World Affairs Council of Austin

Fourth Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit
2019-10-03 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | IBC Bank Community Suite 13th Floor, 500 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Texas – Latin America Business Summit Helps Texas Companies Access Nearshore Expanding Markets

The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Fourth Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit on October 3, 2019. Forbes reported in March that LATAM’s economy has the potential to grow faster than that of Asia. 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 Latin American nations.

DRAFT AGENDA
1:00 PM Welcome by emcee Andrew (Andy) Martinez, Business Development Executive

1:02 PM Nearshoring in LATAM remarks by Anurag Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, iTexico
1:15 PM Secrets to Success in Latin America

Moderator: Doug Smith, Assistant Director, International Trade Center – UTSA
Panelists: Sebastian Gomez, Trade & Investment Representative, PROCOLOMBIA; Kevin Koym, CEO and Co-Founder, Tech Ranch; and Jake Le, Head of Jala Ventures Colombia
2:20 PM Using Mexico as a Nearshore Base
Moderator: Roy Austin, Business Development Director, The ILS Company
Panelists: Cindy Blanco, Co-Founder & Executive Director, StartupGDL; Alvaro Quezada, CPA, J.A. Del Rio; and Javier Lopez de Obeso, Attorney, ScottHulse
3:25 PM Spotlight on Brazil
Moderator: Bill Hulsey, Principal, HULSEY PC
Panelists: Elizabeth Jennings, Principal, Venture Atlas Labs; Mark MacBeath, Senior Product Manager, PerkinElmer; John L Howard Jr., Director of Global Public Policy, DELL Technologies; and Felipe Costi Santarosa, Deputy Consul General and Head of the Trade Section, Consulate General of Brazil in Houston
4:40 PM Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Happy Hour Cash Bar Social at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine 300 W. 6th Street, Suite 100, Austin TX 78701

Summit parking suggestions:

http://www.bestparking.com/austin-parking/

With gratitude to our supporting partners:

Business Briefing Featuring H.E. David Bakradze, the Republic of Georgia's Ambassador to the USA
2019-10-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In recent years, Georgia has been working to strengthen their own technology and innovation ecosystem with the help of the U.S. technology industry. The government of Georgia supported the establishment of entrepreneurial programs StartUp Grind Tbilisi and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency.
H.E. David Bakradze, Ambassador of Georgia to the USA, and his delegation, will provide an overview of specific opportunities available to central Texas businesses.
Georgia is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Georgia is recognized as one of the easiest places to do business in the world. World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report placed Georgia in sixth place in the Ease of Doing Business category among 190 countries. The country’s friendly business climate offers access to an un-tapped region of about 200 million people. The business environment continues to strengthen as the government prioritizes reforms and investment in a strong, open economy.
AGENDA
12:30 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Business Briefing with Q&A
2:00 PM Event Concludes

David Bakradze was appointed Ambassador of Georgia to the United States in Washington, D.C. in December 2016. Ambassador Bakradze has a long and distinguished career in diplomatic service. Since 1997, he has served in a number of senior official posts in Georgian public service. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Bakradze served as the State Minister of Georgia for Euro-Atlantic Integration. In that role, he was responsible for the coordinating the Government of Georgia’s work on implementing key instruments of integration, such as the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), the Annual National Program (ANP) with NATO, etc. He also coordinated Strategic Communication and European Assistance Programs for the Government of Georgia. Ambassador Bakradze’s career includes a number of notable and senior positions. He served as Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Serbia (2012 – 2014); Senior Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires in the Republic of Finland (2008 – 2012); Head of First European Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005 – 2008); Counselor and DCM of the Permanent Mission of Georgia to the U.N. (2002—2005); advisor in the National Security Council of Georgia covering Human Rights, Information and Analysis, Law Enforcement Institutions (1997 – 2002); staff member in the press office for the office of the President of Georgia (1996 – 1997). Ambassador Bakradze graduated from Tbilisi State University with a degree in International Economic Relations and International Law. He speaks Georgian, English and Russian.

Accessing the European Market via Dublin
2019-10-29 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The next meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition will feature guest speaker Lorcan Tyrrell, Head of Development at Dublin Airport Central.

Dublin Airport Central is Ireland’s next generation urban quarter, located just 50 yards from Terminal 2 at the Airport. Specifically targeted at international companies who want a European hub office with ease of access to both the EU and US markets, Dublin Airport Central is the ideal location for any US business to start or expand in Europe. With space ranging from serviced offices for your original landing team to a purpose built HQ office building and a dedicated team of community and customer experience managers to ease you into the European market, the development is ideally positioned to allow your business to thrive and grow.
Agenda
11:45 am Lunch Buffet
12:00 pm Presentation by Lorcan Tyrrell, Head of Development at Dublin Airport Central

12:45 pm Networking
1:00 pm Meeting Concludes

Be Part of Aguascalientes (Mexico) - Business Opportunities Briefing
2019-12-05 17:30 - 20:30 | Consulate General of México in Austin, 5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite 150, Austin, 78741, United States
Attend this seminar and learn why Texas companies should consider doing business in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes belongs to the “Bajío Region” — Mexico’s most important development pole and most influential IT cluster. Sharing the same time zone with Texas facilitates and enables more efficient communications and logistics. Aguascalientes enjoys a demographic bonus with an average population age of 25. As one of the most educated States in Mexico, Aguascalientes features a wide offering of university and technical schools. It has one of the largest ratios of University graduates per 100,000 inhabitants in the country. 35% of these students are enrolled in STEM programs. Aguascalientes also possesses investment grade ratings by both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.
Attendees will hear from experts discussing the resources available to successfully grow your company in Aguascalientes.

Featured Speakers
Mr. Luis Ricardo Martínez Castañeda, Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Eduardo Alberto Infante Priego, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Carlos Muñoz Pedroza, General Director for Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Guillermo Ortega, Chief Operating Officer and founder of iTexico

Event Agenda
5:30 pm Registration and Networking
6:30 pm Welcoming Remarks
Mr. Jorge Salcido, Consul General for Political and Commercial Affairs of Austin, TX
Mr. Luis Ricardo Martínez Castañeda, Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico
6:45 pm Presentation of Aguascaliente’s Competitive Advantages
Mr. Eduardo Infante, Deputy Secretary
7:20 pm Presentation of Aguascaliente’s Environment for Science and Technology.
Mr. Carlos Muñoz, General Director
7:45 pm iTexico Success Story — Guillermo Ortega, COO of iTexico
8:10 pm Closing Remarks — Mr. Eduardo Infante, Deputy Secretary
8:15 pm – 8:35 pm End of Program Networking

Program presented by the Economic Development Ministry of Aguascalientes, Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, World Affairs Council of Austin

Ireland: Creating Space for Business to Grow
2020-03-03 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Texas and Ireland share a rich history of political, economic, and commercial relations. Texas exports $580 million worth of goods and services to Ireland annually, an impressive amount relative to the country’s population of 4.8 million people. With a GDP of $383 billion in 2018, Ireland is one of the most open, and export-driven economies in the world and the gateway to the European economy. The Celtic Tiger’s GDP increased by 4.3 percent in 2019 and is projected to increase another 3.5% in 2020, reinforcing its position as one of the best performing economies in the European Union.
Attend this seminar to learn more about market growth and the office property market in Ireland and the benefits of serviced/flexible space. Our featured speakers, Mr. Michael Kelly, Managing Director, Glandore and Mr. Henry Daly, Head of Marketing, Glandore will explain how your company may leverage Glandore’s resources and business network for a successful market entry into Ireland and Europe.
U.S. exports of goods to Ireland exceed $10 billion annually. The best prospects are chemicals and pharmaceuticals, computers and electronic products, aircraft and transportation equipment, power generation technology, medical devices, and electrical equipment. U.S. professional service exports to Ireland are also highly valued at more than $49 billion. Over 700 U.S. firms have a presence in Ireland and that number is growing by the day. Attend this seminar and discover how to join your American business colleagues on the Emerald Isle.

Agenda
11:45 am Lunch Buffet
12:00 pm Presentation by Michael Kelly, Managing Director at Glandore and
Henry Daly, Head of Marketing at Glandore
12:45 pm Networking
1:00 pm Meeting Concludes

CxC Amplified Week of Global Issues Webinar Programming
2020-05-07 09:00 - 2020-05-08 21:00 | TX
World Affairs Council of Austin members have access to several daily webinars during the week of May 4th including:
4th Ambassador (ret.) Bill Taylor, EVP, U.S. Institute of Peace, and Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
5th Global Leadership in Crisis featuring General (ret.) David Petraeus, Chairman, KKR Global Institute
5th Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking featuring Lynn Sanchez, The Life Link
6th UN Women Global Champion for Innovation featuring Dr. Nina Ansary, Visiting Fellow, The London School of Economics Center for Women, Peace & Security
6th Current and Future NATO featuring David Epstein, U.S. Department of State
6th Economic Dignity featuring Gene Sperling, Former Director of the National Economic Council under Presidents Obama and Clinton
6th India on the Edge featuring Dr. Manu Bhagavan, Professor of History at Hunter College
6th Our Future in Space – Developments, Commercialization and Governance featuring Evelyn Miralles, Former Chief Principal Engineer, NASA
6th Join a Salsa Lesson with staff from the Embassy of Colombia
6th Balancing Public Health and Privacy Concerns During a Pandemic Response featuring Dr. Sarah Kessler and Michael Tabman
6th Europe in the Age of Corona featuring Ron Granieri, FPRI Templeton Fellow, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of America and the West
7th The U.S. and China Now – Should We Confront or Cooperate? featuring Dr. Yanzhong Huang, Dr. Susan Shirk, and U.S. Representative Ted Yoho
7th The TransAtlantic Agenda During and After the Corona Crisis – What’s at Stake featuring H.E. Emily Haber, Germany’s Ambassador to the U.S.A. and Ambassador (ret.) John B. Emerson, Chairman of the American Council on Germany
7th Coronavirus in Conflict Zones featuring Jarrett Blac, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
7th Libya in Chaos: Origins, Players and Outcomes featuring Ambassador (ret.) Deborah Jones, Former U.S. Ambassador to Libya
7th Eurasian Nightmares: China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Politics of Pandemic featuring Dr. Ian Oxnevad, Editorial Boardmember for the Association of the Middle East and Africa
7th China: The World’s Next Premier Superpower? featuring Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani (Singapore)
8th Putting the World Back Together featuring General (ret.) John Allen, President, Brookings Institution
8th Ambassador (ret.) Ronald Neumann, Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan

The Opening Plenary session is available for viewing here:

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Utilizing the Austin-area Foreign Trade Zone in Turbulent Times
2020-07-15 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
Companies dependent on imports as part of their global supply chains are increasingly concerned with the ongoing volatility of the global trade environment. US trade actions have already imposed penalty duties on Chinese goods, many European goods, and steel and aluminum products, and additional activity is underway which could significantly impact supply chain costs, including:

The imposition of US Sections 232, 301, and 201 tariff measures
Replacement of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
US positioning itself to renegotiate its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments
Future global digital services taxes and potential US retaliation

The US Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) Program remains an effective tool to mitigate trade disruptions. Companies in Central Texas have access to the program through the Foreign Trade Zone of Central Texas, Inc. (FTZ No. 183), which serves the five Central Texas counties of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson.
The World Affairs Council of Austin, Ernst & Young, the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, the Greater Austin Chamber, Greater Austin Black Chamber, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber, Greater Austin Asian Chamber, and the Foreign Trade Zone of Central Texas are inviting executives involved with trade, supply chain, strategy, and tax to a 60-minute webcast providing insight on current and potential future trade disruptions, benefits of the FTZ for manufacturers and distributors, how to access the FTZ program, and suggested steps to evaluate the potential impact of FTZ use.

H.E. Dirk Wouters, Ambassador of Belgium to the USA among featured speakers in July
2020-07-31 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
July —
13th at 3:15pm Making Sense of a World in Crisis — Through the Eyes of a Foreign Policy Expert featuring Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations //
16th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic //
16th at 1pm Qatar and the Gulf Crisis featuring Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and an Associate Fellow of Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Program //
29th at 11am Dubai’s Leading Freezone Can Become Your Gateway to Growth & Expansion //
30th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Germany, Austria and Belgium //
30th at 12pm Doing Business in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia featuring Daniel Gaines, Commercial Service-Kenya; Ned Rauch-Mannino, Senior Advisor for Global Markets; Patricia Wagner, Commercial Service-Tanzania; and Christopher Wilkens, Commercial Service-Ethiopia //
30th at 1pm Belgium, Europe and the United States featuring H.E. Dirk Wouters, Ambassador of Belgium to the USA //

Author Lesley Blume among Speakers in August
2020-08-27 08:00 - 2020-08-31 09:00 | 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
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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
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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!
