2026 International Business Forum

Forum Program

Program Schedule

Check back for speaker updates.

8:00-9:00 AM
Registration, Breakfast & Expo

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9:00-9:10 AM
Welcome Remarks by USF Leadership

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9:10-9:20 AM
Keynote Remarks by Alex Kelly, Secretary, Florida Department of Commerce

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9:30-10:30 AM
Fireside Chat
Alex Kelly, Secretary, Florida Department of Commerce
Michael Simas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Council of 100

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10:30-10:45 AM
Coffee & Networking Break

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10:45 AM-Noon
Panel Discussion
Foreign Direct Investment: Global Companies, Local Growth

 

Moderator
Madison Lawson, Vice President International Investment, SelectFlorida

Speakers
Tobias Borawski, Managing Director, Astaras (Germany)
Nick Castle, Head of Delivery, Americas, Systal (Scotland) - Invited
Nicholas Coucoules, Vice President of Programs, CAE America (Canada)
Martin Palmieri, Managing Director, Head of Operations for Americas, MUFG (Japan)

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12:00-12:30 PM
Lunch & Expo

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12:30-12:50 PM
Luncheon Remarks by Patrik Hansson Chief Revenue Officer, AquaFence (Norway)

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12:50-1:30 PM
Fireside Chat
Jennifer Crabtree, President, Tampa Medical & Research District & Senior VP, TGH
Patrik Hansson, Chief Revenue Officer, AquaFence (Norway)

Moderator
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Leader

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1:30-2:30 PM
Expo