VAGTC World Trade Week Conference to focus on global sales

Amplifying global sales will be a main focus at the 35th Michigan World Trade Week Business Conference, sponsored by the Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University. 

The virtual event will be held May 5, from 1:30 to 4:15 p.m. To register for the Zoom, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/wtw/2021-michigan-world-trade-week-virtual-business-conference-41.htm

The virtual trade conference will offer resources to promote international sales growth despite the pandemic. 

Sonja Johnson, executive director of the Van Andel Global Trade Center, said: “As the business community continues to find ways to overcome the challenges of doing business, whether it's protecting data in this increasingly virtual world or dealing with increased costs and wait times in supply chains, the conference will provide resources to help overcome these challenges.”

The U.S. Commercial Service Office in Grand Rapids founded Michigan World Trade Week. Director Kendra Kuo said, “Whether you are new to export or more experienced, the Michigan World Trade Week online business conference will provide participants with forward thinking strategies and invaluable resources to help expand their global sales.”  

Jeff White, executive vice president of North America Sales for Gordon Food Service, will give a keynote address, "Gordon Food Service Journey of International Sales."

Other topics to be discussed include: 

• China & Global Trade: Responding to tariff dodging and enforcing a level playing field 
• Global sales best practices
• Using digital sales strategy to increase sales (eCommerce & social media) 
• Cyber protection

This year’s event will offer attendees exclusive access to The Digital Briefcase, which provides attendees the opportunity to dive into specific topics and learn from industry experts on how they can assist in growing international business.

Michigan World Trade Week works collaboratively with many other partner organizations that also hold events which focus on global topics, including The Economics Club of Grand Rapids, World Affairs Council of West Michigan, and the West Michigan World Trade Association. 

For more information, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/wtw/2021-michigan-world-trade-week-virtual-business-conference-41.htm