11th Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2022-05-12 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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!

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.

Kozmetsky Forum on Global Political Risk, Emerging Markets and Finance Featuring Yves Dubus, Belgian Trade and Investment Commissioner
2023-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Edwards University, Mabee Ballroom, Ragsdale Building, 3001 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
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 Yves Dubus, Belgian Trade and Investment Commissioner.
Mr. Dubus is a Belgian career diplomat since 2008. He was posted in Guangzhou, China, as Trade & Technology Commissioner for 5 years, before being posted in Houston, Texas, in August 2013.
His primary mission is to foster trade and investment relations between the Wallonia and Brussels Regions of Belgium and the Southern States of the United States of America. Through official channels and privileged partnerships, he maintains an extensive network of contacts to facilitate the creation of new companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prior to his public career, he held various positions in the private sector working in IT between 1988 and 2008, first, in the development of new businesses linked to the deregulation of the airlines industry in Europe, and second, in the development of new technologies, and new business models, linked to the development of the Internet. In 2000, he was the General Manager of Travelprice, the first ever online travel agency in Belgium, and later served as VP of Professional Services, in Munich, for Siemens Mobile Travel Services. Yves holds a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Services provided by the Belgian Trade Commission in Houston include market intelligence and assessments, as well as assistance for the development of business plans for Belgian companies in the USA, and the facilitation of access to government authorities for American companies investing in the Wallonia and Brussels Regions of Belgium.
Off-campus guests can obtain a $5 campus visiting parking permit at: https://stedwards.nupark.com/portal/Account/VisitorLogin
If you should require assistant on obtaining a parking permit, please contact Mr. Don Vansandt [donaldv@stewards.edu]

Denmark Wind & Hydro Energy Business Networking Event
2023-03-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Denmark has a long-standing tradition within renewable energy, especially the development of wind power have put Denmark at the very front when it comes to green transition in the energy sector. This long-standing tradition has given Danish companies valuable skills to develop cost-effective projects and solutions, invest locally, and share knowledge and experience with other partners within the energy sector internationally.
In 2022, the fraction of wind and solar power in the total electricity consumption hit an all-time high with 53.3%. Danish ambitions to power the future with green energy are high, and so, breaking records are set to be a reoccurring phenomenon to achieve the national target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and become a global front-runner in renewable energy sources.
Over the course of an afternoon filled with discussions and presentions, you will get an overview of the latest updates and developments within energy in Austin, and get insights in the Danish wind energy and hydrogen space. Together, we will explore market opportunties and potential partnerships across the Atlantic.

AGENDA
2:15 PM Welcome
Ben Ramirez, Executive Director, Center for Global Trade, World Affairs Council of Austin
2:20 PM Presentation by City of Austin
Zach Baumer, Interim Chief Sustainability Officer, the City of Austin, presents the sustainability office’s work on the climate equity plan, and the shift in conversations in Austin from a more historical lens.
2:40 PM Energy transition in Austin
Austin Energy on their energy transition plans and their experience collaborating with different entities, by Erika Bierschbach, Vice President, Energy Market Operations & Resource Planning, Austin Energy
3:00 PM The Danish Renewable Energy Story
Introduction to Denmark’s experiences with renewable energy, by Troels Ranis, Energy Director of the Confederation of Danish Industry
3:15 PM Networking and company presentations
Short introduction to the Danish companies attending the event followed by networking
4:40PM Closing remarks
Ben Ramirez, Executive Director, Center for Global Trade, World Affairs Council of Austin

Parking is available for $10 at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. There are two entrances to the garage, one at Riverside Drive and South First Street near the Long Center’s Circular Drive, and one on Barton Springs Road adjacent to the Palmer Events Center main entrance. Click HERE for detailed directions and parking maps.

EU @ SXSW 2023
2023-03-11 16:00 - 2023-03-14 12:00 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
The European Union returns to SXSW with a collection of exciting discussions on topics like robotics, crypto, tech innovation, and Web3. This year, we’re co-hosting with some great partners from March 11-14 in locations across downtown Austin.
Please remember to register as a limited number of seats are available at each event.

The current program includes:

Hollywood Vs Real World Robots & the Public Perception of Tech – As robotics rapidly become a part of healthcare and green industries, how can we integrate them into life at work, home, and public spaces? Saturday, March 11, 4 PM CT at Parker Jazz Club
Where Did Tech Innovation Go? – How do we address the growing gap between humanity’s technological capabilities and what is happening on the ground? Sunday, March 12, 2:30 PM CT, Parkside
Regulating Crypto for Responsible Innovation – The EU and the United States are facing a global challenge: How do we regulate cryptocurrency as it becomes mainstream?Monday, March 13, at 10 AM at the Hilton Austin
Pestilence, Famine, War. . . Death? The Future of Trade – European Commission Director General for Trade, Sabine Weyand, joins a panel of experts to discuss the current state of our trade relationships. Monday, March 13, 4 PM CT, Hilton Austin
Music & Web3: Everything You Always Wanted to Know – Learn from the experts in roundtable workshops with discussions on copyright and cross-platform monetization, growing your global audiences, and minting your NFT ideas. Tuesday, March 14, 10 AM CT, Wax Myrtle’s

We hope to see you there!

Next Stop: Hong Kong
2023-03-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Join us to explore Hong Kong’s business and investment opportunities and network with a high-powered delegation from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. This FREE reception focuses on the “two-way highway” of rich opportunity for Austin businesses to connect with international delegates and features the latest updates from Hong Kong including initiatives underway to attract enterprises and talent.

Parking is available for $8 at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. There are two entrances to the garage, one at Riverside Drive and South First Street near the Long Center’s Circular Drive, and one on Barton Springs Road adjacent to the Palmer Events Center main entrance. Click HERE for detailed directions and parking maps.
A primary focus for this event is networking. Bring your business cards!
The dress code for this event is business casual.

Taiwan Startups Pitch Event
2023-03-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, 8001 Centre Park Drive #160, Austin, TX, 78754, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin in partnership with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend this corporate pitch event featuring representatives from five Taiwan-based startups and selected winners of the G Camp international innovation and entrepreneurship training program conducted by Taiwan’s Small and Medium Enterprise Administration.
Meet and network with fascinating up-and-coming Taiwanese entrepreneurs and companies. Join us and hear from startups from one of Asia’s innovation hubs!

Company Profiles
Attendees will hear pitches from representatives of these innovative Taiwan-based companies:

ADENOVO – alfian
Your personal asset manager
Intro: aifian is a comprehensive, global asset management platform that gives you complete control over your assets, from acquiring to upgrading to reselling them. You can easily monitor the value of your assets, seamlessly integrate virtual and physical assets, and make informed decisions to maximize their potential.
Target: Looking for local wine/ liquor dealerships and warehouses to store the liquor. Assistance in starting a company branch in the U.S.
Website (Chinese): www.adenovo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/adenovo-tech/

IOE Intelligent Technology Company
The best solution for the Internet of vehicles, signals, roadside, and cloud.
Intro: We are an adaptive wireless traffic signal and controller solution provider. We send real-time signal with second count to vehicle directly which help driverless car reach level 5 while saving 95% maintenance and construction cost for the government.
Target: Our target customers/partners are those who provide traffic solutions for governments. Especially Econolite Huston
LinkedIn: Michael Chien

ioNetworks
A top innovative imaging AI solution developer; provides packaged software and algorithm IP on AI chip.
Intro: ioNetworks applies deep learning technology in the industry of professional video surveillance, urban traffic analysis, healthcare, and technological law enforcement management, providing a high-end video management platform with AI video analytics, sensor identification solutions and AI algorithm IP embedded in chips. As an official global partner of Qualcomm, Ambarella, MediaTek, and AXIS from 2021, we are keen on developing edge AI algorithms for AIoT devices to fulfill the needs of large-scale AI services and realize smart devices towards smarter cities.
Target: Looking for end-products company cooperation, for example, Dell. Seeking assistance in starting a company branch in the U.S. and recruiting local business developers.
Website: www.ionetworks.co/en/

RelaJet Tech
Established to solve fundamental problem in hearing.
Intro: RelaJet is dedicated to develop hearing assistive devices. Our core technology is the AI Speech Enhancement Engine, which can help hearing aid users to hear much more effectively in any noisy environment. We provide various products to fulfill different needs from mild to severe.
Target: We are looking for OEM, dealers, and brand owners connection opportunities.
Website: www.relajet.com/

WOWWOW
Explore the infinite possibilities of Immersive game design.
Intro: WOWWOW TECHNOLOGY Corp. is a game development company dedicated to making original games by integrating IoT, XR, and Nintendo Switch. Our professional team has game design and cross-field technologies integration capabilities and can provide clients with practical solutions.
Target: We are launching a brand new VR golf game for Switch in April 2023. Therefore, we are looking for communication partners and sales channels to expand in the US market, as well as local companies to collaborate with.
Facebook: WOWWOW

Kozmetsky Forum on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence
2023-04-04 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 Amir Husain, CEO of Sparkcognition.
Amir Husain is an entrepreneur, inventor, technologist, and author based in Austin. He has been named Austin’s Top Technology Entrepreneur of the Year, listed as an Onalytica Top 100 Artificial Intelligence Influencer, and received the Austin Under 40 Technology and Science Award, among several other accolades recognizing his work in artificial intelligence. Amir serves on the Board of Advisors for The University of Texas at Austin Department of Computer Science and on the NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Innovation Advisory Board, and is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
In 2013, Amir incorporated SparkCognition, an artificial intelligence company, where he has served as the Founder and CEO since its inception. SparkCognition has received widespread recognition, including being ninth on the Wall Street Journal’s Top Tech Companies to Watch in 2018, listed on the 2017 CNBC Disruptor 50, being named the fastest-growing company in Central Texas by Austin Business Journal in 2017, and ranking on the CB Insights Al 100 list in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
In November 2018, Amir became founding CEO of SkyGrid, a Boeing and SparkCognition joint venture that is building the aerial operating system to power the next century of aviation. In 2020, Amir has been awarded over 30 patents and is the author of the best-selling book “The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Conversation with H.E. Radovan Javorčík, the Slovak Republic's Ambassador to the USA
2023-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Texas Association of Business, 316 W. 12th Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our partner organizations on Tuesday, April 18 to welcome His Excellency Radovan Javorčík, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the United States of America.
Take advantage of this exclusive invitation to meet the Slovak Ambassador to the United States, and learn about business opportunities in Slovakia.

Texas-EU Business Summit Preview: Export Opportunities with Spain and Portugal
2023-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Want to learn more about the resources available for underserved community businesses to grow through export sales in Europe? On Friday, May 19th at 10:00 am in Austin, U.S. Commercial Service Specialists from Spain and Portugal will provide country business briefings and explain how all interested Texas businesses can access the EU market. Featured U.S. Embassy Speakers:
Ana Vila, Commercial Advisor U.S. Commercial Service Lisbon, Portugal
Karen Dubois, Commercial Specialist U.S. Commercial Service, Madrid, Spain
The World Affairs Council Austin, University of Texas – Austin’s Center of European Studies, the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) in Austin, and Camino Real District Export Council, in collaboration with the Austin U.S. Commercial Service office, is hosting this Texas-European Union Business Summit Preview on Building Bridges to Global Markets Event. Free for companies with a 51% U.S. origin products or services, must register to attend.
Register by clicking here

The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter with Shannon O'Neil
2023-06-22 11:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Orange County invite you to join this webinar featuring Shannon K. O’Neil, vice president, deputy director of studies, and the Nelson and David Rockefeller senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Dr. O’Neil will be explain why regionalization, not globalization, has been the biggest economic trend of the last forty years.
Shannon K. O’Neil is an expert on global trade, supply chains, Mexico, Latin America, and democracy. Dr. O’Neil has lived and worked in Mexico and Argentina. She was a Fulbright scholar and a justice, welfare, and economics fellow at Harvard University, and has taught Latin American politics at Columbia University. Before turning to policy, Dr. O’Neil worked in the private sector as an equity analyst at Indosuez Capital and Credit Lyonnais Securities.
Dr. O’Neil is the author of The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter (Yale University Press, October 2022), which chronicles the rise of three main global manufacturing and supply chain hubs and what they mean for U.S. economic competitiveness. She also wrote Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead (Oxford University Press, 2013), which analyzes the political, economic, and social transformations Mexico has undergone over the last three decades and why they matter for the United States. Dr. O’Neil is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and a frequent guest on national broadcast news and radio programs. She has often testified before Congress and regularly speaks at global academic, business, and policy conferences.
Dr. O’Neil is a member of the board of directors of the Tinker Foundation. She holds a PhD in government from Harvard University, an MA in international relations from Yale University, and a BA from Yale University.

Mercado Libre: Grow your E-commerce Sales in Latin America
2023-07-05 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
Join this webinar and grow your e-commerce sales in Latin America. Learn how the U.S. Commercial Service supports U.S. companies as they access LATAM markets. Hear about available resources, including marketing your product on the Mercado Libre e-commerce marketplace.
Agenda:
• Welcome by U.S. Department of Commerce
– How does the U.S. Commercial Service support U.S. companies to access new markets?
– Introduction to Mexico’s e-commerce landscape
• Learn about Mercado Libre’s Global Selling program
– Becoming a registered seller on Mercado Libre’s marketplace
– Resources for sellers
– Q&A
Speaker: Mariano Migues, Cross Border Trade Manager, has been working at Mercado Libre for over 7 years, in various roles. As part of the Global Selling Program, he has led the Account Management & Business Consultants Team with a customer-centric, results-oriented philosophy. More recently, he has been leading the USA Business Development Team, expanding the program’s footprint and geographical reach, while allowing international sellers to grow their business in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for the e-commerce industry.

Export Growth in Africa
2023-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
Boost your exports in Africa!
Today the #1 route to growing your leads and sales pipeline in Africa is online! Join our webinar as we partner up with IBT Online to discuss how exporters can (and should!) take advantage of the Online Global Program to grow exports in 2023! Jonathan Szucs, Susanna Hardy and Ghita Benhadda will share their expertise, case studies, client testimonials, and experience in delivering social media success.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry! Register anyway and we’ll send you a recording.
What will you learn?

The Online environment of Africa – Best practice, optimally localized and Africa business development websites.

Nigeria, Kenya and North Africa Search Engine and Social Media marketing ; how to sell and grow your brand online.

Case studies – how companies are using online marketing tools today. Best practices, take-aways and live Q&A

REGISTER HERE TODAY

Bi-Lateral IT Business Round Table with Aguascalientes
2023-08-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Indeed Tower, 200 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701, United States
Join us in welcoming the Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico for a round table discussion on up & coming bi-lateral business opportunities.The State of Aguascalientes seeks to create a bridge relationship with the Austin Region and those interested in taking advantage of investment opportunities while doing business with and / or in Aguascalientes.Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Aguascalientes’ Deputy Secretary of Investment and Development, Director of Investment Attraction, and private sector IT & Business Services CEOs.
Agenda
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Brief Introductions
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Roundtable Discussion
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Professional Networking

Japan Business Seminar During Oita Festival
2023-09-10 11:00 - 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 “Doing Business in Japan” seminar at 1:00 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 JETRO-Houston and the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.
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

Singapore Market Access
2023-09-13 11:30 - 13:30 | Indeed Tower, 200 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701, United States
Singapore is an impressive center for business in Asia. The city-state has been consistently acknowledged as a global hub featuring developed infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, and respect for intellectual property rights.
A growing number of central Texas companies are looking to Singapore as their gateway to Asia. The featured presentations will focus on Singapore’s market advantages and provide you with practical steps on how to acquire your first customers and grow your revenue in the Southeast Asia region.

Agenda
11:30 Registration + lunch
11:45 Welcome + presentations by:
• Roland Peña, SVP of Global Tech and Innovation, Opportunity Austin/Austin Chamber
• Kristie Lai, Regional Director-Americas (Houston), Economic Development Board of Singapore
• Karen Parker, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service (Austin)
• Anthony Howe, Commercial Director, Asia Market Entry
• Q/A + Networking
1:30 Event concludes
Take advantage of this exclusive invitation to have your questions answered and learn more about business opportunities in Singapore.

12th Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2023-09-26 08:30 - 18:30 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 12th 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 foundation, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses 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 World Affairs Council of Austin,
Center for European Studies at the University of Texas at Austin,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin, IDA Ireland,
Pedraza Customhouse Brokers,
Scalo,Inc.,

Polish Investment and Trade Agency (Houston),
Access to Culture,
and
Pendas International

B2B Connect with Technology Decision Makers from Argentina
2023-10-19 16:00 - 18:30 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to attend this exclusive B2B roundtable meeting with technology company decision makers from Argentina.
Opportunity Austin and the Argentina Texas Chamber of Commerce will assist your company’s buyers by selecting suppliers from Argentina. Based on your buyer’s selections, specific 10-min, one-on-one meetings (speed dating) will be arranged. Please register no later than October 10th.

Thursday, October 19th, 2023
4:00 – 6:30 PM
200 W 6th St, Ste. 1750 | Austin, Texas 78701

REGISTER NOW

4:00 – 4:30 PM Austin & Argentina Overviews
4:30 – 4:45 PM Break
4:45 – 5:30 PM Business Round
5:30 – 6:30 PM Networking Reception

When registering with the link above, please indicate which suppliers or partners you’d like to meet and specify who will be representing your company.

Business2Business Opportunity with Thailand
2023-11-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, and Capital Factory Austin, we invite you to an International Market Series Reception fostering business connections with Thailand.
The event features opportunities to connect with a Thai business delegation led by Lisa A. Buzenas, Consul General, United States Consulate General Chiang Mai. The delegation includes representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries Chiang Mai Chapter, the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, Chiang Mai University Science and Technology Park, and prominent cultural and business leaders representing renewable energy companies, food industries, tech entrepreneurs, and more.

Agenda
2:00 pm: Registration & Networking
2:15 pm: Welcome Remarks & Introductions
2:30 pm: The benefits of doing business in Austin and Central Texas
3:00 pm: Startup Pitches
3:25 pm: GAACC – Serve Local. Think Global.
3:30 pm: B2B Networking
4:00 pm: Open Networking
4:50 pm: Closing Remarks

Republic of Slovenia Business Delegation B2B Meetings and Social Mixer
2024-01-24 15:00 - 18:00 | Texas Association of Business, 316 W. 12th Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
EVENT AGENDA

Insightful Presentations | 3:00pm

Gain valuable insights into Slovenia’s thriving business environments: A land of champions in business and beyond! Industry sectors represented include: manufacturing, cleantech, healthcare, and fintech.
Austin Business Ecosystem – with Roland Peña, Senior Vice President, Global Technology & Innovation, Opportunity Austin

B2B Meetings | 4:00pm

Engage with influential players and delegates from – manufacturing, cleantech, healthcare, and fintech sectors – as well as representatives from state institutions and economic diplomacy in Slovenia.
Learn how your business can become a gateway for Slovenian companies interested in expanding into the Texan market.

Social Mixer | 5:15pm

Foster meaningful connections during a social mixer with the representatives from business, state institutions, and economic diplomacy in Slovenia.
Social Hour with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres
Make sure to register for an opportunity to meet with the members of the Slovenian delegation during one-on-one B2B meetings

Members of the Slovenian Business Delegation:

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington:
Bojan Škoda, Minister Plenipotentiary
Spirit Slovenia:
Rok Capl, Acting Director
Daša Avsec, Regional Secretary
AmCham Slovenia:
Ajša Vodnik, CEO
Vida Dolenc Pogačnik, COO & International Cooperation Director

Visiting Companies Represented:
Instrumentation Technologies | Measuring instruments supplier
Since 1998 the Company has grown from a garage company to a world leader in cutting-edge instrumentation for the accelerator beam diagnostics market, as well as solutions for other technologically demanding fields.
Intectiv | Electronics Manufacturer
“Decades of experience, know-how and development of a technologically advanced production line of highly complex (HDI – High-Density Interconnect) prototype printed circuit boards. In compliance with the highest current environmental and technological standards, our products are becoming the blood vessels of modern technology products. The production range includes single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer printed circuit boards (up to 24 layers), Flex and Rigid-Flex.”
RePublis | Consulting
Republis Consulting is a Slovenian-based legal and business boutique consulting firm, focusing on T.I.M.E. industries (Telecoms, Internet, Media, Entertainment). RePublis provides legal and business support to foreign investors in media, entertainment, gaming, blockchain, advertising, internet, and telecommunication sectors in Slovenia.
ROBOTINA |Engineering
Robotina’s vision is to be a leading provider of SMART CONNECTED solutions, components and platforms, which will contribute to a new model of connected society through technology and expertise.
Vernar Consulting | Consulting
Since 1995, we have been promoting the growth and development of companies through proven approaches. With reliable analytical tools, we uncover the potential that lies in every company’s employees.
VZMD | Stakeholders’ Association
VZMD is a non-governmental organization that emerged spontaneously as an explicitly civil society movement, especially in the face of an increasingly evident and pronounced need for networking and coordinated action among small shareholders.
Guild Mortgage | Mortgage
Guild Mortgage has become one of the nation’s leading independent ‭mortgage providers by following a ‭simple rule—doing what’s right for our customers. Since 1960, we’ve grown ‭through every economic cycle. ‭Today, no other mortgage lender ‭has our stability, experience, and ‭uncompromising focus on ‭customer service.
Adriatic Finance | Financial Advisory
Caretronic | Healthcare
At Caretronic, we provide the highest quality nurse call systems and e-nursing solutions to healthcare organizations around the world.
D2S energetske in poslovne rešitve | ESG
D2S Energy & Business Solutions LLC creates a network of energy professionals with technical capabilities and expertise that are unsurpassed in the power industry. With the ever-changing environment facing utilities and businesses, strategic planning and resource management are essential for continued success.
Esgnovo | ESG
We’re building relationships and creating big, sustainable energy projects, helping us to maintain a livable climate. Our solar and wind electricity production and storage projects, energy management and trading solutions, and nuclear power plant expertise, as well as the development of new technologies, are excellent opportunities for technology and engineering producers and providers as well as researchers.
