June 2024 | Newsletter

  • June 23, 2024

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News & Events

MIAMI BUSINESS COMMUNITY ATTENDS
ANNUAL STATE OF THE PORTS IN FULL FORCE

The World Trade Center Miami hosted its annual State of the Ports Signature Event on June 5 at the Miami Airport Hilton Blue Lagoon, featuring the CEOs of Miami International Airport and Port Miami. The event drew over 520 business executives and government leaders from Miami-Dade County, with discussions on trade, travel growth, and infrastructure investments. The WTCM Tabletop Business Expo was also a success. Check out the full recap of our event ╰┈➤ HERE

WTCM HOSTS AMCHAMDR WORKING GROUP


As part of its business development strategy, the World Trade Center Miami cultivates and enters into international partnership agreements with organizations, institutions, and other World Trade Centers in key markets and countries. These agreements facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and initiatives of mutual interest and benefit. One such agreement is the Memorandum of Understanding with the American Chamber of Commerce Dominican Republic.  On June 10, the WTCM hosted a delegation from AMCHAMDR, along with Miami-area industry leadership and formed a Task Force working group to identify and develop strategies to increase exports from the Dominican Republic to Miami.  Leading the local efforts is WTCM Chair of the Board, Manny Mencia. For more information or to join the Task Force, contact Chris Mangos at cmangos@wtcmiami.org. 

WTCM CEO SHARES PERSPECTIVES IN MIAMI HERALD OpED
The World Trade Center Miami is proud to share the bylined Opinion Article written by our President & CEO, Ivan Barrios, and published by the Miami Herald.
Titled “Global trade is key to South Florida’s economy. This agency helps maintain it,” the article highlights the WTCM, which through its promotion of global trade, business, and investment opportunities, has brought economic benefit to the greater Miami area for over five decades. The WTCM is a member of the World Trade Centers Association, a global network of over 300 World Trade Centers in over 90 countries.

WTCM OFFERING AMERICAS FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW EARLY BIRD PRICING


On September 16, the doors will open on the 28th edition of the Americas Food and Beverage Show. The WTCM is presently offering early bird pricing for food and beverage buyers and attendees.

  • 🎟️Reserve Your Spot Today and join an anticipated 10,000 buyers this year at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
  • Hotel Room Block Reservations are also now available with multiple options for Registrant accommodations. CLICK HERE
  • International registrants may request a visa letter from the WTCM to assist in securing a US entry visa, CLICK HERE
  • Explore our Sponsorship & Branding Packages for every budget. CLICK HERE

This year, we join forces with Food & Hospitality LATAM to redefine the international food, beverage, and hospitality scene.

Join us as we set the course for the industry!

Cargalogistica Americas Summit
Registration Now Open Early Bird Pricing Now in Effect

The WTCM has announced that Registration for the cargalogistica Americas Summit is now available with early bird pricing for summit attendees. 📍Join us at the W Panama in Panama City from October 15-16, 2024, as we examine innovations and trends shaping the future of logistics in Latin America. Gain competitive insights and understand the nuances of this diverse and growing market. Brought to you by the World Trade Center Miami and Messe München.
For Summit Registration, Tabletop Exhibition details, Sponsorship Details, and Preliminary Summit Program ╰┈➤CLICK HERE

✨Special Thanks to our Sponsors
✦Miami International Airport✦
✦Air General✦


WTCM BOARD MEMBER IS KNIGHTED

World Trade Center Miami Board Member, Pamela Fuertes Berti, Dean of Miami Dade College’s Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation, was recently bestowed the Italian National Honor of the Knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy by the Honorable Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy in Miami. The honor recognizes Dean Fuertes’ contributions to U.S./Italian relations. Congratulations, Pamela!


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. Let’s welcome our Newest Members 🙌

VALDEZ LEGAL
VICTORIA’S COLLECTION
ARGENTINE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HHM HOTELS / SHERATON MIAMI AIRPORT
RUTA MAYA COFFEE
BRICKELL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION


Interested in Membership?

2024 📅 Upcoming Events

Trading After Hours Networking Reception
July 25th, 2024: 5 PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅To RSVP, CLICK HERE

Trading After Hours Networking Reception
August 22nd, 2024 – 5 PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅Details and RSVP to Robert Hernandez at: rhernandez@wtcMiami.org

Global Trade Intelligence Series
September 5th, 2024 – 4 PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅New WTCM Event – Details and RSVP to Robert Hernandez at: rhernandez@wtcMiami.org

SAVE THE DATE

Americas Food & Beverage Show and Conference,
September 16-18, 2024
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center
Showcase your food & beverage products to a wide range of distributors and buyers from across the globe. Purchase your exhibit booth today.
For More Information: CLICK HERE

October 15-16, 2024: cargalogistica Americas Summit
October 15th -16th – W Hotel – Panama City, Panama
NEW! A two-day conference and exhibition focused on Latin America, business opportunities and best practice cases. Powered by World Trade Center Miami and Messe München.
For more information: CLICK HERE

February 11-13, 2025: Aerospace Defense Americas Summit
Location: Miami & Cape Canaveral, Florida
NEW! Join us in exploring solutions for strengthening and safeguarding aerospace and defense supply chains. To Stay Informed: CLICK HERE

 

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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.