33rd annual Pathways for Trade symposium take places in Laredo next month

LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is set to host its annual North American Logistics & Manufacturing Symposium next month as the organization marks six decades of serving the inland port region.

The 33rd annual "Pathways for Trade" conference will take place September 22–24 at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) under the theme, "Connecting the Americas: Infrastructure, Industry, Innovation".

As North America's top inland port and the primary gateway for cross-border commerce between the United States and Mexico, Laredo will gather government officials, supply chain executives, manufacturers, and transportation leaders to address trade policy, nearshoring, and regional workforce readiness.

"At a time of unprecedented change when America stands at the crossroads of trade and transformation, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation proudly announces the return of Pathways for Trade," stated David A. Stedman, Sr., President and CEO of the LEDC.

Laredo Economic Development Corporation this week previewed its 33rd annual Pathways for Trade symposium. (Photo credit: LEDC)

Stedman said that as North America’s largest inland port and the leading gateway for U.S.-Mexico trade, “Laredo provides the ideal setting for this premier gathering of logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, and international trade leaders.”

Stedman said attendees will have the opportunity to hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers, participate in executive panel discussions, network with industry leaders, and take part in exclusive tours and exhibitions designed to strengthen supply chains and foster economic growth across the Americas.

The 2026 Pathways for Trade Ambassador recipients, Stedman revealed, will be:

• Texas A&M International University – Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade
• Laredo College – Global Logistics Center

“These two institutions will be honored during the Night of Trade Ambassador networking event on September 23 for their outstanding contributions to education, workforce development, international trade, and regional economic growth,” Stedman said.

The three-day event coincides with LEDC’s 60th anniversary, highlighting its historical role in economic growth across Webb County and the surrounding cross-border region. 

Founded in 1966, the LEDC has facilitated nearly $1.5 billion in capital investments and supported the creation or retention of more than 7,100 jobs since 2011.

Keynotes and Industry Insights

The 2026 symposium features a lineup of international trade, government, and policy experts:

• Diane J. Sabatino, Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, presenting on border security, technology, and trade facilitation.
  
  
• Ilvin Mendoza Carrasco, Director of Territorial Development and Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Dominican Republic, discussing data-driven regional competitiveness.
  
  
• Amanda Laabs, Chief Product Officer at Medline Industries, addressing supply chain resilience.
  
  
• Lenny Feldman, Managing Partner at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., offering analysis on the evolving North American trade regulatory landscape.
  
  
• William Pui Martinez, CEO and Founder of Greenspace E-Mobility, presenting on commercial transportation and energy solutions.

Symposium Agenda

The event schedule incorporates industry tours, technical panel sessions, and educational showcases:

• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Opens with a tour of the Port of Laredo, followed by an evening kickoff reception at Peg Energy Stadium.
  
  
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Activities shift to the TAMIU Student Center for opening general sessions. The day concludes with the "Night of Trade Ambassador" reception at the IBC Annex, honoring the Laredo College Global Logistics Center and TAMIU’s Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade.
  
  
• Thursday, Sept. 24: Concludes at TAMIU with policy discussions, the presentation of commercial real estate trends by Carlo Molano, and a closing keynote address.

Panel Focus: USMCA and Nearshoring

Executive panel sessions will cover USMCA developments, industrial rail development, nearshoring trends linking Laredo, Nuevo Laredo, and San Luis Potosí, as well as workforce development through ACT Work Ready Communities initiatives. Featured panelists include representatives from General Motors, International Bank of Commerce, and Monarch Global Strategies.

Event registration and full program information are available at pathwaysfortrade.com.