Global Forum set for Oct. 24

The chief U.S. columnist for the Financial Times will highlight activities at the Utah Global Forum, set for Oct. 24 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Edward Luce will be the keynote speaker at the forum and will discuss how challenges such as the presidential election, the “Brexit” and rising tensions abroad can directly impact Utah businesses.

The chief U.S. columnist for the Financial Times will highlight activities at the Utah Global Forum, set for Oct. 24 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

Edward Luce will be the keynote speaker at the forum and will discuss how challenges such as the presidential election, the “Brexit” and rising tensions abroad can directly impact Utah businesses.

“The purpose of the Utah Global Forum is to help Utah grow by expanding into international markets,” said Derek B. Miller, president and chief executive officer of World Trade Center Utah. “Mr. Luce’s insights will help companies identify and successfully respond to changes in the global marketplace. We want to create economic opportunity and grow international business in the state.”

The half-day forum is the state’s premier international business event. Breakout sessions will focus on four topics: exporting, creating partnerships in the international marketplace, finance and international networking.

Fast-paced “power” presentations will cover the same topics as the breakout sessions, with the exception of international networking. A special fourth presentation will highlight research conducted by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute exploring the feasibility of opening an inland port in Utah. The forum will end with an afternoon address by Gov. Gary R. Herbert.

One addition to the 2016 forum is the participation of consuls general from around the world. Partnering with Utah Valley University, the consuls will participate in the Global Forum as well as an event at the university the following day. The consuls will mingle with attendees and participate on the international networking panel.

“The Utah Global Forum helps Utah business owners think bigger,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “It is my hope leaders of companies of all sizes will take advantage of this opportunity. World Trade Center Utah is an important partner in growing the state’s export economy and provides a wealth of resources to our ambitious businesses.”

In 2015, Utah exports totaled $13.3 billion, which was an 8 percent increase from the year before. Top export commodities include metals, computer and electronic products, chemicals, food and related products, and transportation equipment.

“The Utah Global Forum provides an incredible opportunity to business owners,” said Lane Beattie, president and chief executive officer of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Not only does it teach them how to navigate the issues associated with international business, but it gives them the confidence and personal relationships to be successful in that new and intimidating environment.”

The Utah Global Forum is a joint effort of the World Trade Center Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Salt Lake Chamber. Details about the forum are at http://www.utahglobalforum.com/.