Message From World Trade Center Miami President & CEO Ivan Barrios

  • December 21, 2023

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As 2023 draws to a close, I and the World Trade Center Miami team want to thank our Chair, our Board of Directors and WTCM Members for helping us make this a truly banner year at the WTCM. Through their leadership and support, we have been able to enhance and grow our trade shows, explore new partnerships that add vitality and new energy to our offerings and explore opportunities for new show and program development. I am pleased to announce that we have made great strides along all those lines which collectively are moving this organization in both a positive and forward-moving direction.

During this past year, I was also honored to have been elected to the Board of the World Trade Centers Association which is the global link to the network of over 320 World Trade Centers spanning the globe in 91 countries and regions.  Through this appointment, I hope to further develop collaboration and to share our WTCM news and achievements with the global membership.

We are already in planning and implementation mode for our 2024 lineup of events, programs, and trade shows. Our annual International Women’s Day event is already in planning and will take place on March 15 at the Biltmore in Coral Gables. Nominations forms are available on the WTCM website. On September 16-18, our 28th edition of the Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference, taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, promises to be the largest ever, stretching across three halls for three days, along with our new partner, Informa, who will co-locate their FHL – Food & Hospitality LATAM show with AF&B. And, in another new partnership with Messe München, a global organizer of multiple transport logistics shows, we will jointly debut the cargalogistica Americas Summit, from October 15-16, at the W Hotel in Panama City, Panama. I look forward to sharing further details as they evolve for what will be an exciting 2024. Be sure to check out these and other WTCM events on our website at www.wtcMiami.org

With that, let me convey to all our warmest wishes during this holiday season with hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year ahead. I look forward to your continued collaboration with the World Trade Center Miami and thank you again for a productive and memorable year.

The Year in Review:  WTCM Events and Trade Shows in 2023

 International Women’s Day

In 2004, the WTCM began this community’s celebration of International Women’s Day, and though 2022 has recognized 94 women who inspire,  challenge and contribute to international business and free trade. On May 5, 2023, the WTCM honored an additional five women whose achievements have advanced the promotion of international business in the community and across the Americas.  Recipients of the 2023 International Achievement Awards were Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County; Patricia Compres, Founding & Managing Member of Advance Customs Brokers & Consultants; Lissette Elias, Trade Commissioner, Dominican Republic; Djenane Gouge, Founder & Vice President of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce; and Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the Miami Association of Realtors.  A well-deserved congratulations to this year’s honorees.

America’s Food & Beverage Show & Conference

The 27th edition of the Americas Food & Beverage Show and Conference (AF&B) was the largest and most attended in the history of this WTCM production.  Spanning 2 show halls and for 3 business days at the Miami Beach Convention Center, AF&B has become the meeting point for decision makers from throughout the hemisphere and the world.  From September 18-20, AF&B attracted over 7,300 attendees from 93 countries, with 653 exhibitors including 16 country pavilions. AF&B is only open to the industry, making for an exclusively B2B (business to business) event. Attendees look for new and innovative products to source, add to their store shelves, menus, and to wow their clients. According to an exhibitor, “Participation at AF&B allows us to showcase our products to a wide range of distributors and buyers from across the globe, all in one place. Our presence allows us to reconnect with customers, build relationships, and fast track countless discussions, meetings and buyer opportunities that help to enhance our sales efforts.”

Air Cargo Americas / Supply Chain Americas Show & Conference (ACA/SCA)

Since 1991, Miami’s home-grown air cargo, logistics, and supply chain exhibition and conference has gained global attention from exhibitors and attendees across the globe.  This year’s event took place from October 31 – November 2, at the Doubletree/Miami Airport Convention Center, ACA/SCA drew over 3,200 executives from 75 counties, with the conference drawing some 400 attendees and with almost 100 exhibitors.  Statistics aside, comments from attendees were positive and well received.  According to one major exhibitor, “Once again, the WTCM did an excellent job of organizing a stellar event for the air cargo supply chain industry.”  Yet another exhibitor commented on the conference program saying, “ The agenda items and topics were very informative and relevant to current challenges we are facing and the future outlook of the logistics industry.”  Being a biennial event, ACA/SCA returns in 2025.

Global State of the Ports

On November 2, at the Doubletree Hotel, the WTCM held its annual state of the ports luncheon and presentation with a new addition meant to expand the program’s scope to a more global level. Leadership from international ports joined Directors from Miami International Airport and from Port Miami to reflect on the present state of the trade industry, along with future outlook. Their presentations provided for a collective exchange of accomplishments as well as challenges in the post-pandemic environment at each of the speakers’ respective ports. Moderated by Pamela Fuertes, Dean, Miguel B. Fernandez School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation | Miami Dade College, the program’s speakers included Hydi Webb, Director & CEO, Port Miami; Ralph Cutié, Director & CEO, Miami International Airport; Rene Puche, President of the Port of Barranquilla Authority and Salih Kamil Salihoglu, Vice President Cargo for the Americas for the global carrier Turkish Cargo.  Over 320 area businesspeople attended the event.

WTCM Presents International Awards

The WTCM presented its annual International Achievement Award and International Hall of Fame Awards during a holiday reception on December 7 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. In keeping with its mission to promote and enhance trade and commerce, the WTCM created this long-standing event to herald those companies, entities and individuals who share the vision to grow international business in our community. The International Achievement Award was presented to American Airlines, for fostering global connectivity for Miami. International Hall of Fame Awards were presented to J.A. “Tony” Villamil, the Washington Economics Group; Michael (Mike) Carricarte, Amedex Assurance; and Virginia Sanchez, American Airlines.  In special recognition, the Chairman’s Award was presented to Lee Sandler and Tom Travis, from Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

WTCM Trading After Hours Gains Popularity

A popular and growing WTCM event, the Trading After Hours reception takes place each month in an effort to facilitate networking opportunities for members and stakeholders, while significantly contributing to membership recruitment endeavors. In a relaxed and friendly environment, attendees get to exchange business cards, enjoy some food & beverages, while meeting new members of the WTCM and encouraging invited guests to consider WTCM membership. Held at the WTCM Offices, plans now include co-hosting the reception at member locations as well, during 2024.  Look for future WTCM announcements on dates and locations.

WTCM MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW

Throughout 2023, the WTCM Membership drive successfully recruited a wide array of corporate and individual members to join our organization. The WTCM connects small and medium-sized businesses to the global marketplace. Whether your business is looking to find your next customer, expand to international markets or make global connections – the WTCM has the resources and services to grow your bottom line. Thank you to all our new members:

The International Longshoreman’s Association, Crystal Pittman/ILA, Hyatt House Hotel, Aver Productions, Latamways, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Aerolineas Argentinas, Uruguay American Chamber of Commerce, American Airlines, Caribbean Trading Enterprise, Pacific National Bank, Government of Quebec, M&M International Consultants, OIS & Associates, The UPS Store, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kemi Arosanyin, Hilton Cabana / Embassy Suites, Florida First Capital Finance Corp., Diaz Trade Law, DOF Global Logistics, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., Interport Logistics Companies, Monica Martinez / Clasicamasters, JCE Professional Maintenance, KAT Marketing, Centauri Transportation, Simon Corp, Modern Logistics, CERMAQ US, LLC, Arias Tovar & Associates, P.A., Javier Perez Palencia, Javier Madrid, Roanoke Insurance, 4Kings Cold Solutions, Facildex Colombia, Pullman Hotels, Uruguay Chamber President, and Element Hotel.  

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.

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Maira Suarez
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Lemartec

Maira Suarez is a nationally respected construction industry leader with more than 25 years of experience driving strategic growth, cultivating high-impact partnerships, and delivering complex, transformative projects. As Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Lemartec, Maira has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term vision, expanding its market footprint, and contributing to historic financial success.

Since joining Lemartec’s executive leadership team, Maira has been instrumental in elevating the firm’s competitive positioning and pursuit strategy.

Her leadership was central to the successful Design-Build Cruise Terminal F Expansion and Berthing Re-Alignment project at PortMiami, an achievement that showcased her exceptional strategic instincts, mastery of capture planning, and ability to build winning teams. A formidable force in the industry, Maira has contributed to more than $1 billion in booked backlog in the current year, underscoring her outsized impact on the company’s sustained growth and market leadership.

Maira brings a holistic understanding of the construction process, combining deep knowledge of regulations, cost structures, risk management, and partnership development with a keen awareness of the people and stakeholders involved in every project. This integrated approach has helped secure signature work such as the Design-Build IBIS Parking Garage at Miami International Airport and other marquee infrastructure initiatives. Her ability to forge meaningful, long-term relationships has resulted in partnerships that deliver lasting value for clients, communities, and the company alike.

Equally important is Maira’s commitment to people and culture. A confident and authentic leader, she inspires others to recognize their own potential and pursue excellence. Her dedication to mentorship, team building, and continuous improvement has left a lasting imprint on Lemartec’s organizational culture. In 2023, she spearheaded the Women’s Leadership Forum, reinforcing her commitment to advancing women’s representation and leadership within the traditionally male-dominated construction industry.

Maira also serves on the Miami-Dade County Strategic Task Force to Reduce Inefficiencies in Procurement, appointed by Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., reflecting her commitment to public service and community impact.

Maira Suarez’s visionary leadership, instinctive decision-making, and unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges distinguish her as a true industry trailblazer. Her expertise across the entire construction lifecycle and her ability to view challenges holistically continue to raise the bar for excellence in the construction sector and position her as a compelling role model for the next generation of leaders.

Marcela Prado
Founder & CEO, AB Group Shipping

Marcela Alejandra Prado is an international business leader, consultant, and institutional figure with more than two decades of experience in global trade, international logistics, and the development of business ecosystems between Latin America and the United States.

She is the Founder & CEO of AB Group Shipping Corp, an international logistics company headquartered in Miami, specializing in exports, imports, international freight, corporate relocations, and integrated logistics solutions.

Under her leadership, the company has positioned itself as a strategic bridge for businesses seeking to expand, operate, and scale efficiently in global markets, with a strong focus on compliance, reliability, and long-term vision.

As part of her business ecosystem, Marcela is also the founder of MAP Logistics, an operational structure with presence in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Argentina, created to strengthen regional integration, optimize logistics operations across Latin America, and support companies in their internationalization and soft-landing processes into the U.S. market.

She also leads MRP, her transportation and moving company focused on ground logistics and international relocation services, integrating the final mile of the logistics chain with a strategic, personalized, and client-centered approach.

In the institutional arena, Marcela serves as a Director of the Cámara de Comercio Argentino Americana de Florida, where she actively contributes to the design and execution of business integration initiatives, strategic networking platforms, trade missions, and programs that strengthen bilateral ties between Argentina and the United States. Through this role, she promotes collaborative leadership, business internationalization, and tangible opportunities for the Latin American business community.

Committed to social impact and purpose-driven leadership, Marcela is the Founder and President of the Fundación Mujeres Latinas Unidas – Redes sin Fronteras, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrant women and Latin families through education, training, mentorship, and the creation of strong support networks. Through the foundation, she leads leadership programs, scholarships, recognitions, and community initiatives that foster integration, personal growth, and sustainable economic development.

She is also the creator of Mujeres Argentinas de Florida, a community that for more than a decade has connected, supported, and elevated Argentine women abroad, promoting cultural identity, meaningful connections, and professional and personal growth.

Recognized for her business trajectory, institutional commitment, and human-centered leadership, Marcela has received multiple distinctions for her contributions to international trade, the Latin community, and women’s empowerment. She is a frequent speaker, panelist, and host at high-level business forums, institutional galas, and international events throughout the United States and Latin America.

Her personal journey as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and bridge-builder between cultures is a defining pillar of her work. Marcela strongly believes in the power of networks, resilience, and collaboration as drivers of social and economic transformation.

Today, she continues to expand her impact as a connector of people, companies, and countries, guided by a clear vision: to create sustainable opportunities, open international pathways, and demonstrate that business leadership, when exercised with purpose, can be a powerful force for change.

Suzanne Lemaitre
Executive Director, World BASC Organization, Inc.

Suzanne Lemaitre is the Executive Director of World BASC Organization (WBO), an international non-profit business alliance dedicated to promoting secure international trade through close cooperation with governments, international organizations, and the private sector. She has been part of the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC) since 2003, playing a central role in advancing the Organization’s mission and strengthening its presence across the Americas.

With more than 24 years of experience as an international business professional, and executive studies in High Strategic Management, Ms. Lemaitre has built a distinguished career at the intersection of trade facilitation, supply chain security, and public-private collaboration. Under her leadership, WBO continues to serve as a trusted partner for companies and authorities committed to safeguarding legitimate trade and enhancing supply chain resilience.

In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Lemaitre provides overall strategic and operational leadership for World BASC Organization, ensuring the effective implementation of directives issued by the General Assembly and the Board of Directors. She oversees the Organization’s administration, financial planning, and institutional performance, including the development and execution of the annual action plan, budget, and management reporting.

Ms. Lemaitre plays a central role in strengthening governance and institutional oversight, supporting Board and committee functions, coordinating audits, and ensuring sound risk management and regulatory compliance. She also oversees internal communications, maintains key organizational metrics and works closely with governing bodies to advance policies, procedures, and long-term strategic initiatives aligned with WBO’s mission.

Throughout her career, Ms. Lemaitre has worked extensively with business-led organizations in the United States and Latin America, fostering constructive engagement with customs authorities, control agencies, and international partners to drive economic development and strengthen supply chain security standards. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of international trade dynamics and the importance of trust-based cooperation across borders.

Ms. Lemaitre is recognized for her ability to bridge cultures, sectors, and institutions, and for her commitment to advancing secure, efficient, and sustainable trade as a foundation for economic and social progress.

Fernanda Figueiredo
VP, Leadership Initiatives & International Affairs SelectFlorida, Inc.

Fernanda Figueiredo serves as Vice President of Leadership Initiatives and International Affairs at SelectFlorida, Inc., where she works closely with the organization’s President to lead high-impact strategic initiatives that advance Florida’s global competitiveness and international profile. In this role, she oversees Florida’s international leadership missions and strategic engagement tracks led by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet Secretaries, contributing directly to the state’s international economic development priorities.

Fernanda leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for the strategic planning and execution of leadership initiatives, providing senior-level international affairs support and advisory services to state leadership. Her work ensures alignment across agencies and stakeholders with Florida’s broader international strategy. She manages relationships with international dignitaries and senior government officials, serves as a primary liaison for global partnerships and international organizations, and oversees the development of international reports, briefing materials, and actionable recommendations for engaging with international markets.

She is also responsible for managing inbound international delegations to Florida, overseeing the evaluation, coordination, and tracking of engagements to ensure each interaction contributes to a cohesive, market-specific engagement strategy. In parallel, Fernanda serves as SelectFlorida’s Chief Protocol Officer, overseeing all protocol matters related to Florida’s international representation and high-level official engagements.

Her portfolio includes the development and execution of international agreements—such as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Memoranda of Cooperation (MOCs), and other strategic frameworks—as well as the organization of targeted international technology and innovation initiatives, including Florida Pitch Days. She also manages sponsorship strategy and activation tied to leadership missions and priority initiatives.

Fernanda plays a central role in coordinating SelectFlorida’s partnerships with state agencies, gateway organizations, and higher education institutions, serving as a key integrator across divisions to ensure unified execution and impact. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with working proficiency in German and French, enhancing her effectiveness in complex international and cross-cultural environments.

Previously, Fernanda served as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at SelectFlorida, where she advanced Florida’s International Trade and Business Development strategy and strengthened the state’s positioning as a global technology and innovation hub. Earlier roles include Director of International Strategic Initiatives at SelectFlorida, Trade Manager at Enterprise Florida, Inc., and International Trade & Business Development Specialist at the Economic & Commercial Affairs Office of the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami.

As a representative of SelectFlorida and the State of Florida, Fernanda regularly leads and participates in investment meetings, trade missions, seminars, and international trade shows. She continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and executing initiatives that showcase Florida’s global strengths, reinforcing the state’s position as a premier destination for international investment, trade, and innovation.

Fany Flores-Pastor
Senior Director, Product Management, Descartes

Fany Flores-Pastor is a senior trade technology and product management executive with more than 27 years of experience supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) modernization initiatives. She currently serves as Senior Director of Product Management at Descartes Systems Group, where she leads the strategy and execution of mission-critical U.S. Customs Brokerage and manifest systems used by the global trade community.

Ms. Flores-Pastor has worked extensively at the intersection of trade operations, regulatory compliance, and technology implementation. She has been actively engaged with CBP advisory and technical bodies since 2008, serving as a Trade Ambassador and member of the CBP Technical Advisory Group. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Support Network (TSN), where she helps coordinate industry feedback, lead working group efforts, and support CBP and COAC technical initiatives.
 
She has directly contributed to multiple Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) working groups, including the De Minimis Working Group and Task Force, the ACE Modernization Working Group, and the Ocean AMS Streamlining Working Group. Her work has supported ACE modernization, PGA integration, cargo and manifest processing improvements, and the transition from legacy ABI messaging to modern JSON-based interfaces through the ACE Cargo Gateway.
 
Ms. Flores-Pastor brings a software provider perspective grounded in decades of hands-on experience designing, implementing, and supporting systems that operationalize CBP policy. She is recognized for fostering effective public–private collaboration that strengthens compliance, enhances security, and promotes efficient and resilient trade operations.
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.