November 2024 | Newsletter

  • November 14, 2024

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News & Events:

WTCM Announces 2024 International Awards Recipients & AGM Speaker

The WTCM has announced the recipients of the 2024 International Hall of Fame and International Achievement Awards after recent nominations and voting by WTCM Board Members. Receiving the three International Hall of Fame Awards will be Ambassador Chuck Cobb, Ambassador Sue Cobb, and Dr. Eduardo Padrón. Selected for the International Achievement Award is Grisel Vega of Bci Bank.




The awards will be presented during a WTCM Signature Event on December 4, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Attendance will include South Florida business and community leaders who will honor this year’s awardees for their contributions to international trade and commerce and have shared the vision to grow international business in our community. The evening will conclude with the WTCM Annual Holiday Reception. CLICK HERE to Register or for more Information.

On the same day, and prior to the IAA & IHF Awards Event, the WTCM will present its 1st Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM). A presentation on the state of the WTCM, including the extraordinary growth of the organization, accomplishments during this past year and plans for 2025 will be shared. The presentation will be followed by a speakers’ panel, including John Price, Managing Director of Americas Market Intelligence, who will offer a glimpse into the international trade environment in the new year. CLICK HERE to Register or for more Information.

Aerospace Defense Americas: Four Integral Components

Will Form the New WTCM Event…REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

When Aerospace Defense Americas (ADA) debuts in February 2025, participants will be able to partake in four integral components that are being created as part of this innovative event. ADA is designed for the aerospace and defense sectors, as well as the integral supply chain within the industries. ADA will take place from February 11-13, 2025, at the Biltmore Coral Gables in Miami and at Cape Canaveral, Florida. 


The ADA special features include:

CONFERENCE & BREAKOUT SESSIONS: Key topics include Investment, Sustainability, Smart Manufacturing, Advanced Air Mobility, Digital Transformation, Trends and Projections in Aerospace and Defense (A&D), the Future of Global Supply Chains, Policy and Geopolitics and Opportunities in the Americas.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MEETINGS: Connect with key contacts before the event. Select and request meetings with relevant individuals. One-on-one meetings will take place at the event location, an exceptional opportunity to connect with the right partners and key players.

TABLETOP EXHIBITION: An optimal way to establish fruitful contacts. Showcase your capabilities and network at your own area. Limited Tabletop spaces are available and will be located in the networking & lunch & coffee break area.

SPACE TRACK: Travel to Cape Canaveral to tour the space facilities, engage in networking sessions and additional B2B opportunities.

Aerospace Defense Americas is organized by the World Trade Center Miami in partnership with ADS, The Aerospace Alliance, and Space Florida. (Add all logos)

For more information and full details, visit our WEBSITE or CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.


Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas:

Exhibit Booth Reservations Now Available


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. Be part of the only multimodal show in the US, where you will meet air cargo professionals and shippers as well as logistics experts from all transport modes. This new supply chain management event in North America is a must-attend to meet up with the industry experts. Reserve your booth today!

CONTACT: Robert Berrios or Robert Hernandez today!

A Call for Nominations: International Women’s Day Achievement Awards

The WTCM and South Florida’s international business community will be celebrating the 22nd Annual International Women’s Achievement Awards on March 7, 2025 at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon.  Registration for the event will be available soon.


The WTCM is now accepting nominees for the 2025 awardees. Nominees must be involved in international business in the Miami area and involved in mentorship, community service and community outreach activities outside of those required by their employment. Nominee submissions are due December 5, 2024.

Click here to complete the Nomination Form

TRADING AFTER HOURS RECEPTION Scheduled for November 21st


Last chance to join us for our final Trading After Hours Reception for 2024, on November 21st, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, at the World Trade Center Miami. Network with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and learn more about our initiatives.

RSVP is required | Register Here

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 

Amerijet International | Mercosur Chamber of Commerce

Gray Dawes Travel/Express Travel | AirEduc | SAMA/Top Cars USA

PGL Shipping | IG Travel 


Interested in Membership?

2024 📅 Upcoming Events

Trading After Hours Networking Reception
November 21st, 2024: 5 PM – 7PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅To RSVP, CLICK HERE

1st Annual WTCM General Membership Meeting / WTCM Hall of Fame & International
December 4, 2024 – Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
For details on registration and event information: CLICK HERE

WTCM Hall of Fame & International Achievement Awards And Holiday Reception
December 4, 2024 – Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
For details on registration and event information: CLICK HERE

SAVE THE DATE

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. For more information, visit our WEBSITE OR CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2025 International Women’s Day Achievement Awards – SAVE THE DATE!
March 7, 2025 – Miami Airport Hilton Blue Lagoon, Miami, Florida – More Information

2025 Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference – SAVE THE DATE!
September 10-12, 2025 – Miami Beach Convention Center – Show Website.

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas – SAVE THE DATE!
November 11-13, 2025 – Miami Beach Convention Center – Visit Website

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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.