9:00AM – 5:00PM
Business to Business Appointments with Foreign Buyers Location: University Room
1:00PM – 5:00PM
Early Registration Location: Conference Foyer
2:00PM – 5:00PM
Commercial Diplomat Appointments Location: Congressional Room
6:00PM – 8:00PM
Opening Reception Welcome Remarks: Nancy McFarlane, Mayor of Raleigh Presentation of Export Achievement Certificates to Thorlo, Inc.: Antwaun Griffin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations, U.S. Commercial Service Location: State Ballroom
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast Location: Conference Foyer
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Welcome Remarks: Wayne Cooper, Chair, North Carolina District Export Council Greg Sizemore, Director, U.S. Commercial Service Offices in North Carolina Opening Remarks and Presentation of Export Achievement Certificates to Urban Planet and LORD Corporation: Antwaun Griffin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations, U.S. Commercial Service The Honorable David Price, U.S. House of Representatives Location: State Ballroom
9:30AM – 10:30AM
Global Overview Moderator: Chris William, Host of Carolina Business Review Jay Bryson, Managing Director and Global Economist, Wells Fargo Ryan McManus, Global Growth and Strategy Leader and COO of the Strategy and Transformation Consulting Practice, Accenture Location: State Ballroom
10:30AM – 11:00AM
Networking Break Location: Conference Foyer
11:00AM – 12:15PM
Breakout Sessions
Session A
The Road Less Travelled - Creating Sales Opportunities in Emerging Markets There are several challenges to entering emerging markets, especially those that your competitors have not yet identified as having potential. The savvy company can grow its international sales by leveraging its existing networks, and adapting its products, services, and marketing, to match the unique needs of these challenging markets. In addition to exploring the opportunities posed by emerging markets, this session will also cover trade barriers, both tariff and non-tariff, that must be recognized and overcome. Moderator: Rebecca Armand, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Mission to Nigeria Ryan McManus, Global Strategy, Accenture Steve Janz, Vice President of International Sales and Business Development, Flow Sciences, Inc. Tom Robinson, Vice President, ERD Ltd. Inc. Location: State E
Session B
Managing Risk, Not Avoiding It: Strategies for Risk Mitigation Many questions arise when determining what kind of legal redress U.S. companies have if they run into complications while operating in rapidly growing markets. Are the rights of foreign investors or manufacturers protected? Are there particular challenges or complexities in understanding the legal landscapes for smaller companies? This session will help U.S. exporters to ask the right questions and take appropriate steps to protect your company when entering into new business relationships abroad. Brian Whisler, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP (Presentation) Mary Elizabeth Reiss, Vice President of Compliance and Ethics, RTI Louise Kern, Managing Director, GloBIS (Presentation) Mike Allocca, President, Allocca Enterprises (Presentation) Joseph Zeccardi, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank Location: State F
12:15PM – 2:00PM
Lunch - Hosted by Western Union Business Solutions Keynote Remarks: Elaine Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State Location: State Ballroom
2:00PM - 3:15PM
Building a Strategy for the Rapidly Growing and Emerging Markets in Europe Although it is one of the United States’ oldest and best-established trading partners, the European region continues to present emerging opportunities for U.S. firms. Turkey and Russia, with large populations and growing income rates, have market potential in sectors like agricultural equipment, energy, and healthcare/medical technologies. Newer EU Member States such as Poland continue to post economic gains despite Europe’s recent financial turbulence. The Eurozone itself is undergoing its own emergence from the recent economic crises affecting its members, and now seeks to restore economic stability and strengthen its global trading relationships. This session promises to compare and contrast the diverse business landscapes across the European region. Moderator: Chris William, Host of Carolina Business Review William Czajkowski, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Warsaw John Breidenstine, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy London Jeffrey Justice, Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate Istanbul Jonathan Knaus, Vice President of Agent Sales & Implementation, Western Union Business Solutions Bill Adams, Senior International Economist, PNC Financial Services Group Location: State Ballroom
3:15PM - 3:45PM
3:45PM - 5:00PM
Building a Strategy for the Rapidly Growing and Emerging Markets in Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 6 of the 10 fastest growing markets in the world. Economic growth in the region is predicted to be between 5 and 7% in coming years. Most importantly, millions of Africans are finding a path from poverty with the promise of greater opportunities, development and prosperity. This session will include a discussion of the latest businesses opportunities in Africa’s most promising sectors, including power, energy, health, infrastructure, agribusiness, consumer goods and services. Moderator: Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Middle East and South Asia, U.S. Department of Commerce Larry Farris, Regional Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate Johannesburg Rebecca Armand, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Mission to Nigeria Jim Wilson, Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Economic Policy Staff, U.S. Dept. of State Tom Cambell, Senior Director, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Rick Angiuoni, Director, Africa, Global Business Development, Export-Import Bank of the United States Joel Edge, Managing Director, Star Building Systems International Division Location: State Ballroom
8:00AM - 5:30PM
Commercial Diplomat Appointments (Concurrent) Location: Congressional
6:30PM - 8:30PM
A Taste of North Carolina Networking Reception Location: Cobblestone Hall at City Market 215 Wolfe Street, Raleigh (three blocks from the Marriott)
7:30AM – 8:15AM
Continental Breakfast Location: Conference Foyer
8:15:AM – 9:00AM
Welcome Remarks and Opening Session: Panama Canal Expansion and Opportunities for U.S. Companies Moderator: Chris William, Host of Carolina Business Review Rodolfo Sabonge, Executive Vice President for Planning and Business Development of the Panama Canal Authority Daniel Crocker, Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere and Former Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Panama City Location: State Ballroom
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Building a Strategy for the Rapidly Growing and Emerging Markets in Asia With a diverse grouping of economies, Asia is a major destination for U.S. business. Panel members will discuss the sizable opportunities, current challenges, and keys to successfully navigating distinct markets in the region. China’s rapid economic growth continues to earn impressive returns for U.S. exports. The Indian market presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and long-term commitment. The entry into force of the U.S - Korea free trade agreement translates into countless new opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to sell more goods and services to Korean customers, while ASEAN member countries, with their growing middle class, present both benefits and challenges to U.S. companies. Moderator: Chris William, Host of Carolina Business Review William Zarit, Minister for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy Beijing Sarah Kemp, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Hanoi Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Middle East and South Asia, U.S. Department of Commerce Mitch Larsen, Counselor for Commercial Affairs, U.S. Embassy Seoul Mike Viniconis, Argus Fire Control Location: State Ballroom
10:00AM – 10:30AM
10:30AM – 11:30AM
Building a Strategy for the Rapidly Growing and Emerging Markets in the Middle East and North Africa The Middle East and North Africa are regions of great opportunity for all types of companies, not just large multinationals. Business in these regions can be challenging as well as rewarding. In Saudi Arabia, the windfall of higher oil revenues creates substantial commercial opportunities for U.S. companies. As the world’s leading oil producer and exporter, Saudi Arabia recognizes the economic need to balance rising oil export revenues with higher volumes of foreign imports. Egypt is also a major oil and gas producer with a diversified economy and a strategic position between North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf. The UAE, a wealthy nation and dynamic market, has long been recognized as the commercial and business hub of the Gulf. With its inviting business environment, the UAE has transformed itself into a truly international center for commerce and trade. This session promises to address the contrasting realities on the ground while exploring short and long-term opportunities for U.S. business interests in this region. Moderator: William Fanjoy, Director, U.S. Commercial Service – Virginia/DC Dennis Simmons, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Cairo Dao Le, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Kuwait City Robert Bannerman, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate Dubai Ross Ensor, Vice President, Corporate International Director, Leo A Daly Location: State Ballroom
11:30AM – 12:30PM
Diverse Technology Environments and the Impact on International Marketing Online and mobile promotions should be based on understanding the IT landscape in emerging international markets. What are the various internet and mobile phone penetration rates? Is social media truly a global phenomenon that should be taken into account by SMEs seeking to build their global brand? This session promises to answer these and other questions surrounding your international on-line marketing strategy. Moderator: Duncan Archibald, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate Sydney Steven Wells, Managing Partner, KoMarketing Associates (Presentation) Casie Gillette, Director of Online Market, KoMarketing Associates. Location: State E
Contract Considerations and Dispute Resolution in Challenging Overseas Climates Many questions arise when determining what kind of legal redress U.S. companies have if they run into complications while operating in rapidly growing markets. Are the rights of foreign investors or manufacturers protected? Are there particular challenges or complexities in understanding the legal landscapes for smaller companies? This session will help U.S. exporters to ask the right questions and take appropriate steps to protect your company when entering into new business relationships abroad. Moderator: Danny DeVito, Regional Director, Europe, U.S. Commercial Service William Harazin, Principal, William D Harazin, PLLC Jonathan Szucs, Engineering Manager, Advanced Superabrasives Inc. Location: State F
12:30PM – 1:45PM
Lunch Keynote Remarks and Presentation of Export Achievement Certificates: Judy Reinke, Acting Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General, U.S. Commercial Service Location: State Ballroom
1:45PM – 2:45PM
Building a Strategy for the Rapidly Growing and Emerging Markets in the Americas The Americas region represents perhaps the hottest and most accessible export market for U.S. goods and services. In fact, exports to Canada and Latin America represented nearly half of all U.S. goods exports in 2012, and grew nearly twice as fast as exports to the rest of the world. Mexico, with its rapidly growing economy, allows U.S. exporters to use it as a springboard to expand to multiple high-quality markets within Latin America. Looking south, the United States has ten additional FTA partner countries, including our two newest – Colombia and Panama - which provide tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters. Meanwhile, Brazil’s growth, size, and diversified economy offers numerous opportunities – and challenges - in key sectors. Learn how you can take advantage of these markets from U.S. Commercial Diplomats serving in these countries and hear about real export strategies and experiences from a U.S. company that has been successfully selling into the region for a number of years. Moderator: Daniel Crocker, Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere, U.S. Commercial Service Nicole DeSilvis, Commercial Attaché, U.S. Embassy Bogota John Howell, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate Monterrey Devin Rambo, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Brasília Ellen Lenny-Pessagno, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Santiago Rick Ortiz, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Ottawa Jason Reiner, Latin America Business Manager, Des-Case Corporation Location: State Ballroom
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Augment Your Financial Strategy Based on Distinctive Banking Landscapes Banking landscapes and credit culture vary in these evolving economies. The ever-volatile foreign exchange market also impacts your exports regardless of whether you have an active currency strategy or if you simply bill your customers in U.S. dollars. The presenters will provide current news and information on the sophistication level of foreign banks, their willingness to lend to your buyers, and the interest rate environment. Learn what exporters can do to offer financing terms to their buyers to protect payment, increase sales and remain competitive. This discussion will also include the different market dynamics, how currency movements shape the decisions of foreign buyers and how you can make it easier for those buyers to choose your products or services. Eddy Mayan, Director, Office of International Business & Protocol, State of New Jersey Department of State Matthew Lewis, Director, Partnerships & Alliances, Western Union Business Solutions (Presentation) Michael Filchock, Director, Global Trade Solutions, SunTrust Bank (Presentation) Location: State E
Resources for Identifying and Winning Overseas Procurement and Projects Identifying and winning international public tenders and procurements can be a challenge for U.S. companies. The presenters on this panel will lend their real world experience and expertise to help you understand what resources are available and how to develop better strategies for pursuing foreign government funded opportunities. Resources such as the procurement pipelines with the regional development banks, the U.S. Commercial Service’s Advocacy Center, along with strategies on developing successful partnerships will be explored. Moderator: Rick Ortiz, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Ottawa Tom Campbell, Senior Director, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Mohammad Ali, Chief Procurement Officer, RTI International Americo Tadeu, Deputy Director, Advocacy Center, U.S. Department of Commerce Location: State F
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Commercial Diplomat Appointments (Concurrent) Location: Congressional Room
Business to Business Appointments with Foreign Buyers (Concurrent) Location: University Room Program Concludes
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