Now organized in partnership with the Fox School of Business of Temple University, the annual Global Business Conference provides an outlook on global market trends for the upcoming year, updates attendees on national policies that may impact regional businesses, and provides practical tools to help businesses increase their global sales.

2023

19th Annual Global Business Conference
May 22, 2023 | 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
The 19th Annual Global Business Conference will feature experts in global business, delivering up-to-the-minute information and insights on how to navigate global trade today.

As businesses around the world navigate the pandemic, trade sanctions, supply chain snarls and geopolitical threats, now is the time to get the latest guidance from industry experts and exporters alike on best opportunities to restore and grow your export sales. 

2022

18th Annual Global Business Conference
June 9, 2022 | 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Temple University - Alter Hall
Selling to The World: Growing a Vibrant, Inclusive and Connected Economy for Greater Philadelphia​
The 18th Annual Global Business Conference will feature experts in global business, delivering up-to-the-minute information and insights on how to navigate global trade today.
The theme of this year’s GBC is “Selling to The World: Growing a Vibrant, Inclusive and Connected Economy for Greater Philadelphia.” Get the latest insights and strategies for success from industry-leading experts in the fields of exporting, world finance, energy supply, fluctuating international markets, global expansion and more – all tailored for businesses based in Southeastern PA and South Jersey.
As businesses around the world navigate the pandemic, trade sanctions, supply chain snarls and geopolitical threats, now is the time to get the latest guidance from industry experts and exporters alike on best opportunities to restore and grow your export sales. Topics will include:
  • The latest information on global market trends and strategies for success in global markets
  • Opportunities in neighboring Canada and Mexico
  • The best strategies to sustain business in China and Southeast Asia
  • Our new Global Supplier Diversity Program aimed at helping minority- and women-owned businesses jump-start export sales

2021

17th Annual Global Business Conference
Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:30 AM - 12:00 Noon EST
Temple University - Alter Hall
Thriving with Change – Adapting to Today’s International Business Landscape
The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and the Temple University Fox School of Business and its Center for International Business Education and Research proudly present the 17th Annual Global Business Conference (GBC). The Conference will take place virtually on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm EST.
Our half-day virtual Conference features experts in global business, delivering up-to-the-minute information and insights on how to navigate global trade today. What a lineup - view our full list of speakers here.
WTCGP collaborates with local universities as a way to inform and highlight opportunities that prepare students to excel in a global economy - and prepare the next generation of business leaders.

2019

16th Annual Global Business Conference
March 7, 2019 | 7:45am - 1:00pm
Drexel University, Behrakis Grand Hall
The Global Economy - Agile or Fragile?
Navigating for Success in 2019

​Featured Speakers:
  • H.E. Martha Barcena Coqui, Ambassador of Mexico to the US
  • Dr. Kris Singh, Founder, President, and CEO of Holtec International
  • Craig Allen, President, US - China Business Council
  • Edward McGinnis, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, US Department of Energy
  • Kei Sasaki, CFA, Regional Chief Investment Officer, Northeast Wells Fargo Private Bank
  • Ross Allen, Director, UK Department for International Trade, North America and UK Deputy Consul General in New York
  • Claire Casey, Managing Director, FP Analytics
  • Craig Snyder, President & CEO, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia

2018

15th Annual Global Business Conference
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 | 7:45am - 12:30pm
LeBow College of Business - Drexel University
Gearing for Growth on an Evolving Global Landscape

​Featured Speakers:
  • Brendan LaCerda, Economist, Moodys Analytics
  • Alan Turley, Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Mongolia, US Department of Commerce
  • Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum
  • Colin Bird, Minister-Counsellor for Trade and Economic Policy, Embassy of Canade, Washington D.C.
  • Guillermo Malpica Soto, Head of Trade and NAFTA Office, Embassy of Mexico, Washington D.C.
  • Jeffrey D. Marrazzo, CEO, Spark Therapeutics, Inc.​

2017

14th Annual Global Business Conference
​March 3, 2016 | 7:45 am - 12:30 pm 
Behrakis Grand Hall at Drexel University
A World Economy in Transition • Seizing Opportunities • Navigating Challenges

​Featured Speakers:
  • Jim Clifton, Chairman & CEO, Gallup, Inc.
  • Grant Aldonas, Principal Managing Director, Split Rock International and former Under Secretary for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Vipula Gandhi, Managing Partner, Human Capital Solutions, Eastern US, Gallup, Inc.
  • Mark Schaltuper, Global Head of Country Risk, BMI Research, A Fitch Group Company
  • Andrea Montanino, Director, Global Business and Economics Program, Atlantic Council
  • Richard Rossow, Wadhani Chair in U.S. India Policy studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
  • David Hamod, President and CEO, National U.S.- Arab Chamber of Commerce
  • John M. Andersen, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Ngozi Bell, Investor/Entrepreneur, Former Regional Advocate, Mid-Atlantic Region Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Christopher J. Massaro, Senior Vice President, MAECI
  • Lauren Swartz, Director, International Business Investment, City of Philadelphia

2016

13th Annual Global Business Conference
​March 3, 2016 | 7:45 am - 12:30 pm 
Behrakis Grand Hall at Drexel University
A Changing World Market: Challenges and Opportunities 
  • Jay Bryson, Ph.D., Global Economist, Wells Fargo Securities, LLP
  • Matt Sullivan, CEO, Dunmore Corporation
  • Scott MacDonald, Principal, Ramboll Environ
  • Len Karp, President and CEO, Philadelphia International Medicine
  • Diane Farrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Alexander Feldman, President and CEO, US-ASEAN Business Council
  • Kenneth Smith Ramos, Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office, Ministry of the Economy of Mexico, Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C.
  • The Honorable Jon Huntsman, Former U.S. Ambassador to China

2015

12th Annual Global Business Conference
March 12, 2015 | 7:45 am - 12:30 pm
Behrakis Grand Hall at Drexel University
Gaining the Global Advantage: Making Free Trade Agreements Work for You 
Featured speakers:
  • The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia
  • José Rasco, Chief Investment Strategest for HSBC Private Bank - Americas
  • Mark Linscott, Assistant United States Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs.
  • William J. Seward, President of International Sales, UPS
  • Jennifer Morgan, President, SAP North America
  • Maureen Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis of the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce

2014

11th Annual Global Business Conference
International Trends and Market Opportunities
March 6, 2014 | 7:45 am - 12:30 pm
Behrakis Grand Hall at Drexel University
View Flickr album
View conference agenda
Featured Speakers:
  • Ryan Sweet, Director and Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics 
  • Lars Björk, Chief Executive Officer, QlikTech
  • John F. Prato, Consul General of Canada in New York 
  • Craig Ey, Editor-in-Chief, Philadelphia Business Journal
  • Stephen Mullin, President, Econsult Corporation

2013

10th Annual Global Business Conference
Gaining the Global Edge: The Markets, the Strategies for Success
March 7, 2013 | 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Behrakis Grand Hall at Drexel University 
View photo album
View conference agenda
Featured speakers:
  • Shaun Osborne, Chief FX Strategist, TD Securities
  • Geoffrey Jackson, Director of Policy and Program, Regional Director for East Asia, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
  • Banu Onaral, Ph.D., H.H. Sun Professor and Director, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University
  • Ron Drozd, Manager, Export Services, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia 
  • State Senator Mike Brubaker,  PA 36th Senatorial District, Senate Chairman of the Bipartisan International Commerce Caucus
  • The Honorable Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Brazil