Author Lesley Blume among Speakers in August
2020-08-27 08:00 - 2020-08-31 09:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
August —
6th at 1pm Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-Up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World featuring Lesley Blume, award-winning journalist, historian, and New York Times bestselling author //
11th at 10am International Biz Advantage: Austin & Israel featuring Lior Koriat, CEO at Quali; Ze’ev Lavie, VP at the Israeli Chambers of Commerce; and Limor Nakar-Vincent, Deputy Executive Director at the BIRD Foundation //
13th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Italy and Turkey //
14th at 1pm Discussion with Former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry with author Tom Collina //
18th at 10am The Power of Netiquette featuring Philip Sykes, Founder and Principal of the British School of Etiquette //
18th at 11am The Dynamics of Today’s Supply Chain in SE Asia featuring Ambassador Robert O Blake, Jr. //
22nd at 3pm Japan Fest Online Cooking Demo featuring Oita – Austin’s Sister City //
27th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Sweden, Denmark and the United Kingdom //

The Honorable Rachel McCormick, Consul General of Canada, and Brian Haley, Honorary Consul of Canada
2020-09-09 13:00 - 13:30 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host this discussion with the Honorable Rachel McCormick, Consul General of Canada and Brian Haley, Honorary Consul of Canada. Abdallah Mahmoud, Emerging Markets Program Specialist with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, will serve as moderator for this special event.

Rachel McCormick is Consul General of Canada to the state of Texas. She was head of the Energy and Environment Section at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC from 2014 to 2019. She joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2004. In Ottawa she worked in divisions responsible for sustainable development, energy, climate change and circumpolar affairs. She represented the Government of Canada in a range of
international forums, including the Arctic Council, the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the United Nations. Previously, she held positions within the Canadian energy sector and at the World Trade
Organization in Geneva.
Honorary Consul Brian Haley is the co-founder of CB Capital, an investment and real estate development firm. Prior to co-founding CB Capital, Brian served as a vice president at Limestone Capital Advisors, an Austin based private equity firm founded by Admiral Bob Inman, where he developed and managed energy related opportunities in the United States and Asia.
Abdallah Mahmoud is the Emerging Markets Program Specialist with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department. Prior to joining the City of Austin. Abdallah has extensive experience working on public/private partnership projects and local development programs.

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Brazil
2020-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. The focus of this Forum is Brazil.
Political Officer Ian Brown at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil will serve as moderator for the presentation. Valerie Belon, Economic Counselor, will provide an overview of the U.S. Foreign Service. Joel Reynoso, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, will discuss commercial engagement in Brazil. Economic Officers Scott Miller, Greg Meier, and Martiza Navarrete will provide brief overviews of the trade and investment, energy, and technology sectors in Brazil.

Conversation with Jordan Price, Honorary Consul General of Malawi
2020-11-12 13:00 - 13:30 | TX
Malawi’s Honorary Consul General Jordan Price will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about events and opportunities in Malawi, as well initiatives in Austin and Texas. This program will be moderated by Abdallah Mahmoud, the City of Austin’s Emerging Markets Program Specialist.

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Melissa Sanderson on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa
2020-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Melissa Sanderson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Vice-President of Global Affairs at Freeport McMoRan, Inc; Chair of the Arizona District Export Council; Chair of the Mining Committee, Arizona Mexico Commission; and President of Mel Sanderson Consulting. Ms. Sanderson will discuss her extensive work in the Congo and throughout the world on the topic “Perspective on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa: Importance of Empathy and Values.”

UK Fireside Chat Series: The Honorable Richard Hyde, Consul General, and Chad Costello, General Counsel for WP Engine
2021-02-16 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) will be hosting a series of fireside chats. Learn from successful entrepreneurs who have successfully expanded their business to the UK. Find out what worked well as they share their lessons and tips on how to make global expansion work for your business. The Fireside chat series is live and interactive; attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. The series will be recorded as a podcast if you can’t attend each session.
For our first session, Consul General Richard Hyde will talk with Chad Costello, General Counsel for WP Engine, on the company’s expansion into the UK. Chad Costello was instrumental in WP Engine’s expansion in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Poland. Learn how WP Engine is growing its international footprint, the benefits of international expansion for your business and when and how to contemplate a similar move for your company.
The WP Engine WordPress Digital Experience Platform gives companies of all sizes the agility, performance, intelligence, and integrations they need to drive their business forward faster. WP Engine’s combination of tech innovation and an award-winning team of WordPress experts are trusted by over 100,000 companies across 150 countries to provide counsel and support, helping brands create world-class digital experiences.

Kozmetsky Forum on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges
2021-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum featuring guest speaker Donovan Blaylock, Research Principal with Sailpoint, will focus on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges.
Donovan Blaylock is a Research Principal for SailPoint Technologies. SailPoint provides Identity and Access Security globally for organizations looking to effectively secure who has access to what for all Applications and Data, both on-premise and in the cloud. He has held several positions within the company previously including leadership roles in product, engineering and sales. Previous to SailPoint, he spent over 14 years in the US Defense and Federal government space working on some of the largest identity systems worldwide. Donovan grew up in Washington, DC but now calls Austin, TX home. He spends a lot of his spare time involved in technology roundtables, startup social events, and enjoying the famous live music scene that the city is known for. All of his remaining time is spent with his two children, travelling the globe and taking on a new woodworking projects in his woodshop.

Texas-Europe Union Business Seminar and Summit Online Preview
2021-05-11 09:30 - 13:00 | ONLINE
After a year off due to the global shutdown, the Summit is back with a virtual mini-event preview on May 11th and a full day in-person event scheduled for September 21, 2021. Participants in the May event will be briefed on the business climate and opportunities within key EU markets and sectors. They will also have the opportunity to interact and make connections with European trade representatives.
Agenda

9:30am
Welcome Remarks

9:45am
EU Market Access Part I: Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg

Highlights three very different EU nations with compelling stories to tell: Ireland, Italy, and Luxembourg. Seasoned trade representatives from each country describe what sets their country apart and discusses the opportunities it offers.

10:30am
EU Market Access Part II: Pomerania, Poland and Hungary

Takes a look at the fast-growing countries and regions at Europe’s heart. While they share many advantages, there are differences as well. Panelists will highlight both similarities and differences as well as what they mean for Texas businesses.

11:30am
A New Digital Humanism: A European perspective for tech companies on both sides of the Atlantic

Austria is leading initiatives in tech diplomacy and cultural tech diplomacy. This discussion will highlight the experience of companies working with artists and governments on how technology can change and shape our common future and help us overcome our most pressing global challenges based on a set of common principles and values.

12:15pm
Healthcare and Cleantech: Sustainable Growth and New Transatlantic Opportunities in Science Innovation

Healthcare and Cleantech: Sustainable Growth and New Transatlantic Opportunities in Science Innovation. As the pandemic and previous administrations fade into hindsight, we take a dive into the shifts in investment and business environments, the impact of technology adoption across advances in healthtech and renewables alike, and the opportunities that we anticipate to unfold over this year.

12:55pm
Closing Remarks

1:00pm
End of Program

The May 11th Texas EU-Business Summit preview speakers bios and registration are available here:

Extend your Business to France with the French Tech Visa
2021-06-08 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to join a session hosted by our friends at French Tech Austin. The French Tech Visa is a simplified, fast-track option for non-EU startup employees, founders and investors to obtain a residence permit for France. Attendees will learn what the French Tech Visa is and the criteria to obtain one.

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's Ambassador to the USA among Featured Speakers in July
2021-07-28 12:00 - 17:00 | TX
27th at 11am Canada & the US: Friends, Partners and Allies featuring Amb. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s Ambassador to the USA //
27th at 2 pm Export Compliance 101 featuring Mariana de Gorordo Rutherford, the COO of Kieyos, an international trade company and the Supply Chain / Export Compliance Director of AIRtec, Inc.; and Sheriah Johnson, Trade Compliance Manager for NCR Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia. //
28th at 12noon NET ZERO Leaders Summit Japan Business Conference featuring panels on Japanese Business Initiatives Toward Carbon Neutrality; Green Innovation; Sustainable Finance; Transition in Emerging Countries //

Export Reset 2021 Conference
2021-09-02 08:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council is proud to present these Export RESET 2021 panels:
8:00 AM (CDT): Lessons Learned from 2020 – Panelists (listed in photo above) will discuss trends in the global supply chain before and during the pandemic and which innovative measures remain;
9:00 AM (CDT): Workforce Development Needs for Global Expansion – Look at recent data and solutions that can be applied to meet your entry level and skilled labor needs. Panelists in photo below;

10:00 AM (CDT): International Ecommerce for SME’s – Ecommerce business providers offer website tips to increase international sales. Panelists in photo below;

11:00 AM (CDT): How Finding and Negotiating with your Channel Partners/Distributors Changed – Local companies will share their experiences and recommendations on changes and adjustments they made last year.

REGISTRATION and more details here:

Application Deadline for Texas CEO Meeting with Japanese CEOs
2021-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to apply by October 8th for the web-based online CEO Business Meetings during the SME New Value Creation Exhibition in December.
Target Industries:
AI/IoT; CleanTech – Renewables, Sustainability, Contruction, Building Materials (including Energy Efficiency); Disaster Prevention/Mitigation; Equipment Maintenance; and new material related industries.
Intended for: Decision-makers (CEOs, Directors, GMs, etc.) in above companies who are:
Seeking to increase added value through technological collaboration.
Involved in manufacturing of equipment, devices, parts or materials, and would like to have business meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers.
Considering technical collaboration or joint development with Japanese companies, and/or OEM in the above industries.
Apply to express your interest in joining this CEO network enhancing opportunity on/before 8 October 2021: https://krs.bz/smrj/m?f=286

10th Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2021-11-09 08:00 - 19:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 10th 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 hosts include:
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edwards University,
The Texas-Central & Eastern Europe Tech Summit
and
Pendas International

Application Deadline for Texas CEOs B2B Meeting with Japanese CEOs
2021-11-09 12:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to apply by noon CT on November 9th for the online CEO Business Meetings in January.
Target Industries:
Industrial robotics, Automation technology; Software systems related to design/quality/production/remote control/AI; Aeronautics – systems, engines, interiors, and airframe (parts/materials); and Aerospace – satellites and rockets (parts/materials).
Intended for: Decision-makers (CEOs, Directors, GMs, etc.) in above companies who are:
Seeking to increase added value through technological collaboration.
Involved in manufacturing of equipment, devices, parts or materials, and would like to have business meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers.
Considering technical collaboration or joint development with Japanese companies, and/or OEM in the above industries.
Apply to express your interest in joining this CEO network enhancing opportunity on/before noon CT on 9 November 2021: https://krs.bz/smrj/m?f=296

Farewell Reception for Tech Business Delegates from Chile
2021-12-06 17:15 - 19:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council and Tech Ranch Austin for this farewell reception to hear from and socialize with the impressive professionals representing advanced technology companies from Chile. Their goals for coming to Austin included: Meeting with their counterparts in Texas; Developing and strengthening collaborative initiatives for innovation, knowledge, and business connections; and exploring new business prospects for Chile’s scale-ups and SMEs.
Attendees will meet executives from the following companies:

Anastasia

Antara

Bsale

Caja los Andes

GoodMeal

Grupo Air

Isolcork

Kauel

Kibernum

LarrainVial

Laudex

The Bridge

Wholemeaning

The delegation is being led by Endeavor Chile. Founded in 1997, Endeavor is the world’s leading community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Endeavor’s mission is to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world’s top founders. Today, Endeavor’s network spans nearly 40 countries and supports more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, whose companies generate combined revenues of over $28 billion, have created more than 3.9 million jobs, and, in 2020, raised over $4 billion in capital. Endeavor’s unique entrepreneur-first model and network of trust provide a platform for founders to dream big, scale up, and pay it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This farewell reception is being hosted by Endeavor Chile in collaboration with Tech Ranch and the World Affairs Council of Austin.

Connecting with Tanzanian Women Entrepreneurs
2022-01-11 08:00 - 09:30 | ONLINE
Women entrepreneurs are a vital source for partnerships providing market intelligence, access to supply chains, and agents, distributors, and representatives for your products. During this event, we will focus on the Tanzanian market and how to utilize U.S. government programs to connect to this cadre of thousands of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania and throughout Africa and hear from four innovative, connected Tanzanian entrepreneurs.
Camille Richardson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa, U.S. Department of Commerce (Moderator)
Carol Ndosi, Co-Founder, The Launch Pad Tanzania (Moderator)
Dr. Victoria Kisyomb, Founder and CEO, SELFINA
Miranda Naiman, Founding Partner, Empower
Mercy Kitomari, Founder and CEO of Notre Heritage Ltd

Austin and Singapore Advanced Manufacturing Roundtable
2022-03-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin for this roundtable discussion with Enterprise Singapore and explore opportunities for collaboration in advanced manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

In this session, Enterprise Singapore will share details on the Southeast Asia Manufacturing Alliance, a program which offers a network of support and benefits to manufacturers that are keen to tap into the region’s strengths.
The US-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI) aims to strengthen US-Singapore trade and investment collaboration starting with four pillar areas: digital economy, clean energy and environmental technologies, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Through this existing partnership, the US and Singapore seek to discuss immediate and long-term challenges that face both economies, including enhancing supply chain resilience. Although the Southeast Asia region has great potential for growth, businesses are grappling with challenges to their supply chains including those relating to transparency, data flows, and sustainability tracking. With the PGI, we can help shape an Asia-ready integrated manufacturing solution for digitalization to ensure supply chain continuity.
Join us for a discussion with Enterprise Singapore to discuss how Texas businesses can leverage Singapore as a gateway to Southeast Asia and harness the region’s manufacturing potential.

Draft Agenda
10:00 am Welcome remarks on behalf of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Dell Technologies.
10:05 am Roundtable attendees introduce themselves.
10:15 am Ed Latson, Executive Director, Austin Regional Manufacturers’ Association offers an overview of Central Texas’ manufacturing sector.
10:25 am Sharing of Singapore’s manufacturing sector, and initiatives that can support the interests of Austin manufacturers in accessing the Southeast Asia market, namely the US-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation: Advanced Manufacturing Platform, and Southeast Manufacturing Alliance, by Enterprise Singapore.
10:45 am – 11:30 am Q&A followed by networking.

This roundtable is being hosted by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Dell Technologies in collaboration with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the City of Austin, Enterprise Singapore, and the World Affairs Council of Austin.

Opportunity for Investment in the Republic of Panama
2022-05-10 13:00 - 13:45 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to offer this informative session on Panama’s Digital Hub, nearshoring advantage, and special economic regimes. Our honored guest speakers are: H.E. Juan Carlos Sosa, Vice Minister – Foreign Trade, Ministry of Trade & Industry for the Republic of Panama; Mr. Richard Kilborn, National Director of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Trade & Industry; and Ms. Carmen Gisela Vergara Mas, General Administrator, PROPANAMA.

About the speakers:
Vice Minister Juan Carlos Sosa has over 23 years of experience in foreign trade and investments, marketing, operations, management and franchises. Vice Minister Sosa has held high level positions in prestigious Panamanian companies such as Importadora Maduro and Super 99, as well high-level regional positions in multinational companies such as Samsung and Dell Latin America. Before his position as Vice Minister, Mr. Sosa was the CEO of Fun Franchise Group, a company that manages US restaurant franchises in Panama.
Vice Minister Sosa has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as an MBA in International Business from Royal Holloway, University of London. Other studies include a certification program in Innovation Management from The University of California Berkeley and a certification program in Advanced Marketing from Northwestern University.

Richard Kilborn is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a degree in Political Science. He currently holds the position of National Director of Investment Promotion for the Ministry of Commerce and Trade of Panama.
He has more than 24 years of experience in the financial sector, and has held multiple positions on boards of several financial institutions such as Financiera Familiar, and Frontier Financial Services Inc. He has also been published in several magazines and is the author of the award winning novel “Good Money Gone”, which won best novel in the International Latin Book Awards in the category of “Adventure – Drama” in 2014.

Carmen Gisela Vergara Mas graduated in Law and Political Science from the University of Panama. She has a Master’s Degree in Banking and Financial Law from the University of El Externado in Colombia and a Postgraduate Degree in International Trade Negotiations from the University of Santiago de Chile.
Before holding the position of General Administrator at PROPANAMA, the Authority for the Attraction of Investments and Promotion of Exports of the Panamanian State, Ms. Vergara served as Executive Director of the Federation of Chambers and Industrial Associations of Central America and the Dominican Republic – FECAICA and as Secretary-General of the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat SIECA, achieving important advances for the Central American integration process. Before holding this position, she was a Director before the Board of Directors of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration – CABEI, representing Panama.
Expert in International Trade Law, Business Development, Trade Negotiations, Integration, and Trade Facilitation, she has also served as Minister of Commerce and Industries, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, and National Director of Investment and Export Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. In addition, Ms. Vergara has been Manager of the City of Knowledge Business Technology Accelerator.
Ms. Vergara has also represented Panama as Alternate Delegate before the Inter-American Commission of Women and a member of the non-permanent Specialized Commissions of the Organization of American States – OAS, in the areas of Diversification, Market Access, and Economic Integration. She is a member of the Arbitration Center of Panama and has served as Facilitator of the Master for International Management (MIMLA) offered by Thunderbird University and the Monterrey Institute of Technology, on the subject of International Trade Negotiations. At the private level, she has worked as a Lawyer on commercial issues, as an Advisor on investment issues, and as a Consultant on multiple issues, among which stand out: business development, gender, exports, social responsibility, trade negotiations, competitiveness and facilitation of trade; among others.

11th Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2022-05-12 09:00 - 17:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 11th 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 hosts include:
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edwards University,
and
Pendas International

Export Reset 2022: Supply Chain and Cybersecurity
2022-05-31 09:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
What are the current challenges and issues in 2022 in the field of exporting? Please join us for these two new sessions on Supply Chain and Cybersecurity, two areas of great importance for businesses this year. Submit your questions in advance.
9:00 AM (CDT) Session One: Where does the global supply chain go from here?
This one hour-panel discussion will explore the issues encountered by companies as they try to navigate the now, two-year old global supply chain crisis.

The delays in obtaining materials from international vendors
Managing costs in an unsure and wildly fluctuating environment
Strategies for moving forward

Moderator Facilitator: Shawn Levsen, UPS International
Panelists Speakers:
Darryl Cline, Sr. Manager, International Logistics and Warehouse, FBD Partnership, LP
Mark Murphy, General Manager with Flexport
___________________________________________________
10:00 AM (CDT) Session Two: Cybersecurity: How Safe Are You?
Cybersecurity is one of the most important topics of our times. On a macro scale, it’s a threat to national security and the global financial markets. For your business, it can threaten your ability to do business with larger customers because of cybersecurity compliance requirements; you are vulnerable via your eCommerce business and even risk the dissemination of personal information.
Join us to hear from experts in the industry with their perspectives on this evolving threat and discuss tips to protect yourself.
Moderator Facilitator: Reynaldo Cano, C&A Global Canvas
Panelist:
Homero Torres, Global Director of Information Security, SunPower Corporation
Richard Valdez, Consultant at McFalls Associates LLC
___________________________________________________
These will be recorded and uploaded onto the DEC website here. Export 2021 sessions also available for viewing.

From the Polish Cyber Frontlines to Texas. Lessons Learned and New US-EU Cybersecurity Opportunities
2022-06-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Explore way to learn from, and cooperate with, some of Poland’s most elite cybersecurity experts as they discuss their work in Europe combating one of the 21st centuries most pressing threats.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Panel, Lunch, & Networking: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Capital Factory, Captain America Room, 8th floor, 701 Brazos St, Austin, 78701
RSVP: Rafal.Sordyl (at) msz.gov.pl

Networking Reception with Austrian Startups
2022-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, 3 Day Startup, and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna invites you to attend this celebration of Austrian entrepreneurship. This networking reception will highlight the Austria to Austin Student Startup Exchange. The Austria to Austin Exchange is an intense, high energy two-week exchange where twenty standout Austrian university students start early stage companies.
“A key part of the Austria to Austin Exchange program is introducing the next generation of global leaders to the city of Austin and all it has to offer as a creative and startup hub in the U.S.,” Erika Haskins, CEO of 3 Day Startup.
Hear from industry experts and these internationally-minded Austrian entrepreneurs elaborate on their early stage companies, and learn more about their plans to become innovation bridges between the U.S. and Austria!

Business & Investment in Singapore
2022-07-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Singapore is a vibrant nerve center for business in Asia. The city-state has been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub featuring developed infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, and respect for intellectual property rights.
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners – the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, City of Austin, and other Austin Chambers of Commerce – as we explore business and investment opportunities in Singapore. Network with representatives from Enterprise Singapore. Hear from panelists representing Igloocompany and Cynopsis Solutions.
A growing number of U.S.-based businesses look to Singapore as a gateway to business in Asia. The reception focuses on the Singapore market as it relates to Austin businesses.
Topics for discussion include:

Manufacturing
Innovation and tech
Healthcare
Electronics
And more…

This important event is part of GAACC’s #MakeAustinGlobal initiative to connect Austin to international markets in Asia and beyond.

Event Agenda
5:30 | Check-In and Refreshments
6:00 | GAACC Welcome
6:10 | Panel Discussion
6:40 | Q&A
6:50 | Games & Prizes
7:00 | Networking
7:30 | Closing Remarks

Japan Business Seminars During Oita Festival
2022-08-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is once again a partner organization for the annual Oita Japan Festival! You won’t want to miss the “Japan Business & Market Update” seminars during the Festival. The first seminar will start at 1:30 pm, and the same seminar repeats at 3:00 pm. Texas exports over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan. 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).
The business focused 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.
REGISTER HERE for the festival

Estonia Business Delegation Networking Breakfast
2022-09-23 08:30 - 10:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
His Excellency, Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Estonia requests the pleasure of your participation in a breakfast & conversation networking event with the Estonian Business Delegation.
Located in Northern Europe, Estonia is one of the most dynamic, business and startup-friendly ecosystems in the world and is the first truly digital-nation, with more than 99% of state services available digitally and online – 24/7.
All of this is facilitated by one of Estonia’s greatest service exports – the system used daily to make all of this possible: the X-Road. The X-road is a smart data system that interconnects public and private databases and manages the connection to make sure that every system only has the data they need to complete a service, but not more – always ensuring the privacy of the individual.
Its efficient too – saving 1407 years of work, annually, removing the need for people to go back and forth tracking down data that the system, or one part of the system, already has. It is an open-source platform and is exported internationally, helping other countries and jurisdictions to build their own digital societies and infrastructures on top of this system. And what is truly exciting is that the more countries that onboard the system, the more there is the potential for true cross-border interoperability where services from one country blend into and become accessible to citizens of another. For example, today, a Finnish citizen can be prescribed medication in Finland, and have the prescription filled in any pharmacy in Estonia – all by using their ID card and digital identity.
Estonia’s robust digital infrastructure was opened to the global community in 2014, with the launch of the world’s first e-Residency program. E-Residency affords a non-resident individual a legally recognized digital identity that is valid throughout the European Union. This means that non-residents of Estonia can transact within the European digital infrastructure seamlessly and remotely; digitally signing documents and contracts, paying taxes, registering a business, etc. – all virtually and without the need for notaries or overnight mail.
With a population of only 1.3m people and a digitally-enabled, can-do mindset, Estonian businesses are “born global” with most entrepreneurs in the country beginning to look towards foreign markets from Day one. And with a robust and collaborative startup ecosystem – sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley’s best kept secret unicorn hatchery”, a lean and innovative bureaucratic environment, and a competitive tax system designed to enable growth, rather than hamper it… it is no wonder that Estonia is such a hotbed for startups, having become a veritable unicorn factory.
Estonia is ranked #1 in Europe, and #2 globally, in terms of the number of startups per capita, having given rise to globally recognized companies like such as Wise (formerly Transferwise), GrabCAD, Fortumo, Pipedrive, Starship Technologies, Skype, and many, many more – including 10 “unicorn” companies.

Business Opportunity with Malaysia
2022-09-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Indeed Tower, 200 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701, United States
With extensive trade links and diversified economic sectors, Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing nations in Southeast Asia. Ranked among the top emerging markets for investment and recognized for its protection of investors as well as its responsiveness to facilitating business needs, Malaysia offers unique opportunities for investment and business growth.
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners – the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, City of Austin, and other Austin Chambers of Commerce – as we explore business and investment opportunities with Malaysia. Network with globally-established companies and representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). This reception and panel discussion focuses on the Malaysian market as it relates to Austin businesses and investment opportunities.
This event features a fireside chat-style discussion by Malaysian business representatives, networking opportunities, free drinks, and Malaysian-themed appetizers, all within a social business environment. Bring your business cards to participate in the interactive game and win a prize! Join us for this fun and educational networking event.
REGISTER HERE
Event Agenda
5:30 | Check-In and Refreshments
6:00 | Welcome
6:10 | Panel Discussion
6:40 | Q&A
6:50 | Games & Prizes
7:00 | Networking
7:30 | Closing Remarks
Know Before you Go

Parking at the Indeed Tower garage is a flat fee of $10 after 4 PM.
Bring your business cards.
Dress code for this event is business casual.

Application Deadline for Texas CEOs B2B Meeting with Japanese CEOs
2022-09-29 12:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to apply by September 29th for the web-based online CEO Business Meetings in February 2023.
Targeted Innovation Sectors:

Aerospace; Robotics; Robot System Integrators; Factory Automation; AI/Deep Learning; IOT
Targeted Eco Tech Sectors:
Energy (Clean, Green, Sustainable, New); Carbon Neutral; Efficiency Improvement; New Material (Eco-friendly, Sustainable)
Intended for: Decision-makers (CEOs, Directors, GMs, etc.) in above companies who are:
Seeking to increase added value through technological collaboration.
Involved in manufacturing of equipment, devices, parts or materials, and would like to have business meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers.
Considering technical collaboration or joint development with Japanese companies, and/or OEM in the above industries.
Apply to express your interest in joining this CEO network enhancing opportunity on/before noon on 29 September 2022 by contacting Ben Ramirez – bramirez (at) wacaustin (.) org

TransAtlantic Immigration Update featuring Dorothee B. Mitchell, Partner, Foster LLP and Honorary Consul of Germany
2022-10-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Foster LLP, 912 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 450, Austin, United States
Join the EACC Texas, GACC South & World Affairs Council of Austin for European American networking and a TransAtlantic Immigration Update with Dorothee B. Mitchell, Partner, Foster LLP & Honorary Consul of Germany and Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland in Austin.

The New EU-US Data Privacy Framework and Europe’s Digital Agenda: What Texas Businesses Need to Know
2022-11-07 17:30 - 20:00 | McGINNIS LOCHRIDGE, 1111 W. 6th St., Bldg. B, Ste. 400, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The EU is driving an aggressive digital agenda intended as a “third way” between China’s state controls and the USA’s “wild west.” What began with controls on personal data (GDPR) is expanding into other arenas of digital data. Attend this seminar and networking event to learn what Texas companies need to know about collecting personal data of EU citizens and selling or buying digital goods or services to or from EU businesses.

Draft Agenda
5:30 pm Welcome and Expert Panel Remarks Offered by:
Phillip Schmandt, Partner, McGINNIS LOCHRIDGE (BIO and Practice Areas)
Bradley Joslove, Partner, BERSAY (BIO and Practice Areas)
Frédéric Lecomte, Partner, BERSAY (BIO and Practice Areas)
6:30 pm Q&A
7:00 pm Networking
8:00 pm Event Concludes

Kozmetsky Forum on Market Opportunities in Southeast Asia featuring Senior Commercial Officer, Francis “Chip” Peters
2022-11-08 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University host a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Francis “Chip” Peters discussing Market Opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Join the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University, the World Affairs Council of Austin, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council to learn more about the rapid growth in these vital markets.
Francis “Chip” Peters is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is responsible for advocating for U.S. commercial interests, promoting inbound investment, and organizing trade promotion activities. His previous assignments with the U.S. Commercial Service include Dubai, Chengdu, Nairobi, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Prior to his government service, Chip worked for 15 years in international sales and marketing in the high-tech sector. He also served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa. He holds an M.A from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Chulalongkorn University. He is married with two adult children.
