IoT industry.
Receive an overview of current market trends and learn which industry sectors have the greatest growth opportunities for U.S. companies.
Presentation topic areas include:

Cloud/Analytics, Device/Network, Smart City
Case studies of U.S. companies that have successfully entered the Japanese IoT market
Resources available both here and in Japan to make seamless market entry

Agenda for October 25, 2016
8:00 AM Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM IoT Seminar
10:00 AM One-on-one consultations (contact keith_sanders at jetro.go.jp to schedule your meeting)
Seating is limited. Advance registration requested. Registration deadline October 18, 2016

TX-LATAM Business Summit
2016-11-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Texas – Latin America Business Summit Helps Texas Companies Access Nearshore Expanding Markets

The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Texas-Latin America Business Summit on November 3, 2016 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street. RSVP here. The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business decision-makers together for panels and meetings. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin corporate representatives to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and other nations.
Highlights of the 2016 Summit will include a LATAM market overview by Gary Hoover, Founder of Hoover’s Online and first Entrepreneur-in-Residence of the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Over the last decade, the region experienced a deep economic and social transformation, which lifted millions out of poverty and swelled the ranks of the middle class. Latin America’s economy is expected to rebound during 2017 and expand 2.0% against a backdrop of stronger global growth. Attend the Summit and learn how your company may benefit from this growth.

Global Business Series: Ireland Trade Briefing
2016-11-10 11:45 - 13:00 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade Briefing on Ireland featuring Consul General Adrian Farrell. RSVP here. Consul General Farrell will provide an overview of the Celtic Tiger’s impressive economy and opportunities for central Texas businesses. Ireland’s low corporation tax of 12.5% and a talented pool of high-tech laborers have been key factors in encouraging business investment.

Program partners include:

Doing Business Successfully with Latin America
2016-11-17 09:30 - 12:30 | International Accelerator, 8121 Bee Cave Road Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78746, United States
Are you seeking to expand your business in Latin America?
This 1/2 day hands-on Cultural Confidence workshop will help ensure your success by developing the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to work and communicate effectively with Latin American counterparts and clients.
In order to maximize the outcomes of the Texas – Latin America Business Summit and provide sustained benefits, Cultural Confidence is proud to bring you this opportunity in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Austin and the International Accelerator.
Participants will:

Become aware of the subtle yet powerful impact culture has on international business success
Develop awareness of their cultural conditioning, blind spots and how some behaviors can be perceived by Latin Americans counterparts

Gain insight into Latin American values, communication styles and business practices and develop the ability to predict and understand the behaviour and expectations of their Latin American counterparts

Learn to appreciate the different ways in which people are accustomed to work and communicate in Latin America, leverage diversity and capitalize on differences
Start developing culture-effective communication, leadership, conflict-resolution, management and negotiation skills.

In order to maximize participation and learning outcomes, space is limited to 20 participants.
The workshop will be held in beautiful space at the International Accelerator.
Beverages and healthy snacks will be provided.
Workbook included.

Country Briefing Featuring Macedonia's Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski
2016-11-29 11:30 - 13:00 | TX
H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski, the Republic of Macedonia’s Ambassador to the USA, will join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive political and trade briefing. Due to high interest, this event is filled to capacity.

World Affairs Council of Austin members receive exclusive invitations to private events. Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership

International Business Coalition Meeting
2016-12-08 11:30 - 13:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Central Texas International Business Coalition’s regular informational networking agenda will include great speakers and global trade updates.
Our featured speaker this month
Arcie Jordan, Partner at GARDERE, will discuss the “Potential Effects of the 2016 Presidential Election on U.S. Investments in Mexico.”

RSVP HERE.

The International Business Coalition (IBC) strives to develop international business in central Texas, focusing its efforts on:

Attracting foreign direct investment;
Encouraging international business relocation to central Texas; and
Promoting international trade among central Texas businesses.

Doing Business with Cuba
2017-01-23 09:00 - 13:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
The U.S. has a trade embargo with Cuba, but…
Do you wonder about the future of U.S.-Cuba trade relations?
Did you know that you can now export food, agricultural, and other products or services to Cuba?
Did you know that you can now import certain items from Cuba?
Have you ever considered traveling to Cuba for business?
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center, in collaboration with the Texas-Cuba Trade Alliance, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers “Doing Business with Cuba”. This program is designed to provide the information, education, and contacts crucial to facilitate successful business relations with Cuba.
Attend this half-day seminar to learn more about opportunities in Cuba. Reserve your seat now! RSVP HERE.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Member Lounge, State Capital Annex, (Room E2.1002)
9:00 am Registration
9:10 Welcome Remarks by Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia, Chair, Texas House International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and Ben Ramirez, VP, World Affairs Council of Austin
9:30 Message from Governor Abbott delivered by Michael Treyger, Manager Department of Business Assistance, Office of the Governor, State of Texas
9:45 The Cuban Market for Agricultural Products Dr. Luis Ribera, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
10:05 Export Controls (via Skype) Alan W. Christian, Senior Export Policy Analyst Bureau of Industry and Security U.S. Department of Commerce
10:35 Break
10:50 U.S. Perspective of Engagement with Cuba
Darrin Hall, United Airlines
Wayne Cleveland, Texas Grain Sorghum Association
Roy Gonzalez, Biehl & Company
11:20 US Treasury–OFAC Licenses Cynthia Thomas, TriDimension Strategies, LLC
11:40 Commercial Engagement with Cuba Ruben Ramos, Minister Counselor Economic and Trade Office, Embassy of Cuba
Containerized Shipments to Cuba Eradis González, President Almacenes Universales SA
Leonardo Sosa, Deputy Director Mariel Container Terminal SA.
Special Development Zone Mariel (ZEDM) Ana Teresa Igarza, General Director
12:55 pm Closing Remarks

Global Business Series: Malaysia Trade and Investment Briefing
2017-02-02 08:00 - 09:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade and Investment Briefing on Malaysia featuring Mr. Chekib Akrout, Senior VP at AMD and Mr. Haizril Rahman, Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Houston. RSVP HERE
Agenda for meeting at BBVA Compass 1703 W. Fifth Street, Suite 500
8:00 AM REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
8:30 AM WELCOME REMARKS by Martin Morales, Commerical Banking Senior VP at BBVA Compass and Ben Ramirez, VP of WACA
8:40 AM PRESENTATION by Haizril Rahman, Director of MIDA HOUSTON
8:55 AM VIDEO PRESENTATION
9:00 AM PRESENTATION by Chekib Akrout, Senior VP at AMD
9:15 AM Q&A
9:30 AM End of program

Additional industry sector information is available in the Malaysia Electric and Electronic Industry Update.

Chekib Akrout is senior vice president of the global operations and information technology organization at AMD. Akrout oversees teams responsible for global operations, platform and product engineering, and infrastructure and IT services. In this role, Akrout is responsible for end-to-end yield, costs, quality, and delivery of new AMD products to customers, and optimizing business critical infrastructure and IT service/support.
Before joining AMD in 2008, Akrout worked at Freescale Semiconductor as vice president and general manager of the Networking System Division where he focused on networking multi-core and Digital Signal Processing, driving processor competitiveness in the networking markets. Prior to Freescale, he spent 23 years at IBM, where his last assignment was vice president of Entertainment and Embedded Processor Development and was responsible for the Cell Project developed through a Sony/Toshiba/IBM partnership as well as Xbox 360 processor development for Microsoft and embedded PowerPC processors cores for SoC.
Akrout holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University Pierre & Marie Curie in France, and a doctorate in electronics and physics.

Haizril Abd Rahman is the current Director of MIDA Houston and was appointed on November 7, 2016. He joined the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in 2008 as an Economics Affair Officer. He served in Electrical & Electronics Industries Division at MIDA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before being assigned to MIDA US office in Boston as the Deputy Director in 2014. Haizril graduated from the University Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal agency for the promotion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. MIDA assists companies intending to invest in the manufacturing and services sectors, as well as facilitates the implementation of their projects. The wide range of services provided by MIDA includes providing information on the opportunities for investments, as well as facilitating companies which are looking for joint venture partners.

In partnership with:

British Life Science and MedTech Networking Event
2017-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Norton Rose Fulbright, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Suite 1100, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the United Kingdom Department of International Trade and the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) invites you to a networking reception highlighting the United Kingdom’s Lifescience and MedTech Delegation’s visit to Austin.
If your company is within the Lifescience or MedTech industry sector(s) and you are looking to find partners across the pond, please join us by registering at the link below.
Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI)

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the industry association for the medical technology sector in the UK. ABHI’s mission is to champion the benefits and use of safe and effective medical technologies to deliver high quality patient outcomes. With over 250 members, ABHI leads the advocacy of the industry in order to advance access to medical technology. Our membership includes some of the leading multinational businesses in the sector in the UK right the way through to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
ABHI membership is open to manufacturers as well as service companies involved in the sector, such as distributors, professional groups and lawyers.
ABHI was formed in the late 1980s to address Industry’s need to engage with the fast moving regulatory landscape and to support UK companies export their products around the world. ABHI has since grown and now has teams focusing on: UK market affairs;international policy; communications and public affairs; technical and regulatory issues; environmental issues; and events and exhibitions.

Connecting Globally & Acting Locally: Austin, Bavaria and Quebec 's Public Digital Strategies
2017-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Bungalow, 92 Rainey Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Austin (Central Texas), Bavaria (Germany) and Québec (Canada) have built a solid reputation among the most innovative and talent-driven regions. Their success is also about building the necessary synergies and engaging smart policies.
Leaders of the 3 regions are meeting at SXSW to share their views about the many challenges of today’s digital public strategies: tech entrepreneurship, public open data, evolving education programs, advanced research, social inclusive process, infrastructure investments, etc.

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:
– Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin
– Dominique Anglade, Quebec Minister of Economy, Science & Innovation and Digital Strategy
– Siegfried Schneider, President of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM)
MODERATOR:
– Barbary Brunner, CEO of the Austin Technology Council
**Networking with Austin, Bavarian, Quebec business delegations

Advantage Dubai Seminar
2017-03-21 11:15 - 13:30 | Headliner’s Club, 221 W. Sixth Street,, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council along with Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide are pleased to present the Advantage Dubai Seminar.
Join the Dubai Department of Economic Development’s Foreign Direct Investment Development Agency to learn about the innovation driven economy of Dubai. This interactive program will detail the 10 major innovation pillars of Dubai. Attendees will learn how Dubai serves as a platform to enhance business growth within the UAE, as well as further markets through its geographic location, human capital, infrastructure, government vision, and “can do attitude.” Additional topics will include the investment climate, leading sectors for U.S. export, investment, and business etiquette.
REGISTER TODAY!
Agenda
11:15 am Registration and Networking
11:30 am Welcome and Delegation Introductions
Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Director of Investment Promotion, Dubai FDI
11:40 am Overview and Business Advantages in Dubai
12:15 pm Freezone Presentations
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, TECOM, Dubai Internet City, Dubai South, Dubai Commodities Trade Zone
1:15 pm Q&A
1:30 pm Concluding Remarks

The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a significant U.S. export market and an important regional hub for American companies doing business throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The U.A.E. has a population of approximately 9.5 million, out of which about 85 percent is expatriates. In 2015, the U.A.E. registered a real GDP growth rate of 3.9 percent, down from 4.6 percent in 2014. Due to its vast oil wealth and relatively small population to which it must provide services, the U.A.E. is well positioned to ride out the current low-oil-price economy. To diversify away from oil, the government is transitioning from an investment economy to a knowledge economy. To this end, it is focused on developing new industrial and commercial sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, education, and defense and tourism.
The U.A.E. is a leading commercial center serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with a significant portion of its import volume ultimately being re-exported. Dubai in particular plays a central role as a regional trade, logistics and tourism hub. Its economy has also been buoyed by ongoing construction and infrastructure projects in the lead-up to the Dubai World Expo 2020. While the construction sector has come under substantial pressure due to the prolonged slump in oil prices, the sector remains resilient, and Dubai’s planned real estate and infrastructure projects are progressing. Most notably, the expansion of the Al-Maktoum International Airport by Dubai Airport Authority, valued at $33 billion, is Dubai’s single biggest project.

Austin Global Business Forum
2017-03-29 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The Kozmetsky Center in collaboration with Munday School of Business and World Affairs Council of Austin will host an evening Austin Global Business Forum to discuss Austin’s expanding international business engagement. Speakers will assess growth in Austin’s global business presence, regional concentrations, and potential for future expansion and development in specific industries and sectors. Leaders from industry will share their perspectives on how individuals can best prepare for careers in an increasingly globalized business environment.
This program will feature representatives from the Office of the Governor of Texas, Austin Business Journal, and other professionals based in the local community with extensive experience in business and finance throughout various regions of the world.
The event will take place in Jones Auditorium on the St. Edwards University campus.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2017-04-20 11:30 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Please join us to hear an update from Lisa J. Kubiske, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Finance & Development in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs for the U.S. Department of State.
A United States diplomat with experience in Latin America and China, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, and Deputy Chief of Mission in Brazil and in the Dominican Republic. Earlier assignments include: Western Hemisphere Economics Director at the State Department; Officer in the State Department’s Operations Center and Secretariat Staff; Investment Director and Negotiator at the United States Trade Representative’s Office; chief of the Economic-Political Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong; as well as additional work in Shanghai and Mexico City.
With gratitude to our hosts:

Russia & the West: Significance, Challenges, and Potential
2017-04-25 19:00 - 2017-04-26 17:00 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
In collaboratation with the World Affairs Council of Austin, the Kozmetsky Center will co-sponsor a conference on Russia & the West: Significance, Challenges, and Potential. Distinguished experts of the United States, European, and Eurasian academic, policy and private sector communities will assess contemporary and future security and economic relations between Russia and the West.
Speakers will share perspectives on the importance of Russia’s bilateral and multilateral relationships with Western nations, immediate and longer-term strategic interests and priorities, economic and security aspects of Russia’s relationships with Western countries, significance that should be assigned to values in defining these relationships, and overall implications of Russia’s relationships with Western nations for the contemporary and potential emerging geopolitical world order.
Opening Forum on April 25th from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bilateral and Multilateral Relationships on April 26th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Dimensions of Security & Economic Relationships on April 26th from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The program will take place in Jones Auditorium on the St. Edwards University campus. No RSVPs necessary for these events. Speaker and program information is available here.
This will be the third conference event on transatlantic security funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program grant in cooperation with the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at University of Texas, Austin.

Texas-Mexico Summit
2017-05-04 09:00 - 22:00 | Archer Hotel Austin, 3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX, 78758, United States
The Texas-Mexico Summit is offered to business executives through a collaboration with the Association of Mexican Entrepreneurs (AEM). In 2015, Texas exported $94.5 billion in goods to Mexico. These exports to Mexico represented 38% of Texas’ total exports. Under NAFTA, Texas’ exports to Mexico have increased by 384%, with an annual average growth rate of 7.2% over 21 years.
Mexican and American CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, as well as high ranking government officials will come together in the capital of the Lone Star state on May 4th and 5th. The Texas-Mexico Summit will provide corporate executives with the resources they need to engage in cross-border business growth and thereby strengthen the bi-national trade relationship between Mexico and the USA.
May 4th Agenda
9 am
Registration opens
9:30 am
AEM Board & Chapter Presidents’ Special Session*
10:30 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Mexico Ambassador to USA Gerónimo Gutiérrez (invited)
11:30 am
DISCUSSION: How to create successful binational businesses
Panelists: Mexico and U.S. CEOs
12:30 pm
LUNCH
2:00pm
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: “Mexico US NAFTA challenges ahead”
3:00pm
DISCUSSION: Coming to US from Mexico and creating a successful business
Panelists: Mexico SMB CEO’s
4:00pm
Coffee Break
4:15 pm
DISCUSSION: Strategic importance of Mexico to Texas trade & economy
Panelists: U.S and Mexico’s Senior Experts
5:30 pm
Networking Round tables
6:30 pm
BREAK
7:30 – 11 pm
AEM Summit Reception & Leadership Awards Ceremony

Sixth Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2017-05-09 08:00 - 16:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 6th year, the Texas-EU Business Summit is the premier event for Texas businesses, entrepreneurs and economic development professionals seeking to expand their footprint in Europe.
Texas is already the largest exporting state to the EU. The summit builds on that footprint, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses and economic development organizations while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting.
The Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders, trade and investment officials from EU countries, trade policy experts and political officials.
Event sponsors include:
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center at St. Edwards University,
The International Business Institute at Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The International Trade Center at the University of Texas San Antonio,
The Greater San Marcos Partnership.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2017-06-08 11:30 - 13:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Please plan to attend the next meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition. The regular informational networking agenda will include great speakers and global trade updates.
Our featured speakers from BTX Global Logistics will be Kim Schaerges, Director of Sales, and Hans Falk, International Shipping Specialist.
Kim and Hans will provide a brief overview on the documents necessary to import and export, along with a review of common questions and concerns. Some of those items include: methods of transport, commercial invoices, shippers letters of instructions, incoterms, HTS codes and customs. Please come with any specific questions or issues you have as well.
With gratitude to our host:

Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo
2017-06-25 13:00 - 2017-06-27 16:30 | Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is a supporting organization for the Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo taking place on 26-28 June 2017. The Expo brings together over 200 cities and their respective leaders to demonstrate and partner with innovative technology and service providers — linking progressive cities with state-of-the-art solutions and best practices.
The Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo, in partnership with US Ignite, will once again deliver North America’s largest concentration of C-Level Smart City Leadership working towards innovative solutions for progressive city needs. Join us as we expand our community of city leaders and solution providers, delivering an exciting “city first” agenda accelerating state-of-art solutions into global city practice.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a 10% discount on registration fees. Become a member today and obtain this special discount!

3DS Austria to Austin Final Pitches
2017-07-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join us for the final pitches offered by twenty-three (23) standout Austrian university and Fachhochschule students who have embarked on a high-energy, boot camp-intense, international entrepreneurial journey. The students will demonstrate the early-stage companies they have created in the 3 Day Startup program.
During their time in Austin, the student entrepreneurs will attend the 3DS Global Roundup (an annual conference of great doers, thinkers, and makers at universities around the world), gain exposure to one of the most innovative cities in America, and learn how to transform their communities back in Austria.
Exchange participants gain familiarity with American culture, access over two-hundred 3DS alumni, mentors, investors, and community members at the 3DS Global Roundup Conference, validate the early-stage businesses they create in every facet of the Austin and San Antonio entrepreneurship ecosystems, and learn how to build robust communities of innovation and creativity through curated site visits and program activities. The skills acquired will enable them to found an international or domestic startup, launch new social impact initiatives, reshape Vienna’s corporate landscape as intrapreneurs, and become community leaders.
No RSVP is necessary, the event will take place in the new Capital Factory offices on the first floor.
The video below provides an overview of the 2016 edition of this program.
https://youtu.be/Z4Gz9WKz5Mg

Facebook Live Interview of Mandela Washington Fellows
2017-07-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook LIVE, Online, Link, Below
In collaboration with the International Office at the University of Texas at Austin and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, please join the World Affairs Council on Facebook for a live interview of four young entrepreneurs visiting Austin from Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, Togo and Nigeria.
The four Mandela Washington Fellows to be interviewed:
Josephine Mahachi (Zimbabwe) is a media practitioner, investment consultant, businesswoman and the host and creator of Click Africa, a television show that broadcasts across the continent to help shape the African narrative.
Pascale Gabriella Serra Nga Gnii Voueto (Central African Republic) is a documentary filmmaker with a background in conflict resolution. She is the head of IllustrO, a company that promotes the image of the Central African Republic by working with people in need and broadcasting documentaries about challenges they face.
Yannick Davidson Vossah (Togo) is the CEO of Afrique Direct, a pan-African news website. He is also one of the heads of Green Action Africa, an ecological association for more environmentally friendly actions in Africa.
Oluwaseyi Albert (Nigeria) is the founder and CEO of IyaliFresh, a grocery delivery and food processing startup. He has a background in branding and social media and works as a digital marketing consultant. He also creates free training programs for unemployed people in Nigeria.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Pitch Competition
2017-07-22 09:00 - 17:00 | Impact Hub Lamar, 5540 N. Lamar, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
In collaboration with the International Office at The University of Texas at Austin you are invited to the 4th Annual Mandela Washington Fellowship – Pitch Competition!
The 25 Fellows participating in UT Austin’s Business and Entrepreneurship Institute will each present a 5-minute pitch.

Please RSVP via the link.

Doing Business in Japan Seminar
2017-08-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
Experience Japan at the Oita Summer Festival! You won’t want to miss the “Doing Business in Japan” seminar during the Festival. Texas exported over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan in 2016. This represents a 22% increase from 2015. Japan is also a top five export market for central Texas companies. Be sure to attend this informative session to learn more from our friends at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
This session will include an overview of Japan’s industry sectors including a look at the Japanese corporate presence in the U.S., Japanese cultural characteristics, promising sectors for U.S. goods and services, and resources for American companies wishing to establish a corporate entity in Japan. There will be 2 sessions of the same briefing (1:00 pm or 2:30 pm) and you can attend either one.
Please RSVP for the seminar via this link.
Additional festival activities include:
Noodle eating contest
Kids activities
Anime festival
Artisan and festival marketplace
Cultural performances including taiko drums, tea ceremony, kendo, and kimono show
Traveling to Japan seminar
Japanese food, beverages, a silent auction featuring SXSW Platinum Badge!
Festival Agenda
12:00 pm On-going “Whisk & Drink” Tea Demonstration & Participation
12:15 pm Kendo Demonstration by Austin Kendo
12:15 pm Introduction to Oita, Japan
12:45 pm Welcome/Opening Remarks
1:00 pm Tea Demonstration by Central Texas Chado
1:00 pm Japan Business Market Briefing
1:00 pm Japan Travel Tips
1:30 pm Kimono Show by Lone Star Kimono
2:00 pm Minyo Dance by Austin Minyo Group
2:00 pm Introduction to Oita, Japan
2:15 pm Noodle Eating Contest
2:30 pm Japan Business Market Briefing
2:45 pm Minyo Dance by Austin Minyo Group
3:00 pm Taiko Performance by Austin Taiko
3:00 pm Japan Travel Tips
4:00 pm Introduction of Anime Festival with “The Tale of Princess Kaguya”

Navigating Business Overseas—Without Falling on Your Assumptions
2017-09-22 11:45 - 13:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Intercultural communication can complicate business practices. Here’s your chance to practice and learn to recognize your own cultural orientation; notice and identify cultural tendencies in any environment; predict problems culture-based difference will cause in the workplace; and develop management strategies.
McCombs School of Business faculty members Deirdre Mendez, Orlando Kelm, and John N. Doggett will use real-world examples and audience feedback to show you how to recognize and manage cultural differences on international partnerships, teams, and projects of all kinds.
Parking options include the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center and surrounding public lots.
This event is in partnership with:

Second Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit
2017-10-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown, 500 North Interstate 35, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Texas-Latin America Business Summit on October 18th. The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business decision-makers together for panels and meetings. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin corporate representatives to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and other nations.
The Second Annual Summit will include a LATAM market overview by Gary Hoover, Founder of Hoover’s Online and first Entrepreneur-in-Residence of the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Over the last decade, the region experienced a deep economic and social transformation, which lifted millions out of poverty and swelled the ranks of the middle class. Latin America’s economy is expected to expand 2.0% against a backdrop of stronger global growth. Attend the Summit and learn how your company may benefit from this growth.

AGENDA
8:30 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Welcoming Remarks
9:05 am LATAM Executive Overview by Gary Hoover, Founder of Hoover’s Online

9:30 am Austin as a Technology Gateway to Latin America
Panelists: Hector Gomez, CCO, IDZ Technologies;
Eduardo Velasco, CEO, SharedFi;
Paul Alvaro Marin, Director of Partnership & Innovation, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA);
Bill Leake, CEO, Apogee Results
Moderator: Estuardo Robles, Partner, Briggs Capital
10:45 am Opportunities in Colombia’s Cybersecurity Industry

Panelists: Sebastian Gomez, Trade & Investment Representative, PROCOLOMBIA;
Carolina Carrasco, Senior Project Manager, Fluidsignal Group S.A. (FLUID)
Moderator: Bill Hulsey, Principal, HULSEY PC
11:50 am Free Trade Agreements with LATAM Nations
Panelists: Tejas Vakil, CEO, FinanceGenius, Inc.; Karen Parker, Director, U.S. Commercial Service-Austin;
Jonathan Brooks, Managing Director for Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
Moderator: Doug Smith, Assistant Director, International Trade Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio
12:50 pm Concluding Remarks

Downtown Parking Options:
Fifth Street now permits two-way traffic.
Austin Convention Center Garage at 601 E. Fifth Street: Enter from Fifth Street. 1-2 Hours $6. 2-7 hours for $9.
Or
http://www.bestparking.com/austin-parking/

Infrastructure Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Utilizing Commerce, USTDA and MCC
2017-10-19 11:30 - 13:30 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Please join the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council of Austin for a special event highlighting several key federal government resources available to Austin-area businesses looking to do business in emerging markets. The event will feature presentations and a panel discussion with the following guests:

Karen Parker – Director & International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service – Austin, the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration which helps U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets.

Paul Marin – Director for Partnership and Innovation at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), which helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.

Jonathan Brooks – Managing Director for Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an independent U.S. Government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.

Who should attend:

Exporters looking to expand into emerging marketsCompanies pursuing international competitive bids in emerging marketsCompanies looking to develop infrastructure in emerging markets or sell U.S. goods and services to infrastructure projectsEngineering and consulting companies with expertise in infrastructure development

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Why What You Buy May Not Reflect Your Moral Values
2017-10-25 11:30 - 13:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, is proud to present the Texas Enterprise Speaker Series.
Looking at the world, it’s easy to see that people — in general — are ethical. They give to charity, help their neighbors, love their children. And if you ask them if they’re comfortable with sweatshops, child labor, or animal testing, it’s no surprise that most will say they are not. For example, a recent (2013) ChildFund survey indicated that 77% of respondents would not buy clothing or other goods made with child labor. Contrast that statistic with the fact that the U.S. Department of Labor’s list of goods produced by child labor in 2014 comprised of 139 goods from 75 countries, and that a large proportion of many popular goods (such as cocoa and diamonds) are made using exploitative labor. It is clear that there are inconsistencies between values and behavior.
Join us for lunch on October 25 as behavioral economist and researcher Julie Irwin, a professor at the McCombs School of Business, explores consumer behavioral patterns to help expose some of the reasons why people’s buying habits often don’t align with their values.

What you will learn

Understand people’s economic behavior can be different from what they actually care about
Identify aspects of consumer situations that can lead consumers to be “bad”
Better align your purchases with values.
See how corporate marketers, non-profits, and political organizations can help guide people toward expressing their ethical values

Julie Irwin is the Marlene and Morton Meyerson Centennial Professor of Business in the Business, Government and Society and Marketing Departments. Prior to joining McCombs, Dr. Irwin has taught at Wharton and the Stern School of Business at NYU. She received her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Colorado and completed post-doctoral training in quantitative psychology at the University of Illinois. She has published more than 40 refereed journal articles and book chapters such as a chapter in Wharton on Making Decisions, and a chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Business and the Environment. She has also published a number of articles in the popular press, and in outlets such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Conversation (reprinted by CNN), Huffington Post, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hot Topic: China’s Increasing Role in the Middle East
2017-10-25 18:00 - 19:30 | ACC Highland Business Center 2nd Floor Boardroom, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to have David Oualaalou (pronounced Walalou, known also as Dr. O) discuss China’s growing influence in the Middle East. Dr. O is a global-affairs consultant, analyst, blogger, author, educator, and former international security analyst in Washington, DC.
His 15 years of experience in support of the US government’s foreign policy initiatives have given him a valuable perspective. His duties included providing regional orientation, mediating cultural differences among the U.S. and its allies, helping parties understand differing religious beliefs and values, assisting with foreign internal defense, offering insights into countries’ politics and economics, and disseminating information to high-level officials during negotiations with foreign officials of targeted countries. Similarly, he framed U.S. government policies and interests within the proper cultural and political context of countries engaged while facilitating cultural, political, economic, and religious awareness between the U.S. and its counterparts.
David worked in the field with elite U.S. military forces carrying out operations at the behest of U.S. policymakers. On many occasions, he worked in and visited many countries in the Middle East and around the world in an official capacity representing the United States government. He speaks Arabic/French fluently, grasp the depth of the Middle East’s economic, social, cultural, and religious interactions, and, from both abstract and practical perspectives, know how the region’s internal politics work. His assignments took him to Afghanistan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Djibouti, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Yemen.
David has written numerous analyses on global affairs issues which have appeared in many newspapers and online journals, including the Slovak Atlantic Commission (SAC), an affiliate of the European Atlantic Council, The HuffPost, the Waco Tribune-Herald, South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong, Eurasia Daily, Journal on European Perspectives of the Western Balkans, Defense Alert Journal, MSN News, Al-Jazeera, Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Forum, Security News Wire, and Freedom and Justice Gate Journal in the Middle East, among others.
David has an international audience that spans the political spectrum. Some of his 140 plus articles have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Malay, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
David is the author of the Ambiguous Foreign Policy of The United States toward the Muslim World: More Than a Handshake (2016). His forthcoming book, Volatile State: Iran in the Nuclear Age due for release in Jan/2018. Currently, he is working on his third book, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the Hidden Truth. David has also co-authored other books including: Dying to Eat: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Food, Death, and the Afterlife, (January, 2018).
David’s academic, linguistic, and cultural background, coupled with his substantial experience, has proved vital to understanding the geopolitical trends and the political, economic, and security risks organizations face when operating overseas. His insights are key to organizations’ long-term strategic planning and access to new markets not only in the Middle East but also in the world writ large.

Agenda
6:00 PM Registration and networking
6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:15 PM Additional networking
7:30 PM Event Concludes
