Albuquerque prepares for international business forum
While Albuquerque is certainly not without its problems, the city also has many things to be proud about according to its mayor.
“I think in many ways Albuquerque (is a) role model for the rest of the country,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller Tuesday during a press conference at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve been role modeling how to maintain our true authentic self but also move forward as a community.”
Keller highlighted the city’s cultural diversity as one of the main reasons the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) chose Albuquerque as the site for its annual conference in October.
The Hispano Chamber was key in helping to bring the forum to New Mexico. The annual event hasn’t been held on American soil for 13 years.
Paul Mondragon, chairman of the Hispano Chamber’s Board of Directors, began the press conference noting that representatives from at least 15 countries will be coming to New Mexico for the event and Chamber staff has been working to bring the event here for three years.
“This is going to be a fantastic event,” Mondragon said.
Ivan Makil, speaking on behalf of the WIBF, said holding the event in Albuquerque will be mutually beneficial for all involved.
“The Forum was originally set up to recognize small businesses,” he said. “You’re going to have people from about 15 different countries and what they bring with them is their culture. One of the things we recognized about Albuquerque and New Mexico in general is the cultural authenticity.”
Makil said there were originally cities in six countries vying to host the conference before Albuquerque was chosen.
“The U.S. is a big market and all these folks have interest in the market,” Makil said. “We know Australia already has a group of 30 reserved, we usually try to cut it off at 500-1,000 people. What we want them to see is how business works in the U.S. We want them to get involved as entrepreneurs and see there is receptiveness from other entrepreneurs. Our effort is to connect.”
In addition to the formal conference on Oct. 28-30 at the Clyde Hotel, there will also be a trade show where the international guests can showcase and sell their goods.
“Some of these entrepreneurs are from very small villages,” Makil said. “Their products are anything from food products to health care, herbal and natural care and food products.”