August 2025 | Newsletter

  • August 14, 2025

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Stay Ahead in Global Trade – Your Monthly Edge Starts Here!

Welcome to the World Trade Center Miami Monthly Newsletter—your go-to source for insights, opportunities, and updates that matter in international trade. From exclusive events and trade missions to industry intelligence and partner highlights, we bring you what’s next in global commerce.

📩 Don’t just stay informed—get involved. Explore new markets, expand your network, and engage with the initiatives shaping Miami as the Trade Capital of the Americas.

👉 Read on. Take action. Grow globally.👈

In an interview at the World Trade Centers Association’s North America Conference in June in Kansas City, Mo., World Trade Center (WTC) Miami President and CEO Ivan Barrios and WTC Miami COO Alice Ancona share strategies for supporting international trade amidst shifting market dynamics.

To read the Full Article, Click Here

Presenting: Investment Opportunities in Panama

Join the World Trade Center Miami and ProPanama on Wednesday, August 21, for a special presentation on Investment Opportunities in Panama, followed by a networking reception.

Schedule of Events:

Presentation: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM at World Trade Center Miami, 5835 Waterford District Drive, Miami, FL 33126
Reception: 6:00 PM at Tru by Hilton Miami Airport, 5560 Waterford District Drive, Miami, FL 33126

This event, held in partnership with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, offers valuable insights into Panama’s growing investment landscape and an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders.

🔗 Invitation Required — RSVP Here

Countdown to the Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference 2025

Less than 30 Days Remain!

We’re less than 30 days away from welcoming the global food and beverage industry to Miami Beach for the Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference, taking place September 10–12, 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

This premier B2B event connects over 10,000 industry professionals with 800+ exhibitors from more than 20 countries — offering unmatched opportunities to source new products, expand into global markets, and build lasting business relationships.

Regular Registration is now open through September 7 for just $145 USD. Secure your spot today and join us in the gateway city to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world!

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!

The Future of Logistics and Air Cargo Lands — November 2025

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas Debuts!

Our partners from Messe München recently visited Miami, where they introduced the upcoming transport logistic Americas / project cargo Americas / air cargo Americas — and connected with many industry leaders, partners, and customers.

Join global leaders at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the highly anticipated debut of transport logistic Americas / air cargo Americas — the premier event for innovation, strategy, and partnership in multimodal logistics and air cargo.

Presented by Messe München and the World Trade Center Miami, this dynamic trade show and conference will unite the full spectrum of supply chain professionals for three days of insight, connection, and opportunity.

🚨 Exhibit booth sales are open — don’t miss your chance to showcase your company at the forefront of industry transformation. Secure your spot today!

CONTACT: 📧Robert Berrios or 📧Robert Hernandez today!

SAVE THE DATE! WTCM International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards Event Scheduled for December 2025

Save the date for Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for the International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards, the World Trade Center Miami’s premier annual signature event. In keeping with our mission to promote and enhance trade and commerce, this long-standing tradition honors companies, entities, and individuals whose leadership and vision continue to grow international business in our community.

The evening will begin with the WTCM Annual General Membership Meeting, followed by the Awards Ceremony and concluding with a Reception.

Now Accepting Nominations
We invite you to help us identify and celebrate the outstanding leaders shaping the future of global commerce. Submit your nomination for the International Achievement Award or International Hall of Fame Award today.

Submit Your Nomination Here.

Mark your calendar and be part of this extraordinary celebration of international trade leadership!

Connect Globally - Prosper Locally

A Word from our Member: First American Bank
As consumer demand rises and global supply chains shift, food and beverage businesses are under pressure to grow efficiently and smartly. But many companies don’t realize they already qualify for powerful financing tools that could help them scale.

 

Read the Full Article by, Clicking Here

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 🙌  

Circulo De Exportadores | OIS & Associates | Rizen | Procomer Costa Rica

WTCM Member Events:

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

WTCM 40th Anniversary Reception – SAVE THE DATE!
October 23, 2025

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

Annual General Membership Meeting – SAVE THE DATE!
December 4, 2025 – Biltmore Hotel – More Information

International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards – SAVE THE DATE!
December 4, 2025 – Biltmore Hotel – More Information

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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.