Past Events

April 24, 2025

2025 CHINA Town Hall

CHINA Town Hall connects leading China experts with Americans around the country for a national conversation on the implications of China’s rise on U.S.-China relations and its impact on our towns, states, and nation. The National Committee is proud to partner with a range of institutions and community groups, colleges and universities, trade and business associations, and world affairs councils to bring this important national conversation to local communities around the world!

We are delighted to announce that thenational webcast portion of the 2025 CHINA Town Hall program will be on President Trump’s China policy 100 days in, with featured speakers Ryan Hass, Director of John L. Thorton China Center at the Brookings Institution, Matthew Turpin, Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and Lingling Wei, Chief China Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal.

Join us for an in-person presentation followed by viewing of the live CHINA Town Hall webcast.


In-Person Program Speakers: Dean L. Wood, CEO, BorderWorx Logistics, Inc; Zhiqiang Liu, Professor and Chair, Department of Economics, University at Buffalo and Bruce Acker, Assistant Director, Asia Research Institute, University at Buffalo

Live Webcast Speakers: Ryan Hass, Director of John L. Thorton China Center at the Brookings Institution, Matthew Turpin, Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and Lingling Wei, Chief China Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal

Location: Univeristy at Buffalo North Campus, Amhesrt, NY

Program Partners: UB Asia Research Institute, UB Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Club and The National Committee on U.S. - China Relations



March 7, 2025

2025 International Case Competition

In collaboration with WNY and Southern Ontario colleges and universities, WTCBN will hold the 7th Annual International Case Competition, inviting teams from international and business programs in the region to compete. The program will include the case presentation, pitches, and a keynote speaker.

Participants can hear the students’ pitches tackling a real-life case provided by a WTCBN member, judges questions and comments from professionals in international trade and business from around the US and Canada.

Keynote Speaker: TBA

Location: University at Buffalo, Amherst, NY



January 6, 2025

Navigating Trade Policy Changes with the New U.S. Administration

As a new U.S. administration takes office, significant changes are on the horizon for trade policy, tariffs, and border enforcement. Staying ahead of these developments is critical to ensuring your business remains compliant and competitive in a rapidly shifting landscape.

We’re excited to announce that Dean Wood, a highly respected expert with a close working relationship with both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be our featured guest presenter. Dean also maintains a direct channel to key legislators, providing unique insights into the latest developments and what’s coming next in the world of trade and enforcement.

 

Location: Virtual

Speaker: Dean Wood, CEO, BorderWorx Logistics

 

 



September 18, 2024

Coffee with the Chair

Join WTCBN for Coffee with the Chair, a new monthly discussion meeting. Led by WTCBN Chairman and licensed customs broker Damon Piatak, attendees will receive timely information on trends, updates in trade regulations and more. Join us for coffee* and stay to network with members of WTCBN and our trade community.


*Attendees are to pay for any food/beverage purchases they make.

 

Location: SPoT Coffee Williamsville (5330 Main Street, at the corner of Main Street and Union Rd.)



July 24, 2024

July Coffee with the Chair

Join WTCBN for Coffee with the Chair, a new monthly discussion meeting. Led by WTCBN Chairman and licensed customs broker Damon Piatak, attendees will receive timely information on trends, updates in trade regulations and more. Join us for coffee* and stay to network with members of WTCBN and our trade community.


*Attendees are to pay for any food/beverage purchases they make.

 

Location: SPoT Coffee Williamsville (5330 Main Street, at the corner of Main Street and Union Rd.)



June 26, 2024

June Coffee with the Chair

Join WTCBN for Coffee with the Chair, a new monthly discussion meeting. Led by WTCBN Chairman and licensed customs broker Damon Piatak, attendees will receive timely information on trends, updates in trade regulations and more. Join us for coffee* and stay to network with members of WTCBN and our trade community.


*Attendees are to pay for any food/beverage purchases they make.

 

Location: SPoT Coffee Williamsville (5330 Main Street, at the corner of Main Street and Union Rd.)



June 12, 2024

Global Market Entry Strategies – Options for Expansion Abroad - 2023-24 Experts Series

Entering global markets is a strategic move that offers various pathways, each tailored to specific business goals and market conditions. Exporting, licensing and franchising, joint ventures, purchasing or partnering, free trade zones… There are many different approaches to consider, all with pros and cons. Join WTCBN and our panel of international trade experts on how to identify your optimal market entry strategy, balancing risk, investment, and potential reward, tailored to your needs, and the markets you’re considering.

Series Sponsors: Dynabrade, Lumsden McCormick LLP, Piatek Customs & Logistics and Speed Global Services

Location: Virtual

Speakers:

Rosanna Masucci, U.S. Department of Commerce, Buffalo Export Assistance Center – LINKEDIN

Mo Sumbundu, Empire State Development/GlobalNY – LINKEDIN

 

 



April 17, 2024

“Yes, You’re an Exporter” – Selling Your Services on the Other Side of the Border - 2023-24 Experts Series

When you look through the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara web site and social media, you’ll notice frequent references to “international business.” As our region’s conduit for international trade, we spend a great percentage of our time working with companies that have no physical product to sell, but are still importing or exporting their services. With an international border in the middle of our service territory, the ability and know-how to do business in an international market can be a difference-maker. Join World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and our panel of experts for guidance and insights on how to make selling internationally be a tool for your growth.

Series Sponsors: Dynabrade, Lumsden McCormick LLP, Piatek Customs & Logistics and Speed Global Services

Location: Virtual

Speakers:

Tracey Ford, US Commercial Service, US Embassy Ottawa

David Lever, Tronconi Segarra – LINKEDIN

 

 



April 9, 2024

2024 CHINA Town Hall

CHINA Town Hall connects leading China experts with Americans around the country for a national conversation on the implications of China’s rise on U.S.-China relations and its impact on our towns, states, and nation.?The?National Committee is proud to partner with a range of institutions and community groups, colleges and universities, trade and business associations, and world affairs councils to bring this important national conversation to local communities around the world!

We are delighted to announce that the 2024 CHINA Town Hall program will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. EST, and will feature Deputy Secretary of State, Dr. Kurt Campbell. 

We are proud to partner with the University at Buffalo Asia Research Institute for an in-person roundtable program on Monday, April 1st from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Decoding China’s Future: Population Trends and Global Economic Impact.

This roundtable will explore the complex interconnections between demographic and economic challenges in China, including an aging population, diminishing labor force, decreasing birth rate, rising youth unemployment, consistent slowing of year-on-year economic growth, and falling housing prices. The roundtable will also address changes in occupational aspirations among youth that reflect a broader shift in work values and economic opportunities. Program speakers include: Fei Yan, Associate Professor of Sociology, Tsinghua University, and 2023-24 Radcliffe-Harvard Yenching Fellow; Haizheng Li, Professor and Associate Chair of Economics, Georgia Tech; Yige Dong, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University at Buffalo; moderated by Zhiqiang Liu, Professor and Chair, Department of Economics, University at Buffalo.

 

Register for either of these programs or join us for both! 

 

Location: Virtual (CHINA Town Hall), In-Person (University at Buffalo North Campus)

Program Partners: The National Committee on U.S. - China Relations and the University at Buffalo Asia Research Institute



April 1, 2024

Decoding China’s Future: Population Trends and Global Economic Impact, 2024 CHINA Town Hall

CHINA Town Hall connects leading China experts with Americans around the country for a national conversation on the implications of China’s rise on U.S.-China relations and its impact on our towns, states, and nation. The National Committee is proud to partner with a range of institutions and community groups, colleges and universities, trade and business associations, and world affairs councils to bring this important national conversation to local communities around the world!

We are delighted to announce that the 2024 CHINA Town Hall program will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. EST, and will feature Deputy Secretary of State, Dr. Kurt Campbell. 

We are proud to partner with the University at Buffalo Asia Research Institute for an in-person roundtable program on Monday, April 1st from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Decoding China’s Future: Population Trends and Global Economic Impact.

This roundtable will explore the complex interconnections between demographic and economic challenges in China, including an aging population, diminishing labor force, decreasing birth rate, rising youth unemployment, consistent slowing of year-on-year economic growth, and falling housing prices. The roundtable will also address changes in occupational aspirations among youth that reflect a broader shift in work values and economic opportunities. Program speakers include: Fei Yan, Associate Professor of Sociology, Tsinghua University, and 2023-24 Radcliffe-Harvard Yenching Fellow; Haizheng Li, Professor and Associate Chair of Economics, Georgia Tech; Yige Dong, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University at Buffalo; moderated by Zhiqiang Liu, Professor and Chair, Department of Economics, University at Buffalo.

 

Register for either of these programs or join us for both! 

 

Location: Virtual (CHINA Town Hall), In-Person (University at Buffalo North Campus)

Program Partners: The National Committee on U.S. - China Relations and the University at Buffalo Asia Research Institute



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World Trade Celebration 2025

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