
After decades of economic prosperity through peace and transnational collaboration, Europe has been at war for the last four years. Doing business and investing in Europe now comes with new challenges—but also opportunities. Eastern European countries have raised their profile, especially in supporting Ukraine through difficult times, and the entire region is finding new ways to engage in trade despite complex circumstances.
This summit will bring together speakers from a variety of industries and backgrounds to offer their insights into business challenges and opportunities in the current environment. In addition, the event will offer ample networking opportunities with key industry professionals.
This summit will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CDT at 400 E Orchard Street, Itasca, IL.
Spaces are limited! Register now to secure your spot at this must-attend event for anyone involved in European trade.
Agenda:
8:30 - 9:00: Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00: Fireside Chat with Michael Polsky, Founder and CEO of Invenergy, will share his insights on the evolving energy landscape in Ukraine and Europe. With a career spanning over four decades, Polsky has been at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, leading innovations in wind, solar, energy storage, and more. This conversation will be moderated by Fabrice Bonvoisin (President, ITCC and CEO, H2 Power LLC) with an introduction by Eva Sigaev (Selfreliance Association of American Ukrainians)
10:00 - 10:45: Navigating Global Trade: Insights from Oleksandr Popovych of Vista Trans - This session will explore the complexities of international logistics and freight forwarding, featuring Oleksandr Popovych, Founder and CEO of Vista Trans. Learn how Vista Trans has successfully scaled operations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe while specializing in freight forwarding between the U.S., EU, and Ukraine. Gain valuable insights into managing cross-border transportation, overcoming global supply chain challenges, and leveraging logistics to drive business growth in today’s dynamic market.
10:45 - 11:30: Uncovering Opportunities: Government Resources for Doing Business with Ukraine - Join Bethany Bennick from the U.S. Department of Commerce for an in-depth look at government resources available to support businesses looking to engage with Ukraine, focusing on the topic of U.S.-Ukraine trade. This session will cover key programs, financial assistance, and trade support services designed to help companies navigate the Ukrainian market, expand international partnerships, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the region.
11:30 – 1:00: Networking Lunch
1:00 - 2:00: Romanian United Foundation Panel, "Romanian perspective at the confluence of east and west" - This insightful panel will feature top professionals sharing Romania’s unique role in supporting Ukraine and navigating new trade pathways. Moderated by Diana Dram, learn from panelists Robert Dumitrescu, Mihai Lehene, Daniela Kamrath, David Carstens, and Alexandru Gradinaru how Romania is shaping trade in Eastern Europe, and discover new opportunities for your business!
2:00 – 2:45: Mastering Interpretation: "The Worst Pitch" - Join Robert Holloway of Holloway Interpreting Group for an enlightening session where he breaks down the importance of language language interpretation/translation. This session is perfect for professionals looking to redefine their communication skills.
2:45 - 3:30: The Real Estate Market in Ukraine: Opportunities for Western Investors - Join Nadiia Glavin of the Chicago Association of Realtors as she explores the dynamics of Ukraine’s real estate market and its appeal to Western investors. This session will cover investment opportunities, market trends, and strategies for navigating the unique challenges of investing in Ukraine's growing real estate sector. Perfect for investors looking to expand into new territories.
3:30 - 4:15: General Real Estate Conditions in Eastern & Western Europe - Sergiusz Zgrzebski of the Polish American Chamber of Commerce will provide an in-depth look at the real estate landscape across Eastern and Western Europe, with a special focus on the impact of increased migration to Poland. This session will explore how recent demographic shifts have shaped real estate markets in both Poland and Ukraine, offering key insights for investors and professionals interested in the evolving dynamics of the region’s property markets.
4:15 - 4:30: Closing
Pricing:
ITCC Members & Partners $125
Non-members $175
Students $75
Join ITCC to unlock your discounted member tickets and additional benefits today! To learn more about memberships and to become a member, visit here: https://itcc.org/join-us/
Event Sponsors:
We extend our sincere gratitude to The Polish American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) for their generous sponsorship of this event.
Event Partners:
- The Ukrainian American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UACCI)
- Romanian United Foundation (RUF)
- The Romanian and Moldovan Communities
Special Thanks:
- EmpowerLinked
- Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA)
The support of our event sponsors, partners and ITCC community has been instrumental in making this summit possible, and we are excited to collaborate with them to deliver a valuable and insightful experience for all attendees!

We invite you to actively participate in our events! If you have a passion for sharing insights, a desire to support, or an interest in contributing your time, please reply to this email expressing your interest in being a speaker, sponsor, and/or volunteer.
Join us and let's navigate the future of global trade together!