Each fall, the MU International Trade Center, along with trade assistance partners from across the region, hosts the MID-AMERICA TRADE SUMMIT in Columbia, Missouri.
The Summit provides a unique opportunity to bring together top exporters, global trade leaders and trade assistance providers from across Mid-America. Outstanding exporters from across Mid-America are invited to share their export stories — highlighting “best practices” and lessons learned that have contributed to their export success.
The Summit's fast-paced, high-touch format provides exporters, trade assistance providers and educators with direct access to high-level networking and shared-learning opportunities designed to guide export expansion. This is a premier regional event for companies focused on advancing trade and driving business growth.
SAVE THE DATE – 2020 Mid-America Trade Summit – Nov. 11 & 12, 2020. Agenda and Presenter details to be posted soon.
| 2019 Event Agenda | 2019 Speakers | 2019 Session Details |
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Logistics
The University of Missouri is located in the heart of Columbia and is a two hour drive from either St. Louis or Kansas City along Interstate 70. Local scenery includes rivers, heavily wooded areas and rolling farm country. Columbia proudly claims to be one of the most “clean and green” cities in Missouri. Consistently ranked one of the best places to live by Money Magazine and Successful Retirement, Columbia has also been featured as “A Gem of a Town” by Southern Living.
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with all the benefits of a big city. There are over 200 restaurants and brewpubs, including locally owned Booche’s (featured in USA Today, and recently listed as the No. 1 spot for best college food by Sports Illustrated) and Shakespeare’s Pizza, named the top college hangout in the “Best Bites Challenge: College Edition” on ABC’s Good Morning America. The University of Missouri campus borders downtown Columbia (The District) that is a thriving area home to many independent shopping venues, art galleries, public art and parks. It boasts a lively nightlife of music, theatres, comedy, and clubs.
Visit the Columbia Visitor’s Guide online for more information on local attractions.
Meeting attendees who wish to stay in a hotel are responsible for making their own lodging reservations directly with the hotels. A block of rooms will be reserved at the Tiger Hotel later this year. Please note that the room rates do not include tax and hotel fees. Attendees should identify themselves as being with MID-AMERICA TRADE SUMMIT when making reservations.
The Tiger Hotel
- 23 S 8th Street, Columbia MO 65201
- 573-875-8888
Additional Hotels nearby include:
The Broadway (A DoubleTree by Hilton property)
- 1111 East Broadway, Columbia, Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201
- 573-875-7000
Hampton Inn and Suites
- 1225 Fellows Place, Columbia, MO 65201
- 573-214-2222
Airports
The Columbia Regional Airport is a short 15-minute drive north to the MU campus. A taxi from the Columbia Regional Airport to the MU campus is approximately $36.
Columbia Regional Airport (COU)
11300 South Airport Drive; Columbia, MO 65201
For those who would rather fly into a larger airport, Columbia is located midway between airports in St. Louis International (STL) and Kansas City International (MCI). Columbia is about a 2-hour drive from the St. Louis airport (STL) and a 2.5-hour drive from the Kansas City Airport (MCI).
Kansas City International (MCI)
1 International Square Kansas City, MO 64153
St. Louis International (STL)
10701 Lambert International Blvd.; St. Louis, MO 63145
Ground Transportation
From Columbia Regional Airport (COU):
- Shuttles/Taxis (Columbia rates vary from $18-$25). You can usually catch a taxi service right in front of the main terminal.
- Rental car services are available in the main lobby.
From Saint Louis Airport (STL) or Kansas City Airport (MCI):
- The MO-X shuttle has several regularly scheduled trips from both airports to any location in Columbia. Schedule and rate information for MO-X can be found on their website or by calling toll free (877) 669-4826.
- Rental cars are available at both the Saint Louis Airport (STL) and the Kansas City Airport (MCI).
Columbia offers Lyft, Uber and standard Taxi Terry's services.
November 11, 2020 – Networking/Opening Session – Tiger Hotel
The Tiger Hotel is located in downtown Columbia. Parking options include:
- Valet Parking at the Tiger Hotel
- Street side parking (meters are monitored from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.)
- Parking garage options
November 12, 2020 – SUMMIT Session – Memorial Union North, University of Missouri campus
If you plan to drive a personal or rental vehicle onto campus, parking is available for a $5 daily fee in the Hitt Street Parking Structure (not level 4). This parking structure is located within close walking distance of Memorial Union.
When using a GPS application, 518 Hitt Street, Columbia, MO 65211 will bring you to Memorial Union. Please note that there are North and South wings of the Union. The Trade Summit activities will take place in Memorial Union North.
Click here to obtain a visitor-parking permit. You will need the following information to purchase your parking permit:
- State where vehicle is licensed
- License plate number
- Make
- Style
- Color
*Note: Parking reservations can only be made within 24-hours of being on campus.
Opening/Networking Reception
- Wednesday, November 11, 2020
- 6-8 p.m.
- The Tiger Hotel Ballroom, 23 S. 8th St., Columbia, MO 65201
Trade Summit Sessions
- Thursday, November 12, 2020
- 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Memorial Union – N103 Stotler, 518 Hitt St., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211