This time next week, the UK’s premier international trade conference will be taking place in London near St Paul’s.
Taking place on Wednesday 19 November, the Import Export Show, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, is designed to equip senior decision makers and front-line trade professionals with the expertise and insights needed to secure their overseas business.
Speakers
John Drummond, head of trade policy at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is set to give a keynote address in the morning on the state of global power and the effects of rising protectionism.
Drummond will also join a panel discussion on the EU and UK’s place in this changing geopolitical context, hosted by FT world trade editor Peter Foster.
They will be joined by deputy director at the Department for Business and Trade, Sally Jones, Netcompany’s global industry lead, Lars Langer, and EU diplomat, Madelaine Tuininga.
‘Mindset’
Later in the day, there will be a panel on whether ‘mindset’ is the biggest barrier to more UK businesses trading internationally.
This discussion will be hosted by the Chartered Institute’s corporate affairs director Chris Martin, with Market Accent’s Noreen Burroughes Cesareo, NatWest’s Nicholas Clark and Goyder’s George Riddell as panellists.
Also on offer throughout the day are a series of breakout sessions and practical workshops, featuring some of the Chartered Institute’s foremost trade experts speaking on a range of different topics including customs reform, export controls and sanctions, and free trade agreements.
Economic diplomacy
The conference ends with a keynote address from Melinda Bohannon, director general for global issues at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, highlighting the growing role of economic diplomacy in trade.
Chartered Institute head of events, Charlie Laycock, said:
“I am really looking forward to welcoming delegates at the Import Export Show next week. The conference has evolved into the largest edition to-date, in part due to the kind support of Netcompany, NatWest, and Eori.
“This year’s focus on equipping professionals with the foresight and expertise to navigate complex trade challenges could not be more timely. Please join us to gain valuable insights, engaging in strategic discussions, and strengthening connections across the trade community.”
Laycock’s colleague, Will Barns-Graham, who will be hosting the event, also spoke to the Daily Update about the theme for the conference this year, which is ‘Securing International Trade’.
“There’s rarely a dull moment in global trade these days, with 2025 alone featuring Trump’s seismic tariff regime and the ensuing global trade war.
“The Chartered Institute was founded with a mission to empower and advocate for global trade, and this cause has never been so relevant. This year’s Import Export Show is therefore extremely timely, with the need to consider ways of securing international trade especially pertinent.
“That the show falls the day after the Institute’s 90th anniversary is also noteworthy. It will be a day of both reflection and celebration, with winners of this year’s International Trade Awards also being announced.”
The final few tickets are still available for purchase.
