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Louisiana International Trade Conference

May 11, 2023

THE Conference Centre ON 11 (601 Poydras St, 11th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70130)

In conjunction with International Trade Month, the World Trade Center New Orleans will host the inaugural Louisiana International Trade (LIT) Conference. The LIT Conference will serve as Louisiana’s premier conference on trade and logistics, bringing together a robust compilation of panel discussions, marketing and networking opportunities, keynotes and appearances by high-ranking State and Federal officials, an exhibit hall and more. The LIT Conference is a signature event for the World Trade Center New Orleans, serving as a valuable resource to members across the international trade and foreign direct investment community.

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Conference Agenda

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8:00 - 9:00: Networking Breakfast

9:00 - 9:45: The Protocol of International Business Development

Louisiana continuously ranks as a top state for FDI. In this session, industry leaders will discuss the protocol of international business development, the intersection with the international leadership community and the importance of governmental leadership and participation.

Moderator

  • Michael Hecht – President and CEO, Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Panelists

  • Hon. Bret Clesi – Louisiana Consular Corps Dean and Honorary Consul of Albania
  • Hon. Donna Fraiche – Honorary Consul of Japan
  • Larry Collins – Executive Director, Louisiana Office of International Commerce
  • Xin Gao – Chief Representative of the Quebec Government for Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas

10:00 - 11:00: KEYNOTE: The Challenge of Striking the Right Balance Between National Security and Trade

From the China tariffs to Forced Labor to Export Sanctions, increasingly the U.S. has used trade reforms to address national security interests. How have these trade measures impacted legitimate trade and how should companies prepare for future trade restrictions that seek to address national security interests?

  • Eugene Laney – President and CEO, American Association of  Importers and Exporters

11:00 - 11:45: The Future of the Transportation and Logistics Industry

The transportation and logistics industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Join industry leaders to hear about current challenges and future trends.

Moderator

  • Kristi App – Vice President, J.W. Allen & Company, Inc.

Panelists

  • Otis Tucker – Owner, Trucking Innovation LLC
  • Drew Tessier – Senior Director of Public Affiars, Union Pacific Railroad
  • Marc Hebert – Partner, Jones Walker

11:45 - 12:45: Networking Lunch

12:45 - 1:15: Energy on a Global Scale - Hydrogen and LNG

Louisiana is one of the world’s leading markets for energy production, processing, and transportation. It is a top producer of both crude oil and natural gas in the United States. What’s more, Louisiana is leading the way in the energy evolution. Join panelists as they discuss how global trends in the energy industry will impact Louisiana.

Moderator

  • Lacy McManus – Executive Director of Future Energy, Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Panelists

  • Heather Hohensee – Director of Government & Public Affairs, Tellurian Inc.
  • Stephen Hanemann – Partner, Kean Miller LLP
  • Ramesh Raman – CEO & Managing Partner, Sustainable Fuels Group, LLC

1:15 - 1:45: Energy on a Global Scale - Offshore Wind

Louisiana is one of the world’s leading markets for energy production, processing, and transportation. It is a top producer of both crude oil and natural gas in the United States. What’s more, Louisiana is leading the way in the energy evolution. Join panelists as they discuss how global trends in the energy industry will impact Louisiana.

Moderator

  • Lacy McManus – Executive Director of Future Energy, Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Panelists

  • Jack Koban – Sr. Business Development Manager – Gulf Coast, Fugro
  • William Baldwin – Partner, Jones Walker
  • Otto Candies – Business Development Gulf of Mexico, Crowley
  • Morten Siem Lynge – Consul General in Houston / Head of Energy for Trade Council North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

2:00 - 2:45: Selling the Louisiana Brand

The Louisiana brand is known across the world. Leaders from Louisiana’s leading brands will discuss how they have taken their brand global and explore challenges and opportunities to importing and exporting products from around the globe.

Moderator

  • Erin Butler – Director, U.S. Commercial Service New Orleans

Panelists

  • Alyssa Fletchinger Higgins – Vice President, Plush Appeal LLC
  • Zach Foster – Chief Financial Officer, Louisiana Pepper Exchange
  • Christa Cotton – Chief Executive Officer, El Guapo Bitters

2:45 - 3:30: CLOSING KEYNOTE: Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America - Geraldine Byrne Nason

3:30 - 4:30: Post-Conference Cocktail and Networking Recption

Join us to celebrate the inaugural Louisiana International Trade Conference and network with trade and logistics professionals from across Louisiana.

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