Laurel Delaney, President, GlobeTrade.com and creator of the Global Small Business Blog

Presented by: Stephanie Kaplan, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Pinch Provisions Jamie Kaplan, Co-Founder and SVP for Strategy, Pinch Provisions

Stephanie and Jamie Kaplan are the co-founders of Pinch Provisions, the leading purveyor of personal care kits and premium emergency essentials. They will discuss how they brought their kits with a cult-following overseas, and share the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Moderated by: Chantal Wittman, V.P. International Trade Sales, International Banking Division, MB Financial 

Learn how to select a best overseas market, implement an international business strategy, overcome barriers to entry on complex international projects, and get paid (financed).

• Peter Darley, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, W.S. Darley & Co.
• Frank Gogliotti, Project Engineer, Weldy-Lamont.
• Michael Howard, Managing Director, Exim Bank Midwest

Presented by: Kati Suominen, Founder and CEO of Nextrade Group, LLC and Founder and CEO of TradeUp Capital Fund

Kati Suominen will discuss how the mobile revolution opens enormous B2C and B2B business opportunities worldwide, how to create an impactful omnichannel marketing strategy for international markets, and factors to consider before selling cross-border online.

Philip Pittsford is Vice Chair of the Illinois District Export Council Moderated by Susan Meyer, Counsel, Nixon Peabody

Learn how to put the pieces in place for exporting; why customers are the lifeblood of your export activity; how to build your export team; and, develop an export plan.

Constantine Grapsas is President of AIM Machines Moderated by: Dennis Foldenauer, Regional Manager – Illinois and Wisconsin, International Trade Finance Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration - Office of International Trade, U.S. Export Assistance Center

Learn how to connect with agents and reps to expand into new territories; what kind of assistance is available to crack open international markets; and, how to get your products ready for the global marketplace and avoid getting in trouble with the government.