SIBF Annual Summit - Minneapolis

HOTEL

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM HERE
Please note: The group rate is available from Saturday, September 21 until Wednesday September 25. For those who wish to reserve pre or post-nights, contact Ugi Luvsandorj at ugi.luvsandorj@sibf.org.
 
Group Room categories:
Superior City View: $395 - King or two double beds, city view
Deluxe River View: $445 - King bed only, premier river view
Luxury Suites: Please contact the hotel directly; at 612.895.5700; mention you are with the SIBF group

Please note that all room reservations must be associated with a Summit registration. Rooms reserved without registering for the conference will be removed from the group block. 

SPEAKERS

Thomas Friedman
Thomas Friedman is the bestselling author of The World is Flat and New York Times foreign affairs columnist. He is renowned for his direct reporting and accessible analysis of complex issues shaping the world. The winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, he has covered monumental stories from around the globe for The New York Times since 1981. With clear and compelling language, Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that “accelerations,” including technology and connectivity, present. He has written seven books since 1989 that have sold 10 million copies in 40 different languages. They include From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, The World is Flat and, most recently, his latest bestseller, Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations, in which Friedman offers a blueprint for overcoming the stresses and challenges of a world being transformed by technology, globalization, and climate change.

Rana Foroohar
Global Business Columnist at the Financial Times and Global Economic Analyst at CNN Rana Foroohar covers the intersection of business, economics, politics, and foreign affairs. In Fall 2022, she is releasing her third book, a sweeping case that a new age of local economic growth will reunite place and prosperity, putting to an end to the last half-century of globalization, titled Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. A sought-after commentator and moderator for her analysis, Foroohar speaks on the changes occurring in globalization, politics, and the digital economy. Her weekly column is a real-time commentary on emerging markets and the disruption of big tech. Foroohar has penned numerous cover stories and essays on China and the next global recession, Europe’s economic crisis, and the rise of “localnomics” means for American business. Her first book, Makers and Takers, was a finalist for the 2016 FT & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award.
 
Jason Dorsey
Jason is President of The Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK), the leading generations and emerging trends research, strategy, and speaking firm. CGK has worked with over 700 companies around the world to drive innovation, growth, and research-based thought leadership. Jason wrote his first bestselling book at age 18. His latest bestseller is Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business and What to Do About It. This breakthrough book was a #1 New Release on Amazon and a Top 10 Business Book of 2020 by Forbes.com. Jason’s mission is to unlock the potential of leaders and organizations through original research, unexpected strategy, and innovation that future-proofs organizations.

Igor Jablokov
Igor is the visionary CEO and Founder of Pryon, recognized as an "Industry Luminary" for his groundbreaking work in voice recognition technology. His earlier venture, Yap, became Amazon's inaugural AI acquisition, laying the foundation for innovations like Alexa and Echo. Before Pryon, as a Program Director at IBM, he spearheaded the team behind Watson's precursor and the creation of the world's first multimodal Web browser. Committed to promoting STEM careers, Igor actively mentors in the TechStars’ Alexa Accelerator, supports the Global Shapers program of the World Economic Forum, and fosters entrepreneurial spirit as a Blackstone NC Entrepreneur-In-Residence. His academic credentials include a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, recognized as an Outstanding Engineering Alumnus, and an MBA from The University of North Carolina.

Brian Sikes
Brian Sikes is the President and CEO of Cargill, having taken on the role in January 2023 and recently elected as Board Chair in January 2024, making him the 10th CEO in the company’s 159-year legacy. Starting his career at Cargill in 1991, Brian has been instrumental in the company's evolution, serving in various leadership capacities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including as Chief Operating Officer. He is notably recognized for leading Cargill’s global Protein and Salt business to the forefront of the industry. Renowned for his commitment to people and culture, as well as his emphasis on customer-driven growth and operational rigor, Brian has made significant contributions to the company’s strategic direction and innovation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the U.S.-China Business Council and is a member of World 50, bringing his extensive experience to global business dialogues.