Mark your calendars, it's that time of the year again for the movers and shakers in the trade industry. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has announced its 2024 Annual Conference, set to take place June 6 and 7 at the Washington Hilton. The conference, touted as an essential gathering for those in the business and finance sectors, will be a hotspot for business leaders, policy makers, and media experts, as per EXIM's announcement.

"This conference will feature industry and government leaders' perspectives on the ever-changing global landscape for exports," said EXIM's President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis. There's buzz about the networking possibilities it promises, offering U.S. businesses the chance to mix it up with government bigwigs, and industry experts, with ambitions to expand their global footprint through exports.

This year smacks of ambition with its theme "Honoring Legacy, Charting Tomorrow," which seems fitting for a conference dedicated to discussing hot topics like clean energy and American competitiveness. With the spotlight on panels such as critical minerals, and EXIM's "Make More in America" initiative, the conference is shaping up to be a powerhouse of ideas.

EXIM is rolling out the red carpet for some heavy-hitting speakers. The lineup boasts business bigwigs Barbara Humpton, from Siemens Corporation, and Beta Technologies' Kyle Clark, along with clean energy leaders like Jason Few of FuelCell Energy Inc and Brian Menell, from TechMet Limited, and not to forget, the spark plug that is Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke. Additionally, former EXIM Chairs Fred Hochberg and Kimberly A. Reed will grace the event with their invaluable insights, into the trade industry.

Aiming to be a beacon for U.S. manufacturing and economic security, the conference also plans to shine a light on women in international trade, and how they are shaping the industry. Signaling a commitment to the small guy, it highlights EXIM's support for American small businesses looking to break into the global market.