2025 WTCA Member Forum: Empowering Global Business Through Collaboration
The 2025 WTCA Member Forum, organized by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), was held from October 27-29 and highlighted the significance of collaboration and mentorship in fostering international business. This virtual gathering brought together 280 registrants representing 105 different World Trade Center (WTC) businesses from 43 countries, emphasizing the theme "Empowering Emerging Voices."
Participants engaged in a multitude of sessions, panels, and interactive workshops designed to navigate a rapidly changing global trade environment. Key highlights included enlightening discussions led by industry experts, focusing on essential topics such as international trade trends, digital literacy, and cross-cultural communication. These sessions provided participants with actionable insights that they could implement in their business operations immediately.
One notable session was the "Mentor-Mentee Match Up," where experienced leaders shared valuable perspectives with emerging voices. This initiative fostered a spirit of collaboration, allowing new ideas to flourish while grounding them with seasoned advice.
Esteemed speakers like Michael Blanga-Gubbay, a Research Economist from the World Trade Organization, discussed the current state of global trade and investment, while Melinda Emerson, known as SmallBizLady, emphasized the importance of purposeful networking. Krishna Kumar, co-founder of GreenPepper AI, shared insights on digital tools that can significantly impact trade professionals. Additionally, Tamir Maharaj, a trade advisor from WTC Winnipeg, conducted a workshop on effective cross-cultural communication strategies essential for operating in a globalized market.
This year's forum also spotlighted the inaugural WTCA Visionary Awards, celebrating outstanding projects spearheaded by WTC businesses and their partners. The awards aimed to recognize innovation and leadership within the WTCA network, providing an opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility and prestige on a global stage. The newly established awards not only highlighted the achievements of member businesses but also aimed to encourage further innovation and collaboration within the network.
"The 2025 Member Forum was a remarkable opportunity for participants to glean insights and share experiences relevant to today’s global trade landscape," remarked Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. Participants expressed gratitude for the chance to learn from their peers and gain newfound clarity regarding the challenges and opportunities in international trade today.
As the forum concluded, attention turned towards the upcoming 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum, scheduled for April 19-22, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia, conveyed his excitement about hosting global partners and emphasized the importance of honoring shared traditions while embracing innovation and collaboration. The anticipation for this future forum underscores the dedication to maintain connectivity among businesses worldwide.
The gathering of diverse WTC members at the 2025 Member Forum underscored WTCA's mission to strengthen global business ties. By equipping its members with essential tools and connections, WTCA is paving the way for shared growth and resilience in an ever-evolving global economy. With such a comprehensive agenda, the forum reinforced the essential role of the private sector in strengthening international business relationships.
Engaging Discussions and Expert Insights
Participants engaged in a multitude of sessions, panels, and interactive workshops designed to navigate a rapidly changing global trade environment. Key highlights included enlightening discussions led by industry experts, focusing on essential topics such as international trade trends, digital literacy, and cross-cultural communication. These sessions provided participants with actionable insights that they could implement in their business operations immediately.
One notable session was the "Mentor-Mentee Match Up," where experienced leaders shared valuable perspectives with emerging voices. This initiative fostered a spirit of collaboration, allowing new ideas to flourish while grounding them with seasoned advice.
Noteworthy Presenters and Their Contributions
Esteemed speakers like Michael Blanga-Gubbay, a Research Economist from the World Trade Organization, discussed the current state of global trade and investment, while Melinda Emerson, known as SmallBizLady, emphasized the importance of purposeful networking. Krishna Kumar, co-founder of GreenPepper AI, shared insights on digital tools that can significantly impact trade professionals. Additionally, Tamir Maharaj, a trade advisor from WTC Winnipeg, conducted a workshop on effective cross-cultural communication strategies essential for operating in a globalized market.
Recognition Through the WTCA Visionary Awards
This year's forum also spotlighted the inaugural WTCA Visionary Awards, celebrating outstanding projects spearheaded by WTC businesses and their partners. The awards aimed to recognize innovation and leadership within the WTCA network, providing an opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility and prestige on a global stage. The newly established awards not only highlighted the achievements of member businesses but also aimed to encourage further innovation and collaboration within the network.
"The 2025 Member Forum was a remarkable opportunity for participants to glean insights and share experiences relevant to today’s global trade landscape," remarked Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. Participants expressed gratitude for the chance to learn from their peers and gain newfound clarity regarding the challenges and opportunities in international trade today.
Looking Ahead: The 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum
As the forum concluded, attention turned towards the upcoming 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum, scheduled for April 19-22, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia, conveyed his excitement about hosting global partners and emphasized the importance of honoring shared traditions while embracing innovation and collaboration. The anticipation for this future forum underscores the dedication to maintain connectivity among businesses worldwide.
The gathering of diverse WTC members at the 2025 Member Forum underscored WTCA's mission to strengthen global business ties. By equipping its members with essential tools and connections, WTCA is paving the way for shared growth and resilience in an ever-evolving global economy. With such a comprehensive agenda, the forum reinforced the essential role of the private sector in strengthening international business relationships.
Topics General Business）
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