Houston’s FEM Chapter event on February 20th defied expectations, even as temperatures dipped to a chilly 29°F — a cold snap by Houston standards. Despite the freezing weather, 58 corporate members and 19 suppliers showed up, marking a great turnout and proving once again that the Houston chapter is a force to be reckoned with. The event was an excellent blend of world-class content, insightful networking, and even a touch of humor, leaving attendees energized and eager for the next gathering.

The event kicked off with a warm breakfast and ample networking opportunities, setting the stage for a day full of engaging discussions and collaborative learning. After a brief Houston Chapter update, the audience was quickly immersed in the main event.

Ana Luisa Araujo, Senior Economist at US Bank, opened the event with a thought-provoking keynote, exploring the impact of global mobility on Houston’s future. Araujo delved into economic trends and strategies that will shape the city's mobility landscape in the years ahead. Following the keynote, an expert panel took the stage to explore the intersection of mobility programs and corporate strategy. Mikkel Ipsen (CHRO, Noble), Celia MacDonald (VP, HR and Communications, TotalEnergies), and Raquel Couri (SVP, Human Resources & Administration, NextDecade) discussed best practices for aligning mobility programs with long-term business objectives. Sarah White (VP, Global Mobility, Wood plc) moderated the session, offering valuable insights on how companies can leverage mobility to drive success.

After the panel discussions, corporate members and vendors participated in breakout sessions, which allowed for more specialized discussions and knowledge exchange. These smaller, focused discussions gave attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into topics that are most relevant to their roles and organizations.The second panel of the day, moderated by Joel Osterman (Senior Director, Mobility, McDermott, Inc.), featured Bably Singh (Senior Global Mobility & Immigration Lead, Fluor), Katherine Lu (Global Head Employee Mobility, HPE), and Jose Lucena (Manager, Global Mobility & Relocation, Halliburton). This session explored the critical role of international mobility programs in driving corporate success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Throughout the day, the event offered unparalleled insights into how economic trends are shaping the mobility landscape, with particular emphasis on how Houston compares to Dallas in terms of business growth. The sessions provided practical strategies for navigating the complexities of global mobility while keeping an eye on corporate objectives. Attendees had ample opportunities to network and discuss challenges and solutions with like-minded professionals. The day culminated in a well-deserved lunch, offering attendees the chance to reflect on the insights shared throughout the event while forging new connections in a relaxed atmosphere. Many provided feedback that the event was "first-class all the way!"

A special thanks to the dedicated planning committee members — Larry Matthews, Karen Salinas-Saldaña, and Faye Hoxworth, CRP, GMS — as well as to our event sponsors. Without your hard work, dedication, and unwavering support, this event would not have been possible.

Looking Ahead

This event was a true testament to the power of collaboration and the exchange of ideas within the global mobility community. The incredible speakers, panelists, and attendees have set a high bar, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. Houston, we’ll see you next time — and we can’t wait to do it all over again! Until then, stay connected, continue fostering growth, and keep driving innovation in the global mobility space.

 The biggest thanks goes to the FEM Houston Chapter Lead - Rui Diemart, who has, again, organised an amazing event , brough everyone together and it is a great pleasure to be working with her!