Pennsylvania is stepping into the spotlight as a critical hub in the global supply chain at the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) 56th annual Global Business Forum (GBF), 19-22 April. The international trade organisation connects more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories and the Philadelphia event marks the Forum’s return to the United States for the first time in nearly a decade.
Organisers say the annual WTCA GBF this year has 300 registrants representing 93 WTC businesses across 46 countries.
With the theme ‘Historic Foundations, Future Collaborations: Cultivating New Business Frontiers’, this year’s Forum will feature a keynote address from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, positioning Philadelphia as a gateway for international business; and a discussion featuring NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Pennsylvania state representative Jordan Harris, and WTC Greater Philadelphia president & CEO Thomas Young on how cities build lasting economic power.
The GBF will also launch the UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026, which aims to promote readily deployable and scalable solutions from the private sector contributing to sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
The WTCA Real Estate Summit will return to the event agenda for a second year.
Additionally, the programme will feature a panel discussion ‘Scaling the World Trade Center Model through Free Trade Zones’, with Martín Gustavo Ibarra, president of Araújo Ibarra & Asociados S.A and founding member of the World Free Zones Organisation (WFZO).
“We’re pleased the Global Business Forum is returning to the US this year, especially as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, and in Philadelphia, the Birthplace of America,” said John E. Drew, chair of the WTCA Board of Directors.
As the four-day Forum aims to catalyse long-term partnerships, participants will have access to B2B matchmaking through the WTCA B2Match platform.
Thomas Young, president & CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia, said: “Philadelphia is home to world-class universities, leading companies in life sciences, tech and advanced manufacturing all anchored within a vibrant business community and culture – an excellent showcase of some of the best assets in the US. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local industry leaders, explore investment opportunities and experience firsthand why Philadelphia is a hub for trade and international collaboration.”
Last year’s 2025 WTCA GBF in Marseille, France, brought together over 400 attendees from more than 50 countries and territories, including nearly 120 WTC businesses. The Forum featured more than 20 workshops, keynotes, panels, local company tours and over 500 B2B meetings.
Top sponsors of the 2026 WTCA GBF include Fulton Bank; MFR Consultants, Inc.; and White and Williams LLP. For more information about this year’s Forum and the opportunity to register to attend, visit: https://wtca.swoogo.com/2026wtcaglobalbusinessforum.
