March 2025 | Newsletter

  • March 17, 2025

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Miami is Global Trade’s Path to Least Resistance

By: Alice Ancona, COO, World Trade Center Miami

Trade, like water, flows through the path of least resistance.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, businesses are currently encountering the complexities of tariffs, which can disrupt supply chains and affect profitability. However, challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. Miami, with its strategic advantages, emerges as a pivotal hub for navigating these trade complexities.

Interested in Reading More? Click Here to View the Full Article 

The 2025 International Women’s Day Achievement Awards…

Celebrating our Community’s Greatest!


Each year, the WTCM seeks out, nominates and awards five extraordinary women in our community in a long-held tradition of celebrating International Women’s Day. This year was no exception. Last Friday, March 7th, at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, the 21st Annual International Women’s Achievement Awards event honored yet another five exceptional women who have made, and continue to make, a remarkable impact in our community and beyond. While we were all moved to hear about their individual and extraordinary journeys in life and careers, our honorees also offered clear and sound advice to the leadership of tomorrow. Warm and heartfelt congratulations to this year’s five stellar women from the World Trade Center Miami. 


The International Women’s Day Achievement Awardees for 2025:

Yolanda Cash Jackson, Shareholder & Government Law Attorney, Becker Lawyers
Gisela Martí, Sr. Vice President – Tourism & Marketing, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ilona Vega, Vice President, International Economic Development, Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Madeline Pumariega, President, Miami Dade College
Queralt Puig, Director of Investment & Institutional Relations, Trade Commission of Spain in Miami


💫View 2025’s Photo Gallery Here💫

The WTCM also acknowledges and is grateful for the support of our outstanding sponsors:


Aerospace Defense Americas Conference & Expo Building Momentum


The newest venture created and organized by the WTCM, Aerospace Defense Americas (ADA), will debut May 20-24, 2025, in Cape Canaveral & Miami Beach, Florida. With emphasis on empowering the industry and exploring solutions for safeguarding aerospace and defense supply chains, ADA will feature a blend of B2B meetings, an exhibition, networking, special events and discussions focused on the Americas, emphasizing supply chain resilience in the sector. This premier international gathering is inviting professionals from the aerospace, defense, security, and space sectors.

Visit Our Website: Aerospace Defense Americas Website 

The WTCM Team continues to promote Aerospace Defense Americas around the world! Last week we ventured to the United Kingdom, visiting Scotland & London to talk all things Aerospace, ahead of our newest event/conference. This week, WTCM COO Alice Ancona, and CEO Ivan Barrios met with The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies, and with “Cross U,” a Japanese open innovation platform for the space business, to explore additional opportunities for collaboration. The WTCM thanks Kazumi Fujimoto, Director of Select Florida, Japan Office for his extensive support in facilitating these meetings.

The WTCM is also partnering with the National Salute to America’s Heroes the organizers of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show to be held on Miami Beach May 24-25, 2025, an event attended by senior leadership of U.S. Department of Defense as well as private sector aerospace and defense industry leaders and manufacturers.

The Aerospace Defense Americas Website now offers Registration Options & Packages and Sponsorship Opportunities.  


NEXT TRADING AFTER HOURS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 27th


Many thanks from the WTCM to the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, for a superb evening hosting Trading After Hours in February. The outdoor event, complete with fine food, drink, music, and great conversations made for yet another show-stoper! Make plans to join us on March 27 for the next Trading After Hours Networking Reception, along with our hosts at the DOUBLETREE by Hilton Miami-Doral, 10250 NW 19th Street, in Doral. Network with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and learn more about our initiatives. Enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres along with special guests and fellow professionals.

RSVP is required | RSVP Here

STATE OF THE PORTS PRESENTATION & BUSINESS EXPO:
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!


The annual State of the Ports Luncheon Presentation, paired-up with the Tabletop Business Expo will take place on June 12, 2025 at the Miami Airport Hilton Blue Lagoon. The Expo will kick off the day and later pause for the joint presentations by Miami International Airport Director & CEO Ralph Cutié and PortMiami Director & CEO Hydi Webb. The Expo will then resume, ending the event in the early afternoon. Be part of this highly attended Aviation, Maritime, Transportation and International Business gathering. Individual Tickets and Table Packages for the State of the Ports Luncheon, Tabletop Exhibits for the Business Expo and Sponsorship Opportunities for both events are now available: CLICK HERE.

 Thank You to Our Sponsors:


Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference

Advances Opening of Buyer/Attendee Registration


With demand for the 2025 Americas Food & Beverage Show (AF&B) high, and attendance projected to be well over 12,000 Buyers & Attendees, the WTCM has announced the opening of Buyer/Attendee Registration well in advance of the September 10-12, 2025 show date. Buyers are able to capture Early Bird pricing for registration, as well as to review options and requirements of the two Buyers’ Programs being offered. Additionally, information for VISA application process for entry to the US is explained. International buyers are urged to begin the process as soon as possible. Exhibit Booth sales remain strong for the 2025 AF&B Show, which will stretch across three Halls at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The collocated FHL Food & Hospitality LATAM show will occupy the fourth Hall.

International marketing of the Show continues in various global markets. This past week, the WTCM team held productive meetings in Tokyo with JETRO – the Japan External Trade Organization and also participated at FOODEX JAPAN 2025, Asia’s largest food and beverage exhibition, attracting over 80,000 visitors from approximately 90 countries and regions, and making it an ideal venue for expanding our business interests! Join us at Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference this September 10-12.


Exhibit Booth Sales Are Now Open!


L-R: WTCM COO Alice Ancona; CEO Ivan Barrios; Exhibit Sales Director Roberto Berrios

Be Where the Global Logistics Industry Will Gather this November:

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas Debuts in Miami!

The premier multimodal platform for innovation, networking, and collaboration in the logistics and air cargo industries in the USA is coming to Miami! Exhibit booth sales are now active!


Join us at the Miami Beach Convention Center on November 11-13, 2025, as Messe München and the World Trade Center Miami present transport logistic Americas/air cargo Americas. Secure your place at our Trade Show & Conference today.

CONTACT: Robert Berrios or Robert Hernandez today!

Connect Globally – Prosper Locally


Become a member of the WTCM today and unlock global opportunities for you and your company. Click on the link below for information and more details.

Take a look at our enhanced online Member Directory

Let’s welcome our Newest Members   

| Kaufman Rossin | CeleriTech |

| Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce Miami |

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In 2020, The World Trade Center Miami debuts an updated newsletter format with international business industry news, trade spotlights and upcoming events. Click on the image to read this month’s edition of our newsletter.

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Ivan Barrios - President and CEO

Ivan Barrios

President & CEO

Ivan Barrios is the President/CEO of the World Trade Center Miami. Ivan has served in this role since January 2020.

He most recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas.

Ivan has organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015 for three governors. Special projects included 3,000 one-on-one business matchmaking appointments for exporters, managing two hemispheric trade shows, producing and publishing five Florida International Trade and Services Directories, coordinating the activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and creating the Florida Trade Data Center, a first of its kind information hub for Florida exporters.

Ivan holds a position on the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association, where he represents the North American region. His extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the South Florida District Export Council and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Ivan is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he earned his degree in Business Administration.

Alice Ancona

Chief Operating Officer
Alice Ancona has held this role since January 2020.  She is charged with boosting organizational resilience and value creation of the operations, events, strategic programing, marketing and trade shows of the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM). With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. In addition, she is charged with creating and executing international trade programs, trade missions, economic development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovative revenue-generating solutions as well as providing strategic long-term planning for the organization.
Before joining WTCM, Ms. Ancona led the international endeavors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, serving as a prominent advocate for policies that enhance international trade, logistics, and investments. Her efforts centered on removing trade barriers, expanding market access, facilitating exports, negotiating trade agreements, and strengthening Florida’s trade infrastructure. Ms. Ancona played a pivotal role in connecting Florida to the global trade arena, facilitating relationships with international stakeholders, foreign agencies, elected officials, member companies, and governmental bodies at the state and federal levels.
Prior to her work at the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona spearheaded the governmental affairs division at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she directed policy agendas on a diverse range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. Her accomplishments include leading successful campaigns for the passage of crucial trade agreements, such as the Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, and KORUS. She also contributed to efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.
Ms. Ancona’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.  She is a recognized thought leader and speaker at industry conferences, providing insights on global market dynamics, trade policy, and cross-border strategies. She has actively participated in various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning initiatives and has been an active member of the Florida International Trade Partnership. Her involvement also includes serving on the Board of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition, including the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, the 2015 Person of the Year designation by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and the 2016 Women of Distinction Award from the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.