Speakers

Joel Velasco is the chief US representative of Brazil's Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA). Based in Washington, DC, he oversees UNICA’s efforts to expand the North American ethanol and sugar markets. Previously, he was a managing director of Stonebridge International, an advisory firm on corporate strategy, market-entry and regulatory approaches, government relations, investment assistance, and dispute resolution. He also served as a senior advisor to the U.S. ambassador to Brazil and as a personal aide for Vice President Al Gore. He has worked on a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from trade to regional security.