Global Trade Summit

Presented by

Agenda

Note: Schedule subject to change
Day 1: Thursday, Sept. 25

All sessions to be held in the Quinlan / Brown Academic Innovation Center

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Coffee
Kick off the day with check-in, coffee, and informal networking.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Opening comments from event organizers and partners to set the stage

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Address
“Leadership, Learning & the Future of Global Trade”
Featuring James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Panel: Logistics & Global Trade – Navigating the New Normal
Top retail brands, shipping companies and logistics leaders break down how they’re adapting import/export operations in the face of global uncertainty. Learn how companies are responding to trade disruptions, reshaping their supply chains, and staying competitive in an unpredictable economic landscape.
Moderator: Victoria Kickham, Senior Editor, DC Velocity
Panelists: Samuel Watson, CEO, North Technology Group; Mads Petersen, COO, Pangaea Logistics Solutions; JoEllen Fiorenzano, President & CEO, FAF, Inc.; Paul Thomas, CFO, Tannin Corporation

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Morning Break & Networking
Refresh, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Panel: The “Next Big Thing” is Here – How A.I. is Reshaping Global Trade
From automating customs processes to optimizing global supply chains, artificial intelligence is transforming how trade happens. This panel explores real-world applications and the powerful potential of A.I. in accelerating commerce, improving accuracy, and unlocking new markets.
Moderator: Laurie White, President, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
Panelists: Stephen Piper, Partner, IBM Consulting; Kevin Ricci, Partner, CitrinCooperman; David Thomas, Executive Director, The PIER;

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
Enjoy a full hour for lunch and informal discussion.

  • Keynote: Brian Quigley, Director of Private Sector Engagement, Economic Bureau, U.S. Department of State

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Panel: Trade Perspectives from Around the World – A Diplomatic Roundtable
Senior representatives from the United Kingdom and Canada will share how their nations are navigating today’s trade realities. Gain first-hand insight into where international cooperation is headed.
Moderator: Brian Quigley, Director of Private Sector Engagement, Economic Bureau, U.S. Department of State
Panelists: U.K. Consul General David Clay; Dina Santos, Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada

2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Afternoon Break
A final chance to regroup and prepare for the closing sessions.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Panel: The Global Economic Outlook – Trends, Risks, & What Comes Next
What’s the bigger picture? Hear from top economists, including Bryant University Vice President Edi Tebaldi, as they explore the macro forces driving the global economy, including inflation, labor markets, energy transitions, and shifting trade alliances. Understand the signals that matter, and how to prepare for what’s next.
Panelists: Edi Tebaldi, Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness, Bryant University; Emily Mandel, Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Final reflections, key takeaways, and a look ahead. Reception to follow.

5:30 – 8 p.m.
Reception – Bello Grand Hall

Day 2: Friday, September 26
All sessions to be held in the Quinlan / Brown Academic Innovation Center

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Coffee & Networking
Kick off the day with check-in, coffee, and informal networking.

9 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Recap Day 1; pick up where we left off.
Rick Grundy, Global Trade Committee Co-Chair

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker – Adam Triolo, VP of Commercial Business Development, REGENT Craft

10:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Morning Break
Refresh, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Panel: U.S. Trade Strategy – A Congressional Perspective
A candid discussion with U.S. Congressional representatives on how the federal government is shaping trade policy, navigating international relationships, and supporting American businesses on the global stage.
Moderator: Liz Catucci, Executive Director, Partnership for Rhode Island
Panelists: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed; U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse; U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner; U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo

12:00 – 12:15 p.m.
Morning Break
Time to refresh before the final session.

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

  • The Fast-Evolving Ocean Economy: Highlighting Opportunities in Rhode Island, the Ocean State
    Moderator: Will Cox, VP Business Development & Investments, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
    Panelists: Shelly LeBlanc, Compliance Manager, J.F. Moran; Chelsea Siefert, Chief Operating Officer, Quonset Development Corporation; Lee Silvestre, Naval X, East Coast Coordinator; Chris Waterson, President/CEO, Waterson Terminal Services; Ted Williams, President, Senesco Marine

  • Food Manufacturing and Distribution
    Moderator: Alexa Gagosz, Business and Features Reporter, The Boston Globe
    Panelists: Gina Donio, Marketing & Communications Manager, Food Export Northeast; Lisa Raiola, President & Founder, Hope & Main; Ken Ayars, Chief of the Division of Agriculture, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

  • Life Sciences and Biotechnology
    Moderator: Mark Turco, President & CEO, Rhode Island Life Science Hub
    Panelists: Angus McQuilken, Business Development Associate Director, Orrick; Rich-Henry Schabowsky, Ph.D, J.D., CEO, EpiVax

1:30 – 2 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Rick Grundy, Global Trade Committee Co-Chair