2025 World Trade Conference

Navigating New Dynamics in Global Trade

Join the Midwest International Trade Association (MITA) at our annual World Trade Conference on Thursday, May 15th, 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 hear from a wide range of speakers who will address various topics, including agricultural exports and transportation policy, impact of tariffs on our economy, U.S. foreign aid and leadership, management of global human resources and hiring, negotiation strategies, international diplomacy, and the state of Nebraska’s bioeconomy. There will also be a panel discussion led by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, as well as remarks from renowned economist Ernie Goss. Governor Pillen will address conference attendees, offering his insights on international trade and its benefits to Nebraska businesses, and will present this year’s Global Trade Award. You will have the opportunity to learn from experts, share your own experiences, 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!

DATE:  Thursday, May 15, 2025

TIME:
7:45-8:30 am – Registration, Breakfast, Coffee and Networking
8:30-3:30 pm – Conference (includes lunch)
3:30-5:30 pm – Networking Reception Sponsored by FNBO

FEE:
Platinum Members:  Free (up to 10 attendees free)
Gold Members:  Free (up to 5 attendees free)
Silver Members:  Free (up to 2 attendees free)
Bronze Members:  Free (1 attendee free)

Additional Member Attendees:  $75/person
Non-Members:  $150/person
Students/Retirees:  $35/person

LOCATION:
Tiburon Golf Club & Banquet Facility
10302 South 168th Street
Omaha, Nebraska

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

Ernie Goss, Ph.D.
MacAllister Chair & Professor of Economics
Creighton University
Tariffs, Trade, and the U.S. Debt: Impacts on U.S. and Regional Economies

• The recently implemented Trump tariffs will have significant and unanticipated impacts on U.S. economic growth, inflation and interest rates. In this session, Goss will identify and discuss each.

Peter Friedmann
Executive Director
Agriculture Transportation Coalition
Unprecedented Uncertainty – Coming from All Directions!

• No one is escaping the international trade injury – it’s worldwide.
• The Trump/Biden tariffs were popular; the current edition – not so much.
• There’s nothing we produce in agriculture here in the US, that can’t be sourced elseware. China knows this.
• China prepared for this trade war, not as dependent upon the U.S. as under Trump 1.0.
• USTR and Executive Order – Making ag and consumers pay for resurrecting our shipyards.
• Collapsing trade and commerce across the Pacific, cancelled imports lead to cancelled sailings.
• How do we climb out of this?

Sara Eide
Outreach Director, Central Region
U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
The Case for International Assistance – Growing Opportunities for American Agriculture and Trade

• USGLC Overview.
• Update on changes to international assistance programs and UGSLC’s perspective.
• How do recent changes to international assistance programs impact our local economies and trade opportunities?
• How does international assistance pave the way to strong trading partnerships?
• How can we engage our local leaders to advocate for global food programs and support the creation of new market opportunities overseas?
• The path forward and USGLC recommendations.

Katie Campbell
Senior Human Resource Business Partner
Lindsay Corporation
and
Chris Cottrell
Manager, Talent Acquisition
Lindsay Corporation
The Power of Collaboration: Creating a Unified Experience on a Global Scale

• Attracting and effectively onboarding top tier talent takes more than a snazzy website and a wide array of benefits. It takes teamwork.
• Katie and Chris will provide attendees with insight into how to tailor a consistent, authentic experience for candidates, regardless of their location and/or role.

Phani Tej Adidam, Ph.D.
Chairman & Professor, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
College of Business Administration
University of Nebraska at Omaha
and
Steve Schulz, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, Lucas Diamond Professor
College of Business Administration
University of Nebraska at Omaha
The Global Edge: Winning Strategies for Professional Negotiators

Whether you’re closing deals in Brussels or Bangalore, negotiation is at the heart of international trade success. Join Dr. Steve Schulz and Dr. Tej Adidam for an insight-rich session that blends time-tested negotiation strategies with real-world challenges of operating across borders. Walk away with actionable tactics to strengthen your position, influence outcomes, and drive value—no matter where in the world you’re negotiating.

• From Preparation to Close: A Strategic Blueprint for Every Negotiation – Master the essentials of goal-setting, BATNA analysis, anchoring, and the art of concession.
• Navigating Complexity: Managing Uncertainty and Cultural Nuance – Recognize when and how cultural awareness matters—without overcomplicating the playbook.

Julie Bushell
Founder and President
Global Sustainability Developers, LLC
CEO
Ethos Connected, LLC
Nebraska: Epicenter of the Global Bioeconomy

Jennifer Walters
Director of Operations, Global Engagements & Initiatives
Business Council for International Understanding
The Protocol Advantage: Your Edge to Global Engagements

• Understand the Environment: Situational awareness is key.
  ➡The 5 W’s of protocol and cultural considerations.
• Anticipate Challenges and Opportunities: Small details deliver big results.
  ➡Forms of address and gift giving.
• Develop a Strategy: Setting up for success.
  ➡Seating arrangements to venue and menu selection.
• Relationship Management: Being intentional.
  ➡Invitations, handshakes, business cards, and thank you notes.

2025 World Trade Conference Sponsors
AIT Worldwide Logistics
Boomerang Carnets
Dvorak Law Group
FNBO
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Husch Blackwell
JETRO
JZW International
Laufer Group International
Lindsay Corporation
Omaha Prime Chop House
Scarbrough Global
Streck
University of Nebraska at Omaha

For more information, click HERE!