(NAME-MCE) Post request Global Perspectives Forum and Hispanic Gala May 2-3 Richmond, Virginia

[Williams, Jane Ann]

Global Perspectives Forum and Hispanic Gala May 2-3 Richmond, Virginia

Virginia Tech collaborates to hold Global Perspectives Forum to focus on international trade and cultural competency initiatives  

 

Virginia Tech, in collaboration with Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC), will be holding the Global Perspectives Forum in Richmond on Wednesday, May 2 - Thursday, May 3. The focus of the conference will be international trade and global communication.  

 

The event will provide opportunities for business, community, university and government leaders to share ideas in a welcoming environment. The forum will be held in conjunction with the 2007 VAHCC Annual Hispanic Gala, which typically attracts 600 local, national and international participants. 

 

On Wednesday, May 2, the Global Perspectives Forum begins at the Omni Richmond Hotel with a noon luncheon and a panel discussion on international trade and global communication. Panelists include Richard E. Sorenson, Virginia Tech dean of the Pamplin College of Business and John Dooley, vice provost for outreach and international affairs. Other panelists include, Dominican Republic Ambassador, H.E.  Flavio Dario Espinal, Paraguay Ambassador, H.E. James Spalding, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Hon. Patrick Gottschalk and Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Vice President, Cozy Bailey 

 

That evening, the 2007 VAHCC Annual Hispanic Gala will be held at the Science Museum, featuring dinner and a presentation of university scholarships. A dessert reception with dancing and music by Son Quatro will be held following dinner. Special guests include Richmond Mayor Douglas Wilder, Paraguay Ambassador James Spalding, Dominican Republic Ambassador, H.E.  Flavio Dario Espinal, and Guatemala Ambassador, H.E. José Guillermo Castillo.

 

A breakfast, poster session, and workshop will be held the following morning at the Omni Richmond Hotel to conclude the forum. Exhibits from local businesses, international corporations, and universities will be displayed during the poster session. Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute Director Lisa Zajur will lead the workshop on "Strategies for Building Business Relationships with Hispanics through Cultural Understanding and Language." 

 

Community, business, educators, and and students are invited to attend and participate.  Exhibit space is still available for the poster session. The Global Perspectives Forum will showcase multicultural, international, and diversity programs and achievements. 

 

For more information, contact Jane Ann Williams, director of education and training, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Virginia Tech at janeann at vt.edu or (540) 231-0984. 

 

Online Forum and Gala registration site:  www.vahcc.com <http://www.vahcc.com/>