During West Michigan World Trade Week, May 7-10, area business leaders will come together to celebrate international trade and business growth in the West Michigan region.

In conjunction with West Michigan World Trade Week, Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center will host a business conference May 9. The event, in its 33rd year, will focus on how to achieve global success.

This year’s keynote is a panel of three speakers who will discuss global talent in today’s environment. Speakers include Debra Auerbach Clephane from Murray Law Group, Lisa Hanning from Pridgeon & Clay, and Tami D. Vincent from EJ Group Inc.

West Michigan World Trade Week Business Conference

May 9 from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Noon-1:45 p.m. Luncheon panel speakers

L. William Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave., Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Register at www.gvsu.edu/wtw

Several breakout sessions are planned on a variety of topics including:

•  Finding Global Partners

•  Cyber Security and Data Protection

•  Understanding India’s Market

•  Michigan Exporter Tools

Student Global Awareness held May 2 at Grand Valley

A key component of West Michigan World Trade Week is the Student Global Awareness program. Volunteers have reached more than 1,400 middle school students in Grand Rapids since the program began in 2005. Volunteers work in the classroom to provide students with practical information on what makes world trade work, how the global economy affects their daily lives and how to prepare for an increasingly global job market.

Students from Harrison Middle School will attend a capstone event May 2 at the L. William Seidman Center, where they will interact and connect with professionals in the international trade community.

For a full schedule or more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/wtw or call 616-331-6811.