The Go Global Conference has commenced in Atlanta, promising a shift from traditional discussion panels to a more focused approach on facilitating cross-border business opportunities.
Presented by the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Global Opportunities Committee, the event is characterized as an “un”conference, emphasizing AI-driven matchmaking to foster real business transactions instead of mere dialogue.
Taking place in Uptown Atlanta from Thursday through Saturday, this marks the second year of the conference, with this iteration incorporating a full-fledged program featuring approximately 100 participating companies engaged in pre-scheduled B2B matchmaking appointments.
Ricardo Berris, the founder of Mi Group and chair of the committee, highlighted the event’s philosophy during the welcome reception on Wednesday night.
“We believe that less talk and more transaction is the deal,” Berris stated.
He encouraged attendees to capitalize on the networking opportunities presented, asserting that relationships established during the event could evolve into long-lasting partnerships.
The four-day gathering is hosting delegations from various countries, showcasing a diverse representation of sectors, including tech, hospitality, and e-commerce companies from Canada.
Additionally, a delegation from South Africa, led by Wesgro, is participating with interests in wine, tea, decor, and food businesses, while representatives from the West London Chamber of Commerce are exploring procurement opportunities in Atlanta, which is recognized as one of the busiest airports worldwide.
Attendees are not limited to just North America, as individuals and delegations have traveled from Kenya, Colombia, Nigeria, Mauritius, Guyana, Ethiopia, Germany, Tanzania, Haiti, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda, representing a truly international flavor.
The event kicked off with a video message from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, followed by a series of speakers who positioned Atlanta as an international trade hub and a hallmark of Black excellence.
Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, who emphasized Atlanta’s significance during his tenure, described the city as “not just another American city” but rather as “America’s gateway to Africa.”
Brigety highlighted that Africa will be responsible for half of the new global workforce entrants by 2030 and a quarter of the world’s population by 2050.
“That’s not conjecture; those people have already been born,” he remarked, citing the intentions of his firm, Busara Advisors, to illuminate the opportunities within Africa for U.S. businesses, thereby bridging the gap between perceived risks and actual risks.
Consul General of Canada, Rosaline Kwan, echoed similar sentiments regarding the significance of the conference in furthering objectives set by pioneering figures such as Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to the Canadian parliament.
Kwan encouraged the importance of keeping opportunities accessible, saying, “We need to open the doors and to see that those doors remain open.”
Additional remarks during the kickoff came from various international representatives, including Philipp Clarke of the British Consulate General in Atlanta and ambassadors from Liberia and Kenya, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the conference.
Utilizing the platform provided by the conference, organizations such as Ethiopian Airlines, Invest Atlanta, and the Georgia Haitian American Chamber also joined in celebrating the opening of the event.
For those interested in attending or participating in matchmaking, details are available online, with individual tickets for the closing reception on Saturday also up for purchase.
image source from：globalatlanta
