Working the room: For delegates on economic mission, impact of real-time discussions with international companies is incredible ROI

Tim Sullivan, the CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, can discuss just about anything involving the state’s economy.

But, he also knows what he doesn’t know.

So, when he was asked about quantum mechanics and computing during a 15-minute Q&A discussion with executives from companies in Quebec, Sullivan gave a quick quip about his math skills before connecting the person with Stevens Institute of Technology Provost Jianmin Qu, who was sitting across the room.

Qu gave a quick summary of all the initiatives that are going on at Stevens’ center on quantum science technologies.

It was a viral moment — if there is such a thing — in economic development discussions.

Better said, the entire discussion was an example of how the delegates on the Choose New Jersey-sponsored four-day economic mission trip to Canada benefited.

Whether it was a question on health care, life science, food innovation, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, research & development partners, entrepreneurial programs, access to the ports, tax incentives or anything else involving business, the leaders from Quebec not only got a quick response — but a name and face to seek during the more informal networking event that followed.

Those on the trip called the Q&A session the most impactful moment of the trip, which concluded late Tuesday.

“Those quick discussions are a key part of these trips,” Sullivan said. “The governor is an extraordinary salesperson, no one does it better than him — but, we’re selling a bunch of different products.

“The power of bringing these big delegations is that we’re bringing leaders in industries and higher education who can speak to issues as a higher level of specificity.”

Which start greater conversations.

“The leaders were talking to not only get answers right away, but they get to set up impactful follow conversations,” Sullivan said. “Anyone can set up a Zoom call, but to do it after having that initial in-person conversation makes it far better.”

Sophia Lundy, who represents both construction and health care interests in Quebec, said the Q&A session and networking opportunity afterward was more than she expected — and more than she’s accustomed to getting.

“Having participated in many other gatherings like this, I can tell you this was a little bit beyond my expectations,” she said. “It was more detailed, and I have to say, it was very motivating.

“It was nice to have actual companies and universities, not just government officials, available to directly address my questions.”

The good feelings went both ways.

Ramapo College of New Jersey President Cindy Jebb, a first-time delegate, said the event was all she could have hoped for and more.

“It enabled me to introduce the university to a broad range of interests,” she said.

Aaron Price, the CEO of TechUnited: New Jersey — and a frequent delegate — said the trip did not disappoint.

“Having these opportunities for personal interaction is everything,” he said. “This is how so many great tech companies get started, so many tech ideas get flushed out.”

Sullivan could not have been happier.

“Making these connections is the essence of what these trips can be,” he said.

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