For WTCA Board Members only.

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

Zachary Wells, Financial Controller

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.

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

John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors

Rolf Draak, Chair, Investment Committee

Mehran Eftekhar, Chair, Audit & Risk Committee

Remy Swaab, Chair, Digital Steering Committee

Ed Allison-Wright, Chair, Executive Committee

All WTCA Members are invited to join this group photo, commemorating the 2025 WTCA General Assembly.

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.

The global landscape in 2025 is being shaped by significant shifts in trade dynamics, real estate markets, and investment flows, influenced by recent elections, geopolitical events, and economic policies. This keynote session brings together industry leaders to provide a comprehensive outlook on the challenges and opportunities impacting global commerce and development.

Key discussion points include:

• How political transitions and evolving policies are reshaping trade agreements and investment strategies.
• The role of innovation and sustainability in driving growth across trade hubs, real estate sectors, and cross-border transactions.
• Strategies for navigating market volatility while identifying new opportunities in emerging economies and established markets.

The session will also highlight how collaborative efforts between organizations and open, apolitical communication channels can foster resilience and ensure the continued flow of trade, investment, and development across regions.

Discover the diversity and innovation of the WTCA network in this fast-paced session featuring 5-minute presentations by WTCA Members. Each spotlight will showcase a unique WTC initiative, from transformative events and ambitious projects to exciting investment opportunities and community-driven missions.

WTCA Members may learn how to sign up for a timeslot by emailing events@wtca.org.

This panel brings together industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of real estate investment and development in a rapidly changing world. Panelists will discuss key trends shaping the industry, including the impact of global trade dynamics, the rise of smart cities, and the increasing importance of sustainability in property development.

Key topics include:

• How global trade hubs are driving demand for innovative real estate solutions.
• The role of technology and data in shaping future investment decisions.
• Strategies for balancing profitability with sustainability in large-scale developments.

Whether you’re a developer, investor, or industry partner, this session will provide insights into the opportunities and challenges transforming the real estate market globally.

Explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of real estate within the WTCA network. This session highlights the latest projects and innovations from WTC branded businesses around the globe, showcasing their impact on urban transformation, business ecosystems, and economic growth.

Attendees will gain insights into:

• New and upcoming real estate projects redefining WTC properties.
• Innovative approaches to sustainability, smart infrastructure, and design.
• Strategies for revitalizing and repurposing spaces to meet the needs of modern commerce.

This is a must-attend session for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate and innovation, offering inspiration and practical ideas for leveraging WTC branded developments to create thriving hubs of connection and opportunity.

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

Engage with industry peers in this interactive, 90-minute session designed to explore key challenges and opportunities in the evolving real estate landscape. Through facilitated roundtable discussions, participants will delve into critical topics such as:

• Innovation in design and technology to enhance efficiency and marketability.
• Strategies for balancing profitability, functionality, and community impact.
• Leveraging data and analytics to drive smarter investment decisions.
• Insights on integrating sustainability and resilience into projects.
• Adapting to changing tenant needs and evolving market trends.

Each group will collaborate to generate actionable ideas and insights, with key takeaways shared at the conclusion. This session offers a valuable opportunity for networking, learning, and contributing to shaping a dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking real estate ecosystem.

Explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of real estate within the WTCA network. This session highlights the latest projects and innovations from WTC branded businesses around the globe, showcasing their impact on urban transformation, business ecosystems, and economic growth.

Attendees will gain insights into:

• New and upcoming real estate projects redefining WTC properties.
• Innovative approaches to sustainability, smart infrastructure, and design.
• Strategies for revitalizing and repurposing spaces to meet the needs of modern commerce.

This is a must-attend session for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate and innovation, offering inspiration and practical ideas for leveraging WTC branded developments to create thriving hubs of connection and opportunity.

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.

Discover Marseilles's Business Landscape with an Exclusive Local Company Tour!

Elevate your GBF attendee experience with a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic local industry scene in Marseille. Choose from a selection of renowned local businesses and gain invaluable insights into their operation, innovations and success strategies. Transportation + Lunch will be provided. More details coming soon.

WTCA Members and all B2B delegates who do not wish to attend a business tour are welcome to instead join the day's Accompanying Guest program. More details coming soon.

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.

The 55th WTCA Global Business Forum may be over, but there's still plenty to see and do around Marseille! Contact us to learn more about local and regional experiences.