What is the Global Business Forum?

The Global Business Forum (GBF) is the annual gathering of World Trade Centers Association. It brings together business leaders, global organizations, investors, and innovators from 90+ countries/territories to build relationships, share insights, and open new markets.

In April 2026, Philadelphia hosts the global network during a major moment—the United States’ 250th anniversary.

This is the closest event the business world has to a World Championship.

One place. One week. Global players. Real Opportunities.

GBF 2026 is designed for organizations actively engaged in global business or preparing to expand internationally.

This Forum is best suited for:

Executives and senior decision-makers responsible for growth, strategy, or market expansion
Global-facing companies and exporters seeking new markets, partners, or supply chain opportunities
Investors and institutional partners focused on cross-border investment and economic development
Economic development and trade organizations supporting international business activity
Universities and research institutions engaged in global collaboration, innovation, and talent development

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

WTCA Board of Directors Meeting

For WTCA Board Members only.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

WTCA Universal Trade Services Program (by invite only)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Badge Pickup

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Welcome Reception

Kick off the Global Business Forum with an iconic Philadelphia experience at the historic Reading Terminal Market. One of the oldest and most vibrant public markets in the United States, this beloved landmark brings together local flavors, global cuisine, and the unmistakable energy of the city. Join fellow GBF delegates 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. Set against the lively backdrop of the Market, the Welcome Reception sets the tone for the days ahead which are open, dynamic, and rooted in authentic connection.

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Opening Ceremony

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote Address

The Global Business Forum will officially open with a keynote address, welcoming delegates to Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They keynote remarks will set the tone for the Forum, highlighting Pennsylvania's role as a gateway for global business, innovation, and investment.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Global Outlook: Navigating Trade and Investment Trends in 2026: As global markets continue to evolve amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, emerging technologies, and new trade policies, this session offers a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead for international trade and investment in 2026.

10:45 AM - 11:10 AM

Networking Break: Take a moment to recharge and connect during this dedicated networking break. Enjoy light refreshments while continuing conversations sparked during the morning sessions or making new connections with fellow delegates from across the WTCA network.

11:10 AM - 11:40 AM

World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia Fireside Chat

This fireside chat offers a behind-the-scenes look at Philadelphia's enduring role as a city where business, culture, and global influence intersect. Through personal reflections and leadership perspectives, the conversation will explore how trusted voices and local leadership have helped elevate global brands, strengthen international partnerships, and shape the city's reputation on the world stage.

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM

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

Research universities, healthcare systems, and life-science institutions are no longer just centers of knowledge, they are powerful engines of global economic growth. In this TED-style mainstage session, speakers from different regions share concise, story-driven perspectives on how "Eds & Meds" ecosystems transform research excellence into international partnerships, investment, and market expansion. 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.

12:00 PM - 12:40 PM

Activating Growth: How Partnerships Turn Regional Potential into Global Business

Great ideas and strong regional assets are only the starting point. What truly drives international growth is the ability to activate partnerships that turn potential into real business outcomes. This fast-paced Member Flash Session features a series of rapid, real-world case stories from across the WTCA network, spotlighting how strategic partnerships between regions, institutions, companies, and connectors have unlocked market access, investment, and expansion opportunities. Each speaker shares one focused example of a partnership that made a measurable difference, offering practical insight into what worked, who was involved, and what came next.

12:40 PM - 12:55 PM

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 from the private sector, contributing to an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development of the Blue Economy. Particular attention will be paid to high-impact solutions for Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Networking Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed networking lunch designed to foster meaningful connections in an informal setting. This midday break brings delegates together to continue conversations from the morning sessions, exchange perspectives, and explore opportunities for collaboration across regions and sectors.

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

WTCA General Assembly (WTCA Members Only): The WTCA General Assembly is a closed-door meeting reserved exclusively for WTCA Members. This annual governance session provides Members with the opportunity to engage directly with WTCA leadership on the strategic direction and future priorities of the Association.

Workshops: These interactive workshops are designed to move beyond theory and into practical application. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, each session will offer hands-on insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies that delegates can take back to their organizations.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Accreditation Cocktail Reception: This exclusive cocktail reception is reserved for WTCA Accredited Members, offering a dedicated hour of networking in a relaxed setting. Designed to recognize excellence in accreditation, this invitation-only gathering provides a valuable opportunity to connect with peers who share a commitment to the highest standards within the WTCA network.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Regional Receptions

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Global Café: Navigating Trade & Tariffs

The Global Café brings delegates together in an interactive, roundtable-style format to explore one of the most pressing issues facing global business today: trade and tariffs. Designed to encourage open dialogue and the exchange of perspectives, this session creates space for candid conversation around current trade policies, tariff dynamics, and their real-world impact on businesses and markets. Participants will rotate through facilitated tables, sharing regional insights, challenges, and strategies for navigating an evolving trade environment. By tapping 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.

10:00 AM - 2:55 PM

B2B Meetings: Engage in strategic B2B matchmaking sessions designed to connect you directly with potential business partners and investors from across the globe. These targeted meetings and curated networking opportunities create an efficient, high-impact environment for building meaningful business relationships.

1:00 PM - 1:10 PM

Real Estate Summit: Welcome Remarks

This opening segment sets the stage for the 2026 WTCA Real Estate Summit, outlining the key themes of investment, innovation, and impact. 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.

1:00 PM - 2:55 PM

Workshops

These interactive workshops are designed to move beyond theory and into practical application. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, each session will offer hands-on insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies that delegates can take back to their organizations.

1:10 PM - 1:30 PM

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

A high-level look at the global forces reshaping real estate investment and development. This session examines capital flows, nearshoring, logistics demand, sustainability premiums, and the evolving role of global cities—providing a macro lens for developers, investors, and city leaders navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

1:30 PM - 1:55 PM

Real Estate Summit: From BuildTech to GreenTech: This fast-paced session highlights how technology is transforming real estate assets across the development and operating lifecycle. Through short showcases, attendees will explore digital tools, energy-efficient solutions, and smart infrastructure that improve performance, resilience, and long-term asset value.

1:55 PM - 2:25 PM

Real Estate Summit: Investor Workshop, Part I -Attracting Global Capital

What makes a real estate project investment-ready in today’s market? Investors and development finance experts share what they look for when deploying capital, including risk assessment, return expectations, sustainability considerations, and the role of public–private partnerships in unlocking complex projects.

2:25 PM - 2:55 PM

Real Estate Summit: Investor Workshop, Part II - Pitch Lab

An interactive working session where participants refine their project narratives in small groups. Attendees will test and strengthen their investment pitches, receive peer and investor feedback, and gain practical insights into positioning projects for global capital.

2:55 PM - 3:25 PM

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. Through concise project spotlights, speakers will demonstrate how WTC developments—particularly public–private partnerships and non-traditional assets such as logistics hubs, industrial parks, and warehousing—deliver value for investors, cities, and communities.

3:25 PM - 3:50 PM

Real Estate Summit: Inside Successful Public-Private Partnerships

Public–private partnerships in real estate are long-term relationships that extend well beyond project delivery. This moderated conversation brings together experienced leaders to explore how governance, decision-making, and asset stewardship influence real estate performance over time.

Featuring perspectives from both the public and private sides — including an operator from a high-profile public–private real estate development — the session examines what makes partnerships durable and which lessons can be applied across cities and markets.

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM

Real Estate Summit: Closing Reflections: The Summit concludes with key insights from the afternoon and a look ahead. Attendees will learn how to continue conversations sparked during the Summit, explore follow-up engagement opportunities, and connect these discussions to future collaboration across the WTCA network and beyond.

Philadelphia's Moment

Greater Philadelphia is stepping onto the world stage in 2026. As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the region is ready to welcome global partners and showcase the industries shaping the future of the global economy.

Greater Philadelphia is a leading hub for:

Life sciences
Manufacturing
Food and agriculture
Innovation and technology
Higher education

These strengths make Greater Philadelphia one of the most globally connected regions in the United States, with world-class research institutions, a deep manufacturing base, a diverse business community, and direct access to major ports and logistics networks. The Global Business Forum is where these assets come together. It’s your opportunity to meet the leaders, companies, and ideas that define Greater Philadelphia’s growth and to connect with partners from more than 90 countries during a milestone moment for the region and the nation.