trade

Where Global Relationships Become Business Opportunity

The Trade Track at TIDES brings together exporters, investors, chambers, economic development partners, ports, airports, logistics leaders, international delegations, and companies looking to grow across borders. Explore how Tampa’s global relationships can generate market access, investment, supply chain connections, and real commercial outcomes.

Why Trade Matters

From global market access and investment attraction to logistics, infrastructure, and business partnerships, the Trade Track explores the forces that drive economic growth and strengthen Tampa’s role as an international hub.

Global Connections

Build relationships that open doors to new markets and opportunities

Economic Growth

International trade fuels jobs, investment, innovation, and shared property.

Strong Partnerships

Sister city relationships create a foundation for long-term business success.

Trade Advantage

Tampa’s ports, airports, and infrastructure position us to compete on the global stage.
From relationship to revenue. From local to global. The Trade Track turns connections into opportunity.

Who should participate

  • Businesses & Exporters
  • International Companies
  • Chambers of Commerce & Trade Organizations
  • Economic Development Agencies
  • Ports, Airports & Logistics Companies
  • Investors & Financial Institutions
  • Consulates, Trade Offices & Delegations
  • Professional Services & Legal Firms
  • Universities & Workforce Partners

Why Sponsor the Trade Track

Visibility With International Business Audiences

Showcase your brand to decision makers and global partners.

Align With Tampa’s Global Growth Story

Position your organization at the center of regional economic momentum.

Access Delegations & Decision-Makers

Meet buyers, investors, and leaders from around the world.

Thought Leadership Opportunities

Tell your story, share insights, and build influence.

Exhibitor & Branding Opportunities

Increase engagement through exhibits, signage, and digital media.

Topics We’ll Explore

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Global Market Access

Strategies for entering new markets and growing internationally
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Infrastructure That Moves The World

Ports, airports, and logistics powering Tampa’s trade future.
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From Relationship to revenue

Turn connections into measurable business outcomes.
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Investment & Business Attraction

Positioning Tampa to win global investment and business,
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Small Business / Global Opportunity

Practical tools and resources for small businesses going global.

Featured Sessions

  • From Connection to Contract

    Real-world examples of international engagement leading to business growth
    Trade
  • Turning Global Connections into Real Opportunities

    Trade

What You’ll Gain

  • New relationships with international partners and buyers
  • Strategic insights on global markets and trade trends
  • Connections to investors and business opportunities
  • A stronger understanding of Tampa’s global trade position
  • Exposure to delegations, leaders, and decision-makers
  • Tools and resources to grow your business globally

Trade Insights

  • Before Cigars: Tampa’s First International Trade Story

    Alfred Goldberg/
    May 26, 2026
  • Tampa’s Forgotten Rise as a Modern International City

    Alfred Goldberg/
    May 17, 2026
  • Global Partnerships, Local Renewal: How International Collaboration Could Help Reconnect Tampa to Its Shipbuilding Roots

    Alfred Goldberg/
    May 16, 2026
Trade

Building Global Economic Connections

Explore how cities, businesses, ports, chambers, and international organizations are creating new opportunities through trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Sessions will examine global commerce, economic partnerships, supply chain connectivity, and the role international relationships play in regional growth.
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Innovation

Ideas Driving Global Progress

Innovation thrives through collaboration. This track highlights emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and the exchange of ideas shaping industries and communities worldwide. Discussions will feature leaders from startups, academia, technology, and innovation ecosystems.
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Diplomacy

Strengthening Relationships Across Borders

Diplomacy today extends beyond national governments. This track focuses on the growing role of cities, institutions, nonprofits, and cultural organizations in fostering international understanding, cooperation, and people-to-people engagement. Topics include public diplomacy, cultural exchange, and global partnerships.
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Education

Expanding Knowledge Through Exchange

Education has long been one of the strongest bridges between cultures. This track explores international education, student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, workforce development, and the role educational institutions play in preparing globally connected communities.
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Sustainability

Collaborating for a More Resilient Future

Global challenges require shared solutions. This track examines how organizations, governments, and communities are working together on sustainability, resilience, environmental innovation, and long-term planning. Sessions will highlight collaborative approaches to building healthier and more sustainable futures.
Learn More
Trade

Building Global Economic Connections

Explore how cities, businesses, ports, chambers, and international organizations are creating new opportunities through trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration.
Learn More
Innovation

Ideas Driving Global Progress

Innovation thrives through collaboration. This track highlights emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and the exchange of ideas shaping industries and communities worldwide.
Learn More
Diplomacy

Strengthening Relationships Across Borders

Diplomacy today extends beyond national governments. This track focuses on the growing role of cities, institutions, nonprofits, and cultural organizations in fostering international understanding, cooperation, and people-to-people engagement.
Learn More
Education

Expanding Knowledge Through Exchange

Education has long been one of the strongest bridges between cultures. This track explores international education, student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, workforce development, and more.
Learn More
Sustainability

Collaborating for a More Resilient Future

Global challenges require shared solutions. This track examines how organizations, governments, and communities are working together on sustainability, resilience, environmental innovation, and long-term planning.
Learn More
Be part of the conversation.
Be part of the change.
November 16-17, 2026
Tampa, Florida, USA