Agenda (Draft)

Texas-EU Business Summit 2019
Access to Trade, Investment & Innovation

7:00 – 8:00	Breakfast & Summit Registration
8:00 – 8:15	Opening & Welcome Remarks
8:15 – 8:30	Opening Address - Europe's New Landscape
8:35 – 9:25	Connecting French Entrepreneurs
	In 2013 France embarked on a national project with international reach to transform the country into a digital republic and promote the strength of its strong digital sector. Who knew, for example, that five of the top twelve connected objects sold via the Apple Store in the United States were French? Who knew that French web companies generated an average 39% of their turnover in international markets, as opposed to 3% for other SMEs? French Tech set out to show the world France was changing and had changed: it does so through accredited French Tech ecosystems. Select cities are “French Tech” labeled once they prove up the vitality of a fully-functioning ecosystem to support startup activity. (Austin’s sister city Angers is labeled French Tech for INTERNET OF THINGS, for example, thanks to their “IoT City” inaugurated in 2013.) A network of French Tech communities around the world support the French Tech mission by educating about the talent pool in France and the success of French entrepreneurs around the world. “French Tech Austin” is one example. This panel will discuss how France has changed, how the French digital ecosystem supports and promotes startup talent, and how French Tech Austin connects and supports French entrepreneurs.
9:30 – 10:30	Cultural Mastery: Predicting and Preventing Culture-Based Problems
	In this interactive session, you will learn how to apply the experience of a seasoned cross-cultural businessperson to your unique collaborations. Rene Van De Zande, a seasoned TX-EU practitioner, will share stories from his extensive experience. Dr. Deirdre Mendez will use these real-life examples to explain how to manage some of the most serious culture-based challenges for US-European partnerships. During the session you will identify your own cultural tendencies so you can predict and prevent cultural problems that hamper international relationships.
10:30 – 10:45	Break/Networking
10:45 – 11:30	Bridging the Atlantic: Women Leaders Tell Their Stories
	Five powerful women leaders talk about running a business -- from one side of the Atlantic to the other. Whether it's the U.S. division of a multi-national, a disruptive variant of a traditional business or an innovative approach to a whole new set of market needs, each of these women have carved out a singular and successful career path to reach her goals. HOW DID THEY DO IT? Join us for a lively discussion of being a successful woman in international business. Sponsored by Pendas International
11:30 – 12:15	The Rise of Virtual and Augmented Reality Training - Approaches and Considerations in the EU and the US
	Virtual and augmented reality are changing how we see the world. By bringing digital information into the real world in a contextually relevant and timely way, these technologies are transforming how employees are trained. Join a panel of VR/AR experts in a wide-ranging discussion of how these technologies will impact the workplace and how US and EU approaches differ based on culture, intellectual property rules and technology.
12:15 – 1:45	Lunch/Networking/Gaming Demonstrations
1:45 – 2:45	Launching your Product in the European Market
	Have a product or service you want to promote in the European Market? Whether you're a first time exporter, a small or medium business, learn how you can get marketing help from both government and private programs.
2:50 – 4:00	Post Brexit – European Market Opportunities and Challenges
	This session will address current market opportunities, best practices and challenges from trade commissioners, European countries and the private sector.
4:30 – 6:00	Texas-EU Business Summit Closing Reception