Karl Renne - CEO, The Raven Group

Today the international marketplace is critical for many US businesses. With ever-growing threats, both to physical security and trade secrets, businesses need to travel smartly.  By implementing good Corporate Counterintelligence measures, and remaining abreast of geo-political dynamics in your region of travel, companies can protect their people and their business while remaining competitive and agile.  As Americans we are known for our innovation and creativity around the world.  This also makes American businesses targets for criminals, terrorists, and intelligence officers working for governments or rival corporations.  Be proactive and well informed - travel smartly.

Mr. Renne is the founder the Raven Group, a Corporate Counterintelligence consulting firm.  He retired from CIA in 2016 where he served as a Senior Paramilitary Operations Officer with expertise in Human Intelligence, Counterintelligence, and Covert Action.  The Raven Group’s cadre of retired intelligence officers provides consulting services to assist companies in protecting their people, trade secrets, business and reputation.  Raven offers tailored Corporate Counterintelligence consulting services, program management, training, global political risk analysis, and due diligence.  

Robynne Davis -  Director of Business Development, Verbio

International business offers great rewards but also poses special challenges to be considered carefully. Communication, traditions and etiquette, the language barrier and most importantly getting your message across. Once the decision is made to seek international business, what needs to done? Where do we focus efforts? During this discussion, we will take a look at:

• Strategies for preparing to enter the international business community
• Is a website in a second language necessary?
• Trade shows vs individual appointments – do you need an interpreter?
• Business cards and other collateral

Robynne Davis is the Director of Business Development for Verbio (an Oregon Translation Company). She received her BFA from Utah State University with an emphasis in Design and taught at Creighton University before discovering that business development was much like design with more variables. Her professional experience spans three decades and includes a wide variety of products and services including an international software provider, large water systems for cities and preparing Native American reservation police for the confrontational aspects of their job. “My entire working life has been spent in some form of communication. Verbio is a communication business. Communication is the key to getting what you want and that includes a successful international business outreach.”