Moderator: Javier Zarazua, Principal, JL Nearshoring Mexico

Objective: Equip participants with the confidence to successfully start a nearshore sourcing or manufacturing operation.

Speakers:

• Jason Wolf, President, Novalink, TX & MX

• Luis Ernesto Rojas Ávila, Director General, COFOCE, MX

• John Cuttino, CISBRA, BR

This session will focus on the critical steps in launching nearshore manufacturing initiatives in Mexico and Brazil. Participants will learn about selecting the right production model, navigating regulatory landscapes, forming strong local partnerships, and creating resilient supply chains. Our panel of experienced leaders will share their personal journeys and actionable insights.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to choose the right production model aligned with your business goals

• Overcoming legal and business challenges in a nearshore setup

• Compliance with labor, environmental, and tax regulations

• Insights into tax and tariff strategies

• Blending and restructuring production within the nearshoring framework

• Best practices for adapting swiftly to capitalize on nearshoring advantages in Mexico and Latin America

• Building lasting partnerships with key manufacturing hubs

• Creating a strong, reliable supply chain for raw materials and components

• Identifying trustworthy manufacturing partners and allies

Objective: Equip attendees with expert insights on overcoming nearshoring challenges, maximizing cost efficiency, ensuring speed to market, maintaining quality control, and sustaining long-term success in the evolving nearshoring landscape.

Speakers:

• Deborah Gray, Optima/Aduanas les Luhai, MX

• Chuck Bowen, Blue Artisan Group, TX & MX

• Kallie Parchman, Prima Reliable Sourcing & Manufacturing, MX

This comprehensive session brings together industry experts to discuss both the immediate and long-term strategies for optimizing nearshore operations. Speakers will highlight best practices in sourcing, shipping, and distribution, while also addressing how to ensure the sustainability and growth of nearshore manufacturing. Attendees will learn how to accelerate time to market, maintain high-quality standards, and maximize cost efficiency through nearshoring, while navigating cultural dynamics and fostering long-term partnerships for sustained success.

Key Discussion Points:

• Best practices for sourcing, shipping, and distribution

• Strategies for swift and reliable logistics

• Collaboration across design, production, and delivery teams

• Maintaining strict quality control, testing, and sustainability standards

• Building trust and ensuring reliability in the supply chain

• Protecting designs and intellectual property at every stage

• Adapting production to changing consumer preferences and industry trends

• Navigating cultural dynamics for stronger partnerships

• Identifying local allies among suppliers, manufacturers, and trade organizations

• Techniques for building long-lasting cross-cultural relationships

• Economic and strategic advantages of nearshoring in Mexico and Latin America