A speaker delivers an address during World Trade Day. Betty Robson at the Global Trade Summit. A Global Trade Summit speaker addresses the crowd. A Global Trade Summit feather banner. President Ross Gittell speaks during a panel discussion at Global Trade Summit.

Speakers

The Global Trade Summit brings together a distinguished group of leaders, innovators, and thinkers shaping the global economy.

Our speakers include executives from industry, senior government officials, trade strategists, scholars, and global policy experts — all sharing real-world insights to help you navigate today’s complex international trade landscape. From keynotes and plenaries to panel discussions and breakout sessions, each speaker contributes practical perspectives on topics such as global markets, supply chain resilience, trade policy, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships.

Speaker lineups will be announced throughout the year — check back often for updates and complete bios as confirmations are finalized.

Featured Speakers

Speakers

Pete Mento

Pete Mento

Director, Global Trade Advisory, Baker Tilly US

Pete Mento

Pete Mento is a licensed Customs House Broker and one of the most widely recognized voices in global trade, customs and duty‑minimization strategy. As Director of Global Trade Advisory at Baker Tilly US, he helps companies identify savings, reduce risk and design efficient, defensible trade‑compliance programs.

With more than three decades of experience—including senior leadership roles at DSV Air & Sea and other major logistics and advisory firms—Pete brings a rare combination of operational depth and strategic perspective. His expertise spans customs operations, transfer-pricing alignment for importers, audit defense, trade‑tax integration, valuation, cargo security, and global supply‑chain risk.

Pete holds a master’s degree in Government with a concentration in trade theory from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in Customs and Economics from the University of Durham in the UK and completed his undergraduate studies at Maine Maritime Academy, where he served five terms as a member of the advisory board. Known for his engaging, insightful speaking style, he translates complex global‑trade issues into clear, practical guidance for executives, compliance teams and industry audiences worldwide.