The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) has announced the speaker line-up for its first annual member conference, taking place on 12 July at the Hyatt Regency in central Birmingham.
MemberCon 22 is a brand new event which has been curated to help members take advantage of new international trade opportunities and the increasing impact of digital trade.
Digital theme
With the government’s plans to build a Single Trade Window firmly in development, the IOE&IT has chosen trade digitalisation as the theme for the inaugural MemberCon22.
Topics covered include:
- UK 2025 Border Strategy: what it means for the digitalisation of trade and what traders need to do to prepare
- Removing risk from digitalisation through compliance
- What trade digitalisation means … to traders: what digitalisation looks like now for traders and their wish list for the future
- UK Freeports: what they are, how to seize their opportunities while managing risk
A line-up of expert speakers includes:
- Orlando Cantell, head of world trade organisation, trade facilitation and capacity building, HMRC
- John Lucy, director, Liverpool Freeport
- Jens Munch Lund-Nielsen, head of global trade & supply-chains, IOTA Foundation
- Katie Doherty, CEO, the international neat trade association
- Mark Hedley, director, knowledge economy, China-Britain Business Council
- Anna Doherty MIEx (Grad), import and export manager, Hillarys Blinds
- Kevin Shakespeare, director of strategic projects and international development, IOE&IT
‘Unmissable event’
Marco Forgione, director general of the IOE&IT said: “We are bringing together industry leading experts including our own renowned trade specialists to provide members with the insight and inspiration to trade more effectively. MemberCon22 promises to be unmissable”.
‘Traders need to know’
“While trade has been slower to digitalise than other sectors, its digital progress is accelerating fast. Traders need to know the latest state of play – both a macro level and at a practical one too, in terms of how to prepare early for digitalisation – and MemberCon22 will provide that insight,” said Kevin Shakespeare, the IOE&IT’s director of strategic projects and international development.
Business transformation
Forgione added that “the past few years have brought unprecedented challenge to UK businesses that have had to navigate a global pandemic, Brexit, war in Europe and a global supply chain crisis. MemberCon22 is a fantastic opportunity to regroup, look to the future and explore how international trade can transform your business.”
Helen Hastie, the IOE&IT’s membership engagement manager, said: “MemberCon22 is a new networking and professional development event from the IOE&IT designed to help our members navigate opportunities and challenges around international trade.
“The event is free to attend for IOE&IT members, showcasing expert speakers, practical workshops and unrivalled networking opportunities, we can’t wait to welcome you in Birmingham in July.”
Registration for the event is free for IOE&IT and £150 +VAT for non-members, spaces are limited so ensure you register now to avoid disappointment, follow this link to confirm your attendance.
For further information or interview request please contact Thomas Lane, PR Manager at the Institute of Export & International Trade on +44 07735450951 or email Thomas.lane@export.org.uk.
