For the 16th year, the MAI team of industry, trade, and investment specialists – Diane Alleva Caceres, Crystal Porter, Doug Wood, and our Georgia Tech interns – designed and implemented a successful B2B component of the Southeastern United States//Canadian Province Alliance Business Forum in Biloxi, Mississippi 4-6 August 2024 hosted by the Mississippi Development Authority. Over 70 companies participated. Large, anchor companies included Airbus, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi Polymer Institute, Mullen Automotive, Inc., Mississippi Power, Skydweller Aero, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Port of Pascagoula, and Mississippi Power a Southern Company. Many SMEs met one-on-one to discuss a variety of potential business relationships, including R&D partnerships, supply chain development, joint ventures, and sales and distribution. Key industries included Advanced Manufacturing, particularly in areas such as aerospace and electric vehicles. Additionally, the Blue Economy/Ocean Technologies encompassed shipbuilding, port modernization, big data, and data analytics. Cross-cutting innovative technologies were also presented.

The Business Forum and B2B meetings yielded signed contracts and additional opportunities under negotiation. Corporate participants were eager to connect and explore mutually beneficial business opportunities while expanding their cross-border networks.