Program Schedule

Program Introduction

IAABE 2026 features a two-day program combining plenary sessions, workshops, international trade expo activities, matchmaking, networking, and a gala celebration. The schedule below follows the official IAABE program outline.

Day-by-Day Schedule

(Subject to Change as the Event Dates Get Closer)

Day 1: Friday, August 7

Time

Activity

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration & VIP Coffee Reception

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

MAIN PLENARY SESSION
Location: Lighthouse Ballroom
• Opening & Framing: Gateway to American Markets
• Keynote Address
• Executive Panel Trade
• Investment
• Franchising
• Capital Access

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Ribbon Cutting & Delegation Recognition

11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPO OPEN
Location: Main Ballroom
Exhibit Components:
• Exhibitor Pavilion
• Delegation Pavilion
• Chamber Partner Pavilion
• Investor Lounge

11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Spotlight Stage Programming
(Located within Trade Floor)
Short 15–20 minute segments including:
• Franchise Pitch Hour
• Trade Delegation Showcase
• Small Business Spotlight
• Industry Insights

Time

Activity

1:30 – 3:30 PM

B2B Matchmaking Sessions
Location: Dedicated Meeting Rooms
Pre-scheduled structured meetings between:
• Investors & Franchise Brands
• Delegations & U.S. Buyers
• Small Businesses & Capital Providers
• Strategic Partners

3:00 – 3:50 PM

EXECUTIVE WORKSHOPS
Location: Lighthouse Ballroom

Workshop 1
U.S. Market Entry Structuring & Compliance Framework

4:00 – 4:50 PM

Workshop 2
Capital Strategy & Investor Positioning

4:30 PM

Trade Floor Closes

5:30 – 6:30 PM

EVENING ENGAGEMENT

Networking Reception
Professional cross-border networking environment

5:45 PM
(Private Session)

VIP Investor & Delegation Roundtable (Tentative)
Curated executive-level dialogue among:
• Institutional Investors
• Delegation Leaders
• Capital Partners
• Selected Executive Participants

Day 2: Saturday, August 8

Time

Activity

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Registration & VIP Coffee Reception

9:15 – 10:05 PM

Workshop 3
Location: Lighthouse Ballroom
Scaling Entry: Franchise & Multi-Unit Growth Strategy

10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

PROTECTED TRADE EXPO HOURS
Location: Main Ballroom
Dedicated engagement window for:
• Exhibitor Meetings
• Delegation Follow-Ups
• Investor Discussions
• Deal Continuation

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Lunch (Within Trade Floor Hours) No competing sessions during this block.

3:00 – 3:50 PM

EXECUTIVE WORKSHOPS – AFTERNOON
Location: Lighthouse Ballroom

Workshop 4
Strategic Partnerships & Joint Venture Structuring

4:00 – 4:55 PM

Workshop 5
Building Bankable Financials & Institutional Reporting

4:30 PM

Exhibit Hall (Main Ballroom) Closes
F&B Conversion for Gala Setup

6:30 – 10:00 PM

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS & GALA NIGHT
Location: Main Ballroom
• Leadership Recognition
• Trade & Business Awards
• Consular Acknowledgment
• Community Celebration

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