U.S. Caribbean Business Conference 2025

05/13/2025 (7:00 AM)
05/14/2025 (7:00 PM)
(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)
5101 Blue Lagoon Drive,

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CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

1. To participate in this Conference, you must first register and submit your payment: CLICK HERE
  • General Admission: $695.00
  • Group Discounts Available. 
  • Registration Deadline: May 10, 2025
2. Once you have submitted your payment in the above link, you will be able to sign up on this website (Click on ACCESS CONFERENCE PLATFORM HERE link).  If you have already signed up, your profile will be activated and you will receive an email notification. 


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Join us in Miami, Florida on May 13 and 14, 2025 at the U.S. Caribbean Business Conference! The South Florida District Export Council in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service is organizing the U.S. Caribbean Business Conference to help your company access opportunities across this important region.

U.S. Caribbean Business Conference 2025 participants will receive up-to-date market intelligence and help develop practical strategies for winning procurements and for exporting their goods and services.

The program will include U.S. diplomats, industry professionals, trade experts, international business experts, high-level government officials, and seasoned exporters, and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking.

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded companies interested in exploring business opportunities in the Caribbean. At the same time, some of the leading government and private sector experts in the Caribbean region will discuss the latest developments, strategies, and market entry techniques.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The conference is open to U.S. companies from all industries with growth potential in the Caribbean region, including export compliance managers, business development professionals, international sales professionals, and executive staff of exporting companies. 

INDUSTRY FOCUS

The event is a great opportunity for all U.S. firms interested in expanding their business in the Caribbean. The industry list below is not exclusive.

Priority Industries: Automotive, Aviation and Defense, Consumer Products, Cosmetics, Design and Construction, Education, Energy, Engineering Services, Financial Services, Franchising, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Processed Foods, Safety and Security, Technology, Transportation and more! 

MEET 1-ON-1 WITH U.S. COMMERCIAL DIPLOMATS & BUYERS*

Plug into resources to help you win projects and learn about the markets through one-on-one meetings with U.S. diplomats and buyers across the region. In addition, representatives from U.S. Government agencies will also be available to meet with participants. 

  • Matchmaking appointments will open on April 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please note that appointments with country officials are limited to a maximum of three per participant.  If additional appointments become available, participants will be notified via email.  Please note that each attendee is responsible for scheduling their own meetings.

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

  • Barbados
  • Dominican Republic (One-on-One Appointments Virtual)
  • Guyana (One-on-One Appointments Virtual)
  • Jamaica
  • Suriname
  • The Bahamas
  • Trinidad and Tobago (One-on-One Appointments Virtual)

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVITED
  • Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • U.S. Export Import Bank (EXIM)
  • U.S. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
  • U.S.D.A Foreign Agricultural Service, Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office (USDA/FAS)

*REQUIREMENT: Meetings with U.S. Diplomats, Government agencies, and Buyers are available ONLY for U.S. companies with products or services with at least 51% U.S. content

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact office.miami@trade.gov.

Agenda

13
Registration
Registration
International Foyer
Start
7:00 AM
End
7:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Salons I - IV
Jim Anzalone
Eduardo Torres
Pamela Fuertes-Berti
Michael Schiffhauer
Jennifer Kane-Zabolotskaya
Start
7:45 AM
End
8:15 AM
Speakers
Jim Anzalone
Jim Anzalone
Eduardo Torres
Eduardo Torres
Pamela Fuertes-Berti
Pamela Fuertes-Berti
Michael Schiffhauer
Michael Schiffhauer
Jennifer Kane-Zabolotskaya
Jennifer Kane-Zabolotskaya
Session I: Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
Session I: Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
These markets have seen record GDP growth, paving the way for new opportunities in all industries. Hear from experts on the business, economic, and political overview and the most important commercial and infrastructure opportunities in these three dynamic Caribbean markets.  
Salons I - IV
H. John Maginley
Richard Leo
Judith Dijks
Jeffrey Cernyar
Start
8:20 AM
End
9:25 AM
Speakers
H. John Maginley
H. John Maginley
Richard Leo
Richard Leo
Judith Dijks
Judith Dijks
Jeffrey Cernyar
Jeffrey Cernyar
Session II: The Bahamas, & Jamaica - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
Session II: The Bahamas, & Jamaica - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
Hear from experts on the business, economic, and political overview and the most important commercial and infrastructure opportunities in these dynamic Caribbean markets.  Moderated discussion and Q&A.
Salons I - IV
Charles M Bennett
Danielle Barnes-MacLeod
Bianca Bethel- Sawyer
Start
9:30 AM
End
10:25 AM
Speakers
Charles M Bennett
Charles M Bennett
Danielle Barnes-MacLeod
Danielle Barnes-MacLeod
Bianca Bethel- Sawyer
Bianca Bethel- Sawyer
Networking Break
Networking Break
International Foyer
Start
10:25 AM
End
10:40 AM
Session III: Mind Your Money!
Session III: Mind Your Money!

This panel will be an opportunity to learn about key accounting, tax, and legal issues and getting paid when doing business in the Caribbean. Topics will Include management and reporting of offshore accounts, export tax incentives, and controls, market entry considerations, such as establishing banking relationships, entity formation, and navigating other business matters.

Salons I - IV
Ivan Barrios
Carlos Somoza
Mario A. de Castro
Start
10:40 AM
End
11:35 AM
Speakers
Ivan Barrios
Ivan Barrios
Carlos Somoza
Carlos Somoza
Mario A. de Castro
Mario A. de Castro
Session IV: Technology and Innovation Opportunities in the Caribbean
Session IV: Technology and Innovation Opportunities in the Caribbean

This panel will explore opportunities, challenges and strategies for U.S. technology companies looking to expand their exports into the Caribbean region.  The discussion will focus on key sectors such as fintech, AI, telecommunications, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure. 

Salons I - IV
Sudeshna Chatterjee
Keith Eischeid
Teresa Grandal Cusse
TJ Villamil
Start
11:40 AM
End
12:35 PM
Speakers
Sudeshna Chatterjee
Sudeshna Chatterjee
Keith Eischeid
Keith Eischeid
Teresa Grandal Cusse
Teresa Grandal Cusse
TJ Villamil
TJ Villamil
Networking Break
Networking Break
Salons I - IV
Start
12:35 PM
End
1:00 PM
Networking Lunch and Keynote Address: "Global Trade Complexities – An Opportunity for the Caribbean"
Networking Lunch and Keynote Address: "Global Trade Complexities – An Opportunity for the Caribbean"

Country Tables: Take advantage of the opportunity to network with representatives from your target markets by visiting designated country tables.  Each nation will be seated at clearly labeled tables, making it easy for you to identify and connect with the appropriate representatives. 

Keynote Address: Global Trade Complexities - An Opportunity for the Caribbean by Lenny Feldman, Managing Partner, Operating Committee, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.


Lenny Feldman
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:30 PM
Speakers
Lenny Feldman
Lenny Feldman
Networking Break
Networking Break
Salons I - IV
Start
2:30 PM
End
3:00 PM
Session V: Dominican Republic, Barbados, and the Eastern Caribbean - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
Session V: Dominican Republic, Barbados, and the Eastern Caribbean - Market Overview and Business Opportunities
Hear from experts on the business, economic, and political overview and the most important commercial and infrastructure opportunities in these dynamic Caribbean markets.  
Salons I - IV
Alice Ancona
Perla De La Rosa
Jonelle Watson
Tabitha J Snowbarger
Start
3:00 PM
End
3:55 PM
Speakers
Alice Ancona
Alice Ancona
Perla De La Rosa
Perla De La Rosa
Jonelle Watson
Jonelle Watson
Tabitha J Snowbarger
Tabitha J Snowbarger
Session VI: Regional Outlook with U.S. Southern Command and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Session VI: Regional Outlook with U.S. Southern Command and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
A presentation on U.S. Southern Command mission and Federal Bureau of Investigation on key security issues, and public private partnership in the Caribbean. Moderated discussion and Q&A.
Salons I - IV
Start
4:00 PM
End
4:55 PM
Session VII: Unlocking Opportunities: Best Practices for Exporting to the Caribbean
Session VII: Unlocking Opportunities: Best Practices for Exporting to the Caribbean
This engaging panel discussion will bring together seasoned exporters, trade experts, and market specialists to provide actionable insights into exporting to the Caribbean. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of key considerations, including market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, trade financing options, logistics management, and cultural nuances that influence business success in the region.
Salons I - IV
Alejandra Henao
Tony Lizzaraga
Monica Richardson-Morely
Arturo Contreras
Start
5:00 PM
End
5:55 PM
Speakers
Alejandra Henao
Alejandra Henao
Tony Lizzaraga
Tony Lizzaraga
Monica Richardson-Morely
Monica Richardson-Morely
Arturo Contreras
Arturo Contreras
Networking Reception
Networking Reception

Network with conference participants and representatives from your target markets to explore opportunities and build strategic relationships.  

Poolside
Jim Anzalone
Eduardo Torres
Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert
Start
6:00 PM
End
7:30 PM
Speakers
Jim Anzalone
Jim Anzalone
Eduardo Torres
Eduardo Torres
Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert
Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert
14
Registration
Registration
International Foyer
Start
7:30 AM
End
8:00 AM
Breakout Session: Dominican Republic, Guyana & Suriname AmCham’s
Breakout Session: Dominican Republic, Guyana & Suriname AmCham’s
Salons III-IV
Anuskha Varsha Sonai
Eduardo Torres
Richard Leo
Perla De La Rosa
Start
8:00 AM
End
9:00 AM
Speakers
Anuskha Varsha Sonai
Anuskha Varsha Sonai
Eduardo Torres
Eduardo Torres
Richard Leo
Richard Leo
Perla De La Rosa
Perla De La Rosa
One-on-One Meetings
One-on-One Meetings

Plug into resources to help you win projects and learn about the markets through one-on-one meetings with U.S. diplomats from across the region including Bahamas, Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname and Guyana. In addition, representatives from federal and state agencies will also be available for meetings. 

Important note—Appointment slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each attendee is responsible for scheduling their own meetings through the conference platform, InEvent. 

Salons I-II
Keith Eischeid
Start
9:00 AM
End
12:10 PM
Speakers
Keith Eischeid
Keith Eischeid
Lunch Break
Lunch Break

Boxed lunches will be provided for attendees participating in one-on-one meetings.

International Foyer
Start
12:10 PM
End
1:10 PM
One-on-One Meetings
One-on-One Meetings

Plug into resources to help you win projects and learn about the markets through one-on-one meetings with U.S. diplomats from across the region including Bahamas, Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname and Guyana. In addition, representatives from federal and state agencies will also be available for meetings. 

Important note—Appointment slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each attendee is responsible for scheduling their own meetings through the conference platform, InEvent. 

Salons I-II
Keith Eischeid
Start
1:10 PM
End
5:30 PM
Speakers
Keith Eischeid
Keith Eischeid

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