SMITHFIELD, RI – World Trade Day, “The Future of Global Trade: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities,” will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s event will explore the geopolitical, economic, and business trends influencing the global trade landscape, including the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to virtual commerce and communication tools, global supply chain disruption, relations with China and trade policy in key markets around the world.
Program highlights include a welcome from Governor Dan McKee, a message from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and a look at U.S.-China relations under the Biden Administration.
World Trade Day, now in its 36th year, is presented by Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business and is one of the region’s largest international business conferences, typically attracting more than 500 business leaders to the in-person event. The virtual platform will allow the event to expand its reach around the globe, while continuing to offer numerous opportunities for personal networking and small group discussions.
“International Business, growth, and innovative program development have been important strategic priorities for Bryant University for more than 25 years,” says Bryant Provost and Chief Academic Officer Glenn Sulmasy, JD, LL.M, an acclaimed international law and national security expert. “As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and economically interdependent, it is critical that we educate our students and collaborate with business and government leaders to develop strategies for a more prosperous and secure future for more people.”
“Our goal is not just to focus on presentations, but to also provide personal connections – something we have all been missing over the past year."
“Our goal is not just to focus on presentations, but to also provide personal connections – something we have all been missing over the past year,” says Mark S. Murphy, Director of the Chafee Center for International Business. “We are looking forward to welcoming many familiar friends and meeting new colleagues from around the world for an informative day of insights and analysis on some of the most critical issues of our time.”
World Trade Day offers a powerful slate of presentations, workshops, and keynote speakers who offer valuable perspectives on the global marketplace of the future. A complete list of workshops and speakers is available at https://worldtradeday.bryant.edu/
Program highlights include:
8:30 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island
Betty Robson, World Trade Day Committee Chair; President, J.F. Moran; Associate Professor, JWU
8:50 a.m.
Morning Keynote
“What the past has taught us and what the future holds.”
Keynote Speaker: Pete Mento, Pete Mento LLC and sponsor of the “Trade Geek” podcast
9:35 a.m.
“U.S.-China: What will the trade relationship look like in the Biden administration?”
Keynote Speaker: Amy Celico, Principal, Albright Stonebridge Group
“Europe: The resetting of trade relations between the oldest transatlantic allies”
Keynotes: Mark O’Connell, CEO and Founder, OCO Global; Dr. Colm Reilly, CEO, Cyro Advisory Solutions
11:10 a.m.
“Global Supply Chains: Responding to the crisis and creating resiliency”
Keynote: Peter Tirschwell, Vice President, Maritime & Trade, IHS Markit
“Pivoting to Virtual: Fostering Connections and Driving Revenue”
Keynote: Elle Woulfe, Vice President of Growth Marketing, InVision
12:45 p.m.
A Message from Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Keynote: “Update on U.S. Trade Policy”
Sirat Attapit, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
For more than 37 years, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University has been a resource for Rhode Island businesses, as well as global businesses, students and individuals interested in global trade. As Rhode Island’s designated agency for trade and export activities, the Chafee Center has an official state relationship through the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and receives state program funding. The services provided through this partnership focus on global business expansion, retention, and attraction.
The Chafee Center’s programs include export training, state-led international trade missions, Rhode Island booths at international trade events, strategic consulting, market research and grant funding through the federal STEP grant (State Trade Expansion Program) to support small business export growth. The Chafee Center works closely with Bryant University faculty, staff and students to provide customized business consulting services to companies around the world.
About Bryant University
For 158 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Located on a contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron's. Visit https://www.bryant.edu/.
