Past Summits
Global Competence in the 21st Century (2008 Summit)
The goals of the Summit are to share skills and strategies for improving global business and intercultural relations and to raise local awareness of the value and importance of citizen diplomacy by bringing together members of the business, academic, nonprofit and international exchange communities.
Global competence combines intercultural awareness, sensitivity and respect for personal and cultural differences with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences necessary to strengthen America’s image and maintain a strong presence in the global ecomomy.
Featured Speakers
Dick Martin, Author, Rebuilding Brand America
Rebuilding Brand America By Hand
America’s reputation around the world has declined significantly in the last decade. Martin will explain why, why it matters and, most importantly, what individuals and U.S. businesses can do about it.
Bruce Graham Director of Communications, Office of the CTO, Eastman Kodak Company
An American Abroad: advantages/disadvantages you bring to a business experience as an expatriate American
Beyond todayʼs political rhetoric, what is it really like to work as an American outside of the United States? This talk looks at some of the specific advantages and disadvantages that we have as Americans (and some of the surprises we can encounter). The aim is to look beyond superficial pro- versus anti-American sentiments to understand some of the contradictory feelings that our country and our businesses inspire in other parts of the world.
Concurrent Sessions
| Speaker: | Topic/Description: |
|---|---|
| Robert Carroll President, International Division Pictometry International Corporation |
Understanding Culture in International Business
Understanding the effect of cultural differences is a key to international business success. The assumptions that we bring to international business relationships can prevent us from closing business or building partnerships. In this presentation, we will explore cultural aspects, such as negotiating tactics, etiquette, and conversational topics, which need to be fully appreciated by the international business person. |
| Margaret A. Catillaz, Esq. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP |
Immigration—The Belief in a US Meritocracy
America’s strength is its history as a nation of immigrants. That history has been forged by those who have sought entry to a country that stands as the beacon of opportunity. That opportunity rests on the notion that the efforts of an individual is the determinative factor in success, rather than one’s parentage or birthright. As our nation struggles with its current immigration policy, the pivotal question will be whether we will continue to embrace the values of a meritocracy. |
| Jeffrey W. Cox Director, International Student Services Rochester Institute of Technology |
Hiring International Students/Cross Cultural Communication Strategies
A brief look at the regulations allowing companies to hire a valuable local resource: international students, followed by a discussion about cross-cultural communication strategies and resources. |
| Kristin M. Sampson Director, Global HR Services Providium Human Resources Group |
Competitive Practices for Globally Mobile Employees
In a world of ever-changing business needs it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the complexities of international assignments. In order to ensure company objectives are met, while also being responsive to employees needs and expectations, management must continually evaluatehow they administer and modify their Global Mobility programs. Learn how your company can develop an effective and compliant program which maximizes employee satisfaction, achieves cost-savings and minimizes risk. |
| Lee Johnson, President, ISCOR Richard Sarkis, Board President, UNAR Judith Weinstein, Executive Director, RIC |
Panel Discussion Citizen Diplomacy: A Rochester Perspective |
Summit Schedule
- 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast
- 8:30 am Opening Remarks: Josephine M. Perini
- 8:45 am Plenary Session- Dick Martin
- 10:00 am Concurrent Sessions
- 11:15 am Concurrent Sessions
- 12:30 pm Buffet Lunch
- 1:15 pm Speaker: Bruce Graham
- 2:15 pm Closing Statement
- 2:30 pm Networking
