Focus on Emerging Opportunities in Asia; US Department of Commerce, Goldman Sachs, Business Week, Senator Bond Among Key Participants

The business and political environments facing companies operating in China, Japan, Korea, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region will be the subject of the first International Business Outlook Conference to be held Oct. 12 and 13 in the new Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center at Washington University in St. Louis. The University’s Olin School of Business and Emerson are co-sponsors of the two-day conference.

The conference, "Emerging Opportunities on the Asia-Pacific Horizon: Fostering Strategies, Partnerships & Growth," is designed for any business either anticipating or now doing business in Asia. Keynote talks will be given by Jonathan Menes, Executive Director of Trade Development, Department of Commerce; Ken Courtis, Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Asia; U.S. Sen. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, (R-MO); Joyce Barnathan, Assistant Managing Editor, Business Week; and Charles F. Knight, Chairman, Emerson.

"In the wake of this nation's terrible tragedies, it is important that companies continue to aggressively expand into international markets and promote a strong relationship between the U.S. and the global community," said Chris Miller, event conference coordinator. "This conference is an invaluable opportunity for companies to discuss the vital issues facing international business today and gain an understanding of how the markets will evolve in the future." The two-day conference will feature outlook sessions in which participants will examine opportunities and challenges in specific countries, including: security issues stemming from the recent terrorist attacks in the U.S., consumer trends, trade regulations, marketing trends, culture and organizations offering trade assistance.

There will also be industry workshops that will include areas of particular concern when expanding into international markets, including: banking, legal, freight, technology, and overseas office set-up.

Other topical seminars will address political, economic and social climate in specific countries, and the U.S. Export Assistance Center will conduct one-on-one meetings for attendees during the breakout sessions.

Fee for the conference is $350 per person, and includes breakfast and lunch both days, with a Friday evening reception. Overnight accommodations are available at a special discount room rate at the Knight Center. For more information and to register for the conference visit the conference Web site. Group discounts are available by contacting the Olin School of Business.