Knowledge@Wharton, The Lauder Institute and Momentum to Present “Cuba Opportunity Summit” in New Yor

Knowledge@Wharton, The Lauder Institute and Momentum to Present "Cuba Opportunity Summit" in New York City, Dates and Initial Speakers Announced

PHILADELPHIA, PA, DECEMBER 29, 2014--Knowledge@Wharton, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania’s online research and business analysis journal, in collaboration with The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and Momentum, a leading event organizer, today announced it will host a major conference for senior U.S. executives to gain insight into the legal and business challenges of doing business in Cuba as well as to capitalize on the opportunities of tapping into the island’s market.

The conference, titled the "Cuba Opportunity Summit," will be held in New York City on April 1. It will cover sectors as diverse as tourism, transportation, technology and the knowledge economy, infrastructure, hospitality, agriculture, food, manufacturing and retail sectors. The event will feature leading Cuban and U.S. business experts and academics from Wharton.

The conference will be co-chaired by Faquiry Diaz Cala, President and CEO, Tres Mares Group Inc., an investment firm based in Miami, Florida, and Mauro F. Guillén, Director of The Lauder Institute, and a professor of management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. According to Prof. Guillen, "Unleashing Cuba’s potential in the global economy is essential to fostering change from all perspectives, and it will hopefully lead to a more integrated Caribbean region." Added Mr. Diaz Cala, "This conference promises to help participants better understand the opportunities that lie ahead in light of the recent news."

The Cuba Opportunity Summit is designed to be a unique learning and networking forum for companies looking to leverage the Cuban market to drive growth. It is expected to attract some 200 senior-level executives and decision makers from across a variety of sectors.

Mukul Pandya, Knowledge@Wharton’s editor-in-chief, who will host the conference, noted: "President Obama’s move to normalize relations with Cuba offers an unprecedented opportunity for North American corporations. Many firms will be considering how to gain a first-mover advantage in this emerging market."

Ben Greenzweig, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Momentum added: "We are excited to again be working with Knowledge@Wharton on this latest and most topical iteration in the High-Velocity Growth series of events crafted specifically for senior level decision makers looking for next stage growth in the Cuban market."

Presentations will focus on providing education and real-world case studies designed to provide a strategic roadmap for entry into the Cuban market.

In addition to keynote presentations, the summit will feature panels and fireside chats as well as extensive time for Q&A, discussion among participants, and networking opportunities.

The summit is hosted by Knowledge@Wharton in collaboration with The Lauder Institute and Momentum.

More information, including details on how to register, is available at www.knowledge.whartonevents.com.

About the Wharton School and Knowledge@Wharton

Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoralstudents; more than 9,000 participants in executive education programs annually and a powerful alumni network of 93,000 graduates.

Knowledge@Wharton is the online business analysis journal of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The site, which is free, captures relevant knowledge generated at Wharton and beyond by offering articles and videos based on research, conferences, speakers, books and interviews with faculty and other experts on current business topics. The Knowledge@Wharton network – including Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Indian, Arabic, Israeli and High School editions – has more than three million users worldwide.

About the Lauder Institute

The University of Pennsylvania’s Lauder Institute, founded in 1983, combines a world–renowned Wharton MBA with a Master’s in International Studies. Advanced language and foreign culture training, a two-month in-country immersion program, and a Master’s Thesis from the School of Arts & Sciences all prepare Lauder Fellows for the ever-evolving global economy. This year’s offerings include the newGlobal Program for students who are already fluent in several languages. Graduates join the diverse, supportive and committed worldwide Lauder community – continuing a nearly 30-year tradition of international business leadership. The Lauder Institute also offers an MA/JD joint degree. For more information, visit www.lauder.wharton.upenn.edu.

About Momentum

Momentum Events is a leading international event creation and execution specialist working with numerous partners in order to bring their brands to life through customized live-event experiences. With an emphasis on rigorous research and world-class customer service, its team comprises many of the leading names in event creation and execution. For more information about Momentum, visit www.momentumevents.com

Wharton Media contact:

Peter Winicov

Wharton School Media Relations

+1-215.746.6471

Winicov@wharton.upenn.edu

Momentum contact:

Matt Godson

Momentum

917-579-8945

matt@momentumevents.com

Momentum is pleased to welcome the Congress Co-Chairs, Mr. Chuck Duross and Mr. John Freeman