September 2025 | Newsletter

  • September 29, 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.👈

A Landmark Year! — Americas Food and Beverage Show 2025

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference — what an unforgettable week! From the energy on the show floor to packed conference sessions and nonstop networking, this year’s show brought together the global food and beverage industry like never before.

We were thrilled to welcome thousands of buyers, exhibitors, and trade professionals from around the world to the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

📊 Check out our event highlights 👉Click Here👈
Mark your calendars: The 2026 Americas Food & Beverage Show returns September 14–16, 2026 — and planning is already underway!

Save the Date! - WTCM 40th Anniversary Reception

Join us as the World Trade Center Miami marks a major milestone with its 40th Anniversary Reception, honoring four decades of impact, growth, and connection across the international trade community. Since our founding in October 1985, WTCM has played a transformative role in establishing Miami as a thriving gateway for commerce throughout the Americas and beyond.

This special evening will reflect on our legacy, recognize the partners and stakeholders who helped shape our journey, and spotlight the achievements that have defined WTCM over the years. Stay tuned — more details coming soon!

Save the Date: October 23, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Visit Our Website to Learn More: Click Here

Seminar Sessions & Panels Announced!

Transport Logistic Americas / Air Cargo Americas Debuts November!

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.

This year’s Conference Program is now live! You can explore the agenda and who’s speaking on our website here: Conference Program

🚨 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! The WTCM Annual General Membership Meeting Scheduled for December 2025

The World Trade Center Miami Annual General Membership Meeting will convene on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, preceding the International Achievement & International Hall of Fame Awards.
This annual gathering is an opportunity for members to reflect on our shared successes, gain insights into the year ahead, and connect with fellow leaders shaping South Florida’s role in the global marketplace.
As always, the meeting will also serve as a forum to celebrate the strength of our membership and reaffirm WTCM’s commitment to promoting global commerce, fostering innovation, and creating connections that drive economic growth.
Join us as we look ahead to another year of progress, partnerships, and possibilities.
 
Register for the Annual General Membership Meeting on December 4th Below!

WTCM Members: Reach out to Robert Hernandez to receive your Discount Code!

WTCM International Achievement & Hall of Fame Awards Preparations are Underway!

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.

WTCM Members: Reach out to Robert Hernandez to receive your Discount Code!
Mark your calendar and be part of this extraordinary celebration of international trade leadership!

Connect Globally - Prosper Locally

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 🙌

Seal Global Holdings | USA Caribbean Tours, Corp. | Velocitas

WTCM Member Events:

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

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.