Events

 

Past Events

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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Navigating Changes in 2025 for International Trade Compliance

Event date/time: March 18 from 11:30am – 2:30pm (this is an in-person event only).

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

MITA’s annual Compliance Program is not to be missed!

Arm yourself with up-to-date important information on upcoming changes in import and export compliance. Experienced trade compliance experts will delve into topics covering the latest in policy updates and share how companies are taking a proactive approach to minimizing disruptions to supply chains and their businesses. In this climate of political change and shifting market place dynamics, it’s more important than ever to stay informed.  Our esteemed line-up of presenters with their expertise will provide you with the required insight on current trends.

Speakers:

  • Nithya Nagarajan, Lead of Trade Remedies Group at Husch Blackwell, LLP in Washington, DC office and Experienced International Trade and Experienced International Trade.
  • Cortney O’Toole Morgan, Partner, Global Trade Compliance Attorney and Leader of International Trade and Supply Chain Practice at Husch Blackwell, LLP in Washington, DC office
  • Ted Sherman, Hasbro, Senior Director for Global Trade Compliance 

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 18 event is Husch Blackwell  

 

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

 

BONUS OFFER:
MITA and UWEBC* are collaborating for an impactful day of compliance topics at the Fluno Center on March 18th.

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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2025 Economic Forecast

Event date/time: January 14, 2025 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

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

Join MITA at our 15th Annual Global Economic Forecast Conference to look into the future of the global economy.

MITA’s annual Economic Forecast Summit will provide a glimpse into what may lie ahead for the US and the global economy.

At this MITA flagship event, two renowned economists will provide insights into the U.S. and global economy.

Speakers:

John Min, Chief Economist at Monex USA (formerly Tempus, Inc.)

Erik Lundh,  Senior Global Economist, The Conference Board

Agenda:

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM   Registration & Networking
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM   Lunch, Welcome, Opening Remarks
12:15 PM – 1:35 PM     Speaker Remarks
1:35 PM – 2:00 PM       Q & A Session and Closing Remarks

Cost of Admission: In -person (with lunch included): MITA Members $50; Non-members $75 

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

             

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2024 Election Insights: Impact on Trade

Event date/time: November 12, 2024 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm (this is an in-person event only).

Location:  WCTC – Pewaukee Campus (Anthony J. Natalizio Center, Building S, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072)

Join industry leaders, policy experts, and trade practitioners for an insightful, nonpartisan, event that delves into the latest updates from the 2024 election and their potential impacts on the US trade landscape.

This event is designed to equip Wisconsin businesses and trade professionals with critical information to navigate the evolving economic landscape shaped by the recent electoral outcomes.

Speakers

  • Sally Peng, Senior Managing Director of Export Controls, Sanctions & Trade practice in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, FTI Consulting
  • Brian Papp, Managing Director, Strategic Communications, FTI Consulting Washington, DC Office
  • Mickeala Carter, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, FTI Consulting, Washington, DC Office

Panelists: Phil Spivey, CEO, Dedicated Computing, and Tammy Sacharski, Director Global Trade Compliance, Clarios

Cost of Admission: This is an in-person only event.  Early Bird registration until Nov. 1: MITA Members $40; Non-members $65;  Regular (after Nov.1): MITA Members $50; Non-members $75 (after Nov. 1)

The Key-program Sponsor for the November 12 event is FTI Consulting 

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors: 

M.E. Dey &Co, WEDC, OEC GroupFTI Consulting and Star7  

           

 

 

 

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Securing Your Supply Chain: Modern Day Piracy

Event date/time: September 10, 2024 

This is a hybrid event:  In-Person from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (virtual starts at 12:30 pm and runs  until 2:00 pm).

Location:  M3 Insurance, 828 John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 53713

Join MITA on September 10 for an exclusive event addressing the critical challenges and solutions in today’s global shipping and supply chain landscape.

This event is tailored for industry professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and strategies in the face of increasing uncertainties and risks. Our industry experts will provide critical insights into issues like cargo theft, piracy, vendor vetting, and global unrest and provide valuable tools for combatting these challenges.

Speakers

  • Sarah Azar, Executive VP, M.E. Dey
  • Bekaah Boettcher, Director of Global Logistics at Trek Bicycles
  • Jen Pino-Gallagher, Director of Food & Agribusiness Practice, M3 Insurance 

AGENDA:

  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Registration and Lunch (for In-person attendees)
  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Opening and Sponsor Remarks (virtual attendees join)
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Speaker presentation
  • 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM Q & A session
  • 1:50 PM – 2:00 PM Closing Remarks

Cost of Admission: In-person, limited to 40 guests (with lunch included): MITA Members $50; Non-members $75;  Virtual attendees: $20 from MITA members and $35 for Non-Members.

M3 Insurance is the in-kind sponsor for the event venue.

The Key-program Sponsor for the September 10 event is M.E. Dey &Co

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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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