Take Me Home, Country Roads: from Geopolitics to Regionalization

This Is What You Came For: North America Means Business

As global supply chains shift, North America is becoming a prime destination for allyshoring and nearshoring. This panel explored how bringing industries closer to home is strengthening resilience, driving innovation, and deepening ties between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Leaders from across sectors discussed what it takes to build competitive regional supply chains—highlighting the role of talent, infrastructure, and public-private collaboration in positioning North America as a global model of security and shared growth. Speakers: Adriana Eguia, Regional Vice President, North West Mexico, Vesta Brendan Kelly, Visiting Fellow, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Global Institute Dan Erikson, Senior Advisor, Covington Rhett Buttle, Executive Director, Small Business Roundtable Amb. Louise Blais, Senior Special Advisor – U.S. and International Affairs, Business Council of Canada

You Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark: Blanca Treviño and Altagracia Gómez

This session brings together two leading voices shaping North America’s economic future: Altagracia Gómez, Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Business Relocation at the Government of Mexico, and Blanca Treviño, President and CEO of Softtek. Together, they explored how business relocation, digital transformation, and regional integration are redefining competitiveness in Mexico and across North America. From government strategies to private-sector innovation, the conversation shed light on the opportunities and challenges of building a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking regional economy.

Take Me Home, Country Roads: from Geopolitics to Regionalization

Global economic shifts, supply chain realignments, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping how nations trade, invest, and cooperate. This session explored the transition from decades of globalization to a more regionally integrated North America, with perspectives from across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of this shift, focusing on how stronger regional value chains, cross-border innovation, and coordinated strategies can build resilience while maintaining global competitiveness. Speakers: Ken Frenkel, President, Canadian Council for the Americas Rob Wildeboer, Executive Chairman and Co-founder, Martinrea International Whitney Y. Baird, President and CEO, USCIB Juan Pardinas, Socio Director, Tres-N

Switch: Professional & Student Exchanges for Economic Development

This interactive panel aimed to showcase the economic value of exchange programs. Conversation leaders will share insights on how international exchanges generate economic value and how they can be strategically integrated into Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) to promote trade and investment. Experts explored ways to leverage exchanges in supporting cluster-to-cluster growth, enhancing regional connectivity, and strengthening global competitiveness. Speakers: América Ávalos, National Manager of Education and Family Philanthropy, Coppel Hazel Blackmore, Executive Director, COMEXUS (Fulbright Mexico) Pato Bichara, CEO, Collective Academy Puru Trivedi, Senior Vice President, Meridian International Center Courtney Breckenridge ,Co-Chair, Illinois Innovation Network’s Education and Workforce Committee

My Shot: Digital is the New Cash

From stablecoins and cryptocurrencies to instant payments and real-time settlements, financial technology is transforming how money moves across borders. This panel explored the global trends reshaping the financial landscape and their impact on North America’s economies, businesses, and households. The conversation examined how innovations in digital finance are changing remittance flows, expanding access to financial services, and enabling faster, more secure transactions. Panelists also discussed the policy, regulatory, and infrastructure shifts needed to ensure these technologies foster inclusion, protect consumers, and strengthen cross-border economic integration. As the pace of change accelerates, understanding these dynamics is key to building a more connected and competitive region. Speakers: Claudia Núñez Sañudo, CEO, Fintech Mexico Kristy Duncan, Founder and CEO, Women in Payments Rene Salazar, Head of Partnerships & Expansion, LATAM, Stripe Penny Lee, President and CEO, Financial Technology Association (FTA)