Competing in the 21st Century: Navigating the Global Marketplace
About the Event
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 
Session I – Target Audience - Small- & Medium-Size Businesses and Minority-Owned Firms: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lunch (to be served; keynote speaker)
Session II – Target Audience - The Academic Community (Faculty, Administrators, and Students): 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Place – University of the Incarnate Word, International Conference Center Sky Room, San Antonio, Texas
Cost: Free!
WHAT?
Technological advances and the forward march of globalization and free trade have created unparalleled opportunities for U.S. companies looking to expand products and services into the international marketplace. They have also created a need for a well-trained, globally-focused workforce capable of supporting American business interests abroad.
The U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, along with the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, the Small Business Administration, and strategic regional partners, has developed a free day-long seminar. The event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities with representatives from government, industry, and regional international trade associations in South Texas.
WHO?
The event focuses two distinct but equally important audiences. Presenters will explain the resources available at the federal level to help entrepreneurs and established businesses conduct research and export goods and services to markets around the Western Hemisphere. Many of the opportunities and resources available have been made possible the through the success of free trade agreements and other alliances.
The second audience is the higher education community that helps develop and inspire our next generation of international business professionals. Faculty, administrators, and students will learn about support available from the Department of Commerce for colleges and universities. Students will also learn first-hand about the tools and skills needed for success in the international workforce and will also be able to explore internship and job opportunities at agencies within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Click here for the draft event agenda.
WHY?
The Western Hemisphere is an ideal export market for potential entrepreneurs as well as existing U.S. companies. It is also a region that is key to ensuring American prosperity and the need for professionals who can represent U.S. economic interests in this region is increasing.
For example, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has given U.S. products a substantial competitive edge over goods from other countries. In 2007, trade between the U.S. and Canada exceeded $560 billion. In 2007 trade with Mexico, the second-largest destination for U.S. exports, exceeded $1 billion per day. There has also been substantial growth in the demand for U.S. exports following the implementation of the U.S.-Chile and U.S.–Central American free trade agreements. In addition, there are pending free trade talks with Colombia and Peru.
WHEN?
The event will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2009.
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Session will address the business community.
Lunch (to be served; keynote speaker).
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Session will address the academic community (Faculty, Administrators, and Students).
WHERE?
The event will be at the University of the Incarnate Word’s International Conference Center Sky Room. It is located at 847 East Hildebrand Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212, at the corner of Hildebrand Ave. and U.S. Hwy 281 North (Tel: 210-805-5805). To see a map click here.
This event is being held in partnership with the University of the Incarnate Word’s H-E-B School of Business & Administration, UIW’s Division of International Programs, and the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
For a brief list of nearby lodging options, please click here. The University of the Incarnate Word is conveniently located within 5 miles of the airport, downtown, and the San Antonio Riverwalk.
