World Trade Center Miami and Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce Introduce Hosted Buyer Program at Americas Food and Beverage Show

  • September 2, 2023

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WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI AND HISPANIC RETAIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTRODUCE HOSTED BUYER PROGRAM AT AMERICAS FOOD AND BEVERAGE SHOW

MIAMI, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) and the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) are pleased to announce their collaboration agreement to launch a groundbreaking initiative: the introduction of a Hosted Buyer Program for the Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference. This historic collaboration aims to enhance business opportunities and foster valuable connections within the food and beverage industry.

As one of the leading international trade organizations dedicated to promoting global commerce, the World Trade Center Miami recognizes the importance of facilitating meaningful business relationships. By partnering with the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, an influential organization representing the interests of Hispanic retailers, this collaboration aligns the expertise and resources of both entities to create a unique platform for growth.

The Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference, renowned for showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the industry, will now offer an exclusive Hosted Buyer Program. This program will invite pre-qualified U.S. and international buyers and decision-makers to participate in a personalized and curated experience, connecting them with exhibitors, suppliers, and potential business partners. The aim is to drive trade and investment opportunities, fostering economic growth within the Americas’ food and beverage sector.

The Hosted Buyer Program at the Americas Food and Beverage Show will feature a series of curated networking events and exclusive matchmaking sessions. Participants will gain access to a diverse range of exhibitors, suppliers, and industry experts, enabling them to explore new products, trends, and business opportunities.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce to introduce the Hosted Buyer Program for the Americas Food and Beverage Show,” said Alice Ancona, SVP & COO at the World Trade Center Miami. “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our efforts to facilitate global trade and connect key players in the industry. By creating an avenue for meaningful business interactions, we aim to generate valuable opportunities for exhibitors and buyers alike.”

The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. “We are excited to partner with the World Trade Center Miami to bring this unique Hosted Buyer Program to the Americas Food and Beverage Show,” said Julio Ibáñez, President & Chairman of the Board at the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce. “This program will provide a platform for Hispanic retailers and businesses to expand their networks, access new markets, and forge fruitful partnerships. Together with the World Trade Center Miami, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of the food and beverage industry.”

For more information about the Americas Food and Beverage Show, please visit www.americasfoodandbeverage.com

To learn more about the World Trade Center Miami, visit www.wtcmiami.org

For additional details on the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hispanicretailchamber.org

About World Trade Center Miami
The World Trade Center Miami is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating international trade and economic development for businesses in Miami and the surrounding regions. It offers a range of services, including trade education, market research, and networking opportunities, to support companies in expanding their global reach.

About Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce
The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce is a leading organization representing the interests of Hispanic retailers across the United States. It aims to foster the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses by providing advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. The chamber strives to empower its members through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

SOURCE World Trade Center Miami

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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.