Japan Business Seminar During Oita Festival
2024-09-22 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, 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.
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 Q-Branch, 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!

13th Annual Texas-European Union Business Summit
2024-10-03 08:30 - 17:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 13th 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,
Access to Culture | Sharon Schweitzer J.D.,
Slovak Pro,
Touch4IT,
HR4U,
Talent’em,
and
Pendas International

Austin A-List Awards 2024
2024-10-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners at Opportunity Austin and SXSW are putting on the #ATXalist! The Austin A-LIST Awards introduces visionary founders and exciting new companies that create the most important audiences in Texas and beyond. There is an International Startup of the Year Award as well as several other impressive categories.
Nominations are now open through August 26th.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Standout Innovation Award

Nominate

Recognizes AI innovation accomplishments through potential breakthrough technology, processes, or services.

International Startup of the Year Award

Nominate

Recognizes an international startup company for their innovation and market positioning. The company must have relocated to the Austin region after January 1, 2018.

C-Suite Leader of Year Award

Nominate

Recognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners, cultivates an ecosystem skillset, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.

Venture Capital Firm of the Year Award

Nominate

Recognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners, cultivates an ecosystem skillset, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.

Emerging Startup of the Year Award

Nominate

Recognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners, cultivates an ecosystem skillset, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.

Growth Catalyst Awards

Nominate

Recognizes companies focused on growth, acceleration, and impact in five categories: Bootstrapped, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C+.

Bootstrapped (Self-funded business)
Seed ($1 million – $4 million)
Series A ($4 million – $15 million)
Series B ($15 million – $40 million)
Series C+ ($40 million – $100+ million)

People’s Choice Award

This category will be judged by public voting. Voting should not include employees of a nominated company and you can only vote once. Which company are you willing to invest in for a financial return?
Voting for this award will open after the nomination deadline on September 5th.

Polish Tech Innovation Networking Night
2025-03-07 18:00 - 21:30 | Thompson Hotel, 506 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s partner organizations for an exciting evening of innovation, culture, and networking at the Polish Tech Innovation Networking Night during SXSW on March 9th! This exclusive event will showcase Poland’s brightest tech companies, offering a unique opportunity to meet the minds behind the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of tech.
MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE

Slovak House at SXSW
2025-03-09 10:30 - 20:00 | TX
REGISTRATION CLOSED EVENT AT CAPACITY

Bridging Slovakia & Texas for Unstoppable Business Growth
​Texas is where businesses grow fast, and Slovakia is where world-class ideas and innovations come from. Join us at Slovak House 2025, a high-energy, one-day event designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals eager to expand in Texas – the land of limitless opportunities!
​Join World Affairs Council of Austin’s President, Mortada Mohamed at this all day networking event about real opportunities. You’ll hear from Slovak companies breaking into the U.S. market, meet people who know how to succeed in Texas, and get straight talk from those who’ve done it.
​If you want to learn how to expand, invest, or partner in one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S., this is the room you need to be in.
​REGISTRATION CLOSED EVENT AT CAPACITY
​PROGRAM – SLOVAK HOUSE
​📌 10:30 AM – Welcome to Slovak House
Radovan Javorcik – Ambassador of Slovakia to the United States
Andrea Hrusovska – Chief People Officer at Slovak PRO
📌 10:50 AM – Business Friendly Slovakia
Vladimir Lackovic – Special Representative to the U.S. for Trade and Investment, SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency
Nikola Kmecova – FDI Consultant, SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency
​📌 11:20 AM – TEDx Talk: Slovak Success in the U.S.
Vlado Hruda – Product Manager, Miro
​📌 11:40 AM – Quick Pitch Session
15 Slovak companies, 60 seconds each
​📌 12:00 PM – PANEL 1: Practical Foundations for Success in Texas
Panel of lawyers: Dave Quinn, John Sigety & Martin Valko
Moderator: Erin McKelvey – President, EACC of Texas
📌 13:00 PM – Networking Lunch
​📌 2:00 PM – PANEL 2: The Austin Ecosystem – Your Growth Partner
Marcos Cervantes – CEO of Q-Branch
Mortada Mohamed – President, World Affairs Council of Austin
Scott Smith – Director of Economic Development, City of Cedar Park
David Steele – Director, Plug and Play Sportstech
​📌 3:00 PM – KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Texas – The Land of Opportunity
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson
​📌 3:20 PM – Coffee & Networking
​📌 3:40 PM – Quick Pitch Session (Round 2)
15 Slovak companies, 60 seconds each
​📌 4:00 PM – Achieving Success in America
Grant Mitterlehner – CEO of MittGroup
​📌 4:30 PM – TEDx Talk: Slovak AI Innovation Changing America
Niko Dubovsky – Co-founder of SuperCity AI
​📌 4:40 PM – Closing Remarks
​📌 5:00 – 8:00 PM – Networking with Slovak food and drinks
Organizers & Partners:
​SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency | Slovak PRO | Embassy of Slovakia in Washington D.C. | Consulate of Slovakia in Texas | European Union | Programme Slovakia | HR4U
​

CZECH Night at SXSW
2025-03-10 16:30 - 23:00 | TX
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s partners and experience the best of Czech innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture at the inaugural Czech House @ SXSW 2025!
​Kick off the evening with a flagship Pitch Event, where visionary Czech startups take the stage to showcase groundbreaking ideas. Then, connect with industry leaders, investors, and creatives at a networking reception, featuring a welcome speech by the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček. As the night unfolds, immerse yourself in exclusive live performances, bringing the energy of the Czech music scene to Austin.
SEE DETAILS AND REGISTER FOR CZECH NIGHT HERE
SEE CZECH SCHEDULE OF SXSW EVENTS HERE

Asia x Austin International Market Summit
2025-03-11 12:00 - 21:00 | Austin Central Library, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Asia x Austin International Market Summit returns for 2025!
In “Asian Market Briefings” we’ll hear from international trade experts and country representatives about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets. Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and India.
Event Launch Agenda:
12:00 | Registration
12:30 | GAACC Welcome & Summit Sponsors
12:45 | Regional Economic Ecosystem
12:50 | Why Austin
1:00 | Central Texas Cities
1:30 | Asian Markets Briefings
2:30 | Closing Remarks

DETAILS for Full Day AND RSVP HERE

Quebec Semiconductor Delegation Reception
2025-04-10 08:00 - 09:30 | St. Edwards University, 3001 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
You’re invited to a networking breakfast welcoming a trade delegation of Québec semiconductor companies
The Québec Government, the World Affairs Council of Austin, the Global Affairs Society, and St. Edwards University would like to invite you to connect with companies in the semiconductor sector. This event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, and strengthen the connections that drive the Austin and Québec semiconductor industries forward.
We hope you will join us for a dynamic discussion as we continue collaborating to shape the future of global trade in this thriving industry.

Please RSVP to: Eglantine Pauvarel Moss eglantine.pauvarelmoss@mri.gouv.qc.ca

Ranch to Runway
2025-05-29 17:30 - 19:00 | TX
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our guest speaker Nina Means of ACC Fashion Incubator for “Ranch to Runway”—an elegant evening exploring fashion, trends, and global influence. Experience lively conversation, style inspiration, and forward-thinking insights. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the future of fashion.
This event is invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by completing the form linked below. Priority registration is available for World Affairs Council of Austin members. Bring your invitation to the event. Invitations are non-transferable.
REQUEST YOUR INVITATION HERE

Nina Means is the inaugural Director of the Austin Community College Fashion Incubator, where she leads the development of industry-driven programs that empower students and emerging fashion businesses. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships, advancing digital transformation, and bridging the gap between creativity and commerce in Austin’s growing fashion sector.
Nina first connected with Mortada Mohamed and the World Affairs Council of Austin through the ATX+EGYPT Global Fashion Technology Accelerator—an initiative funded by the U.S. State Department and the City of Austin Economic Development Department. This program exemplifies her commitment to fostering global exchange and innovation in fashion.
With a background that spans public health and international fashion design, Nina has designed for brands such as Rebecca Taylor, American Eagle Outfitters, and H by Halston for QVC. She launched her own label in 2016 and has been recognized as a leader shaping Austin’s creative future in Austin Business Journal. Her accolades include features in WWD, a cover story for Austin Woman Magazine, being named one of 12 Women Shaping the Future of Austin by Austin Monthly, and appearing in a documentary on building creative teams alongside leaders from Pixar and Google.
Currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin, Nina continues to champion equitable education and workforce development. She is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of fashion innovators and creating meaningful opportunities for Austin’s creative community.

This event is invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by completing the form linked below. Priority registration is available for World Affairs Council of Austin members. Bring your invitation to the event. Invitations are non-transferable.
REQUEST YOUR INVITATION HERE

Global Trade Recalibrated: Understanding Today's Tariff Approach
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners at the Texas Camino Real District Export Council invite you to attend a webinar featuring Ricardo Carnevali, Director of Capital Markets – Foreign Exchange at Comerica Bank. Global Trade Recalibrated: Understanding Today’s Tariff Approach will provide a deeper look at the financial logic behind current U.S. trade policy and explore whether these strategies are moving the U.S. closer to achieving balanced trade.
REGISTER HERE
Ricardo Carnevali is the Capital Markets – Foreign Exchange Director at Comerica Bank in Dallas, Texas. He brings over 20 years of experience in global markets, derivatives, and risk management. His leadership spans prominent institutions, including Wells Fargo, Citibank, Toyota Financial Services, and Ecobat, where he specialized in advising multinational clients on navigating currency markets, liquidity challenges, and risk mitigation across North American and Latin American markets. Ricardo holds an MBA from Rice University, a Master’s in Finance from the University of London, and a BSc in Business Administration from the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela.

Japan Business Seminar during Oita Festival
2025-09-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, 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 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in Gallery 701.
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 Q-Branch, 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.

America’s Changing Strategic Assumptions about China: Implications for the Bilateral Relationship
2026-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 | TX
In his talk, David Firestein will examine how key U.S. assumptions about China and strategic aspirations and intentions have changed over the last ten to fifteen years and analyze and assess the impact of these shifts on U.S. policy choices and policy performance.
This event is by invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by providing your contact information in the form below. Priority registration is available for World Affairs Council of Austin members. Bring your invitation to the event. Invitations are non-transferable.

REQUEST YOUR INVITATION HERE

David J. Firestein is the inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations (Bush China Foundation) and a founding and current member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Before joining the Bush China Foundation, Mr. Firestein was the founding executive director of The University of Texas at Austin’s (UT) China Public Policy Center (CPPC) and a clinical professor at UT’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
A decorated career U.S. diplomat from 1992–2010, Mr. Firestein specialized primarily in U.S.-China relations, posted in both Beijing, China, and Moscow, Russia. Mr. Firestein is the author or co-author of three books on China, including two China-published Chinese-language best-sellers, as well as numerous China-focused monographs, policy reports, and articles.

Asia x Austin International Summit at SXSW
2026-03-17 12:00 - 21:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The Asia x Austin International Summit returns in 2026!
Attendees will hear from international trade experts and country representatives about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets.
Agenda At-A-Glance
Explore expanded session details below.
VENUE: KODOSKY DONOR LOUNGE (12 – 9 pm)
12:00 – 1:45 pm
[session info]Why Asia?:
The Central Texas Connection
1:45 – 2:00 pmNetworking Break
2:00 – 3:15 pm
[session info]Development @ Asia x Austin:
The Heart of the Texas Triangle
3:15 – 3:30Networking Break
3:30 – 6:00 pm
[session info]Technology @ Asia x Austin:
Robots, Chips & Rockets
6:00-6:30 pmNetworking Break
6:30 – 9:00 pm
[session info]Asia x Austin After Dark:
Cinema, Soul & Sound
VENUE: 701 GALLERY (2 – 6:45 pm)
2:00 – 3:15 pm
[session info]Markets @ Asia x Austin:
The Trade & Investment Connection
3:15 – 3:30 pmNetworking Break
3:30 – 5:30 pm
[session info]Startups @ Asia x Austin:
Born Global!

5:30 – 6:45 pm
[session info]
Creators @ Asia x Austin:
Get Noticed!

MORE DETAILS HERE

Texas-Europe Business Summit
2026-03-31 08:30 - 18:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 14th year, the Texas-Europe 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.
Stay for the post-summit reception where the inaugural World Affairs Council Austin Global Impact Award recipients will be honored.
Admission to the Global Impact Awards and post-summit reception are included in your Texas-Europe Business Summit registration.
We’d like to thank Access to Culture for their generous sponsorship of both the Texas-Europe Business Summit and the post-summit reception.

Summit 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,
Access to Culture,
and
Pendas International

Japan Business Seminar and Oita Summer Festival
2026-08-30 11:00 - 16:00 | Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, 78704, 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.
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 Q-Branch, 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.
