2026 World Trade Conference

Global Trade at a Crossroads: Security, Strategy and the Midwest Advantage

Join the Midwest International Trade Association (MITA) for its premier annual World Trade Conference on Thursday, May 14th—an essential gathering of global business leaders, policymakers, and exporters shaping the future of international commerce. Building on years of impactful programming, this conference consistently delivers expert insights on critical topics like tariffs, supply chains, workforce strategy, and global market expansion, alongside high-level speakers including economists, industry executives, and government leaders. The MITA World Trade Conference has become a cornerstone event during World Trade Week, known for its unmatched networking opportunities, practical takeaways, and Midwest-focused perspective on global trade. This year’s theme, “Global Trade at a Crossroads: Security, Strategy and the Midwest Advantage,” promises timely, actionable intelligence for companies navigating an increasingly complex international landscape—making it a must-attend event for anyone serious about growing their global footprint.

This conference is the perfect platform for professionals in the field of international trade to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas. We are also proud to present the MITA Global Trade Award to a company that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to international commerce. Join us as we celebrate their leadership and the significant impact they have made on the global trade landscape.

Our conference offers many networking opportunities over coffee and lunch, during breaks, and at the concluding reception hosted by FNBO with special guests The Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association – CITCA.

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!

SPEAKERS:
Beth Richardson
Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis
Topic: Leveraging Nebraska-Canada Ties to Mitigate Global Risk

• Nebraska-Canada trade updates.
• Recent developments in Canada-U.S. relations.
• Regional supply chain dynamics amid global volatility.

Ambassador Darci Vetter 
Principal
Sower Strategies, LLC
and
Kellie Meiman
Senior Counselor
McLarty Associates
Topic: Trade Policy Dynamics in a Turbulent Era

• What comes next, now that “emergency” IEEPA tariffs have been declared unconstitutional, and what market openings can we expect from the trade deals announced by the Trump Administration?
• With President Trump scheduled to visit Beijing in May, can we anticipate stabilization of this critical relationship?
• Will the ongoing USMCA review preserve North American trade arrangements and inject stability into these critical relationships?
• What will be the impact of ongoing trade policy uncertainty to Midwestern companies, farmers and ranchers?

Cicely Batie
Policy Advisor to the Governor
Office of Governor Jim Pillen
Topic:  Nebraska Trade: Advantage Agriculture

• Discussing the last few years of Governor Pillen’s international trade work.
• How his trade work helps build up Nebraska agriculture and the goals for the upcoming year.

Stephen Zambo
Founder and CEO
The AGL Group
Topic:  Reshaping Global Logistics: Geopolitics, Automation, and the Vanishing Human Touch

• Will be sharing insights on the forces reshaping global logistics from tightening vessel space and volatile freight rates to geopolitical disruptions like Iran.
• Emerging vessel fees and increasing carrier consolidation.
• The growing shift toward automation and what’s lost as the human element disappears from supply chain execution.

Erin Saxby
Vice President of Enterprise Data & AI
FNBO
Topic:  AI at the Crossroads: Strategic Thinking for Trade Companies Ready to Start or Scale with Gen AI

• Navigating the AI Crossroads: Move past the uncertainty facing today’s businesses and professionals.
• Balancing Hype vs. Reality: Align AI risks and trends with your specific strategic goals.
• Starting & Scaling: Gain practical insights into industry approaches and the challenges of growth.

Caleb Hall
Director, US Customs Brokerage
Scarbrough International, LTD
Topic:  Tariff Talk: Breaking Down the Latest on IEEPA, Section 122 and Section 232

• IEEPA refunds and CAPE status.
• Section 122 – Implementation and looking ahead.
• Section 232 Updates – Simplification, but not necessarily easier to deal with.

Chamber Panel Discussion: Domestic Policy Panel
Heath Mello, President & CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
Jason Ball, President & CEO, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Alec Gorynski, Sr. Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is currently focused on analyzing the regulatory landscape and articulating a clear stance on key trade legislation to ensure our regional interests are represented. This advocacy is bolstered by recent infrastructure advancements and economic developments that have significantly elevated our area’s trade profile and competitive edge. Our current strategic initiatives involve high-priority projects and active partnerships designed to deliver immediate results through the remainder of this year, while simultaneously anchoring our long-term vision for the next two to five years.

Panel Discussion: Trade at a Crossroads: Navigating U.S.–China–Taiwan Economic Relations in a Changing Global Landscape
Dr. Max Yu, Dr. Yanhui Zhao and Dr. Xiaoming Yang, Professors of the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Nebraska Omaha
Moderator: Dr. Tej Adidam, Chairman & Professor, College of Business Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha
As global supply chains evolve and economic interdependence deepens, trade among the United States, China, and Taiwan continues to shape the broader international economy. This panel will explore emerging trends in global commerce, technology and innovation ecosystems, supply chain resilience, and the role of international institutions in promoting stability and cooperation. Bringing together academic perspectives and practical insights, the discussion will focus on constructive pathways forward in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

DATE:  Thursday, May 14, 2026

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)
Remote Members:  Free (1 attendee free)

Additional Member Attendees (after all free spaces have been filled):  $75/person
Non-Members:  $150/person
Students/Retirees:  $35/person
Chamber Personnel and Economic Developers:  $50/person

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

For more information about the conference and the speakers, click HERE!