TIDES 2026 Announces Trade Track Speakers Focused on Global Commerce and International Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. — September 17, 2026 — Following the recent announcement of its Main Stage speakers, the Tampa International Diplomacy & Exchange Summit (TIDES) today announced the first group of confirmed speakers for its Trade Track, bringing together leaders in international business, logistics, economic development, trade law, finance, exports and global market development.

The Trade Track is chaired by Ryan Kanne, Greater Florida Director for the U.S. Commercial Service, who is leading the development of programming designed to connect Tampa Bay businesses with the expertise, relationships and resources needed to compete in international markets.

TIDES will take place November 16–17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center. The citywide initiative, led by Mayor Jane Castor as Chair of the TIDES Host Committee and organized by Tampa Sister Cities, will bring together leaders from business, government, diplomacy, education, innovation and culture to strengthen Tampa Bay’s international connections.

“International trade becomes meaningful when businesses can turn relationships and information into real opportunities,” said Ryan Kanne, Chair of the TIDES Trade Track. “Our goal is to bring together people who have firsthand experience navigating international markets and give attendees access to practical knowledge — whether they are already doing business globally or considering international expansion for the first time.”

Confirmed Trade Track Speakers

The first group of confirmed speakers includes:

• Manny Mencia, President & CEO, MAM International Consultants; former Executive Vice President, Enterprise Florida
• Michael Stephens, Tampa International Airport
• Mitch Allen, Senior Vice President, Economic Development, Tampa Bay EDC
• Brian Giuliani, Port Tampa Bay
• Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay
• Rachel Pardine, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service
• Ann C. Shipherd, Principal, AC Ship Global Trade Law
• Justine Assal, MBE, President, Nextpay Global
• Arthur Savage, CEO, A. R. Savage & Son
• Roy Levy, Executive Vice President & General Manager, XTEND
• Martin Palmeri, Managing Director and Head of Operations for the Americas, MUFG
• Maria Morales, Partner, CliftonLarsonAllen
• Brent Barkway, Business Development Manager, Pinellas County Economic Development
• Selma Canas, International Trade Specialist, Small Business Development Center
• Javier Marin, Director of Economic Opportunity, City of Tampa
• Charles A. Alvarado, Vice President of International Sales, Amalie Oil
• Diana Mroue, Founder & Managing Director, Tigara Group; formerly with SelectFlorida

Additional Trade Track speakers will continue to be announced as confirmations are finalized.

From Global Connections to Practical Opportunities

The TIDES Trade Track is designed to move from broader discussions about Tampa Bay’s role in the global economy to practical conversations about how companies can identify, evaluate and pursue international opportunities.

Sessions will address topics including turning global connections into business opportunities, moving from introductions to contracts, emerging patterns in international trade, tariffs and supply chains, finding and vetting overseas partners, and navigating the public and private resources available to companies seeking to export or expand internationally.

The program will bring together perspectives from private-sector businesses, economic development organizations, government agencies, logistics companies, professional advisers and international trade specialists.

For companies already operating internationally, the track will provide an opportunity to explore changing market conditions and develop new relationships. For businesses considering international expansion, sessions will provide a practical introduction to the organizations and experts that can help companies navigate the process.

The Trade Track will also complement TIDES programming examining Tampa Bay’s broader role as an international gateway, including the region’s transportation infrastructure, economic assets and connections to markets around the world.

Speaker Announcements Continue

The Trade Track announcement follows TIDES’ recent unveiling of its Main Stage speakers, with additional speaker announcements planned across the summit’s other program areas.

TIDES will feature two days of main-stage discussions, specialized tracks, workshops, international delegations, networking opportunities and an international expo. Programming will span international trade, diplomacy, innovation, education, sustainability, culture and other issues shaping Tampa Bay’s global future.

International delegations participating in TIDES will also have opportunities for business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, creating additional opportunities for Tampa Bay companies to develop relationships with organizations and potential partners from around the world.

About TIDES

The Tampa International Diplomacy & Exchange Summit (TIDES) is a citywide initiative focused on strengthening Tampa Bay’s international connections through diplomacy, trade, education, innovation and cultural exchange.

Organized by Tampa Sister Cities, TIDES will take place November 16–17, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center and will bring together business leaders, diplomats, government officials, educators, entrepreneurs, students, international delegations and community organizations.

For registration, program information and continuing speaker announcements, visit TIDESTampa.com.