Centered on the theme “Connecting Ideas. Shaping What’s Next,” the annual forum will focus on translating insights and experiences from across the WTCA network into practical action in local markets. Sessions will examine how WTC businesses are responding to changing industries and investment patterns, strengthening local business communities, creating globally connected opportunities and positioning their organizations and locations for the future.
The forum will open with a briefing by WTCA Chair of the Board of Directors John E. Drew and the Association’s new Chief Executive Officer, Annette Gregg. They will share their perspectives on the Association’s direction, developments across its global network and priorities for the year ahead.
“This year’s Member Forum comes at a pivotal time for our Association as we recently moved our Headquarters office to One World Trade Center, and announced the appointment of the Association’s new CEO,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Forum is designed to be an annual touchpoint to reconnect with our members from around the world and tap into one of the greatest strengths of WTCA — the knowledge, experiences and ideas that exist throughout our global membership. We also plan for this to be the Association’s last virtual Member Forum as we are aiming to get back to our in-person format at One World Trade Center starting next year.”
Annette Gregg said the forum would mark an important milestone as she begins her tenure at WTCA.
“The Forum marks an important first for me as I join WTCA, and I’m excited to meet our members from around the world and begin this next chapter together,” said Annette Gregg, WTCA Chief Executive Officer. “As I step into this role, I look forward to building on the Association’s strong foundation while exploring new ways to support our members and strengthen the impact of WTCA around the world.”
Over the two-day programme, WTCA members and industry leaders will present practical approaches and ideas that can be applied across markets. A key session, “WTCA Member Power Pitches: Shaping What’s Next,” will offer a fast-paced showcase of ideas and initiatives creating value at WTC locations worldwide.
The interactive session “Introducing the WTC Business Club Playbook: Build Locally. Connect Globally” will introduce a new framework for developing local business communities and creating pathways to introductions, trade support and opportunities across the global WTCA network.
Another session, “Future-Ready WTC Businesses: Creating Places that Shape What’s Next,” will examine how evolving industries, investment patterns and working practices are influencing real estate strategies. It will also explore how WTC businesses can develop environments that attract investment and encourage business collaboration.
The interactive “Global Cafe: Trade in Transition” session will bring members together to exchange perspectives on changing trade policies, tariffs and market conditions, while exploring ways WTC businesses can connect emerging opportunities across the global network.
Meanwhile, “Technology in Action” will showcase how WTCA members are applying technology to improve business matchmaking and events, create new experiences, strengthen services and address everyday challenges.
“Virtual does not mean less connection,” said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. “Across two days of presentations and interactive workshops, members from every region will exchange ideas and meet peers they would not otherwise reach. We built the program for every level of a WTC team. Everyone will leave with new tools, new ideas and new partners for the year ahead.”
The forum will also launch the official countdown to the 57th annual WTCA Global Business Forum, scheduled for April 4-7, 2027, in Binh Duong Ward, north of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. WTC Binh Duong New City will host the event.
The session “Destination Vietnam: Bringing the 2027 WTCA GBF to Life” will highlight the market opportunities, business experiences and programming planned for the next global gathering.
Further information about the 2026 WTCA Member Forum and its complete agenda is available through the event’s official website. Updates will also be shared on social media using #WTCAEvents.
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. 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 its portfolio of events, programming and resources, WTCA aims to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment worldwide, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. Further information is available at www.wtca.org.
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