DARPA is testing implanting chips in soldiers’ brains

UPDATE: DARPA responded to a request from Fusion that “brain-neural interfaces” have not yet been implanted in soldiers, though test devices have been implanted in the brains of volunteers already undergoing brain surgery. We’ve changed the headline to reflect that implantation of chips in soldiers’ brains has not happened yet.

For decades, DARPA, the secretive research arm of the Department of Defense, has dreamed of turning soldiers into cyborgs. And now it’s finally happening. The agency has funded projects that involve implanting chips into soldiers’ brains that could one day enhance performance on the battlefield and repair traumatized brains once the fog of war has lifted.

“Of the 2.5 million Americans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, 300,000 of them came home with traumatic brain injury,” journalist Annie Jacobsen told NPR. “DARPA initiated a series of programs to help cognitive functioning, to repair some of this damage. And those programs center around putting brain chips inside the tissue of the brain.”

In her new book about the history of DARPA, “The Pentagon’s Brain,” Jacobsen writes about DARPA’s “classified brain programs.” Scientists, she says, are already testing “implantable wireless ‘neuroprosthetics'” to help soldiers with brain injuries. “[S]oldiers allow the tiny machines, or chips, to be implanted in their brain,” Jacobsen writes in the book. “Despite multiple appeals through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, DARPA declined to grant me an interview with any of these brain-wounded warriors.”

A DARPA spokesperson told Fusion that “brain-neural interfaces” have not been implanted in soldiers, though researchers have already begun testing such devices by temporarily implanting electrical arrays into the brains of volunteers undergoing surgery for other neurological issues. Defense One, an online magazine that covers the military, reported last year on DARPA’s work on brain chips to treat PTSD, and said that DARPA was not yet in the testing phase. When DARPA launched its RAM (Restoring Active Memory) program last year, it projected it would be about four years until researchers were implanting permanent chips in humans.

Creating super soldiers isn’t the only thing that DARPA is trying to do, Jacobsen says. According to her new book, published by Little, Brown, government scientists hope that implanting chips in soldiers will unlock the secrets of artificial intelligence, and allow us to give machines the kind of higher-level reasoning that humans can do.

“When you see all of these brain mapping programs going on, many scientists wonder whether this will [be what it takes] to break that long-sought barrier of AI,” said Jacobsen in a phone interview.

For Jacobsen, who has spent her career chronicling war, weapons and U.S. government secrets, digging through DARPA documents provided a glimpse at the future of war, but also raised questions about whether that future is one we really want.

“Are hunter-killer robots right around the bend?” she writes in the book..

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has poured resources into far-out research, from solving infectious disease to transforming humans for the theater of war. The agency is pioneering Iron Man-like exoskeletons to help protect soldiers from fire and the elements so they can keep fighting for longer. And under initiatives like the Brain-Machine Interface, defense scientists have studied how brain implants could eventually enhance a soldier’s cognition.

The brain emits electrical signals and an implanted chip can tap into those signals to read them. Outside of the government, scientists at places like Berkeley’s Brain-Machine Interface Systems Laboratory are experimenting with how to use such implants to translate thoughts into action for people with neurological impairments, eventually hoping to, for example, help a paralyzed person move.

At DARPA, programs like RAM and REMIND (Restorative Encoding Memory Integration Neural Device) have explored how brain implants might help soldiers returning from war with traumatic brain injuries impacting memory. Other DARPA programs have envisioned allowing soldiers at battle to communicate by thought alone.

“Imagine a time when the human brain has its own wireless modem so that instead of acting on thoughts, warfighters have thoughts that act,” Jacobsen recounts DARPA’s Eric Eisenstadt telling a crowd at a technology conference in 2002.

But Jacobsen’s warning is that while helping soldiers suffering in the aftermath of war may seem inherently benign, we must not forget that DARPA is in the business of defense. The question that should punctuate everything DARPA does, Jacobsen suggests, is “How can this be weaponized?”

DARPA’s spokesperson told Fusion that the main goal of its brain-related work is not offensive military applications, but to develop therapeutic devices for soldiers and veterans.

“Suggesting that we aim to develop ‘super soldiers’ or that our brain-related research is being conducted to ‘unlock the secrets of artificial intelligence’ is patently false,'” he said.

Understanding the human brain is as important to achieving artificial intelligence as understanding computers. “The Pentagon is clearly very confident that they’re moving toward autonomous weapons,” Jacobsen told me. “The question is where is that confidence coming from?”

*We’ve updated the headline to make it clearer to reflect comments from DARPA. The story is based on an interview with journalist Annie Jacobsen, who wrote a new book on the history of DARPA, but who does not name sources when reporting on chips implanted in soldiers’ brains. After publication, we added quotes from DARPA saying that it will be several years before chips are ready to be permanently implanted in humans.

MAF 12th Annual Manufacturers Summit & Marketplace November 4-5, 2015

MAF 12th Annual Manufacturers Summit & Marketplace November 4-5, 2015 West Palm Beach, Florida The Manufacturers Association of Florida is pleased to present the 12th Annual Summit and Marketplace in West Palm Beach. This event brings manufacturers, economic developers, educators, professional service providers and more across the state together to learn, share and network to improve the business climate for Florida manufacturers. The event includes: Manufacturing Showcase/Exhibit Hall Manufacturing Best Practices Discussions on manufacturing community partnerships, global business, and talent development Florida business climate update Advocacy agenda Tour of Lockheed Martin Awards for Manufacturers and Distributor of the Year Sponsorship opportunities and Exhibit Space are still available. We look forward to seeing you at the 12th Annual MAF Summit and Marketplace!   For more information please contact: Becky Buice Manufacturers Association of Florida Tel: 850-402-2954 Email: becky@nstephens.com www.enterpriseflorida.com

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Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo October 12-16, 2015

Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo October 12-16, 2015 Fort Lauderdale, Florida On October 12-16, 2015, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County and all of South Florida will welcome international cities to recognize this region as one of the top business opportunity destinations in the world. The goal of the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE) is to expand Broward County as the premier importing and exporting trading capital, while helping to establish new businesses and nurture existing businesses to continue growing. Meet one-on-one with international delegates, former presidents, government leaders, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce leaders, business alliance and councils, seasoned importers/exporters, and representatives from Broward County’s leading public economic engines: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as Broward County’s Cultural Division, Enterprise Florida, and The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. Why is FITCE important? Florida’s Future is Global Trade! South Florida's total trade with the world in 2013 was $120.49 billion in goods sourced in the state; and has more than 60,000 companies registered to export. It is time to help them take their businesses to the next level and bring new global businesses to the region. Exhibit Space is selling out quickly! Meet face-to-face with the highest caliber of qualified attendees with buying power/influence in the importing and exporting industry. Showcase your products and services to over 2500 local businesses, entrepreneurs and top business executives. Expose your products and services to other countries delegates, products and services seekers. Connect with your current customers and meet potential new ones. General Access tickets are being offered for a discounted rate of $10.00! Use promo code FITCE2015 when registering to receive this offer.  For more information please contact: Wendy DeLucca Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo - DeLucca Events Tel: 954-699-6556 Email: wdelucca@deluccaevents.com www.enterpriseflorida.com

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Florida International Trade Events Newsletter - September 16, 2015

Florida International Trade Events Newsletter     September 16, 2015 Welcome to Enterprise Florida's International trade events newsletter!                                                                        New Announcements this week: Florida Directory of Consulates, Bi-National Chambers and Sister Cities New Enterprise Florida events this week: China/Asia Cultural Awareness & Business Etiquette (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) New Partner trade events this week: Minority Enterprise Development Week MEDWeek Business Matchmaker Conference (Miami, Florida) Elections in Argentina: Continuity or Change? (Coral Gables, Florida) Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) Americas Linkage Brazil 2015 (Campinas, Sáo Paulo & Porto Alegre, Brazil) Supply Chain & Logistics Summit (Miami, Florida) 38th Annual SEUS/Japan Joint Meeting (Birmingham, Alabama) Events are listed in order by date. Please contact individual event organizers for additional information. Programs & Services for Florida Exporters Enterprise Florida, Inc. Export Marketing Plan Program Exporting Assistance Florida Export Directory Florida Trade Offices International Offices Trade Grants World Bank Opportunities  Platinum Member Sponsor Calendar of Events For a complete listing of Enterprise Florida events, please click the link below. To be added to our Trade Events mailing list please click here. Announcements (New) Florida Directory of Consulates, Bi-National Chambers and Sister Cities Enterprise Florida, Inc. is pleased to present the 2015 Directory of Florida Consulates, Bi-National Chambers of Commerce and Sister Cities in Florida. The Directory is designed to provide Florida companies interested in international business – as well as the state’s trade and economic development organizations – with country-specific contacts to facilitate doing business with that country. Here you will find information about Florida’s 132 Consular offices, 73 Bi-National Chambers, and 245 Sister Cities. Enterprise Florida Trade Events   IANA Intermodal Expo September 20-22, 2015 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida The IANA Intermodal Expo is the largest conference/expo for intermodal transportation in North America and is attended by over 2,000 representatives from the sectors of: Third Party Logistics, Railroad, Truck Cargo, Seaports, and Supply Chain Service Providers. For further information, please contact: Ilona Vega Enterprise Florida Inc. ivega@enterpriseflorida.com (New) China/Asia Cultural Awareness & Business Etiquette September 25, 2015 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida In the global economy, understanding and appreciating cultural differences in business has become of vital importance for long term success in any organization. Knowing and being sensitive to these differences can certainly make or break a business deal across the borders. Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development and Enterprise Florida invite you to attend the workshop entitled, China Cultural Awareness & Business Etiquette. This workshop is dedicated to providing the necessary business insight and insider’s tips for cross cultural communication, building and strengthening relationships, business etiquette, feng-shui and the concept of “Ke Qi”. For further information, please contact: Paola Isaac Baraya Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development pisaac@broward.org   Chinese Cultural Awareness & Etiquette Briefing September 28, 2015 Jacksonville, Florida In a global economy it is vital to understand and appreciate cultural values. A company’s success overseas oftentimes hinges on its ability to grasp this basic concept. Dealing with investors, government officials or potential business partners in China requires a unique approach to subtle nuances. John Diep, Asia & Pacific Director of Enterprise Florida, has first-hand experience in the relationship-building process in Asia and he will share his insights during this dynamic presentation. For further information, please contact: Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida Inc. lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com Hub Camara Santo Domingo (Corporate Commercial Expo) October 14-17, 2015 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Florida companies are invited to participate in Hub Camara (Corporate Commercial Expo). Hub Camara is a corporate multi-sector trade show for entrepreneurs, investors, consultants, senior executives, decision makers and more interested in establishing business partnerships and sharing knowledge, experiences and ideas. Hub Camara will feature business conferences, workshops, a commercial trade expo and mission component. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Jorge Riano Enterprise Florida Inc. jriano@enterpriseflorida.com GITEX Technology Week October 18-22, 2015 Dubai, UAE Enterprise Florida is coordinating the Florida presence at GITEX Technology Week in Dubai (October 18-22, 2015). Florida companies from the information technology and communication sectors are invited to exhibit their products and services at this international fair, considered to be the business gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Region (MEASA). GITEX attracts more than 143,000 ICT professionals from 150 countries and is organized in twelve sectors: Software Solutions, Hardware Solutions, Network and Security, Office Automation, Card Tech, Government, Gulfcomms, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Digital Marketing, Consumer Tech, Mobile Apps and Content World.  Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Andrea Moore Enterprise Florida Inc. amoore@enterpriseflorida.com   Security Canada International Security Conference & Exposition October 21-22, 2015 Toronto, Canada Join the Florida delegation at Security Canada Central International Security Exhibition.  Security Canada Central is the largest security industry trade show in Canada, attracting a growing number of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from all across North America. This is where major purchasing decisions about security by corporate and government customers are made. We offer more space, more education, and more opportunities to grow your business.Only Security Canada events provide access to buyers from across your region as well as senior executives and key decision makers from across Canada. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Max Stewart Enterprise Florida Inc. mstewart@enterpriseflorida.com   Expo Beauty Show Mexico October 25-27, 2015 Mexico City, Mexico Expo Beauty Show will take place in Mexico City, Mexico from October 25-27, 2015. By far, Expo Beauty Show is the largest and most influential event for beauty professionals worldwide. This is the leading professional beauty event in the world in terms of exhibition space and attendees. Over 500 exhibitors will participate and more than 80,000 attendees are expected. Expo Beauty Show will feature 300 presentations by the most renowned professionals in the world and 80 educational seminars. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Stephanie Pavolini Enterprise Florida Inc. spavolini@enterpriseflorida.com Dubai Air Show 2015 November 8-12, 2015 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Join the Florida Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow. The record-breaking Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, connecting aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry to facilitate successful global trade. For more than 15 years, Enterprise Florida Inc. has participated in the FASTEST growing airshow in the world. With support throughout every aspect of exhibiting, we are committed to providing Florida companies with exceptional access to new and emerging markets. In fact, we are so committed that in 2013, Florida was the ONLY U.S. state to be represented at the Dubai Airshow. We know how important international business is, and we are here to help. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Paul Mitchell Enterprise Florida Inc. pmitchell@enterpriseflorida.com     Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) 2015 November 17-19, 2015 Amsterdam, Netherlands Enterprise Florida is encouraging marine companies to attend the 2015 METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show). Traditionally, METS provides companies an unequaled opportunity for international expansion. Last year METS had 1,358 exhibitors from 48 different countries. Ninety-six percent of exhibitors return annually and 97% recommended exhibiting at METS. In 2015, approximately 21,086 visitors attended METS. At METS, companies are offered a variety of areas to exhibit that will ensure they gain the exposure within the industry niche that is best for them. U.S. Companies can exhibit within the USA pavilion, on the main floor or in one of the industry specific pavilions that includes the Super Yacht Pavilion, Marine & Yard Pavilion or the Construction Material Pavilion. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida Inc. lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com   Export Sales Mission to Honduras December 1-3, 2015 Tegucigalpa, Honduras Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead an export sales mission to Honduras from December 1-3, 2015. The country of Honduras holds vast opportunities for Florida companies interested in increasing their footprint in the Central American market. In fact, it serves as a distribution platform for the rest of Central America due to some of the lowest logistical costs in the region. Facilitated by the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the U.S. has become the chief trading partner for Honduras and exporters benefit from eliminated tariffs and barriers. EFI will offer a limited number of Gold Key Matchmaking one-on-one appointments. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers and eligible high-tech companies and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset 100 percent of the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, please contact: Stephanie Pavolini Enterprise Florida Inc. spavolini@enterpriseflorida.com Jorge Riano Enterprise Florida Inc. jriano@enterpriseflorida.com   Arab Health 2016 January 25-28, 2016 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Arab Health will be the largest healthcare event for Middle East with the addition of the new Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Over 5,000 exhibitors utilize this show as a launch platform for new products and services as well as showcasing new developments. Arab Health attracts decision-makers from the region’s healthcare sector. Arab Health 2015 attracted 115,000 visitors from over 64 countries around the world, including medical staff, hospital management, and dealer distributors.  Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Michael Schiffhauer Enterprise Florida Inc. mschiffhauer@enterpriseflorida.com   Singapore Airshow 2016 February 16-21, 2016 Changi, Singapore Singapore Air Show is Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition, hosting 1,018 exhibitors from 76 countries and more than 45,000 visitor attendees. With major announcements from Airbus, Embraer, Boeing and Rolls-Royce, 65 of the top 100 aerospace companies will be represented at the show. This Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) led trip provides exposure in the Asia-Pacific region for Florida aviation and aerospace companies. EFI has multiple booth options to choose from, private meeting rooms and a lounge area within the Florida Pavilion. Your company will be sure to stand out amongst the crowd. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Paul Mitchell Enterprise Florida Inc. pmitchell@enterpriseflorida.com   Dubai International Boat Show March 1-5, 2016 Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Middle East remains one of the most affluent regions in the world and companies from all over the globe will showcase their latest designs and innovations at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). With an impressive display of boats and super yachts in the Middle East and the largest, most lucrative gathering of VIP’s and royal families; DIBS delivers the ultimate meeting point for the region’s most prosperous buyers. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, DIBS is one of the few events worldwide where companies constantly experience an impressive return on their exhibition investment. Enterprise Florida is once again teaming with the USA pavilion organizer and the U.S. Commercial Service to offer companies the opportunity to exhibit in the Florida Section of the US Pavilion. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida Inc. lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com Partner Trade Events SGS' First Annual Quality and Risk Management Summit September 17-18, 2015 Orlando, Florida The World Trade Center Orlando is pleased to co-sponsor SGS’s 1st Annual Quality and Risk Management Summit. The Summit will bring together senior professionals in the risk management and quality industry, with presentations and networking sessions spread across 1.5 days. The Summit will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to network with supply chain professionals across a broad range of industries, as well as quality management industry leaders and risk management professionals. Modernizing Latin America's Economies: Needed Reforms to Spur Growth September 25, 2015 Coral Gables, Florida   Friday, September 25, from 8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables (180 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL), the Center for Hemispheric Policy will host a panel discussion entitled “Modernizing Latin America’s Economies: Needed Reforms to Spur Growth.” The panelists are Mario Castro, Vice President, Latin America Strategy, Nomura Securities, New York City; Jonathan Heath, Principal, Heath & Asociados, Mexico, D.F.; Claudio Loser, President, Centennial Latin America, Washington, D.C.; and Riordan Roett, Sarita and Don Johnston Professor and Cirector of Western Hemisphere Studies, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C. RSVP to chp-rsvp@miami.edu. For more information, please call Michael Graybeal (305) 284-9918, or visit www.miami.edu/chp. Miami-Dade & The Dominican Republic Increasing Trade, Tourism and Business Opportunities October 1, 2015 Miami, Florida Considering the importance of the Dominican Republic for the economy of Florida and Miami-Dade county as the 4th Latin American & the Caribbean country ranked among trade partners, this event is an opportunity to learn about trade, tourism and business opportunities available between the county and country. The keynote speaker will be the Hon. Jose "Pepe" Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 12 (Cities of Doral, Sweetwater, Hialeah, Virginia Gardens, Hialeah Gardens and Medley), Chairman of the Trade and Tourism Committee, and of the International Trade Consortium Board (ITC). Presented by the Dominican International Business & Tourism Federation.   International Trade Expo October 8, 2015 Fort Myers, Florida Companies are invited to attend the International Trade Expo featuring opening remarks from Manuel "Manny" Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Business Development, Enterprise Florida, Inc. The expo will include breakout sessions covering topics such as Website Globalization, Insuring Export Receivables, Finding International Clients, and Vetting Buyers. There will be opportunities for networking and one-on-one meetings with event sponsors.  Exporting from the United States for International Trade Professionals October 8, 2015 Miami, Florida This seminar will provide an overview of: Resources for new and experienced exporters; Use of Free Trade Zones including the Miami Free Zone; Export clearance requirements; Export laws and regulations; Export enforcement actions; Top 10 compliance tips; Doing business with Cuba and what is legal now. (New) Minority Enterprise Development Week (MEDWeek) Business Matchmaker Conference October 8-9, 2015 Miami, Florida The 33rd Annual MEDWeek is the largest federally-sponsored conference for small and minority-owned businesses. This event provides information and networking opportunities to help small businesses develop and grow. This two-day conference will include: Business Financing Forum and One-on-One Meetings with entities that will provide financing to businesses or projects 3rd Annual BizTank™ Investment Competition Commercial & Government Contracting Opportunities Business Opportunity Breakfast with Keynote Speaker Bill Johnson, Florida Secretary Of Commerce Global Trade Forum - Exporting Opportunities Power Lunch – Jamaica USA Chamber & MEDWEEK Awards with Keynote Speaker, Earl Jarrett, General Manager of the Jamaica National Building Society B2B Matchmaker & Jamaican Business Expo   (New) Elections in Argentina: Continuity or Change? October 9, 2015 Coral Gables, Florida The Center for Hemispheric Policy will host a discussion entitled “Elections in Argentina: Continuity or Change” on Friday, October 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables, FL). The speakers will be Alberto Bernal-León, Head of Research and Partner, Bulltick Capital Markets, Miami, Florida; Daniel Kerner, Director and Practice Head, Latin America, Eurasia Group, Washington, D.C.; and Hector Schamis, Adjunct Associate Professor, Center for Latin American Studies and Democracy & Governance Program, Georgetown University; Columnist, El País; Op-Ed Editor, El País América, Washington, D.C.The cost is $40; faculty and students are admitted free with a valid ID. RSVP to chp-rsvp@miami.edu. For more information, please call Jennifer Cordova at (305)-284-3708, or visit www.miami.edu/chp. (New) Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo October 12-16, 2015 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida On October 12-16, 2015, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County and all of South Florida will welcome international cities to recognize this region as one of the top business opportunity destinations in the world. The goal of the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE) is to expand Broward County as the premier importing and exporting trading capital, while helping to establish new businesses and nurture existing businesses to continue growing. Meet one-on-one with international delegates, former presidents, government leaders, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce leaders, business alliance and councils, seasoned importers/exporters, and representatives from Broward County’s leading public economic engines: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as Broward County’s Cultural Division, Enterprise Florida, and The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. 2015 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF 2015) October 19, 2015 Miami, Florida CREF 2015, the largest annual gathering of the Caribbean energy market, will take place from October 19th-21st at the InterContinental Miami. CREF 2014 was a sell-out event with more than 450 delegates participating from over 40 countries. As the C&I market in the Caribbean takes off, and as new opportunities emerge in jurisdictions from Cuba and Jamaica to Guyana and St. Lucia, join utilities, governments, developers and providers of finance in Miami as we roadmap the origination, financing and development of the Caribbean renewable energy market. Tampa Bay Trade and Business Development Mission to Canada October 19-22, 2015 Toronto, Canada Florida companies are invited to join the Tampa Bay Export Alliance’s Trade Mission to Toronto, Canada on October 19 – 22, 2015. Canada continues to maintain its ranking as the United States’ largest export market in the world. Companies looking to expand their international portfolios should consider the tremendous and easily accessible business opportunities offered in Canada. Only Delegate Package options are available at this time. For the Delegate Package, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in all group activities including networking events, informative roundtable sessions, VIP receptions and site visit to MaRS Discovery District and Toronto's film and digital media locations, incubators and studios.   Private Wealth Latin America & The Caribbean Forum October 20-21, 2015 Miami, Florida The Private Wealth Latin America & The Caribbean Forum is a pan-regional wealth management, wealth planning and investment management international meeting for private banks, HNWIs, wealth managers, and family offices. The Forum brings together 600+ industry leaders from Latin American and Caribbean Private Wealth Management field for a two day conference discussing strategies to protect, preserve and grow wealth.   (New) Americas Linkage Brazil 2015 October 24-31, 2015 Campinas, Sáo Paulo and Porto Alegre, Brazil The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Americas Linkage is a unique program that facilitates business development opportunities through a series of business missions throughout the world. Linkage missions include country briefings, business meetings, seminars and networking opportunities. Why Brazil? The largest country of South America, Brazil officially the Federative Republic of Brazil is one of the most diverse tropical countries of the world. Located in the eastern part of South America in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil is the largest national economy in Latin America, the world's eighth largest economy at market exchange rates and the seventh largest in purchasing power parity (PPP), according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.    (New) Supply Chain & Logistics Summit October 27-29, 2015 Miami, Florida The Supply Chain & Logistics Summit tackles current trends and issues relevant to the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America. The Summit, set in Miami at the cross roads between North and Latin America, brings together more than 200 decision makers, 40 commercial partners and 35 speakers. Featuring six streams, the event is spread over two days, incorporates two networking evenings, more than 40 sessions, breakfast briefings, lunches, social and digital hub, product showcase and more. Gathering supply chain and logistics senior executives and decision makers from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, the summit aims at identifying the keys for supply chains to survive in a competitive world. All attendees are required to account for a minimum budgetary spend which they are looking to invest in the next 12-18 months.    12th Annual Manufacturers Summit & Marketplace November 4-5, 2015 West Palm Beach, Florida The Manufacturers Association of Florida is pleased to present the 12th Annual Summit and Marketplace in West Palm Beach. Hear about the State of Manufacturing in Florida, Best Practices in Manufacturing, and Manufacturing Community Partnerships. Speakers from Enterprise Florida will highlight global opportunities for Florida manufacturers at this showcase event. Air & Sea Cargo Americas November 4-6, 2015 Miami, Florida Air & Sea Cargo Americas will bring together top executives from all sectors of the aviation, maritime and logistics industries to exchange views and experiences to enhance the growth of the cargo industry in the Western Hemisphere. Airports, seaports, exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders, shippers, importers, consignees, equipment and technology suppliers, among others, will interact, exchanging ideas and information. Topics will include security, regional consolidation, manufacturer and shipper needs in high growth cargo, trade facilitation, improving productivity, speed and service quality, responding to market changes and demands from shippers, consolidators and forwarders, and controlling costs while streamlining customer services. FDA and U.S. Customs Compliance Issues When Importing Food, Cosmetics and Medical Device Products November 12, 2015 Miami, Florida This seminar will provide an overview of: Resources for new and experienced importers; Use of Free Trade Zones including the Miami Free Zone; How to work best with a customs broker to expedite your shipments; FDA and U.S. Customs compliance issues when importing food, cosmetics, and medical device products; Medical device basics, FDA Laws/Regulations; FDA import process, what you need to know to import; FDA Notices of Action; Best practices for due diligence and responding to enforcement actions.   (New) 38th Annual SEUS/Japan Joint Meeting November 15-17, 2015 Birmingham, Alabama You are invited to register as a Florida Delegate to the 38th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S./Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations. This important annual event will be held in Birmingham, Alabama on November 15-17, 2015 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. The program will include remarks and presentations by top business and government leaders, representing the most significant aspects of the economic relationship as well as ties of tourism, education, culture and friendship between the seven Southeast U.S. member states and Japan. Additionally, the respective governors of each of the member states, and senior Japanese business and government leaders including Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. and Dr. Condoleezza Rice will participate as keynote speakers. The meeting will provide exciting networking opportunities for all of the some 400-500 participating delegates to renew old friendships and establish new ones, including a golf tournament, sightseeing tours, receptions, meals and entertainment. XIII Latin American Conference on Rubber Technology November 23, 2015 Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala With 20 years experience, the Latin American Conference on Rubber Technology has become the most important event in this industry. This renowned event offers opportunities to update your knowledge on the latest technology, trends, make important business contacts and further position your company or services and increase its visibility. The XIII Conference will include technical conferences, master classes, workshops, business presentations and scientific studies on rubber and latex technology and related industries.