Program

7:00 am

Registration

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Annual General Meeting

9:00 am - 11:45 am

CITP Meeting (CITPs only)

International Lessons From the Dragon’s Den
Keynote: Dianne Buckner, Host CBC’s The Dragon’s Den
Articulate, straightforward and funny, Dianne Buckner has almost two decades of experience in television as a writer, reporter and producer. Buckner is a charming speaker with unique qualifications to offer perspective on success, failure, and turbulence in the ever-changing business landscape.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Conference Opening and Luncheon
Welcome: Mary Anderson, President, I.E.Canada, Conference Chair and Chair, FITT

The Global Credit Crunch and the Outlook for 2008-2009
Mr. Poloz will discuss the fundamentals of the global credit crunch, providing more insight into its likely evolution in the coming 12-18 months. The issue has changed from "slowdown or not?" to " how long of a slowdown?". Only the US consumer has the answer. 
Speaker: Stephen Poloz, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada

Global Economic Outlook: Don’t Expect Business as Usual
While the U.S. sub-prime mortgage crisis and the flight of the loonie to parity with the U.S. dollar have been grabbing the headlines, North American prospects also are being driven by a number of powerful longer-term trends: how China, India and other emerging powerhouses are fundamentally altering the global economic and financial landscape; how the widespread shift to greener government, corporate and household practices is about to change the way we work and live; and how an aging population promises to create long-term challenges and opportunities.
Speaker: Warren Jestin, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Scotiabank

2:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Concurrent “Ask the Expert” Round Table Discussions
Each round table discussion will be led by a subject matter expert. Each discussion will last 25 minutes and delegates can choose to attend four (4) different discussions.
Facilitator: Mark Drake, CITP, President, Corsley Inc.

1. The Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF): Government Services for Exporters
COEF, Ontario’s regional trade network, represents federal and provincial government agencies which offer various forms of export assistance to active and potential exporters. Participants will learn about the government export programs and services available from COEF partners.
Discussion Leader: Debbie Walker, Director, Community Export Development, International Trade Branch, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

2. The Fundamentals of a Successful Online Solution: Web Marketing and Persuasive Architecture

The Fundamentals of a Successful Online Solution: Web Marketing and Persuasive Architecture Navigating a successful web initiative can be trickier than navigating the waters of the North Atlantic. In 2008, there continues to be countless examples of Fortune 500 companies who are simply missing the boat. Misled by old-school ad agencies or less-than-progressive marketing VPs, many of these companies continue to fail miserably with their online offerings—ranging from poor customer service and lost sales to missed marketing and branding opportunities. Intuitive architecture and proven web marketing techniques are critical components in developing a “goal driven strategy” and successful web development plan. In this round table we will explore some of the fundamentals of persuasive architecture, web marketing and website management that continue to elude many of world’s largest corporations.
Discussion Leader: Dan Cummins, CEO, Atomic Motion Inc.

3. How to Trigger Bank Support

Where is the money, and how can I get it without pledging collateral? Knowing what export credit agencies have to offer and how they can help you trigger bank support may be critical to securing financing for your import/export venture. Learn how the banks and ECAs like   EDC work together to help you win the deal!

Discussion Leader: Darcy Ferron, CITP, Senior Manager, Trade Finance, Global Transaction Banking, Scotiabank

4. Making Market Entry Decisions

The 5 day visit - how to size up the market and make astute market entry strategy decisions quickly.

Discussion Leader: Leroy Lowe, CITP, Faculty of International Business, Nova Scotia Community College

5. Competitive Advantage of International Standards (ISO) for Management Systems (MS)

For Canadian companies to be competitive on both a national and a global basis, organizations must adopt a forward-thinking approach in developing their management strategies. In this roundtable, we will review ISO 9001 and 14001 how they may be used to assist in a competent and competitive advantage for Canadian companies to be more effective in the global marketplace.

Discussion Leader: Jayne Pilot, Pilot Performance Resources Management Inc.

6. CITP Designation

The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation is a prestigious credential which attests to an individual’s solid international business skills and experience. It is the highest level of professional accreditation available to international trade practitioners in Canada. What is a CITP? Why become a CITP? What does it take to become a CITP? Participate in this round table discussion to find out!

Discussion Leader: Paule Mathieu, CITP, Trade Commissioner, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

7. Harvard’s ManageMentor 10 - FITT & Harvard Offer You Professional Development

Meet with FITT’s newest partner in continuing professional development and participate in an interactive demonstration of the Harvard ManageMentor 10 series. This program features more than 40 modules with practical advice, downloadable tools, and time-saving tips on key management topics to build skills quickly for an immediate impact on performance. Learn how you can complete the Harvard Business Publishing - FITT Leadership Management Program.

Discussion Leader: Sarah Osteen, Implementation Manager, Harvard Business Publishing

8. Security is Everybody’s Business

This round table will address the subject of competitiveness from a security point of view. It will provide suggestions on what you may want to consider in protecting your company’s information resources to stay competitive. All of us face the same problem! How do we keep our information safe against ever increasing skilled adversaries who want to steal our valuable information? You will have an opportunity to discuss important processes such as preparing an inventory of assets, conducting a risk analysis and implementing protective measures all within an affordable budget.
Discussion Leader: Norm Weir, CITP, Defence Branch, Canadian Commercial Corporation

10. Combining Innovations in Technology and Financial Services to Drive Competitive Advantage

Doing business in global supply chains creates additional pressures for SMEs. Suppliers frequently want payment in advance and customers increasingly want vendors to assume more responsibilities and provide longer payment terms, increasing you risk. Opportunities for companies to leverage emerging financial solutions and low-cost technologies to accelerate cash flow and low risk in business relationships will be profiled and discussed.
Discussion Leader: Fergus Groundwater, Global Trade Management - Program Manager, Export Development Canada

11. New Products to Help Small Business
While operating in foreign markets provides great opportunities, it can expose small companies to some very real financial risks.  EDC has developed new specialized services to help smaller companies who are exporting.  Learn how to use these services to sell more stuff, be more competitive and have greater peace of mind
Discussion Leader: Justine Hendricks, Regional Vice President, Small Business Team, Export Development Canada

2:15 pm - 4:30 pm

FITT Board Meeting (closed meeting)

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Welcome Reception
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON  K1N 9N4

Opening Remarks: Mary Anderson, President, I.E.Canada, Conference Chair and Chair, FITT

Entertainment: The Poorhouse Bluesband

7:00 am

Registration

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Networking Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors and Visit the Internet Café

8:30 am - 8:45 am

Welcome
Conference Chair: Mary Anderson, President, I.E.Canada and Chair, FITT

8:45 am - 9:45 am

Plenary - Strategies to Stay on Top
Speakers: Rod Bryden, President and Chief Executive Officer, PlascoEnergy Group
Jerry Byrne, President, D.F. Barnes Group

9:45 am - 10:15 am

Networking Break with Exhibitors and Visit the Internet Café

10:15 am - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Workshops

Workshop A
Currency

Global Value Chain
The term "global value chain" refers to the worldwide dispersion of production. Fluctuating exchange rates, falling transportation costs, lower barriers to trade and investment, and improvements in information and communications technology have made it enticing for firms to locate different parts of their businesses around the globe.
Moderator: Bruno Morin, CITP, Manager, International Sales, Rio Tinto Alcan

Speakers: Erik Ens, Senior Economist, Office of the Chief Economist, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Tim Welch, Vice President, Sales, TalkSwitch
Fergus Groundwater, Global Trade Management - Program Manager, Export Development Canada

Workshop B
Competencies

Managing in the 21st century – the rise of Fractal Process Management (FPM)

Join us for a stimulating and entertaining presentation aimed at getting people thinking about what is wrong with modern management, how it prevents progress and how to fix it. This will be a highly interactive session aimed at getting delegates to exchange ideas and work through the FPM process.
Moderator: Miriam Wall, CITP, Coordinator, Confederation College

Speaker: Dr. Romuald E.J. Rudzki, PhD, New Zealand School of Export/Export Training Services Ltd, New Zealand

Workshop C
Competitiveness

Competing to Win on Foreign Soils
TerraChoice is one of North America’s premiere environmental marketing agencies and EMS SATCOM is the source for world-class, innovative satellite communications solutions. Its customers keep ahead of the curve with reliable mobile communications onboard aircraft, land vehicles and vessels.
Hear first-hand ‘lessons learnt’ from these firms on their forays into global markets, how they have promoted and developed their niche market abroad throughout the US and how they plan to continue their push to expand their client base. 
Moderator: Martha Nelson,CITP, Principal, Nelson Consulting Group
Speakers: Scott McDougall, President, TerraChoice Environmental Marketing
Peter Judd, Manager, Trade and Logistics, EMS Satcom

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

CITP Challenge Luncheon
Join us for this fun and interactive lunch! Taken straight from the multiple choice exams for the FITTskills courses, let’s see if your international trade competencies are up to the task of answering these questions. Whether you’re a CITP or not this luncheon is not to be missed.

Hosts: Kelly Carter, CITP, Trade Development Executive, Nova Scotia Business Inc.
Darcy Ferron, CITP, Senior Manager, Trade Finance, Scotiabank 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Concurrent Workshops

Workshop D
Currency

Currency
Currency fluctuation is one of the greatest risk exposures that global businesses must address in a strategic fashion. Join us to learn about hedges, hybrids and other solutions. Learn to remove the mystery and confusion surrounding foreign exchange. Hear how Canadian manufacturers are dealing strategically with a volatile exchange rate. You will hear about the basics of foreign exchange, what factors influence currency movement, how to mitigate foreign exchange risk using forward contracts and currency options, etc.
Moderator: Deborah Youden, CITP, Export Services Coordinator, Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE)

Speakers: Shail Paliwal, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Oz Optics

A.R. Malaket, Principal, OPUS Advisory Services, International

Workshop E
Competencies

An eMarketing  Primer from Facebook to Podcasting - The Internet and International Business

Being competitive in a global environment requires marketers to think differently. Managing the online customer experience must respect many unique cultural expectations – country, province/state, language, time zones, etc. To optimize the customer experience, many business owners rely on the power of web personalization since it helps increase relevancy, conversion and customer loyalty. For case studies on geo-targeting and more, this is one session you don’t want to miss.
Moderator: Sherilyn Acorn-Leclair, CITP, Coordinator of International Porgrams, University of PEI

Speakers: Nathan Rudyk, President & CEO, market2world communications inc.

Alok Ahuja, Senior Account Manager, Sitebrand

Workshop F
Competitiveness

When the Competition Rips off Your Idea... Who do you Go to?

According to the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network counterfeiting is a serious problem that costs the Canadian economy billions of dollars, depressing innovation, funding organized crime, risking the health and safety of consumers, and damaging Canada’s international reputation. Learn about the legal aspects of counterfeiting and how to protect your intellectual property rights and also hear about the battle being waged against counterfeit ice wines from China.
Moderator: Diane Dugas, CITP, Sales and Marketing, Integrated Protective Coating

Speakers: Bob Keyes, Vice President, Economic and Government Affairs, Canadian Vintners Association

Martha Harrison, Lawyer, Heenan Blaikie LLP

Mark Edward Davis, Lawyer, Heenan Blaikie LLP

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Networking Break with Exhibitors and Internet Café

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Closing Plenary

Canada in the World Today: Challenges and Opportunities
Speaker: The Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, CITP, Executive Advisor International, Deloitte

4:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Wrap-up
Conference Chair: Mary Anderson, President, I.E.Canada and Chair, FITT

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Reception with Exhibitors
Entertainment: East Side Trio

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Gala Dinner, Presentation of the FITT Educational Awards and the 2008 CITPs

Master of Ceremonies: Mark Drake, CITP, President, Corsley Inc.

Global Commerce Strategy
The government is implementing a Global Commerce Strategy that provides a strategic approach to market development and services to business, including a new Integrative Trade Services Model which focuses on investment and innovation partnerships, and assisting Canadian firms in global value chain opportunities.
Keynote Speaker: Hon. Helena Guergis, CITP, Secretary of State, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Dinner Entertainment: East Side Trio