The 2018 Utah Global Forum has been scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The annual international business event is designed to facilitate the dialogue on how businesses can grow beyond local boundaries and develop an import and export strategy to expand into the global marketplace, according to a release from the forum’s cosponsors, World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Salt Lake Chamber.
The half-day program features networking opportunities, a pitch competition and breakout sessions discussing the proposed Utah inland port and how to succeed internationally. Throughout the program, attendees will hear from Gov. Gary Herbert, Utah’s top international trading international trading partners, industry experts and a panel of five local university and college presidents.
Ben Stein, writer, lawyer, actor, and commentator on political and economic issues, has been scheduled as the keynote speaker for the event. Known for his economic lessons on- and off-screen. Stein will address the general session of the event.
“Trade is a compelling and evolving topic that is so important to Utah businesses and Utah’s economy. Who better to teach us than the iconic, and equally talented, Ben Stein?” said Miles Hansen, president and CEO of WTC Utah. “As a policymaker, and an award-winning economist and lawyer, Stein’s remarks will provide insight into international trade and what to expect in the future.”
The theme of the forum, “Utah, Crossroads of the World,” was chosen in anticipation of three major state projects: the opening of the new Salt Lake City International Airport, the expansion of Utah’s burgeoning tech sector and the groundbreaking of the Utah Global Trade Port, said the sponsors.
“Utah’s economy is one of the best in the nation and our state has one of the fastest-growing export economies. For this to continue, Utah companies must be equipped with the necessary skills to compete on the global business stage,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Any business looking to succeed in the global marketplace should without a doubt attend this event.”
“Now more than ever, Utah is open for business. We have become one of the best places for business internationally,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “Exports in Utah have doubled over the past decade, and that number continues to increase. The Utah Global Forum is an opportunity to learn from key leaders on ways to connect with the world’s customers.”
Forum details are available at utahglobalforum.com.