Event agenda

Keynote Remarks: H.E. Ambassador Xie

Distinguished remarks by His Excellency Ambassador Xie, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China

Registration & Badge Pick Up

Check in at the registration desk to receive your badge. Badge pickup is also available during the Welcome Reception.

Welcome Reception

Kick off the GBF at the historic Reading Terminal Market for an informal evening of networking, conversation, and culinary discovery as you sample bites from a diverse mix of vendors and reconnect with colleagues from across the WTCA network.

Networking Breakfast

Opening Ceremony

Keynote Address

They keynote remarks will set the tone for the Forum, highlighting Pennsylvania's role as a gateway for global business, innovation, and investment.

Global Outlook: Navigating Trade and Investment Trends in 2026

This session offers a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead for international trade and investment in 2026.

Networking Break

Candid Conversations: Capital, Culture & Commerce

NBA Hall of Famer & entrepreneur Julius “Dr. J” Erving joins Pennsylvania State Representative Jordan Harris and WTC Greater Philadelphia President & CEO Thomas Young for a dynamic, forward-looking conversation on how cities build lasting economic power.

From Research to Global Markets: How "Eds & Meds" Ecosystems Drive International Growth

From breakthrough discoveries to cross-border collaboration, this session highlights the moments, decisions, and connections that enable regions to compete, and collaborate on a global stage.

Activating Growth: How Partnerships Turn Regional Potential into Global Business

This session features partnerships that made a measurable difference, offering practical insight into what worked, who was involved, and what came next.

UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Call 2026

Learn about the UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026, which aims to identify and promote readily deployable and scalable solutions and innovative technologies that contribute to the Blue Economy.

Networking Lunch

Innovation in Action: Powering the Future of Supply Chain and Product Leadership

This session will explore practical approaches to strengthening operations, navigating global disruptions, and supporting product development and growth.

WTCA General Assembly (WTCA Members Only)

The WTCA General Assembly is a closed-door meeting reserved exclusively for WTCA Members.

Where Local Flavor Meets Global Demand

Exploring how Agriculture, food, and beverage unlock trade, attract investment, and connect local producers to global opportunities.

Catalogs & Cocktails Networking Reception

This exclusive cocktail reception is reserved for WTCA Accredited Members.

GBF Rocky Run – Philadelphia

Start your morning the Philly way — with an energizing run inspired by Rocky Balboa himself. Meeting Point: Lobby of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Networking Breakfast

Global Café: Navigating Trade & Tariffs

Tap into the collective expertise of the WTCA network. The Global Café fosters peer learning, practical takeaways, and a deeper understanding of how organizations can adapt amid ongoing change.

Business Matchmaking

Engage in strategic business matchmaking to connect directly with potential partners. Schedule meetings through the platform. Please note that some meeting time slots may overlap during the Real Estate Summit & Workshops.

Networking Lunch

Real Estate Summit: Welcome Remarks

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the afternoon connects global real estate trends with the World Trade Center® network’s role as a catalyst for trade-driven development.

Connecting the Regions: A Global WTCA Exchange

An interactive session designed to spotlight regional strengths, share market intelligence, and foster cross-regional collaboration—creating new pathways for reciprocity, trade opportunities, and strategic partnerships across the WTCA network.

Real Estate Summit: Investing in Philadelphia: Strategy, Growth, and the Power of Partnership

What makes Philadelphia investment-ready in today’s market? Investors and development finance experts share their thoughts on investment strategy, prioritizing collaboration, and building enduring value in Philadelphia.

Real Estate Summit: Global Macro Trends, The State of Global Capital & Space

This session examines capital flows, nearshoring, logistics demand, sustainability premiums, and the evolving role of global cities.

Powering Growth: Trade as Your Revenue Engine

Explores how to strategically package, price, and position trade services to transform trade development from a cost center into a scalable, sustainable revenue driver for your organization.

Entrepreneurship Roundtable: the Builder's Journey

The Builder’s Journey spotlights entrepreneurs as builders of ventures, ecosystems, and opportunity, exploring how grit, adaptability, and strategic collaboration fuel sustainable growth at every stage of the journey

Real Estate Summit: From BuildTech to GreenTech

Through short showcases, attendees will explore digital tools, energy-efficient solutions, and smart infrastructure that improve performance, resilience, and long-term asset value.

Real Estate Summit: Workshop

Real Estate Summit: WTC Projects in Focus: Measuring ROI & Local Impact

This integrated session highlights select World Trade Center projects alongside clear, data-driven measures of return on investment and local economic impact.

Real Estate Summit: Scaling the World Trade Center Model through Free Trade Zones

Connections Showcase

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.

Women@WTCA Breakfast

New at the GBF, we are pleased to introduce the Women@WTCA Breakfast—cordially inviting you to join us for an engaging morning of connection, conversation, and community. Please RSVP by Wednesday April 16.

Gala Dinner

Longwood Gardens

Join an exclusive FREE presentation about Chester County’s and southeastern Pennsylvania’s and enjoy Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.