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WTC Talks with International Truck Body

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Kilter Brewing
450 Rue Deschambault, Winnipeg

Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

Picture of Leaders at International Truck Body

International Truck Body

Event Partners

WTC Talks – June 2026 featuring Paul Soubry

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: La Roca
155 Smith St, Winnipeg
Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

Paul Soubry

Retired President and CEO, NFI Group Inc.

Paul Soubry is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI Group Inc., where he served from 2009 until his retirement in January 2026. During his tenure, he led NFI through significant transformations and acquisitions, positioning the company as a global leader in bus and motor coach manufacturing and zero‑emission mobility.

Paul brings extensive experience in sales, marketing, operations, and business transformation, including 24 years at StandardAero, where he progressed to President, COO, and CEO. He currently serves as an advisor to NFI and sits on several boards. Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba, has completed executive education at Harvard Business School, and has received numerous national and academic honors for his leadership and contributions.

Event Partners

  • The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

    The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities across the province.

    mbchamber.mb.ca

  • Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

    Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada’s largest trade and industry association, and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada.

    cme-mec.ca

  • DPD Software

    DPD Software is a leading managed solutions provider helping businesses identify, design and implement IT solutions that support their operations and drive digital transformation.

    dpdsoftware.ca

2027 WTCA Global Business Forum in Vietnam

BACK TO CALENDAR

Through our membership in the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), World Trade Centre Winnipeg provides Manitoba businesses with access to a global network of more than 300 World Trade Centers across 99 countries — and to global initiatives such as the WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF).

The Global Business Forum is a four-day international trade event that connects Manitoba’s business community with companies, organizations, and leaders from around the world. It’s a powerful platform to showcase Manitoba’s strengths, promote investment opportunities, and build global partnerships that drive growth and innovation.

GBF 2027 in Vietnam

The WTCA Global Business Forum will head to Vietnam, April 4 – 7, 2027.

Additional details will be shared here as they become available. If your business is interested in this opportunity, complete the expression of interest form and our team will keep you in the loop with updates as they are announced.


Be Part of Manitoba’s Global Presence

Participating in the WTCA Global Business Forum allows Manitoba businesses to:

  • Connect with international trade experts, investors, and decision-makers.
  • Showcase Manitoba’s innovation, products, and expertise on a global stage.
  • Explore export and investment opportunities in new markets.
  • Promote Manitoba as a growing player in the global economy.

By joining the Manitoba business delegation, you’ll contribute to building the province’s global presence and return home with valuable contacts, insights, and opportunities for international expansion.

Catch a glimpse of last year’s event in Marseille, France:


"Attending the WTCA Global Business Forum in Marseille, France with WTC Winnipeg was a fantastic experience for both me and my business. I joined this global event to explore new markets, connect with potential international partners, and deepen my understanding of the WTCA network — and it did not disappoint."

Carla Coyle Carla Coyle President & CEO, C2 Custom Furnishings Inc.

Explore More Global Opportunities

Looking to connect with potential partners beyond the Global Business Forum?

Discover how WTC Winnipeg helps Manitoba companies participate in international Trade Shows & Missions to showcase their products, build relationships, and grow globally.

WTC Talks – May 2026 featuring Construction Clock

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Low Life Barrel House
398 Daly St, Winnipeg

Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

David Peters

Founder & CEO, ConstructionClock

Before ConstructionClock David Peters spent 17 years in the construction industry as a building contractor across western Canada. David launched ConstructionClock in October 2022 and has growth the company to 30+ employees and over 3,000 companies around the world. In 2026, the company continues to expand its international footprint and is on track to surpass 6,000 companies, supporting over 32,000 employees globally.

Founder & CEO, ConstructionClock

Event Sponsor

  • The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

    The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities across the province.

    mbchamber.mb.ca

CUSMA in Practice: Mitigating U.S. Tariff Impacts

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The “Trade War” era is here—bringing unprecedented tariff hikes, aggressive border-linked trade measures, and escalating compliance demands. This session breaks down the latest U.S. actions, including Section 232 increases and IEEPA based “Fentanyl & Migration” tariffs, and shows Canadian businesses how to protect their supply chains and margins in a high percentage duty world.

GHY will explore sector specific impacts—from steel and aluminum to energy, potash, and softwood lumber—while gaining a deep understanding of how CUSMA/USMCA “Safe Harbors” can keep more than 85% of Canadian-origin goods duty free. We’ll unpack Rules of Origin, substantial transformation audits, RVC testing, and the end of the U.S. $800 de minimis threshold.

The workshop concludes with practical mitigation strategies, including tariff engineering, supply chain retooling, duty drawback opportunities, diversification through CETA and CPTPP, and the growing risks of DDP Incoterms® in a hightariff climate.

Join us to learn how to safeguard your operations and stay competitive amidst the tariff surge.

Date: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Richardson Conference Centre, Salons A&B
1 Lombard Place (concourse level).
Cost: Free to attend (discounted to $0 thanks to funding from PrairiesCan)

Please note that, depending on overall demand, we may restrict participation to one person per organization. In such cases, businesses will be prioritized.

Presented by

Rhonda Galbraith

Canadian Director of GHY’s Global Trade Services

Rhonda’s experience in Customs spans over 30 years as a former Senior Officer Trade Compliance Officer, in the Trade Operations Division with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). She has worked as an educator to CBSA officers in Valuation, Tariff Classification, and Origin for a number of years, acquiring extensive knowledge in these areas. Rhonda is a strong advocate for trade compliance, championing comprehensive 360° reviews to ensure clients remain fully compliant.


Corie Koropatnicki

Director of Client Services, GHY USA

Corie is a 30-year veteran to the customs brokerage industry, she joined GHY USA in 1996 and has never left. She obtained her Customs Brokers License in 2001. Her various positions at GHY USA have provided vast opportunities to create and cultivate lasting relationships with importers, exporters and trade professionals across many industry sectors, as well as US Customs officials at every level.

Event Partners

WTC Talks – April 2026 featuring Agri-Tel Grain

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Torque Brewing
330-830 King Edward St, Winnipeg
Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

Farrukh Zain

CEO, Agri-Tel Grain Ltd

Farrukh began his career managing his family’s textile business in Northern Ireland before transitioning into banking in 1995. As an accomplished international banking leader, Farrukh has held senior leadership roles across major global institutions including Standard Chartered, Barclays, ABN Amro/Royal Bank of Scotland, ANZ, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working in the UAE and Singapore.

Known for building high performing multicultural teams and delivering innovative structured financial solutions, he is a respected industry voice who has spoken at regional and global forums in Malaysia, Jordan, the UAE, and Bahrain. His career is complemented by active contributions to community initiatives and global humanitarian efforts.

CEO, Agri-Tel Grain Ltd

Event Partners

  • The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

    The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities across the province.

    mbchamber.mb.ca

  • BDC

    BDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada and the financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs.

    bdc.ca

Border-Ready: Navigating Canadian Export Regulations and U.S. Customs

BACK TO CALENDAR

Exporting to the U.S. requires more than arranging transportation.

This half-day workshop equips Canadian businesses with a technical roadmap for shipping goods south, ensuring compliance with both Canadian export laws and U.S. import regulations. 

Led by the customs and trade specialists at GHY International, we will break down the mandatory CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System) requirements, the nuances of U.S. Customs Brokerage, and the critical “Rules of Origin” that determine if your goods cross duty-free or get caught in the crossfire. 

In this workshop, you will also learn: 

  • The Three Pillars of Export Compliance – HS Classification, Export Valuation and Rules of Origin 
  • CERS & Canadian Regulatory Reporting – Legal obligation to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) 
  • The Documentation Package – Physical and digital paperwork requirements 
  • Partner Government Agencies – Restricted Goods & Special Controls 

Date: Monday, March 30th, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Richardson Conference Centre, Salons A&B
1 Lombard Place (concourse level).
Cost: Free to attend (discounted to $0 thanks to funding from PrairiesCan) 

Please note that, depending on overall demand, we may restrict participation to one person per organization. In such cases, businesses will be prioritized

Presented by

Rhonda Galbraith

Canadian Director of GHY’s Global Trade Services

Rhonda’s experience in Customs spans over 30 years as a former Senior Officer Trade Compliance Officer, in the Trade Operations Division with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). She has worked as an educator to CBSA officers in Valuation, Tariff Classification, and Origin for a number of years, acquiring extensive knowledge in these areas. Rhonda is a strong advocate for trade compliance, championing comprehensive 360° reviews to ensure clients remain fully compliant.


Corie Koropatnicki

Director of Client Services, GHY USA

Corie is a 30-year veteran to the customs brokerage industry, she joined GHY USA in 1996 and has never left. She obtained her Customs Brokers License in 2001. Her various positions at GHY USA have provided vast opportunities to create and cultivate lasting relationships with importers, exporters and trade professionals across many industry sectors, as well as US Customs officials at every level.

Event Partners

WTC Talks – March 2026 featuring Matthew Gale

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Devil May Care Brewing Company
155A Fort St, Winnipeg

Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

Matthew Gale, C.E.T.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, PolySense Solutions

Matthew Gale is the founder and CEO of PolySense Solutions, a Winnipeg based technology company focused on real time monitoring and asset management for laboratories, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities.

With over 15 years of experience in engineering and leading research teams, Matthew saw firsthand how manual checks, fragmented systems, and lack of visibility led to stress, inefficiency, and costly surprises. He started PolySense Solutions to give organizations a simple, reliable way to understand what their critical equipment is doing at all times. His work bridges engineering, operations, and business, helping teams reduce risk, improve efficiency, and operate with confidence.

Event Sponsor

  • The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

    The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities across the province.

    mbchamber.mb.ca

  • Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM)

    Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is the voice and organizational nucleus of Manitoba's bioscience industry.

    biomb.ca

WTC Talks – February 2026 featuring Paul Bauer

BACK TO CALENDAR

Join us for an engaging evening with Manitoba’s vibrant business community at our next edition of WTC Talks.

Each month, we spotlight the story behind a remarkable Manitoba business, offering insights into their journey, challenges, and achievements.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone passionate about Manitoba’s thriving business landscape, WTC Talks is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Date: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company

483 Berry St, Winnipeg
Registration: $20.00

Featured Guest

Paul Bauer

President, Miller Environmental Corporation

With over three decades of experience in Canada’s environmental sector, Paul Bauer has built a career spanning sales, operations, regulatory affairs, and executive leadership. He has sited, constructed, and managed industrial landfills, hazardous waste transfer facilities, and soil treatment sites across the country, and has contributed to more than 2,000 environmental remediation projects throughout Canada and the United States.

Paul joined Miller Environmental Corporation in 2016, bringing his depth of expertise to Manitoba’s leading hazardous waste management company. Miller operates a hazardous waste processing facility, industrial landfill, transfer facility, and a specialized environmental services group. Miller prides itself on delivering reliable, cradle-to-grave waste solutions to clients ranging from small businesses to major manufacturers.

President, Miller Environmental Corporation

Event Sponsors

  • The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

    The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities across the province.

    mbchamber.mb.ca

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) logo

    BDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada and the financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs.

    bdc.ca

  • Manitoba Environmental Industries Association

    The Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA) is a non-profit organization representing businesses and individuals engaged in environmental practices in Manitoba.

    meia.mb.ca

2026 WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia

BACK TO CALENDAR

Through our membership in the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), World Trade Centre Winnipeg provides Manitoba businesses with access to a global network of more than 300 World Trade Centers across 99 countries — and to global initiatives such as the WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF).

The Global Business Forum is a four-day international trade event that connects Manitoba’s business community with companies, organizations, and leaders from around the world. It’s a powerful platform to showcase Manitoba’s strengths, promote investment opportunities, and build global partnerships that drive growth and innovation.

The 2026 WTCA Global Business Forum

The next edition of the WTCA Global Business Forum will take place April 19–22, 2026, hosted by World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia.

Known for its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, Philadelphia is a vibrant hub for agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, and technology — sectors that closely align with Manitoba’s strengths and future ambitions.

GBF Philadelphia 2026 will provide Manitoba entrepreneurs, exporters, and innovators with access to new partners, insights, and opportunities to expand internationally and build lasting collaborations.


"Attending the WTCA Global Business Forum in Marseille, France with WTC Winnipeg was a fantastic experience for both me and my business. I joined this global event to explore new markets, connect with potential international partners, and deepen my understanding of the WTCA network — and it did not disappoint."

Carla Coyle Carla Coyle President & CEO, C2 Custom Furnishings Inc.

Be Part of Manitoba’s Global Presence

Participating in the WTCA Global Business Forum allows Manitoba businesses to:

  • Connect with international trade experts, investors, and decision-makers.

  • Showcase Manitoba’s innovation, products, and expertise on a global stage.

  • Explore export and investment opportunities in new markets.

  • Promote Manitoba as a growing player in the global economy.

By joining the Manitoba business delegation, you’ll contribute to building the province’s global presence and return home with valuable contacts, insights, and opportunities for international expansion.

Event Details

Dates: April 19–22, 2026

Location: 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Registration: $874.95 USD

See the full agenda here: https://wtca.swoogo.com/2026wtcaglobalbusinessforum/agenda

Estimated Costs

The following table outlines the estimated per-person costs for participants attending the forum as part of the Manitoba Delegation. All prices are listed in USD.

Next Steps

Eager to attend GBF 2026 in Philadelphia?
Start your registration process by filling out the form linked below.

If you require more information, book a meeting with our Trade Advisor team to get answers to your questions.


Explore More Global Opportunities

Looking to connect with potential partners beyond the Global Business Forum?

Discover how WTC Winnipeg helps Manitoba companies participate in international Trade Shows & Missions to showcase their products, build relationships, and grow globally.