World Affairs Council of Austin

Author's Night: Liz Alexander
2016-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Author Liz Alexander will be speaking about her new and upcoming project. She will be giving away copies of her collaboration book, written with Transamerica Retirement Solutions. This event will be a dialogue about the process of researching and writing international business publications. We encourage all members, especially those interested in becoming authors, to attend.
Read Liz Alexander’s blog post: How to “pre-adapt” your future and power more success

BIO:
Liz Alexander’s talent and passion is preparing people for remarkable futures, and collaborating with companies to become future-smart. Dr. Alexander has written or co-authored 18 internationally published books that have sold close to a million copies. Award-winning titles include Transform Tomorrow: Awakening the Supersaver in Pursuit of Retirement Readiness, and #Thought Leadership Tweet: 140 Prompts for Designing and Executing an Effective Thought Leadership Campaign. She is co-founder of global consultancy, Leading Thought (leadingthought.us.com) and also helps experts transform their insights into thought leading business books (www.drlizalexander.com). She is a member of the World Future Society and the World Futures Studies Federation, and mentors entrepreneurs in Bangalore, India on behalf of the Founder Institute. Liz received her Ph.D. in educational psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.

Zika Outbreak: The NGO Perspective
2016-07-11 18:00 - 19:30 | WeWork, 600 Congress Avenue 15th Floor, Austin, 78701, United States
Join us for an exclusive briefing by Kate Dischino, Director of Emergency Programs with AmeriCares.
AmeriCares is a health-focused nonprofit that has been helping people affected by poverty or disaster for over 35 years, including survivors of Ebola, cholera and other epidemics. Kate Dischino, director of emergency programs at AmeriCares, is on the front lines of disease outbreaks and natural disasters, often deploying to crisis zones on a moment’s notice to lead field teams, coordinate aid deliveries and implement emergency programs that save lives. Kate will discuss the origin of Zika and the current state of the crisis, what is being done to reduce the impact of the virus and how AmeriCares is confronting the outbreak in Latin America.
As director of emergency programs, Kate oversees AmeriCares responses to domestic and international emergencies. She is often deployed to disaster zones on a moment’s notice to lead field teams, coordinate aid deliveries and implement emergency programs that meet survivors’ health needs.
Since joining AmeriCares in 2012, Kate has been on the frontlines of dozens of emergencies including Hurricane Sandy (2012), the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines (2013) and the Nepal earthquake (2015). A certified emergency manager, she plays a pivotal role in the design of AmeriCares emergency programs including a psychosocial workshop for frontline health workers responding to emergencies and a training program for pediatricians treating children affected by disasters. In 2015, Kate oversaw the creation of AmeriCares first disaster preparedness guide for free and charitable clinics to help ensure safety net health facilities can continue operating during emergencies.
Kate’s disaster response work with AmeriCares has taken her to Fiji, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Saipan, Vanuatu, and all across the United States.
A leader in the emergency response field, Kate currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters where she is a member of the Executive Committee and chairman of the Disaster Health Committee. She also participated in the development of the 2014 National Health Security Preparedness Index as a subject matter expert.
Prior to joining AmeriCares, Kate served as the associate director of Save the Children’s Domestic Emergencies Unit where she built partnerships and strengthened the emergency management program. She earned a master’s degree in international administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish from Muhlenberg College.

Immigrant Heritage Month Press Conference & Reception
2016-06-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the City of Austin’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs, and FWD.US, join us at this event as we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month. Please be sure to register via the link below.

Embassy Briefing Featuring South Africa's Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Mr. MNINWA JOHANNES MAHLANGU
2016-06-23 15:00 - 16:30 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
H.E. Mr. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, South Africa’s Ambassador to the USA, will join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive political and trade briefing.
Ambassador Mahlangu is one of the leaders who played a critical role in the process leading up to the first democratic South Africa. Between 1991 and 1994, he was a negotiator at the Congress for Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the Multiparty Negotiation Forum. In 1993, he became the Co-Chairperson of these bodies. From 1993 to 1994 he was a member of South Africa’s Transitional Executive Council.
After the first democratic elections in 1994, he joined the National Assembly in the Parliament of South Africa as a representative of the African National Congress. He became a member of the Constitutional Assembly (CA), the body that drafted the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. As a member of the CA, he chaired the Core Group of the Theme Committee on Chapter 4 dealing with Parliament. During his tenure as a Member of the National Assembly he also served as Chairperson of House Committees.
In 2002, he was elected Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament. After the third democratic elections in 2004, he was re-elected Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council. In 2005 he was elected the Chairperson of the NCOP and was re-elected in 2009. He served in this position until the fifth democratic elections in 2014.
He has represented South Africa in many international platforms, including the UN and G20 Speakers Conferences. He was the leader of the South African Parliament’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament. His duties in this continental body included serving in the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline. He has held the positions of Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (International) respectively.

World Affairs Council of Austin members receive exclusive invitations to private events. Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership

Nuevo León IT Sector Business Luncheon Briefing
2016-06-15 12:30 - 14:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
This briefing and luncheon networking event will present specific business opportunities within Nuevo León’s mature IT sector. Monterrey, the capital city of Nuevo León state holds 4% of Mexico’s total population, yet it generates 9% of Mexico’s total GDP. Attend this seminar to discover why nearly 1,600 U.S. companies are conducting business in Monterrey.
RSVP before June 12th to: bramirez at wacaustin dot org

Smart Cities Innovation Summit
2016-06-13 09:00 - 2016-06-15 20:00 | Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is a supporting organization for the Smart Cities Innovation Summit taking place on 13-15 June. The Summit brings together over 200 cities and their respective leaders to demonstrate and partner with innovative technology and service providers — linking progressive cities with state-of-the-art solutions and best practices.

The Smart Cities Innovation Summit is co-located with the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) and the US Ignite Application Summit creating the most comprehensive showcase and accelerator of smart city innovation world-wide. While these events are co-located, the GCTC Expo is a separate and distinct event. All registrants for the Smart Cities Innovation Summit or US Ignite Application Summit will have full access to all three events, including the GCTC Expo.

Global Business Series: Discussion with Larry Tabash
2016-06-03 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Larry Tabash is a Senior International Trade Specialist and Middle East expert for the U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service in Austin, TX. He has held positions overseas with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State as a Senior Business Advisor in Iraq working on infrastructure development and capacity building. He has traveled throughout the Middle East and Europe and worked extensively in those markets assisting companies in finding suitable American partners. He has led trade missions to Asia and the Middle East. A native of Washington, DC.
Mr. Tabash’s personal and career pursuits have taken him to over 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1998, he worked as a Senior Project Manager for Visa Interactive which later became Integrion Financial Network, a start-up electronic bill payment company in Reston, Virginia and for Riggs National Bank as a Senior Sales & Service Representative and Loan Officer. Larry also worked as a Program Officer for AMIDEAST Inc., where he administered USAID and privately-funded training programs and worked on business development for the organization. He has more than 20 years of experience in international trade, business, and banking.
Larry earned both his bachelor’s degree in International Studies and his master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Trade Mission to Asia with Austin Mayor Steve Adler
2016-06-03 | TX
Mayor Steve Adler is leading a delegation to Asia to explore trade and business opportunities in South Korea, China, Singapore, and Taiwan.
The mayor will be meeting with government officials, business leaders and touring sites to learn about best practices and innovative solutions to affordability and mobility and other issues that can be applied to solve problems in our city.
There is space for a small delegation of business representatives to join this delegation for all or parts of the trip. Representatives of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department will facilitate one on one business meetings or site visits for a curated itinerary for selected businesses. Specific areas of focus are: technology generally, life sciences/medtech, and entrepreneurship.
Seoul July 5 – 9
Shanghai July 9 – 13
Singapore July 13- 17
Taichung July 17 – 19
Please click here for detailed flyer. If you are interested in participating in this delegation and are able to commit to at least two cities on the itinerary, please complete this online application prior to June 3rd.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Briefing
2016-05-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, former Senior Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is leading a 10 member delegation of Pakistani Businessmen, who are visiting United States of America to meet with the government officials and key trade associations and business organizations to discuss opportunities and challenges in increasing the bilateral trade and investment relationship.
With a population over 20 million, Karachi is the principal urban center and the main industrial, financial and commercial center of Pakistan. The KCCI delegation’s objective is to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan trade and investment relations and promote Karachi as a profitable business destination.
The KCCI delegates will join us to discuss recent developments in Pakistan’s economy and key issues in the bilateral trade and investment relationship. The briefing will explore how companies can participate in Pakistan’s accelerating growth and will survey opportunities for American companies in Karachi.
RSVP to: bramirez (at) wacaustin (dot) com

Partner organizations:
City of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, GlobalAustin, CyberTex Institute of Technology

Fifth Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2016-05-10 07:30 - 16:30 | Hilton Hotel, 500 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Helping Texas Businesses Access The World’s Largest Economic Zone
In its 5th 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 EU. The summit builds on that footprint, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses and economic development organizations while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting.
The Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders, trade and investment officials from EU countries, trade policy experts and political officials.
Event sponsors include:
The Barbo Osher Pro Suecia Foundation Endowment,
The European Union Delegation to the USA, and
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center at St. Edwards University,
The International Business Institute at Austin Community College,
The World Affairs Councils of America.

Global Business Series: Immigration’s Impact on Austin Businesses & Startups
2016-05-06 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
As Austin businesses and startups continue to become increasingly global, the practical necessity of needing to hire and transfer highly-skilled professionals from foreign countries to Austin is becoming extremely important. Join Immigration Attorney, Jason Finkelman for a lively and informative discussion on the impact of immigration on Austin businesses and our growing startup scene. Jason will explore how businesses are managing employment-immigration challenges, what changes may be on the horizon for U.S. immigration reform, and what lies ahead for international businesses and startups seeking to expand to Austin.
This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.
Jason Finkelman is an Immigration Attorney working at the forefront of immigration law to assist international individuals with obtaining work visas, lawful permanent residence (“green cards”), and U.S. citizenship. He handles a variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters for both U.S. and foreign companies, investors, startups, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, executives, families and students. Jason provides cutting-edge immigration legal services to clients across a wide-range of industries including high-tech, semiconductor, healthcare, higher education, energy, oil and gas, import/export, research, video game, as well as professional athletics, music, and entertainment to help them meet their immigration goals. Please visit www.finkelmanlaw.com for more information on his services.

Southeast Asia and Trans-Pacific Partnership Briefing
2016-05-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host a visit by Margaret Hanson-Muse, the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs for ASEAN. Ms. Hanson-Muse will discuss doing business in the ten Southeast Asian countries. Ms. Hanson-Muse will cover profiles of the ten nations and discuss the top markets and best prospects for U.S. firms. Learn how to successfully enter or grow your presence in these markets and discover how the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement can improve market access for you.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an alliance of ten countries with rich business environments: Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries have 630 million social media savvy consumers. ASEAN welcomes U.S. companies and provides a wide range of opportunities plus the chance to tap the rapidly developing digital economy.
A limited number of one-on-one meetings with Ms. Hanson-Muse is available to seminar participants. Once you register for the seminar, you may request a private meeting before the presentation by contacting Karen Parker

Business Luncheon Featuring H.E. Pham Quang Vinh, Vietnam's Ambassador to the USA
2016-04-28 11:30 - 13:00 | TX
In collaboration with the LBJ Presidential Library and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, World Affairs Council of Austin members join key Austin business and community leaders at a private luncheon with the Ambassador of Vietnam to the USA. The main objective of this luncheon is to promote a comprehensive US-Vietnam partnership, of which key components are economic development, trade, and relationship-building with Texas-based companies across all business sectors.
Since the establishment of the US- Vietnam bilateral trade agreement in 2001, trade between the two countries has grown dramatically. The United States and Vietnam have concluded a trade and investment framework agreement’ they also have signed textile, air transport, and maritime agreements. The two countries, along with other Asia-Pacific nations, are part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, with the goal of concluding a high-standard regional free trade agreement.
This exclusive event is hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the LBJ Presidential Library and the University of Texas at Austin as a special program of the Vietnam War Summit.

For more information, contact: bramirez (at) wacaustin (dot) org

H.E. Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal to the USA Discusses Investment and Business Opportunities in Portugal
2016-04-27 08:15 - 10:00 | TX
Exclusive event for World Affairs Council Members. Please join us for a special program on trade and investment opportunities in the Portuguese Republic. Portugal’s economy has been expanding at a steady pace since 2010. The newly elected government’s approved budget signals that Portugal is recovering credibility in the markets as well as trust, stability and economic optimism.
Portugal’s export driven economic growth has been remarkable. Portuguese exports to the US more than doubled in the last five years from 1 to 2.5 billion Euros. Besides traditional sectors (textiles, footwear, wines, food, ceramics, wood and pulp), Portugal’s economy is more and more focused on modern, non-traditional industries like renewable energy, aerospace, biotech and information technology.
Entrepreneurship is also a focal point in the Portuguese economy. Lisbon, a hotbed for startups with many government-funded business incubators, will host the largest European event on innovation startups – the Web Summit (November 7-10, 2016).

Featured speakers:
H.E. Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal to the USA, and
Dr. Rui Boavista Marques, Portuguese Trade and Investment Commissioner
Dr. Robert Peterson, Director of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas

DOMINGOS TEIXEIRA DE ABREU FEZAS VITAL
Graduated in Social and Juridical Sciences in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; degree in Law from the University of Coimbra; Post-graduate in International Trade from the Solvay Institute of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. He previously served as Permanent Representative of Portugal to the European Union.
RUI BOAVISTA MARQUES
Received his Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Economy and Technology, Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology RCAST, University of Tokyo, Japan (March 1996). Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Information Theory, University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Japan (March 1989). Scholarship holder and researcher of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Japan (1986-1989). Bachelor (B.Sc.) of Electronics and Telecommunication, ISEL – Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (September 1982). He also serves as a Member of the Board, Foreign Trade Commissioners Association, New York.

Become a member of the World Affairs Council of Austin prior to April 22nd to receive your exclusive invitation. Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership

Comparative Global/Regional Migration and Displacement Challenges: Exploring Security & Moral Dimensions
2016-04-13 09:00 - 17:30 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
In collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center for Excellence at St. Edward’s University, panels considering the academic and policy dimensions of contemporary migration challenges from a comparative perspective, focusing particularly on issues and case studies in Europe, Eurasia, and U.S.-Mexico/Central America. Experts will present research findings from these regions and consider the moral and security dimensions of migration management. Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks including St. Edward’s and University of Texas, Austin faculty as well as other distinguished experts of the United States, Europe, and Eurasia.
This will be the second conference event on transatlantic security funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program grant in cooperation with the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at University of Texas, Austin. The conference panel sessions will be held throughout the day with opportunities for students and members of the community to participate.
Limited seating available, please RSVP to kozmetskycenter@stedwards.edu

Author's Night: Sharon Schweitzer Presents 'Access to Asia'
2016-04-07 18:00 - 19:30 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
‘Sharon Schweitzer, JD is an international etiquette expert, corporate trainer, Kirkus-acclaimed and Best-selling author of Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Guide to Building Trust, Inspiring Respect & Creating Long Lasting Business Relationships. Sharon’s dynamic, engaging and interactive delivery includes her humorous experiences in 60 countries on seven continents.
Sharon provides organizations, law firms, universities and executive teams with practical techniques to improve business communication and increase revenue. Topics: Global Leadership, Global Competence Assessment, Cross-Cultural Communication, Multi-Cultural Sales and Marketing, International Manners and Etiquette.

Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy International Trade Representative for the People's Republic of China.
2016-04-07 10:30 - 12:30 | Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governors Row, Austin, 78744, United States
Join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive presentation by Mr. Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy International Trade Representative for the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen’s portfolio covers the Department of Foreign Assistance, the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation, the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs, the Bureau of International Economic Cooperation, China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the Academy for International Business Officials, China International Contractors Association, China National Association of Engineering Consultants, and China Cooperative Trade Enterprises Association.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen worked successively as deputy director and director at the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC), he became Deputy Director-General of the Department in Jul. 2000. He was appointed Deputy Director General of the Department of WTO Affairs and the China WTO Notification and Inquiry Center in Nov. 2001, and was promoted to be Director General of the Department of WTO Affairs and the China WTO Notification and Inquiry Center in Apr. 2005. He was appointed Deputy Representative and Minister (DG-level) of China’s Permanent Mission to the WTO in Jun. 2008 and became Director General of the Department of Policy Research of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) in Aug. 2011. He was appointed Assistant Minister and member of the CPC Leadership Group of MOFCOM in Aug. 2013 and was promoted to Deputy China International Trade Representative (vice-ministerial level) and member of the CPC Leadership Group of MOFCOM in April 2015.

Global Business Series: International Dimensions of Strong Corporate Cultures
2016-04-01 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Studies consistently show that the most engaged and innovative organizations, whether in the United States or elsewhere, tend to be the most successful. What do the cultures of these companies have in common? This presentation provides five foundational keys to a strong business culture and provide ways to bring these attributes to your own businesses. These keys include:

Connect
Develop
Discover
Collaborate
Transform

A strong, articulated culture allows you to clearly align how you do business with partners and clients no matter where they are located. It gives a clear path to mutually beneficial understandings on day-to-day interactions. By having a clear vision of “how we do things,” we can more effectively bridge and overcome differences at all levels.
Come to learn, share, and connect with the amazing Austin international community. Let’s each increase our effectiveness in creating successful international businesses that positively impact the world.
READ CARRIE’S BLOG POST.
This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.
_______________
Carrie Vanston leads Corporate Cultures That Rock which helps organizations maximize purpose and connection to create better performance and profit with a strong view to the future. She is a consummate connector who enjoys bringing people together to connect, collaborate, and grow. She is developer of “Five Keys to an Engaged & Innovative Culture” and co-author of the award-winning book MINITRENDS: How Innovators & Entrepreneurs Discover & Profit From Business & Technology Trends. Her Five Keys feature placed #4 in the “Top 10 Articles of 2015” in Texas CEO Magazine.
She directed TFI’s popular MiniTrends Conference Series with the themes “The Integration of Profit & Social Responsibility,” “Insight, Innovation & Strategy,” and “Translating Emerging Trends into Business Opportunities.”
Carrie enjoys speaking on creating and growing strong cultures with presentations at events including Investing with Impact Conference; WorldFuture 2015; RISE Conference; Latin America Regional Project, Women in Technology Multi-Regional Project; Product Camp; The University of Texas SAGE Program; Central Texas World Future Society, West Point Society, TFI Technology Forecasting Conference, and IEEE CTCN.

Content Korea Startup Roadshow
2016-03-15 12:00 - 14:00 | The Four Horsemen, 310 E. Sixth Street, Austin, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the World Affairs Council of Austin invites local business representatives to hear from and meet 12 Korean Startups from diverse industry sectors — education, art, fashion, technology, wellness, and virtual reality.
KOCCA (a government organization) provides a comprehensive support system to nurture the content industry, with the aim of growing Korea’s content industry into a global leader.
The 12 INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE and INTERESTING Korean Startups include:

OPENGALLERY: Supplying artwork to individual and corporate customers through rentals or sales.

BEECANVAS: A template-based collaborative tool that allows you to “Visualize Your Project.”

Class123: A free and entertaining classroom management tool for teachers.

MANSOLE: An innovative way to purchase your shoes.

ALIVE: A mobile video editing solution for 3D/AR.

Enomad: The world’s smallest and smartest hydro power plant.

WAY: Analyzes skin & environment data to develop a personalized skincare service.

ZIKTO: A healthcare wearable that makes user’s life more balanced via context aware feedback technology.

n.thing: An IoT technology company for smart homes, gardening and farming.

DAILYHOTEL: Last-minute hotel reservation service with unparalleled prices and simple UI.

DoubleMe: We literally put you into Virtual Reality! – Holographic VR Experiences.

Junimong: A platform for children around the world to communicate through art.

Impact thu Innovation Forum
2016-03-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin, Tech Ranch, New Venture Institute, the City of Austin, 3D Innovation Labs, and Global Ascent Partners in celebrating the launch of iTi with a series of pitches from startups around the world whose ventures are focused on making a social and global impact through their innovation. Learn more about Austin organizations engaged in global Social Good projects.

Global Business Series: Successful Cross Cultural Negotiation
2016-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Based on the 6D Model of Prof. Geert Hofstede, Salvador Apud will explain how the key components of a negotiation process are affected by the cultural background of the negotiators.
In today’s globalized business environment, it is common to find ourselves negotiating or executing business deals with partners from different cultural backgrounds.
Cultural misunderstandings can negatively impact a company’s bottom line. Examples of blunders resulting in lost business are on the rise.
Attendees will learn how to properly prepare for a successful cross cultural negotiation.
As a practical example, Salvador will apply this framework, to a case where US and Mexican negotiators are involved.
The Q&A session will allow participants to expand the application to other cultural backgrounds.

This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.

Salvador Apud is the CEO of US-Mexico Consulting (www.usmexicoconsulting.com ) and of ITIM America (www.itimamerica.com ) based out of Austin, TX USA, also a Board Member & Consultant. Salvador has more than 35 years of experience as a consultant, entrepreneur and academic researcher makes him a uniquely qualified consultant in the global arena.
Salvador’s work in Cross Cultural Competence, focuses on providing consultancy, executive coaching and training for Global Corporations (Fortune 500) and Public Institutions to develop: Intercultural Competency in the areas of Communication, Management, Team Building-Leadership, Strategy & Policy implementation, and Executive Coaching. Organizational Culture years of due diligence to support Post Merger Integration of M&A & Change Management projects.
Salvador’s clients include: Accenture, US Air Force, Unilever, Alfa Laval, Petrobras, Ecopetrol, Textron, The Corporate Reputation Institute, NII Holdings, Berlitz Cross Cultural, IBM, LexisNexis, Experian, NBA, Merck, CIBA, John Mansfield, IFL The Swedish Institute of Management, Philips Semiconductors, Robert Bosh, Bayer, Dell Latin America, GTZ, Hoogovens Technical Services and many others.

Austin International Trivia Night 2nd Edition
2016-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Ginger Man, 301 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s annual event for global affairs-minded people like you!
On March 3rd we will be presenting Austin International Trivia Night for adults. Have fun and show off your skills in geography, current events, global affairs, world leaders and international culture.
Compete against your friends and colleagues in 8 rounds of international themed trivia! Teams of 2 – 5 people can register for $20 per team. Teams will have the opportunity to win prizes from local Austin businesses. Proceeds of this event will support the winning team of high school students who will be competing in Washington, DC at the national Academic WorldQuest! This year, the World Affairs Council of Austin is happy to host this event with Go Global ATX!

Gather your team, and register now.

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST.

Business Briefing on China Featuring John Frisbie
2016-02-29 09:15 - 10:45 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
China represents one of central Texas’ strongest trading partners. Join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we welcome John Frisbie, President of the US-China Business Council (USCBC). Mr. Frisbie will discuss the economic climate in China and address the best prospects for Texas business. PLEASE RSVP to Ben Ramirez.

John Frisbie has more than 25 years of experience in business and government relations with China, including nearly 10 years living and working in Beijing.
Frisbie started his career with USCBC in 1986, first working in USCBC’s Washington, DC, office, then as director of China Operations in Beijing from 1988-93. He joined the General Electric Co. (GE) in 1993 as director for Business Development in China for the company’s diverse set of businesses and then moved to Singapore to assume Asia-wide positions for two GE business units.
Frisbie repatriated to the United States in 2000, joining the trade consulting practice established by former US Secretary of Commerce Mickey Kantor at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP.
Frisbie’s China background includes joint-venture negotiations, trade and investment consulting, policy analysis and advocacy, US and PRC government relations, and media relations. He has spoken at numerous conferences and events and authored reports and articles in the China Business Review, USCBC’s magazine, and in other journals such as Current History, as well as opinion articles in publications such as the Financial Times and the Journal of Commerce.
Frisbie received his BA and MBA degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He received several National Resource Fellowships for language study and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
With gratitude to our partners:

Academic WorldQuest
2016-02-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Harmony School of Political Science, 13415 FM 620N, Austin, TX, United States
Each year, Academic WorldQuest seeks to inform and engage high school teens and their teachers across the country in global affairs. More than 4,000 students participate and test their knowledge of international affairs, global current event issues, and foreign policy. The winning high school teams at each local competition is invited to participate at the national contest in Washington DC. Our competition consists of 10 rounds of 10 questions about specific global themes.
Schools can register teams of 4 students in grades 9 – 12, however; the contest is especially relevant to students in World Geography, AP Human Geography and Economics.
Our competition is scheduled for Saturday, February 27th at Harmony School of Political Science.
AWQ is a terrific opportunity to engage your students in global affairs and compete against fellow high school students in the area. We have had great success and participation in this event in past years and want to make it even bigger this year!
High school coaches and student teams of four can register at this link: http://goo.gl/forms/TUqxSy0nCA

SUPPORT THE WINNING TEAM’S TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AT OUR TRIVIA NIGHT. MORE INFO AT http://wacaustin.org/event/austin-international-trivia-night-2nd-edition/

WACA Member Social
2016-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Antonelli’s Cheese House, 500 Park Blvd., Austin, TX, 78751, United States
To kick off the new year and thank you for your membership, we’re hosting a member social. At the event, you will get the opportunity to meet other members from across the community.
Please RSVP via your emailed invitation. Your presence is greatly appreciated.
Note that the location is the bungalow across from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

Luncheon with Slovakia's Minister of Economy and the Ambassador to the USA
2016-02-09 11:45 - 13:00 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
The World Affairs Council of Austin presents an exclusive luncheon featuring the Minister of Economy, Vazil Hudák, and HE Peter Kmec, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States. Minister Hudák and Ambassador Kmec will provide an overview of the business climate in this dynamic European nation.
Slovakia features an open economy, with exports serving as the main driver of GDP growth. Since joining the European Union (2004) and the Eurozone (2009), the Slovak Republic has led the region garnering FDI, because of its relatively low-cost, highly-skilled labor force, reasonable tax rates, and favorable geographic location.
Slovakia’s strongest industry sectors include: R&D Specialization; Automotive and Mechanical Engineering; Information and Communication Technology; Consumer Electronics; Electrical Equipment; Metals Production and Processing; Material Research; Nanotechnology; Biomedicine and Biotechnology.
Robert Šimončič, Director of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), will also present during the luncheon. The SARIO Director will provide an overview of the incentives available to Texas companies thinking about expanding their operations in this vibrant EU member market.
The Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic to Texas is coordinating this special visit to Austin. Honorary Consul Martin Valko will be available to discuss specific intitiatives between Slovakia and Texas.
Event partners include the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Chavez & Valko, LLP and the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association.

Shifting Geopolitics and Security among Major Powers: China, Russia, and the United States
2016-02-08 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
In collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University, a distinguished panel of specialists representing China, Russia, the United States and Europe will discuss shifting geopolitics and security among these major powers.
The panel will feature the following participants:
Dr. Artyom Lukin, Professor, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok;
Dr. Gao Fei, Professor, China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing;
Dr. Igor Zevelev, Director, MacArthur Foundation, Moscow;
Dr. Alexei Voskressenski, Dean, Moscow State Institute of International Relations;
Dr. Matthew Rojansky, Director, Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center;
Dr. Paul Bolt, Professor, United States Air Force Academy; and
Dr. Detlef Puhl, Senior Advisor, North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO.

Business in China: A Conversation with Jeremy R. Haft
2016-01-27 17:30 - 20:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Jeremy R. Haft has been starting and building companies in China for nearly two decades across the breadth of China’s economy – from light and heavy industries to agriculture. He is the author of Unmade in China as well as All the Tea in China: How to Buy, Sell, and Make Money on the Mainland. He excels in addressing best practices for importing, exporting, and doing business in China. Prior to his China experience, Haft was a founder of one of the first Internet agencies in Silicon Alley, Manhattan, which was ranked in the nation’s top five by Forrester Research in 1997. An adjunct professor at Georgetown University who lectures in both the Business and Foreign Service Schools, Haft’s analysis on China trade has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, NBC, CBS, and ABC, CNN, CNBC, Fox, and National Public Radio, among others. Haft is CEO of SafeSource Trading and Co-Founder and Chairman of Caracal Strategies.
More information about his latest book, Unmade in China, available here:
https://www.chinafile.com/library/books/unmade-china

Business Viewpoint of the TPP and other Trade Agreements
2016-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | UT McCombs School of Business, 2110 Speedway Room GSB 3.104, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Texas Camino Real District Export Council offers a seminar explaining how business representatives may take advantage of opportunities made available by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and other U.S. Trade Agreements.
Confirmed speakers include:
Arun Kumar
Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and Assistant Secretary for Global Markets, U.S. Department of Commerce
Leslie Griffin
UPS Senior Vice President, International Public Policy
Andy Wall
Applied Materials
Mark MacBeath
Bioo Scientific

RSVP with your name, business affiliation and contact information to: Nick Kirby njkirby (at) ups.com

Hungarian MP, Zoltán Kész Discusses Hungary at the Crossroads
2015-12-03 17:30 - 19:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
A long-term advocate of liberty, democracy, tolerance and free market values, Zoltán Kész won by a great margin the by-election held in the West-Hungarian town of Veszprém on 22 February, 2015. In his victory speech, MP Kész stressed that although he and the supporting parties have many differences, all of them are working for the same fundamental values of democracy. Zoltán Kész’s victory shattered the two-third majority of governing party Fidesz in Hungary’s parliament.

Zoltán Kész, born 1974 in Veszprem (Hungary), worked as a guest lecturer at ELTE University. He also taught history in the USA, and English in Hungary. Besides teaching, he is also an entrepreneur and translator. MP Kész is founder (2011) and director of Free Market Foundation. The mission of Free Market Foundation is to represent, defend, and advance classical liberal values, ideas and policies in Hungary, and among speakers of the Hungarian language.
