Q&A WITH FIRST-TIME WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) ATTENDEES

During the April WTCA Global Business Forum, hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), the WTCA HQs and WTCGP teams asked first-time GBF attendees (both WTCA Members and B2B delegates) why they decided to attend the Association's premier annual event and what surprised them most about the global network:

🌏 Alexis S. San Luis II / GREEN Inc. (Philippines Delegate - WTC Metro Manila): “My biggest takeaway from the WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia is that global opportunities really come down to relationships and trust. We were able to build strong connections and generate serious leads for Green Inc., and it reinforced the importance of being present and ready for the global market.”

🌎 Ashley E. Dent / Sandmeyer Steel Company (Local Philly B2B Delegate & Exhibitor): "From an outsider’s perspective, this year's GBF was excellent. I especially loved the first morning session – the speakers were outstanding, and you really showcased not only what Philadelphia is capable of, but also what WTCA represents. The trade talk [Global Cafe] on Tuesday morning was fantastic – it was impressive to see how openly everyone shared both the challenges and the steps they’re taking to navigate tariff pressures. I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of people who stopped by our booth. Everyone was welcoming, open, and genuinely engaged. It really felt like people wanted to be there. I left feeling genuinely connected, and I really appreciated the experience. I look forward to attending more events in the future."

🌍 Jeffrey Odame Yeboah / WTC Accra (New WTC Accra Staff Member): "I was not entirely sure what to expect initially, but the event exceeded my expectations. I wanted to experience the program firsthand, meet new people, build relationships, and explore new business opportunities. The GBF provided an excellent platform to meet and engage with other WTC businesses, and several collaborations have already commenced . We established relationships with at least 10 WTC businesses and 5 U.S. companies. Discussions have already begun, and some agreements are currently being finalized. I will certainly attend the 2027 WTCA GBF in Vietnam at all costs. It is an outstanding platform for networking, collaboration, and international business development."

🌎 Rodolfo Guimarães / WTC Ribeirão Preto (New WTCA Member): "Our goal was to better understand how to activate the WTCA network and strengthen relationships with other WTC businesses around the world, creating opportunities for future business and collaboration. One thing that surprised us at this year’s GBF was the level of openness and collaboration across the network. The main opportunity now is to move from connection to execution — turning relationships into real business."

🌎 Yewande Olubowale / WTC Winnipeg (New WTC Winnipeg Staff Member): "One of the biggest takeaways for me from the 2026 WTCA GBF in Philadelphia was the strong sense of inclusion, both in business and in the city itself. The Forum created a welcoming space for all types of businesses, from large global companies to SMEs and growing entrepreneurs. It reinforced that global trade works best when access and opportunity are open to everyone. Our visit to Comcast campus reflected that same mindset. The tour was engaging, accessible, and intentionally designed for everyone, showing how innovation is not just about technology, but about creating spaces where people feel included and supported.”

Our interviewees:

• Alexis S. San Luis II, President, GREEN Inc.
• Ashley E. Dent, Manager – International Sales, Sandmeyer Steel Company
• Jeffrey Odame Yeboah, Head, Trade and Investment Services, WTC Accra
• Rodolfo Guimarães, CEO, WTC Ribeirão Preto
• Yewande Olubowale (CITP/FIBP, PMP), Trade Advisor, WTC Winnipeg