2018 Business Forecast: Driving Innovation
2018-01-19 07:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | 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 and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, is proud to present the Texas Enterprise Speaker Series.
We invite you to join us for a lively discussion on driving innovation with corporate executives, economists, and academic leaders, including Peter Zandan, Global Vice Chairman, Research+Data Insights, Hill+Knowlton; David Judson, Editor-in-Chief, Stratfor; Mine Yücel, Senior Vice President and Senior Research Advisor – Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; and Jay Hartzell, Dean – McCombs School of Business. From their unique vantage point, our guest speakers for this 2018 Business Forecast will share how innovation drives industries—especially regarding trends, opportunities, and challenges. Presenters will answer your questions about the 2018 economy, both in Texas and nationally. This special program will focus on market analytics, global intelligence and its impact on your company’s success.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION is JANUARY 11, 2018. TICKETS MUCH BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT. Individual registrations are available until we reach capacity. Event cost includes breakfast. Register via event website link here and below.

SPEAKERS

Peter Zandan is currently global vice chairman at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a marketing communications firm with 3000 employees in 85 countries. Peter has over 30 years of experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research with many of the world’s top brands, public causes, and institutions.
Zandan founded IntelliQuest and served as its chairman and CEO for 15 years. Under his leadership, IntelliQuest became the fastest growing market research company worldwide and was publicly traded on the Nasdaq (IQST). Zandan also founded and served as CEO of Zilliant, a leading provider of price-optimization solutions that was named one of the top 50 venture-backed companies by The Wall Street Journal.
Zandan is a member of the Presidents’ Circle of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine, in Washington, D.C. He also serves on the McCombs School of Business Advisory Council at The University of Texas at Austin. He advises and has invested in over 25 early stage data and technology businesses. Zandan has been selected by Interactive Week as one of the “Unsung Heroes of the Internet,” awarded Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year,” and was named to the Holmes Report’s inaugural Innovator 25 list.

David D. Judson, Stratfor’s editor-in-chief and head of content production. Judson oversees both the global network of the company’s information gathering researchers, the forecast-making analyst team as well as the publishing team in Austin that crafts Stratfor’s work into written, video, and graphic form. Judson also oversees Threat Lens, Stratfor’s premium and specialized service for corporate security officers.
Before joining Stratfor, Judson worked for the Istanbul-based Dogan Media Group for eight years, first as managing editor of the Turkish-language business daily Referans and later as editor-in-chief of the Hurriyet Daily News, the company’s English paper. Before his work internationally, Mr. Judson was a senior correspondent in Washington for Gannett Newspapers/USA Today. He and his wife Nermin have lived in Austin since early 2013.

Mine Yücel has been with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas since 1989. Prior to becoming research director, Yücel was head of the FRB micro/regional/energy group and director of publications. Yücel is an advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president on regional and energy issues and has published numerous articles on energy and regional growth.
Yucel is a member of the National Association for Business Economics board of directors and was president of the International Association of Energy Economics in 2011, an institution with 102 member countries. She is also past president of the United States Association of Energy Economics (USAEE). In 2006, she was chosen as one of the recipients of the Key Women in Energy—Global Award. She received the USAEE Senior Fellow Award in 2007 and the Energy Journal Best Paper Award in 2009.
Before joining the Bank she was an assistant professor of economics at Louisiana State University. She has a BS and MS in mathematics from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, and a Ph.D. in economics from Rice University in Houston.

Jay C. Hartzell is the dean of the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He joined UT in 2001 after teaching at New York University’s Stern School of Business, and prior to his current role, he held several key administrative roles at the McCombs School. His most notable positions include his service as the senior associate dean for academic affairs, chair of the finance department, and executive director of the McCombs School’s Real Estate Finance and Investment Center.
Dr. Hartzell holds the Centennial Chair in Business Education Leadership and the Trammell Crow Regents Professorship in Business. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics (cum laude) from Trinity University and a Ph.D. in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on real estate finance, corporate finance, and corporate governance. His articles have been published in the leading journals in the field, including the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Real Estate Economics, and the Review of Financial Studies.
Dr. Hartzell serves on the editorial board of Real Estate Economics, and he served as an associate editor of the Review of Financial Studies, and as a member of the board of directors of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Hartzell previously worked as a consultant with Hewitt Associates.

Texas Roundtable: EU-US Animal Health, Safety and Trade
2018-02-13 10:00 - 12:30 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we welcome Dr. Lorenzo Terzi, European Union Minister-Counselor for Food Safety and Consumer Health. During this special EU Trade Roundtable, Dr. Terzi will focus on the animal welfare and food safety standards that are of high interest to Texas companies exporting to Europe.

Houston Cyber Summit
2018-02-28 07:00 - 18:00 | George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX, 77010, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, a state partner with Cyber Houston and the Energy Conference Network, is pleased to present the Second Annual Houston Cyber Summit. This cyber security conference features industry experts and opportunities to network with over 200 business professionals.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a $50 registration discount. Click here and become a member today.
This event will be held in Houston.

Registration and Breakfast
7:00am – 8:10am Feb 28

Opening Remarks
8:10am – 8:40am Feb 28

Umesh Verma
President & CEO, BLUE LANCE

Keynote Speaker
8:40am – 9:10am Feb 28

Live Hack Demonstration
9:40am – 10:40am Feb 28

Jon Villanti
VP, Information Security Officer, Allegiance Bank

Panel 1: Legal & Risk Mitigation
11:10am – 12:10pm Feb 28

Elizabeth Rogers
Shareholder, Cybersecurity, Privacy & Crisis Management, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Mark Goldberg
Vice President of Public Affairs, Houston First Corporation

Angela Haun
Special Agent & Coordinator , InfraGard, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Mary Dickerson
Assistant Vice President, Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Security, University of Houston

Nick Economidis
Underwriter, Beazley

Jason Ritchie
Assistant Vice President-Bank Administration, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch

Paul Farrell
Founder and CEO, Nehemiah Security

Lunch
12:10pm – 1:15pm Feb 28

Panel 2: Cybersecurity and Innovation
1:15pm – 2:00pm Feb 28

Gina Luna
CEO, Luna Strategies, LLC.

Amanda Edwards
At-Large Position 4, Houston City Council

Pierluigi Stella
CTO, Network Box USA, Inc.

Dick Williams
Interim President and CEO, Houston Exponential

Panel 3: Cyber Security Assessment Essentials
2:00pm – 2:45pm Feb 28

Moderator: Jesse Carrillo

Mel Nevarez
Manager Identity and Access Management and Compliance, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Jesse Carrillo
Senior Vice President & CIO, Hines

Phil Beckett
Chief Expansion Technology Officer , HASA

Peter Thomas
CTO, BLUE LANCE

Andy Sawyer
Director of Security, Locke Lord

Panel 4: Federal, State and Local Cyber Updates
3:00pm – 4:15pm Feb 28

Moderator: Mary Dickerson

Gary Spurger
Manager, High Tech Crime Unit, Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Lenny Schad
Chief Information Officer, Houston Independent School District

Jack Hanagriff
Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, City of Houston

Mary Dickerson
Assistant Vice President, Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Security, University of Houston

Brian Wilson
Vice President, Citi

Panel 5: Cyber Workforce Development
4:15pm – 5:20pm Feb 28

Dr. Doug Rowlett
Dean , HCC Digital & Information Technology Center

Daniel Ragsdale
Founding Director, Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center

Stan Napper
Founding Dean of Engineering, Houston Baptist University

Tom Winn
Interim Director – MSM Program, University of Houston-Downtown Marilyn Davies College of Business

Louanne Harvey
CTE Chair, Digital Forensic Science/Cyber Security, Eastwood Academy High School, Houston Independent School District

Arthur Conklin
Associate Professor, University of Houston

Closing Remarks and Prize Drawing
5:20pm – 6:00pm

Business Spotlight: Kristiansand (Norway) & Austin (Texas)
2018-03-10 11:45 - 14:00 | City of Austin CAD Office, 201 E. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, along with the City of Austin, Business Region Kristiansand, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Kristiansand are pleased to present this informative business opportunities briefing. American corporate executives are encouraged to explore and leverage the existing trade relationship between Central Texas and the Agder Region of Norway.
This interactive program will provide attendees with information about the resources available to companies considering a trans-Atlantic expansion. Attendees will learn how Kristiansand provides a platform to enhance business growth within Norway and Europe, as well as further markets through its geographic location, human capital, infrastructure, government vision, and innovative spirit.
In addition, this program will feature a fast pitch session by companies specifically selected to demonstrate the Agder region’s strengths in the SaaS, wearable tech, film and creative industry sectors.
Reserve your seat now to learn more about the business opportunities available via this dynamic Nordic city.
Agenda
11:45 AM Registration and networking
12:00 PM Welcome remarks
12:10 PM Past highlights of the Kristiansand (Norway) & Austin collaboration
12:20 PM Introduction to Kristiansand/Agder region and visiting delegates

12:30 PM BBQ lunch

12:45 PM Fast pitches by Kristiansand and Agder region companies including:
SunSense
Telaris PCS
Oya Interaktiv
2:00 PM Event concludes

Conversation with Leo Varadakar, T.D. Prime Minister of Ireland
2018-03-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Hilton Hotel, 500 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
SXSW, the Consulate General of Ireland in Austin and the World Affairs Council of Austin are pleased to announce a conversation featuring Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, with Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune. During the event attendees will learn how tech made Ireland become one of the most open and globalized economies in the world. Mr. Varadkar will also discuss Irish innovation at this year’s SXSW and how the Irish tech sector is increasingly impacting the US economy.
Leo Varadkar was elected in June 2017 as Ireland’s youngest ever Taoiseach (Prime Minister). Born in 1979, the son of an Indian father and Irish mother, Mr. Varadkar personifies the dynamic, youthful and diverse Ireland of today. He is one of the few LGBT Heads of Government in the world. Having studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin, Mr. Varadkar qualified as a medical doctor but soon ventured into the world of politics, in which he has risen rapidly to the leadership position he holds today. He heads a Government that is shaping the Ireland of the 21st Century, a country at the heart of the European Union, and an island at the center of the world. Mr. Varadkar is visiting the United States to further deepen and advance the bilateral relationship between the two countries; he will attend SXSW before meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington DC later in the week.
Mr. Varadkar is the only Head of Government speaking at SXSW in 2018. Ireland is one of the oldest international participants at SXSW. Event is available to all SXSW badge holders. www.sxsw.com

Cities without Borders: From Austin to Bologna and the EU to Central Texas
2018-03-12 13:30 - 14:30
Join the European Union, the City of Austin, and the World Affairs Council of Austin for a gathering of those working in and with cities interested in exploring the growing opportunities available for international city-to-city cooperation. The meetup will showcase Austin’s partnerships with Bologna, Italy and Lulea, Sweden around sustainable development, economic development, and cultural relations. We’ll also introduce EU and Central Texas trade reps working to expand their respective international trade relationships.
In addition to a sandwich lunch and networking, the meetup will include:

Brief remarks by Austin and Bologna representatives participating in the EU’s International Urban Cooperation initiative
Brief remarks by Austin and Lulea representatives participating in their economic and cultural partnership
Cultural presentation from Austin’s House of Songs
Concluding remarks by representatives from the European Union

We very much hope that you’ll be able to join us!
#EUatSXSW

Sustaining High Tech and Creative Industries
2018-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | House of Scandinavia, 340 E. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Agile cities with populations below 1 million are becoming global leaders in creativity and innovation. Norwegian cities are leveraging these attributes and providing a foundation for entrepreneurs to launch successful companies. Learn more about the diverse and imaginative ways cities and regions in Norway are impacting and redefining the meaning of a sustainable community.
Moderator: Jaya Tomlinson, City of Trondheim
Program
Welcome and Introduction
Øyvind Laderud, Business Advisor, Business Region Kristiansand
Jim Butler, Creative Industries Manager, City of Austin
Leveraging Creativity and Innovation – the Austin Example
Mitch Jacobson, Director, Austin Technology Incubator
Ben Ramirez, Executive Director, International Trade Center, World Affairs Council of Austin
Kevin Koym, CEO, Tech Ranch
Norway`s Innovation Scene
Norway’s unique innovation culture and scene
Gro Eirin Dyrnes, Director, Innovation Norway San Francisco & Silicon Valley
Creative Industries Demos
Highlighted initiatives from Norwegian cities

Requestify (Stavanger)
SunSense (Kristiansand)
Sounds Good (Trondheim)
Telaris (Kristiansand)
Oiid (Trondheim)

World Spins Series: Will Blockchain Disrupt World Trade?
2018-03-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The World Economic Forum estimates that 10% of the world’s GDP will be recorded in blockchains by 2027. So it’s something that everyone in business needs to know about! But what is blockchain, why is it so special, and what is its real promise for global business? This presentation will cut through the considerable hype and FUD that is associated with this transformational technology, provide a plain English overview of its architecture and its benefits, and explain some of the ways that it will disrupt your business world – for good and for bad!
“The bitcoin bubble may ultimately turn out to be a distraction from the true significance of the blockchain.” Steve Johnson
Recommended Reading: Beyond the Bitcoin Bubble by Steven Johnson, The New York Times, Jan. 21, 2018

Pete Harris is the Principal of Lighthouse Partners, Inc., an Austin, TX-based consulting firm that works with global IT innovators to create go-to-market strategies for transformational technologies. With 40 years of business and technology experience, Pete has focused in recent years on business applications of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
In addition to his role at Lighthouse Partners, Pete is a Co-Founder and Research Principal at Chain Business Insights, LLC, an Austin-based boutique research/advisory firm that is exploring how blockchain technologies are disrupting global supply chains. Pete is also the founding Executive Director of the Austin Blockchain Collective, which showcases and advocates for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation happening in Austin.

The World Spins series of bi-monthly talks features distinguished speakers highlighting current topics that impact our lives. The series is an exclusive opportunity for members of the World Affairs Council of Austin to explore these topics as they evolve. Come ready to participate, question and probe.
If you are not yet a member, please visit our membership page and activate your membership.

Rethink Health Care Spending: Are You (and Your Employees) Getting Your Money’s Worth?
2018-04-20 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.
Join us on 20 April for a presentation by Elizabeth Teisberg, Ph.D.Executive Director, Value Institute for Health and Care at Dell Medical School, McCombs School of Business.

Does health care spending seem uncontrollable and ineffective? Are you and your employees adrift in an ever-shifting landscape of legislation, mergers, rising costs, and ineffective care? Does your organization lose productivity and profit due to poor employee health and high spending on health benefits?
As we all know, there are no quick fixes, but the trends won’t change unless employers take a new stance. What if health benefits promoted health and catalyzed change in health care delivery?
Join us to discuss what high-value health care means and how employers can catalyze change that improves health outcomes and expands meaningful, effective choices for your employees.
Attendees will learn:
• How employers can be catalysts in health care transformation
• How to improve employee health while reducing cost
• How to find and understand hidden costs in health care
• How to create and sustain value
Elizabeth Teisberg is co-creator of the idea of value-based health care strategy and an internationally recognized author and professor. She currently serves as Dell Medical School’s Executive Director of the Value Institute for Health and Care.
Teisberg has won the Wachovia Award for outstanding research, the Frederick S. Morton Award for Leadership, and the Book of the Year Award from the American College of Health Care Executives. She comes to Dell Medical School from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine and was previously on the faculty of the University of Virginia’s Graduate School of Business and the Harvard Business School. She earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. from the Stanford University School of Engineering. She also holds a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Virginia and an A.B. degree, summa cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis.
Registration cost includes lunch. RSVP via the event website link here or below.

Seventh Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2018-05-08 07:30 - 18:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 7th 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 European Union. 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,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The McCoy College of Business, Texas State University San Marcos,
The International Trade Center at the University of Texas San Antonio,
The Greater San Marcos Partnership.

REGISTER HERE

Vietnam & Southeast Asia Business Briefing
2018-05-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
Join us for a briefing on Vietnam and Southeast Asia by US-ASEAN Business Council and Becamex IDC. They will present on business opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs looking to expand to Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Who should attend?
• Manufacturers
• Supply Chains Enterprises (packaging, components, parts)
• Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare
Related Industries
• High-Tech, Electrical & Home Appliances
• Electronic & Telecommunication Equipment, IT, Gaming, Software
• Food & Agri-Business (machinery, processing technology, animal feed)
• Property Developers (retail, condo, hospitality, entertainment, sports)
• Investment & Banking

Agenda
9:00 AM Registration & Networking
9:30 AM Welcome & Program
11:00 AM Q&A
11:30 AM One-on-One meetings

Presented in partnership with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, Global Business Expansion City of Austin Economic Development, World Affairs Council of Austin, Becamex, and US ASEAN Business Council.

InnoSTARS Competition and the 3rd Annual US China Innovation & Investment Summit
2018-05-14 08:00 - 2018-05-15 17:00
The World Affairs Council of Austin is a returning partner organization for the 2018 InnoSTARS Competition and the 3rd Annual US China Innovation & Investment Summit in Houston 14-15 May 2018.

Over 200 US companies and 300 Chinese investors will be attending the Summit in Houston. Innovative companies have until May 4th to apply and compete for prize money, an all-expense paid trip to China, and specialized business matchmaking. For company qualifications and deadline details visit the InnoStars website:

http://uschinainnovation.org/innostars2018/houston-city

Governor's Business Forum and Small Business Awards Luncheon
2018-05-15 08:00 - 20:00 | Archer Hotel Austin, 3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX, 78758, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin along with the Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos (AEM-Austin) & the Office of Governor Greg Abbott presents the Governor’s Business Forum on 15 May 2018. Join corporate executives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and government officials working to strengthen business relationships, recognize corporate excellence and promote business growth in Texas.

In addition to the Governor’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, Forum attendees will learn how to do business with the state of Texas; how to enhance your business marketing and social media engagement initiatives; access new sources of business capital and employee training programs; how to plan for the 2018 tax reform impact; and hear from CEOs and entrepreneurs about issues they face each day.

As a partner organization, World Affairs Council of Austin members are eligible to register at the discounted rate of $95. Click here and become a member today.

Beyond Borders: Business Opportunities for Exporters
2018-05-17 09:00 - 13:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
Tap into the global marketplace by unleashing the power of exporting! Learn how to Increase Working Capital; Enter new markets; Close more export sales and Spread the risk. Hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of the Governor, Texas Department Of Agriculture, U.S. Commercial Services & UTSA SBDC International Trade Center about your Export Opportunities on 17 May at 9:00 am in the State Capitol.

SIGN UP here: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/27929

World Spins Series: China, Innovation and Us
2018-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Join us for China, Innovation and Us featuring David Firestein, founding director, China Public Policy Center. Throughout his career, Firestein has played an active role advancing U.S.-China and U.S.-Asia trade. He has also produced path-breaking thought leadership, scholarship and Capitol Hill testimony on a range of topics, including U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, U.S.-China infrastructure investment cooperation, and the role of national exceptionalism as a driver of major international conflict today. Firestein is native Austinite who speaks Mandarin at near-native level and has published on what else – country music and diplomacy.

Investor Education Forum for Consumer Products Industry
2018-06-19 10:00 - 14:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade is a partner organization with SKU, the premiere accelerator for the growing consumer products (CPG) industry.
The consumer products (CPG) industry is hot, and emerging CPG brands present an opportunity for investors, at every stage of the game, to profitably diversify their portfolios. For investors at every stage of the game, emerging CPG brands present an opportunity for a profitably diversified portfolio. However, understanding how to pick winning CPG companies and knowing what to expect as they scale presents a challenge to both new and experienced investors.
Join us as we bring together some of the top Angel, Venture Capital, and Private Equity investors in CPG to listen to their industry insights and learn tips and tricks for investing in the right companies at the right time.
Panelists from: CAVU Venture Partners, Silverton Partners, VMG Partners, 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners, Piper Jaffray, Mark Cuban Companies, Amplify Snack Brands, Diageo, Seed Sumo, and Rhythm Superfoods LLC.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a 25% registration discount. Your discount code will arrive in the June member’s newsletter.

Consumer Product Showcase Pitch Event
2018-06-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade is a partner organization with SKU, the premiere accelerator for the growing consumer products (CPG) industry.
Seven amazing startups and their 60 Mentors have been hard at work preparing the SKU 6 companies to scale. We’re excited to celebrate their progress and listen to their visions for the path ahead.
SKU companies will take the stage to tell their brand stories and make time afterward to meet and greet interested investors and community members.
Company pitches begin promptly at 6:00 pm.
There will be plenty of delicious Austin food and beverage available.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a 25% registration discount. Your discount code will arrive in the June member’s newsletter.

CANCELED: Mexico's Perspective on NAFTA Negotiations
2018-06-25 12:30 - 13:30
DUE TO A FAMILY MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OUR SPEAKER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO AUSTIN

The World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council, presents an exclusive executive briefing on the NAFTA negotiations featuring Guillermo Malpica Soto, Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office in the Ministry of Economy at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C.
Mr. Malpica will provide an update on the NAFTA negotiations, Texas-Mexico trade, and energy issues. His responsibilities include leading the energy negotiations in the NAFTA discussions.
Guillermo Malpica Soto has served as Mexico’s Director General for International Trade in Services and Investment in Mexico’s Ministry of Economy since 2008. Since then, he has been instrumental in formulating Mexico’s position in these areas in multilateral, regional and bilateral fora, including the Doha Round in the World Trade Organization, the OECD, ALADI, APEC, TISA, the Pacific Alliance and the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). He also led the negotiation of bilateral investment agreements (Agreements for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments) with Singapore, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Ukraine.
Mr. Malpica served as Counsellor in Mexico’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva in 2007, and as Economic Affairs Advisor in the NAFTA Office of the Ministry of the Economy in Ottawa, Canada in 2006.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2018-07-10 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
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.

This regular meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition will include global trade updates.
With gratitude to our partner and host:

______________________________________________________________

Austria to Austin Entrepreneur Welcome Reception
2018-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Galvanize Austin, 119 Nueces Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin, the Office of Science and Technology Austria, and participants of 3 Day Startup’s Austria to Austin program, as they elaborate on their startups and how they hope to become innovation bridges between the U.S.A. and Austria!
Expect:
– young internationally minded Austrian entrepreneurs;
– elevator pitches from industry experts;
– delicious Austrian food and drink!
REGISTER HERE
During their time in Austin, the student entrepreneurs will 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, 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.
The video below provides an overview of this program.

Stop Fakes IPR Protection Conference
2018-08-23 08:30 - 16:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
American companies lose over $600 billion annually due to theft of intellectual property. If you want to learn more about how to protect against piracy of technology and theft of trade secrets, join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade, along with experts and attorneys from the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offer this one-day seminar on how companies and individuals can protect and enforce intellectual property to get the most out of exporting abroad.
The STOPfakes.gov Road Show answers your questions about commercializing your creations and innovations, includes strategies for protecting and enforcing a company’s intellectual property when exporting to foreign markets, and advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Participants have the chance to ask export questions related to patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights and domain names.
At the conclusion of each Road Show, participants take advantage of one-on-one consultations with intellectual property experts to get targeted advice. Small and medium-sized businesses in particular benefit from this unique opportunity. More information and seminar registration is available here.

Japan - Texas BizMatch Launch
2018-09-26 09:00 - 16:00 | DOWNTOWN, Austin, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade has established a partnership with J-GoodTech, a division of Japan’s Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ). The partnership is specially tailored to connect Texan companies to potential customers and partners in Japan. J-GoodTech is comprised of approximately 8,100 qualified Japanese SME members.
This business matchmaking launch event will include representatives of at least 20 Japanese companies seeking Texan partners.
Throughout the summer of 2018, the Center for Global Trade will be screening interested Texas companies to highlight on the web-based platform. Texas companies will be from the targeted industries sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy & Power Technology, Data Management, Life Sciences, Space Technology, and Creative & Digital Media Technology.
If you are interested in having your company listed on this platform and connecting with businesses partners in Japan, please complete this form.

Third Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit
2018-10-04 13:30 - 17:00 | IBC Bank Community Suite 13th Floor, 500 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Texas-Latin America Business Summit on Thursday, October 4th. 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, Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, and other nations.
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.

DRAFT AGENDA
1:00 PM Registration Opens
1:30 PM Welcoming Remarks
Ben Ramirez, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade
Shirley Temple, Office of Governor Greg Abbott
1:35 PM Hispanic and Latin American Entrepreneurship (How startups can leverage the region and culture)

Panelists: Valeria Aguerri, Business Development, OPINATOR; Ana Castelan, Digital Trade Marketing Manager, WaveMax; Monica Pena, Founder, MUNDU Media; Sara Mitran, Senior Consultant-Transformational Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan
Moderator: Estuardo Robles, Partner, Briggs Capital
2:45 PM Spotlight on LATAM Founders
Panelists: Adriana Aguilar, Founder, Yuxtem; Carlos Mats, Founder, Xchematic; Nicolene Tashnette Witter, Co-Founder, Enablers of Community Advancement Projects and Initiatives (ECAPI)
Moderator: Bill Hulsey, Principal, HULSEY PC
3:50 PM U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement
Panelists: Marcelo Lara, CEO, Pro Indie Music; Justin Yancy, President, Texas Business Leadership Council; additional panelists TBC
Moderator: Salvador Castañeda, Partner, Peek Toland & Castañeda PLLC
4:55 PM Closing Remarks

Downtown Parking Options:
http://www.bestparking.com/austin-parking/

America's Enormous Debt - Symptom of a Broken Political System
2018-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to feature Paul Stebbins, of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Mr. Stebbins is a founder and former CEO of World Fuel Services, a Fortune 100 Company.
Mr. Stebbins’ commentary will focus on the fiscal and political environment and how it has never been more perilous. Trillion dollar deficits are set to return within the next two years with our already record high national debt set to skyrocket over the coming decade. The political environment surrounding our debt and federal budget have come to symbolize the brokenness of our political system. Attendees will learn more about the impact of America’s debt on our global competitiveness.
Agenda
12:00 PM Registration and networking

12:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
1:15 PM Additional networking
1:30 PM Event Concludes

Paul H. Stebbins has served as Chairman Emeritus of World Fuel Services Corporation since May 2014 and has served as a director of the Company since June 1995. Prior to his appointment as Chairman Emeritus, from January 2012 to May 2014, Mr. Stebbins served as Executive Chairman of the Board. From July 2002 to December 2011, he served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, from August 2000 to July 2002, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. From January 1995 to August 2000, Mr. Stebbins served as President and Chief Operating Officer of World Fuel Services Americas, Inc. (formerly Trans Tec Services, Inc.). From September 1985 to December 1994, Mr. Stebbins was an officer, shareholder and director of Trans Tec Services, Inc., a global marine fuel services company, which Mr. Stebbins co founded in 1985.
In December 2006, Mr. Stebbins joined the board of directors of First Solar, Inc., a NASDAQ company, and currently serves as the chairman of the nominating and governance committee and a member of the audit and compensation committees. Mr. Stebbins is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Amigos de las Americas Foundation of Houston, Texas (amigosinternational.org) and Board of Directors of The Silk Road Project founded by Yo Yo Ma (silkroadproject.org). Mr. Stebbins is a member of the leadership council of Fix The Debt Campaign (fixthedebt.org) and serves on the Energy Security Leadership Council of S.A.F.E. (Securing America’s Future Energy — secureenergy.org).

Yemen: Failed State and Dire Tragedy
2018-11-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Yemen is another front that openly exhibits Iran-Saudi Arabia geopolitical rivalry. History has come full circle: Yemen has become to Saudi Arabia what Vietnam was to the United States.
How did Yemen get to this point?
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to have David Oualaalou (pronounced Walalou, known also as Dr. O) discuss the situation in Yemen and its impact on the Middle East.
Dr. David Oualaalou is an international geopolitical consultant, global speaker, award winning educator, author, and former international security analyst in Washington DC. He is also the founder of Global Perspective Consulting headquartered in Dallas, TX.
Dr. O’s unique background allows him to provide current and relevant insight on our world’s greatest challenges and issues within critical economic and security areas. His theoretic and practical real-world knowledge of how geopolitics, global security, energy issues, domestic and international business intersect is founded on his experience as a former international security analyst in Washington, D.C., his doctoral studies, and as a military veteran who worked in the field with elite military forces carrying out operations at the behest of U.S. policymakers.
Dr. Oualaalou is the author of Beneath the Veil: Fall of the House of Saud(2018), Volatile State: Iran in the Nuclear Age (2018), and The Ambiguous Foreign Policy of the United States toward the Muslim World: More than a Handshake (2016).

His editorials have appeared in newspapers and online journals, including The Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, the European Atlantic Council, Middle East & North Africa Forum, and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. Some of his articles have been translated into more than ten languages.

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

Security and Economic Priorities for Africa: Assessments and Recommendations for Developing United States-Africa Policy
2019-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University, is pleased to present Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Director of the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Muyangwa, among the leading experts on the diverse continent of Africa, has visited more than 30 African countries and leveraged her experience to address the continent’s most critical issues, as well as U.S.-Africa relations. Previously the longtime Academic Dean at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University, she has been a professor, a nonprofit leader, a development consultant and a Rhodes Scholar.
Dr. Muyangwa’s presentation will focus on providing a broad ranging assessment of security and economic priorities for the continent of Africa and offer her recommendations for the U.S. policy community in crafting policy that might contribute to building productive U.S.-Africa relationships in the future. She will also offer her perspective on potential contributions that the private sector, and civic, and religious institutions can make to foster sustainable development, elevate living standards, and promote peace and security on the continent.

Dr. Muyangwa holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford, as well as a B.A. in Public Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia. She is a widely cited authority on governance, security, and development issues who challenges dominant narratives about the continent.

Networking with Flanders Business Delegation
2019-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Mort Subite, 308 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
Meet with the corporate executives from Flanders visiting SXSW to make business connections in Texas. Texas companies may find counterparts in 5 industry sectors: life sciences & health, food, solution-driven engineering & technology, smart logistics, sustainable resources, and materials & chemistry. This networking event is pursuant to the internationalization strategy ‘Flanders accelerates!
As a region that specializes in R&D and innovation, Flanders attracts companies from around the globe. In 2017, foreign companies initiated 215 projects, involving 5,377 jobs. These figures illustrate the attractiveness of Flanders as a great place to live, work and do business.

United States of America and Republic of Korea Dinner
2019-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to present a discussion on trade and security featuring the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Harry Harris; The Republic of Korea Ambassador to the USA, Yoon-je Cho; and President of the Korea Institute of America and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Kathleen Stephens.
Ambassador Harry Harris was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2018 as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Ambassador Harris commanded the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), now known as the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), from May, 2015 to May, 2018. He is the first Asian-American to hold four-star rank in the U.S. Navy and the first to head USPACOM. Prior to USPACOM, he commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Other operational commands include the U.S. 6th Fleet, Striking and Support Forces NATO, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1, and Patrol Squadron 46.
From 2011 to 2013, Ambassador Harris served as the representative of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of State. In this role, he traveled to over 80 countries with the Secretary and participated in most of the Secretary’s meetings with foreign leaders. He also served as the U.S. Roadmap Monitor for the Mid-East Peace Process.
Ambassador Harris was born in Japan and reared in Tennessee and Florida. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. He holds master’s degrees from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He also did post-graduate work at Oxford University and completed the Seminar 21 fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ambassador Yoon-je Cho was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America by President Moon Jae-in in August 2017. He presented his credentials to President Donald J. Trump on November 29, 2017.
Prior to his appointment to the US, Ambassador Cho was dispatched as President Moon’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Germany in May 2017. He previously served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2008. From 2003 to 2005, he was an Advisor to President Roh Moo-hyun on Economic Policy. He was a core and advisor for President Moon Jae-in’s 2017 election campaign, heading the thencandidate’s core think-tank, “The Policy Space for People’s Prosperity”.
As one of the most prominent economists in Korea, Ambassador Cho was trained in the Department of Economics at Seoul National University (BA, 1976) and Stanford University (MA and Ph.D. in Economics, 1984). Ambassador Cho began his career as an economist at the World Bank (1984-1989) and the International Monetary Fund (1989-1992). Before returning to the World Bank as Senior Economist in 1992, he also taught at Georgetown University as an adjunct professor.
Ambassador Cho has held various positions in the ROK government throughout his career, including Member of the Financial Sector Development Committee at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (2000-2003), Member of the Policy Board at the Korea Center for International Finance (1999-2001), and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy (1996-1997). He also served as Vice President of the Korea Institute of Public Finance (1995-1996).
Ambassador (retired) Kathleen Stephens assumed leadership of KEI as President and CEO in September 2018. Ambassador Stephens was a career diplomat in the United States Foreign Service, 1978-2015. She was U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 2008-2011, the first woman and first Korean-speaker to serve in that position. Other overseas assignments included postings to China, former Yugoslavia, Portugal, Northern Ireland, where she was U.S. Consul General in Belfast during the negotiations culminating in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and India, where she was U.S. Charge ‘d Affaires (2014-2015).
Ambassador Stephens also served in a number of policy positions in Washington at the Department of State and the White House. These included acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (2012), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2005-2007), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (2003-2005), and National Security Council Director for European Affairs at the Clinton White House.
Korea has been a leit motif of Ambassador Stephens’ life and career since she served in rural Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer and trainer, 1975-1977. She was in Korea 1983-1989, first as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul reporting on Korea’s domestic political and human rights scene, and later leading the U.S. Consulate in Busan.
Stephens was William J. Perry Fellow for Korea at Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center, 2015-2018. She has also been Endowed Chair Professor for Language and Diplomacy at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, and Senior State Department Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. She is a Mansfield Foundation Distinguished Fellow, Pacific Century Institute board chairman, a trustee for The Asia Foundation, and on the board of The Korea Society. She is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Mexico as a Nearshore Base
2019-04-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Max’s, 207 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Tech Startups and other companies looking to build out their teams or those interested in a nearshore option should attend this event.

Agenda
5:00 Registration
5:30 Welcome remarks
5:35 Overview of Jalisco & Austin environments
6:00 Panel Using Mexico as a Nearshore Base
6:30 Networking

World Spins Series: Thinking About Doing Business in China?
2019-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
On your way to China to do business? “Do your homework,” advises Tyler Johnson, an international business consultant and author of The Way of The Laowai: The Importance of International Self-Awareness for Businesses. “Laowai” (pronounced “laaw wye”) is Mandarin for “old foreigner,” a reminder that culture always trumps business.

Johnson should know. He spent 10 years in Shanghai running Dell’s sales and ultimately the company’s Asia Pacific professional services organization. His tenure, from 2005-2015, coincided with China’s ramp up as a world economic powerhouse and the widespread recognition that companies – especially tech companies – have to be there. The opportunity is both huge and culture-specific:

The Chinese government exerts strong control over the private sector: China has more companies in the Fortune 500 than any country except the United States, and more than half of those firms are controlled by a single government agency.
The consumer market is huge and uses technology: Analysts predict retail sales growth of 7.5% in China and 3.3% in the U.S. for 2019, with China ending the year with total retail sales of $5,074 trillion, exceeding that expected for the U.S. by more than $100 billion, with over half of Chinese retail sales being made by smart phones.

As Johnson discovered, “the way of the laowai” can be a humbling experience. Johnson tells the story of pitching a technology solution to a provincial official and being told “I don’t think you guys understand what we need.” The problem? Sheer volume. In a single day, his prospect’s rural province did more banking transactions than the entire United States.
RSVP and join us!
