2021 WTCA Member Forum Agenda

*Keynotes, fireside chats and panels are open to all attendees unless otherwise noted for WTCA Members only. Access to AI-driven business matches, speed networking and virtual meetings are open to all attendees.

12:00 AM - 9:00 AM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
John E. Drew Robin van Puyenbroeck

Join us as we officially open the 2021 WTCA Member Forum, and learn about the exciting new partnerships and initiatives on the WTCA's horizon. This session will include a live Q&A. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:30 AM - 9:40 AM (EST)
Crystal Edn

Looking for new business opportunities? The WTCA Member Advisory Councils (MACs) bring together Members across regions to discuss best practices, generate partnerships, and develop new tools and resources to benefit all WTCA Members. During this session, learn about each of the nine MACs and how joining can strengthen your World Trade Center business.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:40 AM - 9:45 AM (EST)
Crystal Edn Chanelle Dimalanta (Test)

We're excited to unveil our revamped and fully virtual new Member on-boarding program. Learn the steps we take to orient and connect new Members. Current WTCA Members or new staff of a WTC location may sign up for our on-boarding program any time! We can tailor the program to your needs.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:45 AM - 9:50 AM (EST)
 

Meet the WTCA's newest Members and learn how their World Trade Center businesses make a great addition to our Association. Be sure to tune in each day of the Forum as we feature a different set of new Members. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:50 AM - 9:55 AM (EST)
Catherine Lee

The WTCA Foundation (WTCAF) is proud to announce the launch of its 3rd annual “Peace Through Trade” student competition — a program designed to identify and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Members have the opportunity to submit projects from local students to compete in the program and become champions of global trade. New this year, in collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the program is open to the general public of students, as well as UNAI’s vibrant and diverse network of more than 1,400 member institutions in more than 147 countries that reach over 25 million people, including students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, institutions of higher education, continuing education and educational associations.

This session is open to all attendees.

9:55 AM - 10:10 AM (EST)
 

It's our networking break, but in virtual form! Join us for 1-on-1 networking with fellow attendees. Every 3 minutes, you will be paired with someone new. When the session concludes, you will receive a list of everyone you met for easier follow-up.

Speed networking is open to all attendees.
10:10 AM - 10:15 AM (EST)
 

Feel free to grab a snack and stretch your legs before we head into the rest of today's program.

10:15 AM - 10:55 AM (EST)
Jacopo Dettoni

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a unique value proposition WTC businesses can add to their portfolio of services. In this session, Mr. Jacopo Dettoni, Editor at fDi intelligence, will share insights on current developments and trends. This session will include a 10-minute live Q&A.

This session is open to all attendees.

10:55 AM - 11:05 AM (EST)
Karen Gerwitz Ahmed Tibaoui

Have you heard the news? The first ever WTCA Trade Services Operating Manual is now available! Hear why this Manual benefits current and future Members, and then join us in one of the breakout sessions to learn the nuts and bolts of launching a trade service. The Manual is accessible only to WTCA Members, and can be found in the WTCA Resource Center by clicking here.

The Manual will soon be available in Mandarin and Spanish.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

11:05 AM - 11:45 AM (EST)
Karen Gerwitz

Learn how your World Trade Center business can launch its own trade education and trade consulting services, or outsource these services to fellow WTCA Members.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

Subdelia Sevilla Scott Wang Jorge Arturo Acevedo Alarid

With WTC businesses in over 300 cities worldwide, WTCA Membership provides a built-in network of connections. In this workshop, learn how to collaborate with fellow WTCA Members as an event host or partner, and hear about the newly-launched WTCA Access Asia Program.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

Ahmed Tibaoui Nicholas Beaty Vineet Verma Crystal E

Learn the various forms a WTC Business Club can take and how to increase and keep your membership engaged.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM (EST)
Raman Kia

In this interactive workshop, share the obstacles you face when trying to promote your World Trade Center business on social media, and learn best practices to help make your social media channels stand out from the crowd.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

11:45 AM - 11:59 PM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
12:00 AM - 8:00 AM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM (EST)
Andrés Valenciano Yamuni

Andrés Valenciano Yamuni, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, joins Robin van Puyenbroeck (WTCA Executive Director-Business Development) as they explore Costa Rica's unique "Pura Vida" model, global trade, the country's OECD membership, and how to translate the idea of sustainability into an effective business and economic model. This session will include a live Q&A. Check out Robin's interview with Andrés in a recent episode of the WTCA "Trade Wins" Podcast.

This session is open to all attendees.

8:45 AM - 9:05 AM (EST)
Elitsa Gueorguieva

It's finally here! The WTCA's Accreditation program brings international recognition to WTCA Members. Join us for its official launch, and learn why and how to apply:

  • What the program looks like and what the criteria are to get accredited

  • The difference between Accredited and Premier Accredited

  • The 4 specializations available

  • The kit each Accredited Member will receive to promote their excellence to local officials, partner organizations and their local business community

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:05 AM - 9:45 AM (EST)
Ed Allison-Wright Manuel Rees Hans Wallström
 
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM (EST)
 

It's our networking break, but in virtual form! Join us for 1-on-1 networking with fellow attendees. Every 3 minutes, you will be paired with someone new. When the session concludes, you will receive a list of everyone you met for easier follow-up.

Speed networking is open to all attendees.
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM (EST)
 

Meet the WTCA's newest Members and learn how their World Trade Center businesses make a great addition to our Association. Be sure to tune in each day of the Forum as we feature a different set of new Members. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:10 AM - 10:25 AM (EST)
Jim Perry

We need your help to strengthen our WTCA Brand! Learn how proper use of our trademarks (World Trade Center® and WTC®) is vital to our brand, and how following a set of simple rules prevents the brand from becoming another generic name. This session will include a live Q&A. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:25 AM - 10:30 AM (EST)
Robin van Puyenbroeck

Join us as we highlight today's key takeaways and review tomorrow's program. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (EST)
Crystal Edn

Searching for ways to promote your WTC business or find the right partners? The WTCA has the digital tools to help. In this workshop, you will learn about the resources available on the WTCA Digital Platform. Receive hands-on training to submit news and events, complete your InfoShare Online form, search for WTCA Members and much more. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:30 AM - 11:59 PM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
12:00 AM - 9:00 AM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM (EST)
 

It's our networking break, but in virtual form! Join us for 1-on-1 networking with fellow attendees. Every 3 minutes, you will be paired with someone new. When the session concludes, you will receive a list of everyone you met for easier follow-up.

Speed networking is open to all attendees.
9:00 AM - 9:40 AM (EST)
Parag Khanna

Parag Khanna, author, strategist and founder of FutureMap, joins Robin van Puyenbroeck (WTCA Executive Director-Business Development) for a conversation about the concept of “Civilization 3.0,” what that might look like, and the best ways to get there. Parag discusses his new book MOVE: The Forces Uprooting Us and how strategic planning can now make a difference in the stability of civilization in the future. This session will include a live Q&A.

This session is open to all attendees.

9:40 AM - 9:50 AM (EST)
H.E. Collen V. Kelapile

Join us for a keynote address and conversation with Ambassador Kelapile, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

9:50 AM - 9:55 AM (EST)
Robin van Puyenbroeck

The WTCA is proud to announce the launch of its 2nd annual “WTCA Champions Awards"― the Association's membership awards program designed to recognize outstanding contributions from member World Trade Center businesses within the WTCA network, and in their local and global communities. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

9:55 AM - 10:05 AM (EST)
Carlos Ronderos

Commissioned by the WTCA, Latin Trade publishes the WTC Prime Office Index LATAM, measuring the recent and expected performance of sales and leases of premium office space in Latin America. Built around an opinion survey with experts with ties to the WTCA, the Index will again be published soon.

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:05 AM - 10:10 AM (EST)
 

Meet the WTCA's newest Members and learn how their World Trade Center businesses make a great addition to our Association. Be sure to tune in each day of the Forum as we feature a different set of new Members. 

This session is only open to WTCA Members.

10:10 AM - 10:35 AM (EST)
Nick Dugdale-Moore

Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI's Regional Director Europe, joins Robin van Puyenbroeck (WTCA Executive Director-Business Development) to discuss the future of the exhibitions industry moving into 2022. This session will include a live Q&A.

This session is open to all attendees.

10:35 AM - 10:50 AM (EST)
 

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the events that took place on September 11, the International Trade Administration (ITA) is once again honoring the WTCA for its timeless dedication to intercultural understanding, and international trade and investment. Join us as ITA presents the award to the WTCA’s John E. Drew, Chairman of the Board of Directors; and Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development. 

Created in 2002, the COA recognizes foreign business partners, trade associations, U.S. government agencies and other qualified recipients for supporting U.S. export development and for creating opportunities for U.S businesses through trade.

This session is open to all attendees.

10:50 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
John E. Drew Robin van Puyenbroeck

Our programming concludes with remarks from John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors, and Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development. Although our mainstage content wraps today, virtual meetings can take place through Friday, November 19― any time of day!

This session is open to all attendees.

11:00 AM - 11:59 PM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM (EST)
 

The WTCA is once again offering complimentary Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered B2B networking, an efficient and effective way to find business connections! Spend this time in virtual meetings with fellow attendees, and let the algorithm do the work for you in finding business matches. Maximize your time by updating your profile, setting your meeting availability and scheduling meetings with fellow attendees in advance. All meetings take place inside the Grip platform, where you can hold 1-on-1 or group meetings!

Virtual meetings are open to all attendees.
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