April 2025 | Newsletter

  • April 25, 2025

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World Trade Center Sees Miami
Well Positioned in Tariff War

Written by: Alexander Luzula, Miami Today

Special Feature by: Alice Ancona, COO, World Trade Center Miami

As the global market scrambles to adjust to effects of sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Miami is in a unique position to mitigate and withstand the effects, owing to its long-standing reputation and experience as a global trading hub, one observer says.

Interested in Reading More? Click Here to View the Full Article

Global Buzz Builds for Americas Food & Beverage Show, Registration Now Open!

As momentum continues to grow, WTCM recently wrapped a successful promotional week in São Paulo, Brazil, hosting an engaging AF&B informational luncheon at Fogo de Chão Moema. The event welcomed over 220 prospective exhibitors and buyers in person, with additional participants joining virtually.

During the luncheon, COO Alice Ancona delivered a forward-looking presentation on the Show’s expanding global footprint and the business opportunities that await in Miami. She was joined by representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture, who offered insights into trade development and government support for the industry. Attendees also heard compelling testimonials from past participants who shared real success stories and why they’re returning in 2025.

The energy from Brazil was undeniable — and WTCM extends its gratitude to all who made the event possible, including Renato Sabaine, Sabrina Tressoldi, Nicole DeSilvis, Nathan Traurig, Frederick H. Giles, and Renata Boes, whose support was instrumental.

With exhibit space selling fast, the 2025 Show will span three halls of the Miami Beach Convention Center!

Registration is now live — don’t miss your chance to connect with the world’s food and beverage leaders in Miami this September!

🚨LAST CALL🚨

Trading After Hours + Table Top Expo on April 24th!

Thank you to the DoubleTree Doral for an incredible edition of Trading After Hours last March! The evening was filled with great conversations, delicious food and drinks, and vibrant connections — bringing professionals together for impact and opportunity.

We’re back this month with something new! Join us tomorrow, April 24 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Pullman Miami Airport Hotel (5800 Waterford District Dr, Miami, FL 33126) for our first-ever Trading After Hours + Tabletop Expo — an exciting fusion of networking and business showcasing.

As always, attendance to the reception is complimentary — but this time, we’re giving WTCM Member companies a new way to elevate their visibility and connect with potential clients through tabletop display opportunities.

  • Showcase your brand, products, or services
  • Engage directly with international-minded professionals
  • Stand out in front of South Florida’s global business community
    Tabletop Display Cost: $250 — available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network and grow your business!

Complimentary RSVP to Reception

Secure your TableTop Display.

NOTE: RSVP is required. Attendance to the reception is complimentary. To secure a tabletop, you’ll need to purchase your space using the Button Above. Cost: $250

Step Into the Future of Logistics — November 2025 in Miami

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas Debuts!

Presented by Messe München and the World Trade Center Miami, this powerful trade show and conference brings together global leaders across the supply chain for three days of unmatched opportunity.

Exhibit booth sales are now open — secure your space today and be part of the movement shaping the future of logistics.

CONTACT: 📧Robert Berrios or 📧Robert Hernandez today!

Become a member of the WTCM today and unlock global opportunities for you and your company. Click on the link below for information and more details.

Take a look at our enhanced online 🔍Member Directory

Let’s welcome our Newest Members 🙌

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

OLR Services

Have you received your Official World Trade Center Miami Membership Certificate?

Contact Robert Hernandez, rhernandez@wtcmiami.org, to learn more about getting yours!

Trading After Hours + Table Top Expo
April 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM – More Information

Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference – SAVE THE DATE!
September 10-12, 2025 – Miami Beach Convention Center – More Information

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas – SAVE THE DATE!
November 11-13, 2025 – Miami Beach Convention Center – More Information

From Our Partners at Diaz Trade Law

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Ivan Barrios - President and CEO

Ivan Barrios

President & CEO

Ivan Barrios is the President/CEO of the World Trade Center Miami. Ivan has served in this role since January 2020.

He most recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas.

Ivan has organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015 for three governors. Special projects included 3,000 one-on-one business matchmaking appointments for exporters, managing two hemispheric trade shows, producing and publishing five Florida International Trade and Services Directories, coordinating the activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and creating the Florida Trade Data Center, a first of its kind information hub for Florida exporters.

Ivan holds a position on the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association, where he represents the North American region. His extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the South Florida District Export Council and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Ivan is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he earned his degree in Business Administration.

Alice Ancona

Chief Operating Officer
Alice Ancona has held this role since January 2020.  She is charged with boosting organizational resilience and value creation of the operations, events, strategic programing, marketing and trade shows of the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM). With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. In addition, she is charged with creating and executing international trade programs, trade missions, economic development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovative revenue-generating solutions as well as providing strategic long-term planning for the organization.
Before joining WTCM, Ms. Ancona led the international endeavors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, serving as a prominent advocate for policies that enhance international trade, logistics, and investments. Her efforts centered on removing trade barriers, expanding market access, facilitating exports, negotiating trade agreements, and strengthening Florida’s trade infrastructure. Ms. Ancona played a pivotal role in connecting Florida to the global trade arena, facilitating relationships with international stakeholders, foreign agencies, elected officials, member companies, and governmental bodies at the state and federal levels.
Prior to her work at the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona spearheaded the governmental affairs division at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she directed policy agendas on a diverse range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. Her accomplishments include leading successful campaigns for the passage of crucial trade agreements, such as the Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, and KORUS. She also contributed to efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.
Ms. Ancona’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.  She is a recognized thought leader and speaker at industry conferences, providing insights on global market dynamics, trade policy, and cross-border strategies. She has actively participated in various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning initiatives and has been an active member of the Florida International Trade Partnership. Her involvement also includes serving on the Board of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition, including the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, the 2015 Person of the Year designation by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and the 2016 Women of Distinction Award from the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.