Export Week: From Michigan to the World: 40th International Business Conference
Experts will speak at the 40th annual Michigan World Trade Week Business Conference.
This half-day in-person conference offers an executive luncheon, breakout sessions, networking, and a Networking Reception.
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Time |
Event |
|---|---|
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11:30 am - 12:00 pm |
Registration & Networking |
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12:00 pm - 12:30 pm |
Luncheon |
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12:35 pm - 12:45 pm |
Welcoming Remarks Sonja Johnson, Executive Director, GVSU's Van Andel Global Trade Center and 2026 Michigan World Trade Week Planning Committee Chair |
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12:45 pm - 1:25 pm |
Luncheon Keynote Presenter Tobias Banik, Regional President of tesa North America and 2026 Michigan World Trade Week Chair |
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1:25 pm - 1:45 pm |
Networking Break |
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1:45 pm - 2:30pm |
Breakout Session 1 Topics a.) How a Government Affairs Strategy Supports Global Sales and Supply Chains. Speakers: Cary Justice, Vice President–International Legal, Global Public Policy & Government / Industry Affairs, Amway and Laura Build, Lead Advisor for Public Policy, Amway b.) FTZ & Duty Drawback - How Do These Programs Work & How Can Exporters Take Advantage? Speakers: Josh Carlisle, Senior Corporate Counsel & Trade Administration Leader, DENSO and Rachelle Crile, Owner, Prism Drawback Consulting Services LLC c.) How Michigan Exporters Are Working Effectively with Customers in Canada, A Practical Canadian Customer Perspective on Today’s Cross-border Trade Environment. Speaker: Jennifer Shilson, Principal, Miller Canfield’s Windsor Office |
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2:30 pm - 2:45 pm |
Networking Break |
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2:45 pm - 3:35 pm |
Breakout Session 2 Topics a.) How a Government Affairs Strategy Supports Global Sales and Supply Chains. Speakers: Cary Justice, Vice President–International Legal, Global Public Policy & Government / Industry Affairs, Amway and Laura Build, Lead Advisor for Public Policy, Amway b.) International VAT - Managing The Nuances. Speaker: Julio Cesar Valdez, International Consulting Senior Manager, Plante Moran's Monterrey, Mexico Office c.) AI - How Is AI Used in Operations for Exporters? Speakers: Dakoyta Greenman, Owner/Founder, Westwood AI and Terrence D. Kalley, Co-founder/President, TradeConnect |
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3:35 pm - 3:45 pm |
Transition to Next Session |
|
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm |
Breakout Session 3 Topics a.) Doing Business with Canada. Speaker: Mark Scullion, Consul General Canada, Detroit Michigan Office b.) Financial Requirements of Export Compliance. Speaker: Vic Garcia, KYC Relationship Officer at JPMorgan Commercial Bank c.) Finding Global Customers/Markets. Speakers: Aaron Fahrner, Vice President of Grain, Cooperative Elevator Company and Casey O’Neill, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at RoMan Manufacturing
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4:30 pm - 6:00 pm |
Networking Reception |
Date and Time
Wednesday May 6, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Date: May 6, 2026 | Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location
Location: 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
In-person event only.
Fees/Admission
Cost: $225
Printed courtesy of www.visaliachamber.org – Contact the Visalia Chamber of Commerce for more information.
220 S Mooney Blvd Suite B, Visalia, CA 93291 – (559) 734-5876 – info@visaliachamber.org