As President of OWIT International, I am honored to invite you to participate in our 18th Annual World Conference!!
In response to global demand and burgeoning trends in trade modernization, OWIT International is bringing back its 18th Annual World Conference. In recognition of Nairobi’s vast potential to engage in global trade, OWIT International has selected its OWIT Chapter in Nairobi, Kenya as the host for this year’s annual conference. On October 24-25, 2018, OWIT members around the globe will converge with supporters and experts in their field to empower both the local community and business leaders throughout the world. Day One will be comprised of a capacity-building workshop for local women entrepreneurs seeking to take their business across borders. Day Two is a conference for trade practitioners and policy makers from around the world for discussing best practices, what’s next for the future of trade, and what women’s roles should be in that future. Day 3 will be the first ever OPEN OWIT Board Meeting where we will discuss what it takes to start an OWIT chapter and best practices for existing chapters. Of course, we are making this a week to remember, so it also includes a safari!
REGISTER TODAY!
For those like me, that like an Agenda Overview, here it is:
- October 24, 2018 – Capacity Building Workshop
- October 25, 2018 – Conference
- October 26, 2018 – OWIT Board Meeting (Morning will feature open sessions for interested conference attendees to participate in, if desired)
- October 27, 2018 – Executive Board Meeting/Free Day
- October 28-30, 2018 – Optional safari add-on activity at Masai Mara
- October 30, 2018 – Return to Nairobi
REGISTER TODAY!
BACKGROUND ON THE OWIT CONFERENCE
Internationalization of trade and investment is complex, and our OWIT International conference offers access to subject matter experts and resources to overcome the unique challenges. As entrepreneurs, consumers, and heads of households, women’s economic participation is crucial to ending poverty and boosting global prosperity.
OWIT-Nairobi is the first African chapter of OWIT. Established in 1989, OWIT is a global association for women in international trade and business. Our 2,000-plus members impact hundreds of millions of dollars in trade and business transactions annually. OWIT’s focus is on adding value to our corporate, mid-sized, small business and individual members around the world. OWIT serves as the unifying body of a network of chapters spanning the globe in the Americas, Western Europe, and Africa. OWIT also supports a “Virtual Chapter” for individuals involved in international trade and business who do not have access to a local OWIT chapter where they reside or work.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
| 8.00 AM | Registration |
|---|---|
| 8.30-8:45 AM | Introductions and Welcoming Remarks |
| 8.45 – 9.30 AM | Tips & Tricks When Pitching Your Product |
| 9.30 – 10.15 AM | Lean Startup |
| 10.15-11:00 AM | Market Opportunities in Kenya, Africa, and Beyond |
| 11.00-11:45 AM | Making FTAs Work for You: How Small Businesses Can Leverage FTAs for Growth |
| 11:45-12:00 PM | Break (Buffet Lunch – Pool Area) |
| 12.00-1.00 PM | Practical Solutions Towards Seamless & More Efficient Cross-Border Delivery of Goods |
| 1.00-2:00 PM | Networking Lunch Building Strategic Alliances with Business Women Around the Globe |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Tips & Tricks for Exporting your Goods / Cost Reductions / Administrative Tools |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Meet with Buyers |
| 4:00-4.30 PM | E-commerce Opportunities and Strategies |
| 4.30-4:45 PM | Closing Remarks: What Next? |
| 4:45-5:00 PM | PHOTO SESSION |
| 5.30PM | VIP Networking Cocktail Reception |
18th OWIT Annual World Conference, has been approved for
7 NEI NCBFAA Educational CCS/CES credits
CONFERENCE AGENDA
| 8.00 AM | Registration |
|---|---|
| 8.30-8:45 AM | Introductions and Welcoming Remarks |
| 8.45 – 9.30 AM | Keynote Address: Bridging the Gap – Empowering Women to Go Global |
| 9.30 – 10.15 AM | Panel: Accessing International Markets |
| 10.45-11:45 AM | Armchair Discussion: Opportunities for Women On the Global Platform |
| 11.45-12:30 PM | Breakout Sessions 1 – What Does it Take to Go Global? |
| 12:30-1:15 PM | Break (Buffet Lunch – Pool Area) |
| 1:15-2:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Technology and Innovation Driving Trade in Africa |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Spotlights: What is Happening in the World of International Trade |
| 3:00-3:45 PM | Breakout Sessions 2 – Deeper Dive |
| 4:00-5:00 PM | Panel: Gender Equality & Trade Policy – Women’s Role in Policy Formation |
| 5:00-5.30 PM | Wrap Up, Announcements, Concluding Remarks |
| 5.30-7:30 PM | Networking Cocktail Hour & Local Women Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace |
| Day Concludes |
SAFARI
REGISTER TODAY!
VENUE – INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
To reserve a hotel room for the conference at the group rate, please visit OWIT Nairobi. A haven in the city, next to the Parliament building, walking distance to Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the government hub. It is the ideal choice for discerning business travelers boasting an award winning Indian restaurant – Bhandini, a dine by the pool restaurant, coffee shop and bars.
Explore attractions close to our hotel whether it is handmade African artifacts at Maasai market or the beautiful Nairobi National Park.
Address: Intercontinental Hotel, City-Hall Way, Nairobi, Kenya.
The hotel is located 17.1 Kilometers and a 34 minutes’ drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.