Wharton Latin American Conference

"Opportunities in Times of Change: Turning Uncertainty into Success"

November 15th, 2002
The Union League of Philadelphia

The 12th edition of the Wharton Latin American Conference (WLAC) invites us to explore the many challenges inherent in the changing Latin American business environment. The main goal of the conference is to examine the key drivers in business and development affecting the region today. While reflecting on the challenges and difficulties of conducting business in the region, the conference will establish a proactive approach to identify innovative ways to capitalize on opportunities while effectively mitigating risks in Latin America.

In particular, the event will draw on relevant examples of achievements in the public or private sector in Latin America, emphasizing the leadership skills needed to be successful in this volatile environment, which now more than ever, are needed to improve living standards and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Organized and managed entirely by Wharton MBA students, the conference is the most visible on-campus display of the school's commitment to Latin America. The WLAC high-profile speakers include Mr. Domingo Cavallo, former Finance Minister of Argentina; Mr. Pedro-Pablo Kuczynski, former Chairman of CSFB International, former Finance Minister of Peru and CEO of the Latin American Enterprise Fund and, Mr. Julio María Sanguinettformer President of Uruguay in two terms, author of several books on Latin American social and economic issues

This year’s panels will discuss about:

1. Developing Competencies - will focus on the current competencies of the region’s economies, with an emphasis on how to leverage these strengths to be competitive
2. Investments in the Region: How to do it right? - will gather different perspectives of successful investment in Latin America.
3. Latin American Case Studies - will focus on case studies of Latin American businesses and organizations with relevant success

Panelists include Mr. Carlos Brito, COO Ambev, largest beer company in Brazil; Mr. Mark Emkes, CEO Bridgestone/Firestone Americas, Ms. Susana de la Puente, Managing Director - JP Morgan Chase, “the best Latin American Investment Banker" for 2002, by PODER Magazine

The WLAC is a part of the Wharton Global Business Forum, an umbrella for annual regional conferences that will make the weekend of November 15, 2002, the focus of global issues at Wharton. The Global Forum typically attracts an audience of approximately 1,500 business leaders, government officials, journalists, scholars and other decision and opinion makers. For this year’s edition the Organizing Committee has planned ample coverage of the event in the US and in Latin America.

The conference in proud to have as sponsors the Wharton Latin American Association (WHALASA); Banco de Credito de Peru; Bridgestone; Camargo Correa; Goldman Sachs, La Casa Latina, Vitro; Eduardo Pérez Balladares and Raúl Henriquez

For registration and more information please visit the conference’s website at:
www.whartonglobal.com/lamerica .