Summit Agenda
October 31-November 1, 2026 | Blue Hills Ballroom
Summit Schedule
Preliminary schedule for the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit
Day 1 - October 31 Summit
Registration, Networking & Exhibitor Marketplace
Networking
Main Lobby & Exhibitor Marketplace
Official Summit Opening
Opening Ceremony
Rebuilding Haiti Through Business, Trade & Diaspora Leadership
The Summit will open with a central question: How can Haiti, its private sector, the Haitian diaspora, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners move from discussing Haiti's challenges toward building businesses, expanding trade, attracting investment, and creating sustainable jobs?
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Haiti Elections, Governance & Democratic Stability
Panel Discussion
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Moderator:
Jean-Claude Sanon
Panelists:
Hendel Cerphy, Jeffsky Poincy, Wolf Pamphile
Security, Stability, Economic Recovery & Job Creation in Haiti
Panel Discussion
This discussion will examine the connection between security, investor confidence, private-sector growth, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and sustainable job creation.
Panelists will explore what Haiti needs to protect businesses and workers, strengthen supply chains, attract investment, expand private-sector activity, and create greater economic opportunity for Haitians.
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Moderator:
Jean-Claude Sanon
Panelists:
Henry Milorin, Herby Duverne, Kiventzcy Guerrier, Rose Mica Georges
Access to Capital, Credit & Wealth Building for Haitian Americans
Panel Discussion
The conversation will include small-business lending, loan programs, business credit, financial management, investment, and preparing a company for financing and expansion.
Room 3
Moderator:
Marc Saint Clair, MBA
Panelists:
Eddy Desir, Ernst Guerrier, Eustache Clerveaux
Starting & Growing a Business
Panel Discussion
Panelists will also share practical insights, experiences, and resources to help Haitian American entrepreneurs navigate common challenges and position their businesses for long-term success.
Room 2
Moderator:
Marleen Julien
Panelists:
Jeffrey Latessa, Max B. Trezil, Merline Thermora, Morjieta Derisier
Staying Strong: Mental Health, TPS Uncertainty & Resilience in the Haitian American Community
Fireside Chat
The discussion will highlight practical approaches to strengthening mental health, workforce stability, family resilience, and community support.
Room 4
Moderator:
Dr. Gabrielle Abelard
Panelists:
Dr. Martine Gordon, Eva Bryant, Naomie Delva
U.S.–Haiti Trade, Manufacturing, Export & Market Opportunities
Panel Discussion
How can Haiti produce more, export more, attract manufacturers, expand trade, and create sustainable jobs?
This major Summit conversation will examine Haitian exports, U.S. imports and exports, manufacturing, agriculture and agribusiness, Haitian-made products, supply chains, logistics, wholesale distribution, market access, joint ventures, diaspora distribution networks, and connecting Haitian producers directly with U.S. buyers.
The discussion will also examine the HOPE and HELP trade preference programs, including how preferential access for eligible Haitian textile and apparel products can support manufacturing, exports, investment, and employment.
Central Question:
How can Haiti convert proximity to the United States, trade preferences, diaspora networks, and productive capacity into businesses, exports, factories, and sustainable jobs?
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Rebuilding Haiti: The Strategic Investment Programme
Special Presentation & Discussion
The proposed framework calls for 60% of post-tax free cash flow from Haitian mining operations to be governed through an independent Strategic Investment Board and reinvested in sectors that create jobs, strengthen communities, develop infrastructure, and expand economic opportunity.
Room 2
Digital Governance: Using Technology to Strengthen Transparency, Public Services & Institutions in Haiti
Panel Discussion
The conversation will also examine how digital modernization can make Haiti more attractive to entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, and international trade partners.
Room 3
Moderator:
Marc Saint Clair, MBA
Panelists:
Gregory Francois, Jean-Christophe Louis, Joan Macenat
TPS, Immigration & the Future of Haitian Families in America
Panel Discussion
The panel will explore workforce stability, business continuity, family preparedness, community resources, and broader economic implications for Haitian American communities.
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Moderator:
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James Reginald Colimon, MBA
Panelists:
Bianca Jordan, Dr. Manoucheka Desrosiers, MD, PA-C, ACPA-C, CCDS, Francise Jean-Louis, Ruthzee Louijeune
From Influence to Impact: Mobilizing the Haitian Diaspora for Haiti's Economic Future
Panel Discussion
The conversation will move beyond remittances to explore diaspora investment, entrepreneurship, trade, procurement, supplier development, business partnerships, mentorship, technology, workforce development, institution-building, and sustainable job creation.
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Moderator:
Rachelle Antoine, MSW
Panelists:
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Elsie Saint Louis, George Guillaume, Marie Myka Texas, MS, MBA
Doing Business in Haiti
Fireside Chat
What does it actually take to operate, invest, employ people, and grow a company in Haiti today?
This candid conversation will feature entrepreneurs, executives, manufacturers, exporters, investors, and private-sector leaders with firsthand experience doing business in Haiti.
The discussion will address security, infrastructure, electricity, capital, logistics, ports and customs, workforce development, regulation, taxation, technology, supply chains, market access, investment, and job creation.
Panelists will also address important questions such as:
Why do you continue investing in Haiti?
Where do opportunities still exist?
What do diaspora investors misunderstand?
What does Haiti's private sector need from the diaspora?
What would allow Haitian companies to expand and create more jobs?
Main Ballroom – Room 1
Closing Remarks & Special Chamber Announcement
Summit Closing
The initiative is designed to move beyond discussion and help open new pathways for business, trade, investment, and job creation.
Main Ballroom & Exhibitor Marketplace
Day 2 - November 1 Gala
Awards Gala VIP Reception
Awards Reception
As the ambiance unfolds, guests can savor a curated selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres while enjoying complimentary beverages throughout the cocktail hour. This refined experience sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection.
Main Lobby
HAYP Awards Ceremony
Awards Ceremony
The night features a gourmet three-course meal crafted to delight every palate, paired with captivating live entertainment running from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. With fine dining and dynamic performances, the evening promises an unforgettable experience of celebration and elegance.
Grand Ballroom
Ready to join us at the summit?
Register today to secure your place at this premier event.