Events

Navigating the waves of tumultuous trade compliance

Event date/time: March 17 from 11:30am – 3:00pm (this is an in-person event only).

Location: UW Fluno Center Skyview Room, 601 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715

MITA’s Annual Compliance Program on March 17th is not to be missed

MITA’s annual trade compliance event features experienced trade compliance experts who will cover the latest in policy updates and share how companies are taking a proactive approach to minimizing disruptions to supply chains and their businesses.

Speakers:

  • Speakers:

Cost of Admission: This is an in-person only event.  Early Bird registration until March 10: MITA Members $50; Non-members $75;  Regular (after March 10): MITA Members $60; Non-members $85 

The Key-program Sponsor for the March 17 event is Faegre Drinker

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, Kroll,  OEC Group,  FTI Consulting and Star7  

BONUS OFFER:
MITA and UWEBC* are collaborating for an impactful day of compliance topics at the Fluno Center on March 17th.

UWEBC is holding its Trade Compliance Special Interest Group (SIG) from 9am-11am just prior to our MITA event. The first 5 MITA Members registered for MITA’s 11:30am-2:00pm event and also interested in attending the UWEBC event, may be eligible for a guest pass to the UWEBC event. Learn more about the UWEBC event or contact UWEBC’s practice director, Jenny Patzlaff at jenny.patzlaff@uwebc.wisc.edu

 

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Past Events

POSTPONED: Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in Global Markets

Event date/time: POSTPONED UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE November 12, 2025 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Location: DeWitt Law Firm Madison Office, 25 W Main St. Ste 800, Madison, WI 53703 (this is an In-person only event).

Join MITA on November 12 to explore how intellectual property (IP) rights can power international expansion.

This session will break down the complexities of navigating global IP laws — from patentability and trademark protection to royalty structures and cross-border enforcement. Learn how to structure licensing agreements that meet country-specific legal and tax requirements while minimizing risk in today’s global markets.

Speakers:

  • Joe Leone, Attorney, DeWitt LLP Law Firm, Madison Office
  • Joe Miotke, Attorney, DeWitt LLP Law Firm, Milwaukee Office
  • Beth Fischer, Director of IP, Life Sciences, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF)

Cost of Admission: In -person: MITA Members $35; Non-members $50.

The Key-program Sponsor for the November 12 event is DeWitt LLP Law Firm

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

           

 

 

 

 

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MITA Holiday Social and Networking Mixer

Come join MITA at our Annual Holiday get together, December 11th in Milwaukee. 

Our 2025 Holiday Social and Networking Mixer is a great opportunity for members and key stakeholders in the international trade community to spend time with one another in a relaxed and celebratory setting. Catch up with existing contacts and friends, and seize the opportunity to make new connections.  The evening will give you a chance to share experiences and lessons learned in 2025, and discuss what might await the industry and your business in 2026.

Whether you are a long-standing member or considering membership, this reception offers invaluable connections and industry insight. Enjoy sophisticated seasonal appetizers, refreshments and engaging conversation as we celebrate our shared successes and look forward to a prosperous new year.

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MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors: M.E. Dey & Co,  Kroll,  OEC Group, WEDC, FTI Consulting and Star7.

                    

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Take your Logistics and Trade Partnerships to the Next Level

Event date/time: October 14 from 11:30am – 2:30pm (this is an in-person event only).

Location: Goodman Community Center | Brassworks Bldg, Lau Room | 149 Waubesa St. Madison, WI 53704

Global trade is complex, and strong partnerships are often the difference between smooth operations and costly disruptions.

This October 14 luncheon event will explore practical ways companies can strengthen collaboration with logistics providers, carriers, and trade partners to drive more reliable performance and reduce friction in day-to-day operations.

Speakersfrom C.H. Robinson, a leading global logistics provider, will share insights on how leading organizations are approaching collaboration between logistics and trade —what works, what doesn’t, and where companies can start. Learn about real-world examples of building trust, sharing duty mitigation strategies effectively, and aligning priorities and partnerships across the supply chain.

Speakers include:  

  • Kevin Doucette, Director, Trade Policy & Security Trade Policy | C.H. Robinson
  • Ryan Hammett, Director, Market Intelligence & Insights| C.H. Robinson

Panel presentation moderated by:  Jenny Patzlaff, Supply Chain Practice Director, UWEBC (UW-Madison).

Cost of Admission: This is an in-person only event.  MITA Members $55; Non-members $80;  

The Key-program Sponsor for the October 14 event is C.H. Robinson

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

                   

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Navigating a Changing International Trade Paradigm

Event date/time: September 9 from 11:30am – 2:30pm (this is an in-person event only).

Location: UW Fluno Center Skyview Room, 601 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715

Join MITA on September 9th to learn how in just 6 months, the Trump Administration has upended an international trade legal and policy framework. A framework adopted in the years following World War II and committed to over decades by Administrations of both political parties no longer exists.

Myles Getlan & Thomas Beline with the Cassidy Levy Kent LLP office in Washington DC will provide an overview of new international trade measures and initiative. They will share their expertise in a conversation concerning the political and legal context for these recent developments. 

Our third speaker Korey Garceau, , will address Foreign Trade Zones and how businesses can utilize this federal program to reduce, defer, or eliminate duties on goods.

Speakers:

  • Myles Getlan, Partner, Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP. Washington, DC Office
  • Tom Beline, Partner, Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP. Washington, DC Office.
  • Korey Garceau, Trade Development Representative, Port Milwaukee

Cost of Admission: This is an in-person only event.  MITA Members $55; Non-members $80

The Key-program Sponsor for the September 9 event is Cassidy Levy Kent  

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MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

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MITA’s 2025 Summer Social Event

Please join us on August 19, 2025 for our annual social event where we will network, you can learn about MITA’s upcoming events for the new program year, and socialize with people from various industries with one common interest: international trade

This year, the event will be hosted Vier North, a modern cocktail lounge and restaurant in the historically German neighborhood of Milwaukee. Appetizers and refreshments will be served with an available cash bar.

Date:  Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm 

Location: Vier North, 1832 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 , WI

Cost: FREE for MITA Members; $20 for Non-Members

The Key-program Sponsor for the August 19 event is OEC Group    _____________________________________________

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey & Co,  OEC Group,WEDC, FTI Consulting and Star7.

             

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Financial Solutions to Support International Growth

Event date/time: June 11, 2025 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Global Water Center, 247 West Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204 (this is an In-person only event).

Join MITA for an informative panel discussion with industry experts who will share insights into the variety of financial resources and tools available to the international trade community.

At this program you will learn about Exim Financing, EB-5, Tax Credits and a new SBA Working Capital Pilot Program

Speakers:

  • Bob Kraft, Chairman and CEO, First Pathway Partners 
  • Mariel Huasanga, Regional Director, Central Region, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
  • Keith Schlegel, Export Finance Manager, Office of International Trade, U. S. Small Business Administration
  • Fanfu Li, International Market Development Director, WEDC

Moderator: Dan Brink, Attorney with DeWitt LLP, Milwaukee

Cost of Admission: In -person: MITA Members $30; Non-members $45.

The Key-program Sponsor for the June 11 event is First Pathway.

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

           

 

 

 

 

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“A Business of Survival”: Tariffs Relief Networking Event

MITA will host this informal networking event to provide attendees with a venue to come, mingle and speak out about the worrying and testing waters of the tariff times over the past few months.

Recent tariff changes have had huge effects on the global economy, businesses, consumers, and government spending, as well as trade flows. The daily changes caused by the tariffs have caused many uncertainties, changes on how businesses operate and with some unsetting up geopolitical nerve centers to coordinate their responses.

Come to MITA’s May 7  networking event at the Milwaukee Burger Place in Franklin, WI and share the trying period to prepare your business responses amid ongoing uncertainty, and the potential for what is more to come with the tariffs.

Share your experiences, your strategic posture and actions, and pressure testing decisions of the tariffs over the past few months over beer and some appetizers in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Location: Milwaukee Burger, 6421 S 27th St, Franklin, WI 53132

Time: 4:00pm-7:30pm 

Cost: FREE for MITA Members; FREE for Non-Members, NO REGISTRATION NEEDED

The Key-program Sponsor for the May 7 event is Amundsen Davis Law firm.

This event is organized in partnership with the Wisconsin District Export Council (DEC)   

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC Group,  FTI Consulting and Star7  

                

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Food, Agriculture and International Trade – Panel Discussion with Industry Experts

Event date/time: April 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (this is an In-person event only).

Location: Food + Farm Exploration Center,  3400 Innovation Dr, Plover, WI 54467

Wisconsin is a global food powerhouse exporting nearly $4 billion in food and feed products  to markets around the world.

How does a Wisconsin-based business strategically place both people and products to maximize global return on investments?

Come attend MITA’s April 8th panel discussion where you will hear diverse perspectives from both seasoned global companies, as well as agricultural exporters who are newer to the global trade game in this important industry.

Topics will include:

  • Building an international trade strategy that delivers Return on your Investment
  • Responding to change within international trade
  • Best practices for setting up an international team
  • Impacts of tariffs on food and ag exports/imports
  • Lessons learned from both seasoned companies and those newer to international trade
  • Creating a competitive advantage through creative use of credit insurance

Attendees will enjoy heavy appetizers and the opportunity to explore the fascinating Food and Farm Exploration Center.

Speakers include:  

  • Mike Klemp-North, VP Administration & Facilities | Hsu’s Ginseng
  • Elias Rivera, International Account Manager, Exports | Schreiber Foods
  • Kevin Lipps, VP International Sales |Seneca Foods Corporation
  • David Wickline,  Sales & Business Development Director | Alsum Produce
  • Bruce Glaub, Principal | Trade Acceptance Group
  • Amy Haese, Brand Manager | Johnsonville 

Panel presentation moderated by: Jen Pino-Gallagher, Director Food & Agribusiness, M3 Insurance

Cost of Admission: In-person: MITA Members $35; Non-members $50.

The Key-program Sponsor for the April 8 event is the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) 

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC Group,  FTI Consulting and Star7  

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The Road Ahead 2026: Money & Markets

Event date/time: January 13, 2026 from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Location: UW Fluno Center Skyview Room, 601 University Ave, Madison, WI (this is an In-person only event).

Join MITA for this essential discussion featuring two distinguished experts who will provide insight into what lies ahead for globally oriented companies.

What will drive the U.S. economy in 2026?  This session unpacks how tariffs, advances in AI, and shifts in immigration are shaping the next phase of market growth. We’ll explore how these forces are influencing inflation, competitiveness, and the value of the U.S. dollar — and what it all means for businesses making strategic decisions in a changing global landscape. Expect clear insights, practical takeaways, and a forward look at the trends every leader should be watching.

Who Should Attend:

Business leaders, CFOs, supply chain executives, treasury and risk professionals, trade advisors, and anyone navigating the complexities of global commerce.

Speakers:

AGENDA:

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM   Registration & Networking
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM   Lunch
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM      Welcome, Opening Remarks, Speaker Remarks
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM       Q & A Session and Closing Remarks

Cost of Admission: In -person (with lunch included): MITA Members $55; Non-members $80 

The Key-program Sponsor for the January 13 event is RSM US LLP.

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, Kroll,  OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

                         

 

             

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