Past Events

Our events bring together subject matter experts and thought leaders from around the world to provide insight and broad perspectives on important international business, global trade, and diplomacy topics. Below are some of our past events and educational sessions.

To view recordings of past events, visit our YouTube channel.

World Trade Center Northern California Events

Partner Events

  • San Francisco to Abu Dhabi

    December 9, 2021

    As the world continues to open up, Abu Dahabi is strengthening its support for international companies. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office is kicking off a series of events to introduce a range of opportunities available in Abu Dhabi to the business community in the US. On December 9th from 10:00 – 11:00 am (PT) webinar attendees will learn how to access a global customer base, as well as tailored initiatives and programs through ADIO Global, making it easier than ever for international companies from our region to begin their journey of growth with Abu Dhabi.

  • Business Growth Opportunities by Expanding to International Markets

    July 8, 2021

    Opportunities are ripe to grow your business through global trade. International business is a way to source what your company needs and to find new markets or customers.

    How do I get started in international trade?
    What are the fundamentals of importing and exporting?
    What resources are available to help me?
    Learn how companies have successfully taken that next step to grow their business through international trade.

    Join NAWBO-SFBA for an online discussion with the World Trade Center Northern California to learn about how you and your business could benefit from pivoting to an international market.

  • WTC Denver Presents “World Trade Day 2021: Digital Globalization”

    May 20, 2021

    Celebrating the 48th annual World Trade Month, our partner World Trade Center Denver will host “World Trade Day: Digital Globalization” on May 20-21, 2021, from 10:00 am to Noon PT each day. This year’s theme is Digital Globalization and how technology is helping to accelerate connections, transparency, and trade. Learn from experts how to jump-start your business, mitigate risk, and leverage the latest technology to boost your global operations.

    This interactive virtual conference features many unique opportunities to learn from industry and thought leaders, and several ways you can connect and network with other attendees.

  • UK-US Trade and Security: Addressing Our Shared Challenges

    May 19, 2021

    To mark World Trade Month 2021, the British Consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles are convening experts, policy-makers, and businesses to discuss the most pressing issues in global trade. The panel will give remarks covering the UK and US perspectives on global challenges, from the resilience of supply chains, to trade with China, to working together to safeguard and reform the global trading system.

  • CITC Presents “Virtual Trade Mission Preparation and eTrade Readiness” Workshop

    May 13, 2021

    This two-hour virtual event hosted and presented by the California International Trade Center (CITC) will help prepare SMEs in identifying and leveraging virtual trade missions to benefit their eCommerce operations overseas. Partners and presenters include the US Commercial Service, SBA Export, EXIM Bank, and the Long Beach City Chamber of Commerce.

  • HERstory in the Making

    March 25, 2021

    Our affiliate partner, NAWBO is hosting a free virtual summit for women powering big dreams (that’s YOU). HERstory in the Making will allow you to connect and grow with women business owners from around the world. World Trade Center Northern California is pleased to promote this event in honor of Women’s History Month. Plan to join us to expand your world.

  • Export Compliance, Obligations & Risk Mitigation

    January 28, 2021

    Learn how to identify your obligations under the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and to better understand how to mitigate export risk through the development of an Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP). Recommended for export compliance personnel and businesses that export, but currently do not have a system in place to manage their compliance with the regulations.

    Details include the risks and repercussions of violating the EAR, deemed export licensing requirements, the importance of recognizing and dealing with Red Flags, how to manage an inquiry from the BIS, groundwork for developing an EMCP tailored to a company’s specific operations and activities. Presented by our partner, World Trade Center Denver. Please contact Diane Lydon, dlydon@norcalwtc.itulstaging.com to ask about a training course discount.

  • Rural Regions Connect Virtual Conference

    January 28, 2021

    The Rural Regions Rising Virtual Conference connects California Rural Region businesses to leading experts in top California industries to help them to capitalize on disruptions and transformations that begun in 2020 and accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the conference to provide key information to assist with the business decision-making process, deliver sound advice on how to leverage new opportunities, and provide direct access to state, federal and international business services.

  • An Intro to Trade Finance: Compete and Win Sales with EXIM’s Risk Protection and Access to Cash

    January 12, 2021

    Looking for effective solutions to help your company grow revenue in 2021? Explore international sales as a thriving opportunity to gain access to 95% of consumer buying outside of the United States. Join the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and California Chamber of Commerce to discover proven export strategies that minimize risk and programs to support fair and equitable market access.

  • International Education Week

    November 16, 2020

    International Education Week (November 16-20, 2020) is a national week of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education that celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. At UC Davis, International Education Week often brings opportunities for students, staff and faculty to explore international programming such as: global learning events, across campus, for connecting with students, scholars, and families; information sessions for Study Abroad and workshops for grant writing for international field work; and film previews and discussions.

  • Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)

    November 16, 2020

    Join Sacramento State University for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) – a week long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship that takes place in ecosystems around the globe. Sacramento State, in partnership with Western Health Advantage, is excited to bring a full-week of events, activities, competitions, and networking focused on innovation & entrepreneurship. Check out the events scheduled throughout the week of November 16-20.

  • #FacesOfExchange: Building Strategic Power through Exchanges

    October 29, 2020

    The U.S. Department of State has numerous international exchange programs that help achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. This interactive virtual session will provide international relations students, interns, and foreign affairs professionals an in-depth understanding of the role of exchange programs in global power dynamics and strategic power and offer networking opportunities with foreign affairs related organizations. For more information, click here: https://eca.state.gov/ivlp/about-ivlp/building-strategic-power-through-exchanges

  • National Maritime Day Ceremony

    May 22, 2019

    National Maritime Day, May 22nd, is our day! Our council ceremony with attendees of the former the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans will again be in Sacramento. We will read the 2019 presidential proclamation. For those interested, lunch will follow in Old Sacramento. Tickets or reservations are not necessary.

  • Tevis and Haggin: Sacramento’s Early Transnational Businessmen

    April 23, 2019

    Join the Sacramento Historical Society on Tuesday, April 23rd, as Mark Davidson, a Director on the Sacramento Historical Society’s Board, …

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  • Go Global Webinar Series – Manage Challenges

    May 30, 2018

    The U.S. Census Bureau provides valuable resources and training on understanding the Foreign Trade Regulations, classifying your commodities, filing export information, and utilizing international trade data.

    Part 4 – Manage Challenges: How do I keep my product from being copied or pirated? How do I protect my brand? What if my product is held up at customs or blocked? Learn how to protect your intellectual property, get quick help from our U.S. embassies, and get the government behind
    resolving unfair trade barriers.

    May 30 – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT / 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

  • Go Global Webinar Series – Prepare to Ship

    May 23, 2018

    The U.S. Census Bureau provides valuable resources and training on understanding the Foreign Trade Regulations, classifying your commodities, filing export information, and utilizing international trade data.

    Part 3 – Prepare to Ship: How do I follow all the rules? What does it look like to sell abroad? How do I ensure a nice profit? Learn about the key U.S. regulations you need to abide by, tips for smooth shipping, and getting ahead of foreign market standards or requirements.

    May 23 – 11:00 am to 12:00 pm PDT / 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

  • National Maritime Day Ceremony

    May 22, 2018

    National Maritime Day is Tuesday, May 22nd. The Navy League of the United States Pacific Merchant Marine Council, in partnership with the American Merchant Marine Veterans, will again be in Sacramento for the Council Ceremony at 11:00 am. At the ceremony, the 2018 presidential proclamation will be read. We hope you can attend!

    The location of the ceremony is adjacent to the Maritime Monument located on the promenade on the east bank of the Sacramento River between Tower Bridge and Embassy Suites. Tickets or reservations are not necessary.

  • Go Global Webinar Series – Get Paid

    May 16, 2018

    The U.S. Census Bureau provides valuable resources and training on understanding the Foreign Trade Regulations, classifying your commodities, filing export information, and utilizing international trade data.

    Part 2 – Get Paid: How do I get the money I need to grow and manage cash flow? How do I make sure I get paid and not just ripped off? How do I know if I can trust a foreign business partner? Learn how to get the working capital you need, manage risk, and protect your financial interests in international markets.

    May 16 – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT / 2:00 – 30:00 pm EDT

  • Go Global Webinar Series – Getting Started

    May 9, 2018

    The U.S. Census Bureau provides valuable resources and training on understanding the Foreign Trade Regulations, classifying your commodities, filing export information, and utilizing international trade data.

    Part 1 – Getting Started: How do I know I am ready to export? Who can help me, and where do I start? How do I target markets and find foreign buyers? Prepare your company to export, Part 1 – Getting Started: How do I know I am ready to export? Who can help me, and where do I start? How do I target markets and find foreign buyers? Prepare your company to export, learn howto tap the expertise of international trade experts, and connect with foreign buyers.

    May 9 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT / 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

  • The Meaning of Brexit

    April 18, 2018

    The pending British exit from the European Union – Brexit — is the most important political event in recent British …

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  • Renewable Energy Integration Trade Mission to Canada

    October 30, 2017

    Over the next year Canada is predicted to account for nearly one-fourth of all U.S. exports in the Renewable Energy Sector, and that could increase dramatically if U.S. firms take advantage of the opportunities presenting themselves in Western Canada right now. Canada’s proximity to the United States and the close commercial relationship enjoyed by many U.S. suppliers provides exporters a favorable environment to sell their products or services. Join the U.S. Commercial Service for this Trade Mission. (Canada)

  • Healthcare Trade Mission to South Africa and Kenya

    October 22, 2017

    Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a trade mission that will introduce U.S. firms to the rapidly expanding healthcare sectors in these two countries and to assist U.S. companies in pursuing opportunities in this sector. U.S. companies will attend pre-scheduled meetings with potential agents, distributors, end users, industry contacts and government officials for the goal of launching or increasing exports. (South Africa & Kenya)

  • Sustainable Building & Construction Trade Mission to Mexico

    October 16, 2017

    The United States Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, is organizing a Sustainable Construction Trade Mission to Mexico that will introduce U.S. firms to Mexico’s Sustainable Building & Construction sector, and assist U.S. companies in pursuing export opportunities in the sector. (Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico)

  • GRIN China & India Trade Mission

    September 19, 2017

    The key to growing a global online business is to develop your local knowledge and network. The Global Retail Insights Network (GRIN) is organizing this U.S. Department of Commerce Certified Trade Mission to help you increase your understanding of the two most vital eCommerce countries in the world, India and China. (Shanghai, China & Mumbai, India) *Note: NorCalWTC members are eligible for a special GRIN grant to subsidize the cost – register by July 30.

  • U.S. Cyber Security Trade Mission to Canada

    September 11, 2017

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing a Cyber Security Trade mission to three locations in Canada to introduce U.S. firms to Canada’s expanding opportunities within the Cyber Security industry, and to assist U.S. companies in pursuing export opportunities in this sector. (Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, Canada)

  • Smart Cities Trade Mission to Poland and the Czech Republic

    September 10, 2017

    Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a smart cities trade mission. (Poland & Czech Republic)