OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
CHRISTINE CLERMONT
Air & Sea Vice President, Gulf Region
& Warehousing
DSV Global Transport and Logistics
JOHN BROOKS
JOHN BROOKS
Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer
Canadian Pacific Kansas City
Symposium Presentations
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Moderator:
Cesar G. Hernandez, MileOne, COO
Speakers:
- Ing. Humberto Martinez Cantu, President INDEX Nacional
- Ing. Enrique Moran, President of INDEX Nuevo Laredo
- Ing. Israel Morales, National Committee of MX-US Affairs & International Agreements at INDEX Council
Session 2: “Transformation Via SmartShoring”
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Moderator:
Justin Heather, Killam Development
Speakers:
- Joseph Neeb, City Manager, City of Laredo
- Ing. Francsico Ivan Torres, City of Nuevo Laredo
- Devorah Karren, International Affairs Director, State of Nuevo Leon & Port Colombia-Laredo Promotion Director
Session 3: “The Competitive Advantages of FTZs”
Session 1: “Foreign Trade, Foreign Relations: Perspectives and Relations”
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Moderator:
Victoria Nicholls-Reyes, J.D. LCB. General Counsel, EELCO
Speakers:
- Dr. Federico Schaffler, Foreign Trade Zone Administrator, Laredo International Airport
- James Grogan, Managing Director, Trade & Customs, Kroll, LLC
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Moderator:
Rachel Connell, Vice President, NASCO
Speakers:
- Gerald Schwebel, Executive Vice President, International Bank of Commerce
- Dan Ujczo, Senior Counsel, Thompson Hine
- Laurie A. Tannous, J.D.,Vice, President, Government Relations and General Counsel at Russell A. Farrow Limited
Session 5: “Digital Infrastructure”
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Session 6: “The Evolution of Trucking & Logistics in Trade”
Moderator:
Alaster Love, Chief Technology Officer at PANACEA
Speakers:
- Matt Leach, Director of Public Sector, FiberLight, LLC
- Xavier Rivera Marzan, Managing Partner, XiR Group
- Dave Irek, VP of Business Development, Duos Edge AI
Session 6: “The Evolution of Trucking & Logistics in Trade”
Session 4: “Exploring the USMCA Landscape: Key Takeaways and Opportunities”
Session 6: “The Evolution of Trucking & Logistics in Trade”
Moderator:
Priscilla Pantoja, Laredo Motor Carriers Association
Speakers:
- Carlos Llanes, CEO, Spartan Carrier Group
- Sherman Barnes, Regional Vice President, Bennett Motor Express
Session 7: “Automotive Cluster and Supply Chain”
Session 7: “Automotive Cluster and Supply Chain”
Session 7: “Automotive Cluster and Supply Chain”
Moderator:
Uriel Verazzi, Site PRO Rentals
Speakers:
- Dr. Manuel Montoya O., General Director, CLAUT
- Gereon Hempel, CEO, 21. Consulting
pathways for trade ambassador award
On August 27, 2025, at the Laredo Country Club, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation proudly introduced a new highlight to its annual Symposium — the Pathways for Trade Ambassador Award.
The inaugural award was presented to INDEX Nuevo Laredo by Alma Acevedo, President and CEO of Global Tooling Specialties, Inc. Recognized for more than two decades of leadership in the maquiladora industry, INDEX has fostered growth, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, playing a vital role in strengthening the U.S.–Mexico trade corridor.
A special recognition was also presented to INDEX Nacional by Ignacio Urrabazo, LEDC Chairman of the Board, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. This honor celebrated INDEX Nacional’s longstanding legacy of leadership and commitment to advancing Mexico’s export manufacturing industry.
These recognitions underscored the vital role both organizations play in shaping the future of trade in our region and beyond.
OUR PROUD SPONSORS
Night of trade dinner
DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTE
B2B Exhibitor Space Sponsor
B2B NETWORKING
promotional partner
night of trade happy hour patron
community supporter
