“Building a Prosperous and Sustainable Future for the Americas”
November 14-16, 2010 | Atlanta, USA
The Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) is the Western Hemisphere’s preeminent event for government, business, academic, and civil society leaders to discuss innovative methods to promote economic competitiveness in the Americas. This year’s ACF will focus on four key areas of competitiveness, innovation, and economic development:
1. Innovation and green technologies
This track will highlight innovative energy efficiency best practices that small and medium sized businesses can implement to reduce waste and improve productivity. Leading practitioners and experts will share best practices on how to apply green technologies that benefit the environment and result in cost savings and efficiency gains.
2. Education and workforce development
It is widely recognized that education and workforce development are key components of competitiveness. This track will examine how the business community and academia can work together to provide appropriate training to build a more efficient and capable labor pool to fulfill the needs of businesses and maintain competitiveness.
3. Entrepreneurship and small business development
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the engine of growth in Americas. Equipping SMEs with the tools they need to compete in the global marketplace is a priority throughout the region. This panel will highlight best practices to prepare entrepreneurs and SMEs to effectively engage in international trade. Among the topics of discussion will be access to financing, preparing firms to be export-ready and social inclusion programs for historically underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities. Panelists from across the region will invite participants to engage in a lively discussion on best practices for small business development and entrepreneurial growth.
4. Trade facilitation, border clearance and supply chain logistics
Keeping it fresh, safe and financed: How can a company trading perishables deliver it fresh and fast? What are the steps that a company can take to minimize theft, seizures and spoilage while getting the goods to the market as quickly as possible? What type of financial assistance is available for new companies wanting to start trading? This track will focus on best practices in the cold chain and cold-storage matters and will highlight successes from past ACFs.
Early Registration Discount available until 30 September 2010.