2024 World Trade Conference

2024 World Trade Conference

May 16, 2024 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Register for Event Here

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2024 World Trade Conference

 

Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights for Global Business Growth 

 

Join the Midwest International Trade Association (MITA) at our annual World Trade Conference on Thursday, May 16th, at the Tiburon Banquet Facility, as we celebrate World Trade Week. This conference is the perfect platform for professionals in the field of international trade to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this conference has something for everyone interested in international business. You will also hear from a wide range of speakers who will address various topics including an update on the Omaha airport terminal modernization, cyber security, workforce development efforts across Nebraska, ocean carrier trends, and a global economic outlook. You will hear an engaging panel discussion on entrepreneurship and workforce in Nebraska with people who are intimately involved in innovative workforce solutions. Governor Pillen will address conference attendees about his insights on international trade and the benefits to Nebraska businesses, and he will give out this year’s Global Trade Award. You will have the chance to learn from experts in the field, share your own experiences and ask questions, and make valuable connections that could benefit your business.

Our conference offers many networking opportunities over coffee and lunch, during breaks, and at the concluding reception hosted by First National Bank of Omaha.

So don’t wait! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain valuable insights on the latest trends and developments, and expand your business connections. Sign up for the conference today and take your business in international trade to the next level!


Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen
Growing Nebraska through International Trade
Presentation of MITA Global Trade Award

David L. Roth, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Omaha Airport Authority
The Build OMA Terminal Modernization Program

  • The Terminal Modernization Program is a needs-based development program to expand and modernize the terminal at Eppley Airfield.
  • The $950 million program is focused on enhancing the travelers’ experience while supporting our airport’s long-term growth.

Brooke Wehrenberg
Outreach Chief
Department of State’s Visa Office
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State Visa Office: Facilitating Business Travel to the USA

  • International travel to the United States strengthens our industries, enhances investment flows, and protects our vital national and economic security.
  • Today more people can travel to the United States than ever before and behind that push is the U.S. Department of State’s visa operations.
  • This presentation will demystify the visa process for different types of travelers and explain how the Department of State’s record-breaking year of visa issuances contributes to business expansion.

Todd D. Vettel
President
International Workforce Services
Building the Future Workforce: How International Workforce Services Bridges the Skills Gap

  • Labor challenges and market research.
  • The IWS way.
  • The opportunities.

Paul Lesnefsky
Senior Key Account Executive
Ocean Network Express (North America) Inc. (ONE)
Shaping the Future: Ocean Carrier Trends and Insights

  • Import/export topics from an ocean carrier perspective.
  • General update on where things are now.
  • How things have changed: Panama Canal, Red Sea (Suez Canal), U.S. West Coast/U.S. East Coast.

John Crain
Special Agent
FBI Omaha Cyber Task Force
and
Brandon Stigge
Task Force Officer
FBI Omaha Cyber Task Force
Internet Highway, No License Required

  • Business Email Compromise (BEC) and the avenues for compromise (phishing, whaling, etc.).
  • FBI Recovery Asset Team (RAT) and the Financial Fraud Kill Chain (FFKC).
  • Crypto Currency trends; scams.

Dr. Chris Decker
Economist
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Nebraska’s Merchandise Exports: Current Conditions and Outlook

  • Nebraska will avoid a recession in 2024.
  • Inflation remains a risk, particularly on other counties. This could impact Exports.
  • Exports related to Agriculture, however, both durable and nondurable, continue to show stable growth over the long term.

Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development Panel Discussion
Josh DeMers, Program Manager, The Combine, Invest Nebraska
Shonna Dorsey, Executive Director of Nebraska Tech Collaborative and internNE
Laurel Oetken, Executive Director, Tech Nebraska
Dan Curran, Executive Director, Nebraska Business Development Center
Steve Schulz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management, Supply Chain-University of Nebraska at Omaha (Moderator)

WORLD TRADE CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

Able Transport
AIT Worldwide Logistics
Commerce Bank  (Breakfast Sponsor)
Crane Worldwide Logistics
Dvorak Law Group (Lunch Sponsor)
First National Bank of Omaha (Reception Sponsor)
Goba Capital Inc.
Husch Blackwell (Breakfast Sponsor)
Lyncstream
Metropolitan Community College
Scarbrough International
U.S. Small Business Administration

For more information, click HERE!