Conference Agenda
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8:00 - 9:00: Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 9:45: OPENING KEYNOTE: A Fireside Chat with U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis
Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana has long been a logistical hub and continues to offer unparalleled infrastructure for international trade and foreign direct investment. Hear from Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development about how Louisiana can continue to capitalize on foreign direct investment and trade as a key driver of the economy.
Speaker
- Ambassador Timmy Davis – U.S. Embassy Doha
Moderator
- Michael Hecht – President and CEO, GNO, Inc.
9:45 - 10:15: The Mississippi River and Global Commerce
The Lower-Mississippi River is an economic driver for the global economy, with 1/4th of the nation’s total maritime tonnage passing through a port on the lower-Mississippi River. This session will explore the economic importance of the Mississippi River along with highlighting navigational challenges that are becoming increasingly more common.
Panelists
- Sean Duffy – Executive Director, Big River Coalition
- Captain Michael Miller – President, Associated Branch Pilots
- Beaux Jones – President and CEO, The Water Institute
Moderator
- Kristi App – Vice President, J.W. Allen
10:30 - 11:00: Navigating Success: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Transportation and Logistics Industry
With over half a million jobs in trade dependent industries across Louisiana, high-quality workforce training is essential to meet the demands of one of Louisiana’s most important industries. Hear from industry leaders and training providers about current workforce challenges and solutions being employed to address these challenges.
Panelists
- Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib – Chancellor, Delgado Community College
- Dawn Lopez – Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations, Associated Terminals
- Sarah Porteous – Vice President of External Affairs/Chief of Staff, Port of New Orleans
Moderator
- Daphine Barnes – Executive Director of Economic Mobility, Greater New Orleans, Inc.
11:00 - 11:30: Unlocking Opportunities: Latin America's Impact on Louisiana Businesses
Academic and business leaders will discuss the changing economic landscape in Latin America and its impact on business activity in Louisiana.
Speaker
- Gerald McDermott, Ph.D – Department Chair and Professor of International Business, Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina
- Robert DiCianni – President – Global Beneftis, Pan American Life Insurance Group
Moderator
- Marvin Saborio – Director of International Banking, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust
11:45 - 12:30: CLOSING KEYNOTE: Gateway to North America: Louisiana's Role as a Global Hub for Trade and Foreign Direct Investment
Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana has long been a logistical hub and continues to offer unparalleled infrastructure for international trade and foreign direct investment. Hear from Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development about how Louisiana can continue to capitalize on foreign direct investment and trade as a key driver of the economy.
Speaker
- Secretary Susan Bouregeois – Louisiana Economic Development
Moderator
- Paul Matthews – CEO, Port of South Louisiana
12:30 - 1:30 - Networking Lunch
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Partner Sponsor
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