October 2024 | Newsletter

  • October 17, 2024

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AGM and International Awards Ceremony Form WTCM Year-End Events


The WTCM will present its 1st Annual General Membership Meeting (AGM) on December 4, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. The event will be followed by the International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards & Annual Holiday Reception, marking the two final events for the year in the WTCM calendar.

Join us in the afternoon of December 4, as we present the state of the WTCM, and learn about the extraordinary growth of our organization, while sharing insight into our work and our accomplishments during this past year. Hear about our exciting plans for 2025, as Florida’s oldest trade organization unveils new and expanded trade shows and programs that will stimulate international business opportunities. Listen to esteemed speakers who will provide a glimpse of what the national and international trade environment is shaping up to be in the new year. More information and event registration  CLICK HERE 

Following the AGM, the WTCM will then present 2024 International Achievement & International Hall of Fame Awards. At this WTCM Signature Event, South Florida’s business and community leaders will unite in celebration of this year’s stellar awardees who merit special recognition for their contributions to international trade and commerce and who share the vision to grow international business in our community.

The evening will conclude with the WTCM Annual Holiday Reception.

More information and event registration  CLICK HERE

WTCM Presents Aerospace Defense Americas: Strengthening Supply Chains

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

In February 2025, the World Trade Center Miami is set to debut Aerospace Defense Americas, an innovative event designed to empower the aerospace and defense sectors while addressing critical supply chain challenges. Over three dynamic days, attendees can engage in high-value B2B meetings, attend specialized conferences, and participate in international market workshops—all aimed at fostering collaboration and resilience across the Americas.


Join us at Aerospace Defense Americas from February 11-13, 2025, at the Biltmore Coral Gables in Miami and at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This premier international gathering will bring together professionals from the aerospace, defense, security, and space industries, promising valuable insights and networking opportunities. projects with global partners. The event is specifically designed to meet industry needs and strengthen supply chains by connecting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their Tier 1 & 2 suppliers with manufacturers and service providers from the aerospace, space, defense, and security sectors through a series of customized one-on-one meetings. Aerospace Defense Americas is organized in partnership with ADS, The Aerospace Alliance, and Space Florida. More information and event registration  CLICK HERE


Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas

Arrives in Miami in 2025


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 other transport modes. This supply chain management event in North America is a must attend to meet up with the industry experts.

In September 2024, Messe München Acquired World Trade Center Miami’s Air Cargo Americas Conference & Exhibition. The WTCM will remain on board as a strategic partner for a future three editions and will also support the Munich team in operational matters. The strategic acquisition strengthens the collaboration between two major forces in the trade show industry, paving the way for a comprehensive logistics platform that covers all modes of transport. Mark your 2025 calendars for Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas. Join us at the Miami Beach Convention Center on November 11-13, 2025.

For more information on reserving your booth today,

CONTACT:  Robert Berrios or Robert Hernandez today!

International Women’s Day Award Honoree Is Bestowed Belated Tribute

Cari Cossio, one of five honorees of the WTCM 2024 International Women’s Day Award, was unable to participate in the awards luncheon held this past March. On October 16, the WTCM was able to personally hand her the award and congratulate her accordingly.

Cari has for the last 10 years been the District Manager of Geodis USA, LLC, an international freight forwarder and customs broker. She is also entrusted with the task of leading the FMC compliance program for Geodis USA. For the past 37 years, Cari has served the logistics community under various roles working directly with federal agencies such as U.S. Customs, the Federal Maritime Commission and the Transportation Security Administration. As president of the Florida Customs Broker and Forwarders Association (FCBF) for 6 years, she was a strong advocate on behalf of the international trade community in Florida. She was also an inductee to the FCBF Hall of Fame in 2011. Belated congratulations to you, Cari, from the World Trade Center Miami!

And speaking of International Women’s Day Achievement Award…..

We are now accepting nominees for 2025. Nominee submissions are due December 5, 2024.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated by the United Nations (UN) since 1975. The UN’s annual commemoration serves to highlight women’s issues globally and focuses on their achievements. In 2004, the World Trade Center Miami decided to sponsor this event annually to recognize women who have inspired others to make major achievements in international business. This award recognizes exemplary women and their role and leadership in international business or trade, their commitment to advancing relations between our community, state and/or the U.S. & other countries as well as their role in creating and supporting jobs and fostering economic development.

The World Trade Center Miami and South Florida’s international business community, will be celebrating the 22nd Annual International Women’s Achievement Awards on March 7, 2025. We will honor extraordinary women who understand the importance of trade for our community. Register for this years event is coming soon. 

 

✨Click here to complete nomination form✨

Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference 2024:

The Event in Numbers!

This year’s Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference was bigger and more global than ever! In case you missed it, here’s a glimpse of the impact we made:

 12,000+ Registrants |  700+ Exhibitors with over 900 Exhibitions

120 Nations Represented |  22 International Pavilions,

including our Country of Honor: The Kingdom of Morocco




From Spain to Thailand, Brazil to Italy, we’re proud to have brought the global food and beverage industry together under one roof! AF&B continues to grow as a hub of innovation, networking, and opportunity. Don’t miss out on next year’s event on September 10-12, 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, across 4 Halls for 3 Days!

Visit our 2024 Show Gallery


Interested In Exhibiting At Our 2025 AF&B Show?

TRADING AFTER HOURS RECEPTION Scheduled for October 24


Join us for our next Trading After Hours Reception on October 24, 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   

First American Bank | Imperial Freight Brokers | Latin Press Media & Events 

 I Squared Capital | Jerry Haar | Indigo Beaux Holdings 


Interested in Membership?

2024 📅 Upcoming Events

Trading After Hours Networking Reception
October 24th, 2024: 5 PM – 7PM
Location: World Trade Center Miami
✅To RSVP, CLICK HERE

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

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.