Nestled along the scenic coastline of Marseille, Fort Ganteaume offers a stunning and historic setting for the Welcome Reception. This 17th-century fortress, originally built to protect the city's harbor, stands proudly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the vibrant city below. The blend of rich history, architectural grandeur, and natural beauty makes it an ideal venue for an unforgettable evening. Guests will be greeted by the majestic stone walls and lush surroundings, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking and building connections in a truly exceptional location.

This panel will explore the rapidly changing landscape of global trade, with a specific focus on the Mediterranean’s strategic role in international trade corridors. The discussion will highlight actionable insights for businesses and investors, including the impact of global supply chain shifts, port modernization, and how companies are navigating these changes to stay competitive. A callout to trade through hospitality and tourism (via cruises) will be made since the industry contributes substantially to economies across the Mediterranean.  

Explore how real estate investments are transforming global trade hubs into thriving centers of commerce and innovation. This session will delve into the unique opportunities and challenges at the intersection of real estate, energy efficiency, and international trade.

Industry leaders will share insights into:

• The evolving role of commercial real estate in driving economic growth and enhancing global connectivity.
• How sustainable infrastructure and energy innovation are shaping the future of trade-oriented developments.
• Strategies for leveraging real estate assets within trade hubs to attract investment and catalyze long-term growth.

This session offers actionable insights for developers, investors, and trade leaders looking to maximize the value of real estate in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

This roundtable will bring together founders and executives from innovative and impactful start-ups who are disrupting industries, solving global challenges, and driving social, economic, or environmental change. The goal of the session is to showcase how these start-ups are leveraging technology, sustainability, and creative business models to make a lasting impact. The roundtable will provide attendees with key insights into emerging trends in the start-up ecosystem and inspire potential collaborations or investments.

This session will explore the real-world success stories of businesses and cities located within Free Trade Zones, demonstrating how these zones act as powerful engines for global trade, investment, and economic development. The audience will hear directly from a company or a city representative operating within an FTZ about the tangible benefits, challenges, and opportunities. The underlying message will be how the WTCA network amplifies these benefits through global connectivity.

Join us for a compelling session that highlights how businesses and World Trade Center branded businesses collaborate to drive local success stories onto the global stage. Through their experiences we’ll explore the transformative power of connection and collaboration.

Key takeaways will include:

• How the WTCA network fosters opportunities for local businesses to expand into global markets.
• Insights into the challenges and successes of growing innovative ventures across borders.
• Real-world examples of partnerships that exemplify the intersection of commerce, community, and global connectivity.

This session celebrates the stories of businesses and the WTCA global community working together to achieve extraordinary outcomes, offering inspiration and practical insights for attendees looking to scale their impact globally.

Enjoy a light lunch as you mingle with fellow attendees and visit our exhibitors.

Join our Board Chair, John E. Drew, as he opens our 55th annual General Assembly Plenary and introduces his vision for the future of the WTCA.

The WTCA's Executive Team is excited to share their outlook of what is to come for the Association in 2025 and beyond. Hear what's new and what's to come.

Crystal Edn, Executive Director-Member Services

James Perry, General Counsel

Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development

Our Board of Directors Committee Chairs take the stage to discuss what each of their committees are focused on for 2025 and how they envision the path forward for WTCA's current Strategic Plan. The session will conclude with all and Mr. Drew inviting questions from the audience.

Ed Allison-Wright, Chair, Executive Committee

Scott Center, Chair, Nomination & Compensation Committee and AdHoc Communications Committee

Rolf Draak, Chair, Investment Committee

John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors

Mehran Eftekhar, Chair, Audit & Risk Committee

Remy Swaab, Chair, Digital Steering Committee

Join us for a pivotal session that mobilizes WTCA Members, particularly those operating in port regions, to collaborate with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in advancing sustainable industrial practices within the Blue Economy. Moderated by Cristina Sbaizero, CEO of WTC Trieste, this discussion will explore collaboration opportunities and actionable strategies for a more sustainable future.
 
UNIDO's Blue Industry Programmatic Framework aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between people, the planet, and prosperity by cultivating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue industries. This initiative emphasizes enhancing productivity, promoting innovation, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting investment in sectors such as sustainable coastal tourism, marine spatial planning, infrastructure development, and maritime activities like shipbuilding and logistics management. 
 
This session will:

• Introduce UNIDO's Blue Industry Programmatic Framework: Providing an overview of its objectives, including the development of sustainable blue industries that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. 
• Highlight the Role of Ports in the Blue Economy: Discussing how ports can act as catalysts for the blue economy by supporting entrepreneurship, fostering sustainable aquaculture, and driving port-related blue tech innovation. 
• Call to Action for WTCA Members: Encouraging members, especially those in port regions, to engage with UNIDO's initiatives, share best practices, and contribute to the development of sustainable blue industries.

By participating, WTCA Members can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable industrialization within the Blue Economy, aligning with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.
 
This collaborative effort will not only enhance the economic and environmental performance of port regions but also contribute to the resilience and prosperity of local and coastal communities. To learn more, download UNIDO’s “Charting a Blue Future: Blue Industry and UNIDO’s Contribution to the Blue Economy Agenda.
 

Attendees have a special opportunity to join one of the dinners hosted by their region’s respective WTCA Board Members and Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). Each off-site dinner provides a dedicated space to connect with WTCA Members and their networks. RSVP is required, and the RSVP link, along with location and details for each regional dinner, will be sent to recipients in their respective regions via email soon.

The WTCA's Chair invites WTCA Members from the host country, France, to an invitation-only light breakfast where participants will converse about their World Trade Center businesses, challenges, and plans for the future. Location to be announced and RSVP is requested at time of registration.

Joining the GBF this year, the Washington International Trade Association takes the stage to discuss developments in international trade policy and geopolitics. Panelists will offer insights on emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the global economy in the year ahead, and the potential impact of those policies on governments, supply chains, businesses, and investors.

Enjoy a light lunch as you mingle with fellow attendees and visit our exhibitors.

Members will share insights to help shape WTCA’s initiatives, providing key insights to understanding Member needs and enhancing our initiatives.
 

Meeting of the WTCA’s Accreditation Oversight Committee members. This is a closed door meeting for the committee only.

Celebrate the spirit of collaboration and connection at the conclusion of Day 2. This session provides attendees an opportunity to formally acknowledge the meaningful connections and promising conversations initiated during the event with those they met at the WTCA GBF.

Participants are invited to take the stage for a photo opportunity, symbolizing their commitment to exploring future business opportunities and fostering ongoing dialogue. Whether you’ve discussed potential partnerships, investment ideas, or collaborative projects, this ceremony highlights the power of the connections made at the GBF without requiring a formal agreement, though MOU signing are also welcome.

Join us to recognize the relationships formed and celebrate the possibilities ahead! Sign up at the welcome desk anytime until Tuesday at 4pm.

Calling all WTCA's volunteer leaders! Before you head to dinner, attend this brief meeting to discuss current initiatives and progress towards WTCA's strategic goals. All leaders from the Board of Directors, as well as Member and Regional Advisory Councils (MACs and RACs) are invited to attend.

Celebrate the close of the 2025 WTCA Global Business Forum at Marseille’s Palais de la Bourse, located on the famous Canebière Street. A historical monument once frequented by Napoleon and Empress Eugénie. In the heart of Marseilles, the 630-square-meter Palace’s Grand Hall can accommodate up to 800 guests for a cocktail-style reception or 500 guests for dining. Three remarkable premium reception areas feature black and white paving stones, and majestic columns and arches decorated with sculptures.

Networking cocktail hour begins upstairs at 19:00 CEST and sit-down dinner begins at 20:00 CEST.