Events

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  

             

View Details and Register

 

Past Events

MITA’s 2024 Summer Social Event

Please join us on August 14, 2024 for our annual social event where we network, 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 at Lake Mills Golf Course. Appetizers and refreshments will be served with an available cash bar.

Cost: $15 for MITA Members; $25 for Non-Members, golf not included.

Golf Sign-Up:  Contact Dan Brink at djb@dewittllp.com to secure your spot by Wednesday, July 30th. Spots will be given on a first come first served basis.

Date: Wednesday, August 14th from 4:30 – 7:00 PM

Location: Lake Mills Golf Course, 800 South Main Street, Lake Mills, WI

The Key-program Sponsor for the August 14 event is BDG International, Inc .  

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

               

View Details and Register

MITA’s Annual Trade Compliance Event

Event date/time: April 9, 2024 from 11:30pm – 2:00pm 

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

Crucial Compliance Updates: What’s on Your Radar?

The 2024 MITA global trade compliance event features the expertise of two attorneys specializing in trade compliance. As subject matter experts, they will provide key updates on the current trade compliance landscape for US importers and exporters.  This discussion will cover recent updates to export regulations and sanctions as well as the latest CBP enforcement trends.

Speaker:  

  • Nicolas Guzman, Partner, Faegre Drinker Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Chicago office
  • Ngosong Fonkem, International Trade Attorney, Harris Sliwoski LLP

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 $50; Non-members $75.

BONUS OFFER:
MITA and UWEBC* are collaborating for an impactful day of compliance topics at the Fluno Center on April 9th.

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

The Key-program Sponsor for the April 9 event is BDG International, Inc .

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

               

View Details

Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of Free Trade Agreements

Event date/time: March 12, 2024 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm (this is an in-person event only).

Location:  UW Green Bay – Sheboygan Campus (Acuity Technology Center, 1 University Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081)

The U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect on July 1, 2020. Though this landmark agreement created many opportunities for cross border trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, it has created some competitive challenges for certain industries and trade practices.

Sam Allison, Director of Global Sales for Sartori Cheese, has been navigating these challenges since the beginning of the USMCA and will share his insights and company’s experience. Following Sam’s presentation, join other MITA members for a moderated discussion for other Wisconsin companies to share their insights and personal experience with FTA compliance.

Julie Pojar, LCB, Director of Trade Compliance at Kohler Co., is responsible for Kohler Co.’s Trade Compliance organization. She leads the development, implementation, and governance of strategic initiatives and policy to oversee and manage all aspects of regulatory trade compliance for Kohler Co., including the establishment of a Global Trade Compliance Center of Excellence.

Speakers:  

  • Sam Allison, Director of Global Sales, Sartori Cheese
  • Julie Pojar, LCB, Director of Trade Compliance at Kohler Co. 
  • Mark Rhoda-Reis, Director, Export and Business Development Bureau DATCP (Discussion Moderator)

AGENDA:
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM  Registration and Welcome Network
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Speaker Remarks and Q & A Panel Session
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Closing Remarks, WI specialty cheese and craft beer pairing, and networking

Cost of Admission: $15 for MITA Members; $25 for Non-Members (the fee includes the networking hour with sampling of Sartori’s award-winning cheeses paired with Wisconsin craft beers from Hinterland).

The Key-program Sponsor for the March 12 event is M3 Insurance   

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

View Details

2024 Global Economic Forecast

Event date/time: January 9, 2024 from 10:30pm – 2:00pm 

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

Kick-start 2024 with MITA’s annual Economic Forum on January 9th with a distinguished speaker who is not only an accomplished economist but also a renowned U.S. customs expert, Pete Mento from DSV Logistics

As businesses navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving economic climate, Pete will share perspectives that can be directly applied to strategic decision-making. 

Attendees will not only gain a deeper understanding of economic dynamics but will also acquire practical knowledge that can be shared within their teams and organizations to stay ahead of the curve, make informed business decisions, and contribute to the success of your company in the dynamic global marketplace. 

Speaker:  

  • Pete Mento, Commercial Director at DSV Logistics

AGENDA:
10:30 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 $50; Non-members $75.

The Key-program Sponsor for the January 9 event is Wells Fargo  

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

               

View Details

Holiday Gathering for Wisconsin International Trade Community

Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sprecher Brewing Co., 701 W Glendale Ave., Glendale, WI 53209 (this is In-person only event)

Don’t miss our double header – an opportunity to learn about international finance and our fun packed social event at Sprecher, the oldest Craft Brewery in Milwaukee area!

Madison International Trade Association (MITA) will host representatives from EXIM Bank, WEDC and Wells Fargo Bank for a brief discussion on international finance opportunities for Wisconsin small businesses, followed by a tour of Sprecher where guests can learn about their unique fire brewing technique!

Speakers:

  • Rome Rauter, International Market Development Director, WEDC
  • John Neuville, Senior Lead Global Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo
  • Michael Howard, Managing Director,  Export-Import Bank of the U.S.

Cost of Admission: MITA Members $15 (priority registration, includes Sprecher Brewery Tour), Non-Members   $25 (if spots remain, includes Sprecher Brewery Tour)

Program sponsor for the December 7 event is Sprecher Brewing Co.

View Details

Re-Globalization: Strategies and Tactics to Cope with the Changing Supply Chain Landscape

Event date/time: October 10, 2023 from 11:30pm – 2:00pm 

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

Join MITA on October 10th to learn the latest on global supply chain issues still facing companies worldwide. 

The world is not as flat as it once was. Strategies companies undertook years ago to move operations and supplier programs to China are being re-examined, and replaced with nearshoring, China+1, and similar strategies to diversify where products are coming from. How did we get here, and what is really moving to new points of origin?

Matt Dollard, a Principal in the Management Consulting practice at RSM US LLP, works with a variety of global companies including those that are owned by private equity, publicly traded and closely held businesses. He will share issues and challenges in global supply chain his clients are still facing internationally in 2023.

Speaker:  

  • Matt Dollard, Management Consulting Principal, RSM US LLP.

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 $50; Non-members $75.

The Key-program Sponsor for the October 10 event is RSM US LLP.

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

               

View Details

Preparing for a Successful Customs Audit

Event date/time: September 19, 2023 from 12:30pm – 2:00pm (this is a virtual event only).

Join MITA and FTI Consulting in our discussion on successfully navigating a Customs audit, including how to complete Customs’ questionnaires, how to collect and validate requested records, and how to execute an appropriate Customs communication strategy.

Speakers:  

  • Alison Jacobs, Director at FTI Consulting, Inc.
  • Courtney Stiers, Director at FTI Consulting, Inc.
  • Matthew Williams, Senior Director at FTI Consulting, Inc.

AGENDA:
12:30 PM – 12:45 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Speaker Remarks
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Q & A Session and Closing Remarks

Cost of Admission: FREE for MITA Members; $20 for Non-Members (registration is required for all participants) 

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

View Details

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

View Details and Register

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  

           

 

 

 

View Details and Register