--- title: 2024 Global Business Forum description: Explore innovations in global trade at the 2024 Global Business Forum on September 18th & 19th. Join global business leaders to discuss new ideas and strategies for success. Register now! image: https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Business%20forum%202024.webp --- [Skip to content](https://northtexasdec.org/forum#main-content) [![DEC North Texas](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DEC%20North%20Texas.jpeg?width=200&height=100&name=DEC%20North%20Texas.jpeg)](https://northtexasdec.org/) - [Home](https://northtexasdec.org/) - [Council](https://northtexasdec.org/council) - [About](https://northtexasdec.org/aboutdec) - [News and Views](https://northtexasdec.org/blog) - [Events Calendar](https://northtexasdec.org/events) - [Resources](https://northtexasdec.org/resources) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://northtexasdec.org/) - [Council](https://northtexasdec.org/council) - [About](https://northtexasdec.org/aboutdec) - [News and Views](https://northtexasdec.org/blog) - [Events Calendar](https://northtexasdec.org/events) - [Resources](https://northtexasdec.org/resources) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fnorthtexasdec.org%2Fforum%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) # THE 2024 GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM ## INNOVATIONS IN GLOBAL TRADE September 18th & 19th, 2024 DFW HYATT REGENCY Join us at the DFW HYATT REGENCY on September 18th & 19th as we explore NEW IDEAS in GLOBAL TRADE, the world’s oldest business sector. Hear from GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERS and meet colleagues from across the country who are actively engaged in global trade as we seek new methods of finding, assessing and improving global markets, analyze global visibility and local relevance of your products, pursue fresh approaches for finding and managing your marketing channel partners, discuss best practices in managing global risk and financing, and explore modern strategies for supply chain management and global marketplace logistics for your products. SPONSORS ![logo-apiworx-colored-300x138-1](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-apiworx-colored-300x138-1.png?width=300&height=138&name=logo-apiworx-colored-300x138-1.png) ![cropped-1658343382_NADEC-LOGO-3-2048x1007](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/cropped-1658343382_NADEC-LOGO-3-2048x1007.png?width=2048&height=1007&name=cropped-1658343382_NADEC-LOGO-3-2048x1007.png) The 2024 Global Business Forum is underwritten by the North Texas District Export Council ## Speaker Lineup ![Luke J. Lindberg](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Luke%20J.%20Lindberg.jpeg) ### Luke Lindberg President of South Dakota Trade | Former Chief of Staff, Export-Import Bank the United States ![Adriana Cruz](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Adriana%20Cruz.png) ### Adriana Cruz Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism - Office of Governor Greg Abbott ![Joseph Hanley](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Joseph%20Hanley.jpg) ### Joseph Hanley U.S. Department of Commerce National Director of the U.S. Field Global Markets ![paul hirsch](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/paul%20hirsch.jpeg) ### Paul Hirsch AVP Mexico Business Unit, BNSF Railway ![Lyon](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Lyon.jpeg) ### Thomas Lyon Senior Vice President - Airport Development, DFW International Airport ![Dan Sinawat](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(3)-1.jpg) ### Dan Sinawat Founder - AI CONNEX ![Kirk (1)](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Kirk%20(1).png) ### Kirk Lundburg CEO at Trade Technologies ![Luis Noriega](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Luis%20Noriega.jpeg) ### Luis Noriega Lender Account Manager at the Export-Import Bank of the United States ![Mark Way](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Mark%20Way.jpeg) ### Mark Way Foreign Currency Risk Identification and Mitigation Specialist at BOK Financial ![Suku Nair](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/SUKU%20NAIR.jpeg) ### Suku Nair Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer, SMU, Dallas ![David Day](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/David%20Day.jpeg) ### David Day Chairman of the Global Risk Mitigation Foundation ![Anthony Vasile](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Anthony%20Vasile.jpeg) ### Anthony Vasile Director of Warehouse Operations North America - Scan Global Logistics ![Scott Moran](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Scott%20Moran.png) ### Scott Moran Partner – Strategic Enterprise Management LLC ![Harvey Castro, MD](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Harvey%20Castro%2c%20MD.png) ### Harvey Castro, MD AI Healthcare Expert ![merlin Dowse](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/merlin%20Dowse.jpeg) ### Merlin Dowse Executive Director - Trade & Working Capital at J.P. Morgan ![olga torres](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/olga%20torres.jpeg) ### Olga Torres Managing Member, Torres Trade Law PLLC ![John Randall](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/John%20Randall.jpeg) ### John Randall Chief Executive Officer & President - Zyvex Labs LLC Co-founder of the Quantum Center at UTD ![monica paul](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/monica%20paul.jpeg) ### Monica Paul Executive Director - Dallas Sports Commission ![Jim Anderson](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Jim%20Anderson.jpeg) ### Jim Anderson Owner of ETCetera International & GO Center ![Charlie Alsmiller](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Charlie%20Alsmiller.jpeg) ### Charlie Alsmiller CEO of Apiworx ![Greg-Chalkley](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Greg-Chalkley.jpeg) ### Greg Chalkley Managing Partner GC Holdings LLC ![Jessica Cheeks Thompson](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Jessica%20Cheeks%20Thompson.png) ### Jessica Cheeks-Thompson Director, U.S. Commercial Service - Dallas-Fort Worth ![mel drews](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/mel%20drews.jpeg) ### Mel Drews VP Global Strategic Accounts / Regional Sales Director Gulf & Midwest Regions, Scan Global Logistics ![NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang.jpeg) ### Kathy Jiang Global Trade Advisor ![NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Daniel-Mark-Ogden](https://northtexasdec.org/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Daniel-Mark-Ogden.jpg) ### Daniel Mark Ogden Lecturer in International Relations & International Business & Former Director of Trade Compliance at Baylor University # Two Day Conference with Exhibits ## Wednesday September 18 2024 9AM-10:15 ![Luke J. Lindberg](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Luke%20J.%20Lindberg.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=Luke%20J.%20Lindberg.jpeg) ### 2024 Global Trade Landscape ![Luke J. Lindberg](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Luke%20J.%20Lindberg.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=Luke%20J.%20Lindberg.jpeg) Luke Lindberg President of South Dakota Trade | Former Chief of Staff, Export-Import Bank the United States | Mr. Lindberg will interview Mr. David Day, Chairman of the Global Risk Mitigation Foundation 10:30-11:45AM ![mel drews](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mel%20drews.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=mel%20drews.jpeg) ### Breakout - Goods Logistics ![mel drews](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mel%20drews.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=mel%20drews.jpeg) Mel Drews VP Global Strategic Accounts / Regional Sales Director Gulf & Midwest Regions, Scan Global Logistics 10:30-11:45AM ![Greg-Chalkley](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Greg-Chalkley.jpeg?width=800&height=800&name=Greg-Chalkley.jpeg) ### Breakout - Trade Compliance ![Greg-Chalkley](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Greg-Chalkley.jpeg?width=800&height=800&name=Greg-Chalkley.jpeg) Greg Chalkley Managing Partner GC Holdings LLC ![Opher Shweiki](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Opher%20Shweiki.jpg?width=223&height=223&name=Opher%20Shweiki.jpg) ### Breakout - Trade Compliance ![Opher Shweiki](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Opher%20Shweiki.jpg?width=223&height=223&name=Opher%20Shweiki.jpg) Opher Shweiki Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP ![Todd Marr](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Todd%20Marr.png?width=800&height=800&name=Todd%20Marr.png) ### Breakout - Trade Compliance ![Todd Marr](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Todd%20Marr.png?width=800&height=800&name=Todd%20Marr.png) Todd Marr Special Agent, Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry & Security, U.S. Department of Commerce 10:30-11:45AM ![Jim Anderson](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jim%20Anderson.jpeg?width=337&height=337&name=Jim%20Anderson.jpeg) ### Breakout - NADEC and DEC Open Forum ![Jim Anderson](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jim%20Anderson.jpeg?width=337&height=337&name=Jim%20Anderson.jpeg) Jim Anderson Owner of ETCetera International & GO CENTER | Mr. Anderson will moderate an interactive Town Hall forum with NADEC Chair Mr. Jonathan Szucs and incoming Chair, Anne Burkett 12 Noon - 2PM ![Adriana Cruz](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Adriana%20Cruz.png?width=800&height=800&name=Adriana%20Cruz.png) ### Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Adriana Cruz will update us on business and economic development in the state of Texas along with the economic impact of exports on the Texas economy. ![Adriana Cruz](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Adriana%20Cruz.png?width=800&height=800&name=Adriana%20Cruz.png) Adriana Cruz Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism - Office of Governor Greg Abbott 2:30PM - 4PM ### FIFA World Cup 2026 | AT&T Stadium Tour Join us for a presentation on the economic implications of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hear about technological advances, implications on supply chain and economic development opportunities. Furthermore, come to experience AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys and host of nine FIFA World Cup 2026 games. 6PM - 7:30 PM ### Reception Enjoy our come-and-go reception at the hotel. Dress is casual. Following Reception ### Mainstreet Grapevine - Eat and Mosey Free bus service provided by the City of Grapevine which is near DFW airport. You're on your own to explore "Mainstreet Texas" including shops and eating venues of your choosing. ## Thursday September 19, 2024 9AM-10:15 ![paul hirsch](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/paul%20hirsch.jpeg?width=450&height=450&name=paul%20hirsch.jpeg) ### Innovations in Global Supply Chains ![paul hirsch](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/paul%20hirsch.jpeg?width=450&height=450&name=paul%20hirsch.jpeg) Paul Hirsch AVP Mexico Business Unit, BNSF Railway 10:30-11:45AM ![dan sinawat](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/dan%20sinawat.jpg?width=273&height=327&name=dan%20sinawat.jpg) ### Breakout - AI for Business and Sports | Big Opportunities Ahead at World Cup 2026! ![dan sinawat](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/dan%20sinawat.jpg?width=273&height=327&name=dan%20sinawat.jpg) Dan Sinawat Founder - AI CONNEX 10:30-11:45AM ![Jessica Cheeks Thompson](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jessica%20Cheeks%20Thompson.png?width=300&height=300&name=Jessica%20Cheeks%20Thompson.png) ### Breakout - Trade Talk: America’s Critical and Emerging Technologies ![Jessica Cheeks Thompson](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jessica%20Cheeks%20Thompson.png?width=300&height=300&name=Jessica%20Cheeks%20Thompson.png) Jessica Cheeks-Thompson Director, U.S. Commercial Service - Dallas-Fort Worth 10:30-11:45AM ![NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang.jpeg?width=402&height=402&name=NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang.jpeg) ### Breakout - Trade Finance ![NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang.jpeg?width=402&height=402&name=NORTH-TEXAS-DEC-Kathy-Jiang.jpeg) Kathy Jiang Global Trade Advisor 12 Noon - 2PM ![Lyon](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lyon.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=Lyon.jpeg) ### Luncheon with Keynote Speaker ![Lyon](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lyon.jpeg?width=200&height=200&name=Lyon.jpeg) Thomas Lyon Mr. Lyon is Senior Vice President - Airport Development overseeing DFW's $5 billion expansion including DFW's new Terminal F, new air cargo facilities, and infrastructure improvements. 2:30PM - 4PM ### Offsite Tour Join us for a tour of an exciting local DFW area trade operation. DFW International Airport Air Cargo + Integrated Operations Center (Mission Control for DFW International Airport) 5PM - 6PM ### Ice Cream Party ## Registration Options ### Delegate One Thing in Common: Global Trade #### $450, Now $400 - All Conference Sessions & Breakouts - Offsite Tours Each Both Afternoons - Exhibition Access - Welcome Reception - Main Street Grapevine - Ice Cream Party [.](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/4pqdb4qyv?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) ### Exhibitor Registration One Thing in Common: Global Trade #### $950 - Engage approximately two hundred professionals from across the USA with one common focus: GLOBAL TRADE. Meet or renew acquaintances with global specialists including logistics and supply chain, business development, sales and marketing, finance and risk management, and trade compliance specialists across multiple industries. - Includes One Delegate Registration  [.](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/zZcpGFd4NJGGD?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) ### Sponsorships One Thing in Common: Global Trade #### Contact Us Thank you for considering sponsorship of our inaugural 2024 Global Business Forum organized and underwritten by the North Texas District Export Council (NTDEC), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation. We collaborate with sixty District Export Councils across the USA composed of some fifteen hundred members. All DEC members are first vetted, then appointed by the Department of Commerce in one of America’s earliest modern-day public-private partnerships. We are business practitioners across a broad spectrum of industry sectors working in the multifaceted realm of Global Trade exporting our products to markets around the world.  - Contact the DEC Chair: mailto:Chair@NorthTexasDEC.org [.](mailto:chair@northtexasdec.org) ## Hotel Registration The Hyatt Regency at DFW International Airport has offered a rate of USD 159 + tax nightly during the week of September 16th 2024. Rooms must be reserved not later than 11:59 PM CDT on August 30th 2024. Free parking is included, if you choose to drive. The Hyatt Regency at DFW  ##### [Booking Link BOOK HERE](https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWAP/G-NTDE) ##### [HYATT REGENCY DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/dfwap-hyatt-regency-dfw-international-airport) ![Hyatt](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Hyatt.png?width=2000&height=810&name=Hyatt.png "Hyatt") ![PXL_20240918_200924532.MP](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240918_200924532.MP.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240918_200924532.MP.jpg) ![PXL_20240918_180436474.MP](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240918_180436474.MP.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240918_180436474.MP.jpg) ![PXL_20240917_145330649.MP](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240917_145330649.MP.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240917_145330649.MP.jpg) ![PXL_20240919_164424395.MP](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240919_164424395.MP.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240919_164424395.MP.jpg) ![PXL_20240919_162448757.MP](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240919_162448757.MP.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240919_162448757.MP.jpg) ![PXL_20240918_202956953-1](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/PXL_20240918_202956953-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20240918_202956953-1.jpg) ![IMG_5056](https://45523702.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/45523702/hubfs/IMG_5056.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_5056.jpg) [Contact the DEC](https://northtexasdec.org/contact) *The Mission of the North Texas District Export Council (NTDEC) is Promoting Export Growth in North Texas through Education and Collaboration.* --- [![DEC North Texas](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DEC%20North%20Texas.jpeg?width=150&height=74&name=DEC%20North%20Texas.jpeg "DEC North Texas")](https://northtexasdec.org/) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH [![CS_Logo_sm](https://northtexasdec.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CS_Logo_sm.jpeg?width=150&height=66&name=CS_Logo_sm.jpeg "CS_Logo_sm")](https://www.trade.gov/let-our-experts-help-0#) Copyright © 2024, North Texas District Export Council 150 Westpark Way, Suite 235, Euless, TX 76040