WTCA members gathered in New York to explore innovative strategies and
strengthen partnerships that will enhance international
business
NEW
YORK, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- World
Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an
international trade organization connecting more than 300 World
Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly
100 countries, held its 2024 WTCA Member
Forum from October 27-29 in New York City. The
three-day event attracted nearly 145 attendees, including 45
first-time attendees, who gathered to participate from nearly 80
unique WTC businesses representing 26 countries and territories
around the world. Under the theme "PIONEER the Global Network:
Pathways for Innovation, Opportunity, Networking, Empowerment,
Excellence, and Resilience," this year's event brought together
WTCA members for panel discussions and presentations, providing
essential tools to navigate the ever-changing global business
landscape. Sessions delved into emerging trends in global business,
along with best practices and collaborative opportunities across
markets, offering actionable insights to help members strengthen
their roles locally and elevate WTCA's global influence.
Highlights from this year's Member Forum included presentations
on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as "AI in
Global Trade: A Fireside Chat on Navigating the Future of
International Business" and "Transform Your WTC Business with AI,"
both of which explored AI's transformative potential in global
trade and business growth at all scales. The event also featured
discussions on bridging generational divides, empowering female
leaders, building resilient communities and leveraging data. It
concluded with the WTCA North America Regional Meeting, uniting
members to advance WTCA's regional goals.
"The annual Member Forum is really a key event that keeps us all
together as a network and as a family. It is always interesting to
learn from each of the WTC businesses — about what they are doing
in their local regions and how it impacts the association," said
John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of
Directors. "WTCA is highly adaptable, as shown by the diversity of
new member businesses in our network, and this year's event focused
on the fantastic new and diverse business models, ideas and
services being offered across the association. As we celebrate
WTCA's 55th anniversary this year, I couldn't be more
thrilled to see how this association continues to grow and adapt to
the evolving needs of various industries and shifting economies in
the years to come."
The "Road to 500" initiative, WTCA's strategic vision focused on
expanding its global Membership to 500 WTC locations over the next
decade, was a central focus of discussions at this year's event. A
key session, "The Road to 500: WTC Free Trade Zones," highlighted
the far-reaching expansion of Free Trade Zones and Special Economic
Zones globally, and how WTCA is actively developing partnerships
with these trade zone entities in support of its membership goal.
The Association also welcomed eight new WTCA Members including WTC
AMTZ, WTC Future City, WTC Hinjawadi, WTC Jeju, WTC Osaka, WTC
Pittsburgh, WTC Sarajevo and WTC Tokyo, in which several presented
their new projects that aim to boost economic development within
their regions through the power of the global WTCA network.
Attendees also took time to celebrate the achievements of
members that became WTCA accredited over the past year, including
WTC Chennai, WTC Cyprus, WTC Kuala Lumpur, WTC Monterrey, WTC
Montevideo, WTC Suzhou, WTC Taipei, WTC Trieste and WTC Twente.
These members underwent the rigorous WTCA Accreditation program
that provides formal validation of a WTC business' commitment to
excellence within the network and beyond.
The 2024 WTCA Member Forum also marked the official countdown to
the highly anticipated 55th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum
(GBF), which will be hosted April 6-9,
2025 by WTC Marseille Provence in Marseille, France. The 2025 WTCA GBF theme,
"Gateway to the Mediterranean," highlights the region's pivotal
role in connecting global trade and innovation, with a focus on
strategic access to Southern
Europe, North Africa and
the Middle East. Attendees will
explore new markets, participate in exclusive sessions, and forge
partnerships while leveraging WTCA's global network to drive
business growth.
"The 2024 Member Forum was a remarkable success in reconnecting
with fellow colleagues, fostering new partnerships and discovering
business opportunities amongst our members," said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director of Member
Services. "We were proud to highlight the achievements of our
members over the past year, showcasing the incredible impact they
have both within their communities and on the international stage.
As we look forward to gathering in Marseille, France for the upcoming GBF, we are
excited to see how these collaborations will continue to evolve and
drive new business opportunities for organizations our global
network serves."
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than
300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and
organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the "World
Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights
to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their
independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade
services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events,
programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of
WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and
facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an
ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn
more, visit www.wtca.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Kate
Traina
Phone: +1 908 967 2117
Email: kate@violetpr.com
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