7:30 am
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8:30 am
Registration and Coffee
AIC
Michael Santora
2026 Global Trade Summit Agenda
The 2026 Global Trade Summit brought together global business leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators for a day of insightful discussions, high-level conversations, and strategic connections.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants explored the trends and challenges shaping international business, including global trade policy, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and emerging opportunities for international growth.
Explore the sessions and conversations that shaped Bryant University's 40th Global Trade Summit.
2026 Summit Program
Thursday, Sep 24
8:30 am
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9:30 am
Welcome Remarks
AIC Forum
Hear from event organizers as they kick off the day’s theme and set the tone for learning, connection, and growth.
9:30 am
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10:30 am
Morning Keynote Address
AIC Forum
The Future of Supply Chain Automation
Michael Santora shares insights drawn from his experience leading innovation and growth in an increasingly interconnected world.
10:30 am
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11:30 am
Panel: Trade, Technology, & Tariffs
AIC Forum
A moderated panel examines the evolving logistics landscape and strategies for building more resilient and efficient supply chains.
11:30 am
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11:50 am
Morning Break and Networking
AIC Forum
11:50 am
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12:30 pm
Global Trade Outlooks & Realignment - How Fiscal Policy is Changing International Trade
AIC Forum
An analysis of the latest macroeconomic trends and international trade relations resulting from recent developments in foreign and domestic fiscal policy.
12:30 pm
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12:40 pm
Walk to Bello
12:40 pm
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1:40 pm
Lunch
Bello Grand Hall
Enjoy lunch while continuing conversations with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and industry professionals.
1:00 pm
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1:20 pm
Lunch Keynote
Bello Grand Hall
Rhode Island's Life Science Opportunity
Healthcare and technology executive Bob Cormier shares insights drawn from more than 25 years of leading innovation, business growth, and organizational transformation across the U.S. and Europe.
1:40 pm
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2:40 pm
Panel: Artificial Intelligence
AIC Forum
How businesses can approach emerging AI technologies and the opportunities and challenges they create for companies competing in an increasingly technology-driven global marketplace.
2:40 pm
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3:10 pm
Afternoon Break
AIC Forum
3:10 pm
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4:10 pm
Rhode Island's Most Valuable Trading Partner - Canada
AIC Forum
A discussion on cross-border commerce and opportunities for Rhode Island businesses to expand their international relationships, with a particular focus on the region’s ocean and defense economies.
4:10 pm
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4:40 pm
Closing Keynote
AIC Forum
Own the Climb
Monika Sattler '08 closes the summit with an inspiring perspective on leadership, resilience, and navigating change.
5:00 pm
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6:30 pm
Evening Networking
AIC
Continue the conversation while building relationships with business leaders, policymakers, faculty, students, and fellow attendees.