The Utah Global Forum will feature keynote speaker Edward Luce, chief U.S. columnist for the Financial Times, on Oct. 24 at the Grand America Hotel. He will address how challenges such as the presidential election, Brexit and rising tensions abroad can directly impact Utah businesses.
“The purpose of the Utah Global Forum is to help Utah grow by expanding into international markets,” said Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah. “Mr. Luce’s insights will help companies identify and successfully respond to changes in the global marketplace. We want to create economic opportunity and grow international business in the state.”
The Utah Global Forum is the state’s premier international business event. The half-day forum offers learning opportunities for companies at all stages of the export process. The breakout sessions will focus on four topics: exporting, creating partnerships in the international marketplace, finance and international networking.
Fast-paced power presentations will cover the same topics as the breakout sessions, with the exception of international networking. A special fourth presentation will highlight research conducted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute exploring the feasibility of opening an inland port in Utah. The forum will end with an afternoon address by Gov. Gary R. Herbert.
An exciting addition to the 2016 Utah Global Forum is the participation of consuls general from around the world. Partnering with Utah Valley University, the consuls will participate in the Global Forum as well as an event at the university the following day. The consuls will mingle with attendees and participate on the international networking panel.
“The Utah Global Forum helps Utah business owners think bigger,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “It is my hope leaders of companies of all sizes will take advantage of this opportunity. World Trade Center Utah is an important partner in growing the state’s export economy and provides a wealth of resources to our ambitious businesses.”
International trade is an important part of Utah’s economy, spurring the joint effort between World Trade Center Utah, GOED and the Salt Lake Chamber to organize the Utah Global Forum. In 2015, Utah exports totaled $13.3 billion, which is an 8 percent increase from the year before. Top export commodities include metals, computer and electronic products, chemicals, food and kindred products and transportation equipment.
“The Utah Global Forum provides an incredible opportunity to business owners,” said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Not only does it teach them how to navigate the issues associated with international business, but it gives them the confidence and personal relationships to be successful in that new and intimidating environment.”
The Utah Global Forum is an opportunity for the international business community to gather together, collaborate and learn. Register to attend the Utah Global Forum.
About World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah)
The mission of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is to help Utah companies think, act and succeed globally. WTC Utah accomplishes this mission through three key objectives. First is to motivate and educate Utah businesses to expand their global presence through training seminars, regional forums and newsletters focused on international business development, trade issues and export opportunities. Second is to build capacity of Utah businesses for international trade through B2B consultations to identify expansion goals, assess current capabilities, determine overseas opportunities and connect companies with market experts and potential partners. Third is to expand global network of Utah businesses through trade missions and networking with foreign trade officials.
