Agenda
As international companies enter a new market, they often struggle to find the right local partners to integrate into this complex region. The needs of international companies are unique, and a holistic strategy must be carefully developed to navigate business channels and discover the right opportunity in Los Angeles. This is the essence of the Select LA Investment Summit. Select LA provides international and local companies with a comprehensive understanding of the region’s investment ecosystem with actionable insights that can guide key business decisions.
Select LA Summit - June 20, 2024
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
8:00AM–9:00am
Registration and Breakfast
9:00AM–10:00am
Opening Remarks: Welcome remarks by local, state and federal government officials
· Jasjit Singh, Executive Director, Select USA
· Stephen Cheung, President & CEO, LAEDC & WTCLA
· Steve Olson, Partner, O’Melveny, and WTCLA Board Chair
· Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, City of Los Angeles
· Karen Bass, Mayor, City of LA
· George Chen, Mayor, City of Torrance
· Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan, LA
10:00AM–10:50am
Morning Plenary Session:
Invest in Innovation: From Silicon Beach, to Space Beach, and Beyond
Embark on a journey through the dynamic landscapes of innovation, from the sun-kissed shores of Silicon Beach to the frontiers of space exploration. Join local leaders as they discuss the evolving investment opportunities that stretch beyond conventional boundaries, shaping the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Speakers:
· Ron Frierson, Director of Economic Development, Amazon (Western Region), and incoming LAEDC Board Chair
· Emily Desai, Deputy Director of International Affairs & Trade, CA Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
· Lucius Martin, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development, City of Long Beach
· Mark Pestrella, Director of Public Works, LA County, and Head of Infrastructure LA
· Zaib Shaikh, Consul General of Canada, LA
11:00AM–12:00pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Session 1: Global Vision, Local Realities: Exploring LA’s Startup Boom”
Delve into the vibrant ecosystem of startups flourishing in the heart of Los Angeles County. This session offers a deep dive into the local realities of LA’s burgeoning startup scene, highlighting the factors driving its growth, challenges faced, and the opportunities ripe for investment in this diverse and dynamic landscape.
Speakers:
· Adrienne Lindgren, Senior Vice President for Unlocking Innovation, LACI
· Wade Martin, Director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CSU Long Beach
· Jason Raney, Director of Recruitment, Vast Space
Session 2: Supply Chain Innovation: Revitalizing international trade post-pandemic
Explore the transformative innovations reshaping global supply chains in the wake of the pandemic. From leveraging technology to enhance resilience to navigating new trade realities, this session offers invaluable insights into revitalizing international trade in the Los Angeles and Long Beach region which serve as the gateway to the U.S. market.
Speakers:
· Felipe Cusnir, Executive Director, WTC Long Beach
· Courtney La Bau, Commissioner, LAWA
· Avin Sharma, Senior Director of Workforce and Government Affairs, Port of Los Angeles
· Casey Hehr, Managing Director of Commercial Services, Port of Long Beach
· Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico, LA
12:00PM–1:40pm
Lunch Plenary Session: Presentation of California Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Rankings and Report
Join us for the official launch of the 2024 California Foreign Direct Investment Report. See the latest insights and rankings in California’s investment landscape. This presentation from the report’s authors unveils key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the state’s global investment landscape, offering indispensable insights for investors seeking to navigate the complexities of international markets.
Speakers:
· Janice Hahn, LA County Supervisor, Fourth District
· Shannon Sedgwick, Senior Director of the Institute of Applied Economics, LAEDC
· Richard Tang, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Center for International Business Education, Loyola Marymount University
· Allison Clark, Vice President of Business and International Trade Development, LAEDC & WTCLA
2:00PM–3:00pm
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Session 3: Partnership Ecosystems: Collaborations to support LA industries
Explore the power of collaboration in driving innovation and growth across LA’s diverse industries. From forging strategic partnerships to fostering cross-sectoral synergies, this session illuminates the pivotal role of partnership ecosystems in fueling the success of LA’s thriving business landscape.
Speakers:
· Jermaine Hampton, Vice President of Workforce Development and Special Projects, LAEDC
· Stephanie Hsieh, CEO, Bioscience LA
· Carolyn Hull, General Manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department, City of LA
· Tom O’Brien, Associate Dean, College of Professional and Continuing Education, CSU Long Beach
· Kayvon Moshiri, Ventures, Plug & Play
Session 4: Inside LA: What it Really Takes to do Business
Gain insider perspectives on the intricacies of doing business in Los Angeles. From navigating regulatory landscapes to tapping into local talent pools, this session offers practical insights and firsthand experiences from LA insiders, providing invaluable guidance for businesses seeking to thrive in Los Angeles County.
Speakers:
· Barbara Levine, Director of Business Assistance, LAEDC
· Dustin McDonald, Regional Business Development Specialist LA and Orange County, CA Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
· Fran Fulton, Economic Development Manager, City of Torrance
· Todd Sword, Economic Development Consultant, Southern California Edison
· Bo Martinez, Director of Economic Development, City of Long Beach
3:10PM - 4:00pm
Closing Plenary Session: Invest in International: Global Trade for Local Growth
Engage in a candid conversation on the significance of global trade in driving local economic growth. This fireside chat explores the opportunities and challenges of international investment, offering strategic insights into leveraging global markets to fuel local prosperity and innovation.
Speakers:
· Leah Goold-Haws, CEO, Long Beach Economic Partnership
· Kelly LoBianco, Director of Economic Development, LA County
· Andrea Sasse, Consul General of Germany, LA
· Okko-Pekka Salmimies, Consul General of Finland, Los Angeles
· Jinny Rhee, Dean of the College of Engineering, CSU Long Beach
4:00pm
Summit Concludes
4:30pm - 6:30PM
Reception - Port of Long Beach
Afternoon Reception - June 20, 2024
Port of Long Beach
925 Harbor Plz, Long Beach, CA 90802