The Think Global Conference attracts a global audience of c-level business executives involved in manufacturing, import, export and related service provision along with distinguished leaders from the public sector and civil society who look to understand the complexities, challenges and opportunities involved in international trade. The Think Global Conference also provides a platform to introduce you to potential partners, customers and suppliers at the same event. If you are an exporter or importer – or looking at importing or exporting in the near future - then this conference will give you the information you need. 

No. However, International Trade Council members pay a discounted rate for Think Global Conference registration.

The conference convenes a variety of formats including single-speaker presentations, round table discussions, break-out sessions and networking events.

The Think Global Conference is broken up into several parallel events including presentations, panel discussions, break-outs, networking sessions and elevator pitches. Our theater fits 180 persons seated, each break-out boardroom fits 20 persons, the pitch area fits 180 persons, and the networking area (outdoor terrace) can hold up to 230 persons. In total we expect between 500 - 700+ C-level executive attendees across the two days and various events.

Yes. You can use the Think Global Conference App to directly schedule 1:1 meetings in any of the break-out areas. Please also ask at our registration desk if you would like us to assist in facilitating meetings with anyone present to ensure you receive maximum benefit from the day.

Single-speaker presentations consist of 20-25 minute educational presentation on a topic related to international trade, followed by questions from the audience.

Panel discussions consist of one chair and between three to four discussants and the audience may also contribute directly by asking questions of the panelists.

Break-out sessions provide attendees the opportunity to directly interact with speakers/panelists in a group of up to 20 participants at a time. These sessions are held in separate rooms away from the main theater.

To see who attended last year’s Think Global Conference and related events, visit our Participants page.

All registrations are taken online only. When you register you will be emailed an invoice with an option to pay either via credit card or internet / bank transfer. You can register online here.

Full Think Global Conference registrants have access to all sessions and events plus refreshments (morning tea and afternoon tea). The After 5 networking event and Go Global Awards dinner is optional and is a separate fee.

Meals are included for full Think Global Conference registrants only. Go Global Award nominees - along with free  registrants  may purchase lunches at an additional charge.

You will need to pick up your name badge along with conference materials when you arrive. Your name badge serves as entry to all conference functions, including any pre-booked social functions. The registration desk is located at the entrance to the Greenhouse Loft and is open during the hours of 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Early, advance, and standard rates are available for both International Trade Council members and non-members. Group discounts are available for two or more people from the same organization (10 percent group discount during the early registration period and 15 percent discount during the advance and standard registration periods). To receive the group discount, all participants must register at the same time on the same credit card. There are no exceptions to this rule.

NGOs, academics, and government organizations receive a discounted registration rate at any time.

Visit the Registration Rates and Policies pages for more details.

Payment must be received in full prior to attending the Think Global Conference.

Approximately two weeks prior to the event, you can expect to receive an email entitled "Tips For Delegates." This email will contain the attendee list including name, organization, city, state and email in PDF format. The International Trade Council does not distribute attendee lists in excel format.

Yes, day rates are available. Visit the Registration Rates and Policies pages for more details.

Due to the popularity of the Think Global Conference App, the International Trade Council does not provide printed copies of the schedule. The interactive schedule, presentation handouts, speaker bios, transportation information and more is easily accessible from your mobile device! If you prefer a printed copy, please print out the schedule to bring with you. The Registration Desk will also have a printed copy on hand to view.

Individual session details should be available on the conference schedule web page by late August / early September, 2019. We will email all registrants more information as we receive it. 

The 2019 Think Global Conference app will be available closer to the date of the event. Details will be posted to the website and will also be included in the "Tips For Delegates" email that registrants will receive approximately two weeks prior to the Think Global Conference.

Please click here to view photos and general layout of the venue.

Due to the scope, format, and staffing needs of the Think Global Conference, unfortunately we cannot offer volunteer opportunities. We genuinely appreciate your interest in supporting the Think Global Conference.

Please visit the Speaking Opportunities page for more information.

To make a substitution, email onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org or bring a written statement/email from the person who will not be attending to the onsite registration counter. This will simplify the transfer process and expedite registration.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. If you would like additional information,
contact Conference Director, Ron Nolasco by email at ron.nolasco@tradecouncil.org, or by phone at +1
202 869 0988.

Yes. Think Global Conference sponsorship has many benefits, including a guaranteed speaking slot and
participation in panel discussions. If you would like additional information, contact Conference Director
Ron Nolasco by email at ron.nolasco@tradecouncil.org, or by phone at +1 202 869 0988.

Business casual is suitable for all Think Global Conference activities. (Men: pants, slacks and collared shirts. Women: slacks/capris, skirts and blouses). It is recommended to bring a light sweater as there is an outdoor entertainment / social area available for networking and this area can get chilly.

Onsite registration is available beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the full rate.

The International Trade Council offers press passes to journalists with verified credentials. To request a press pass, send your credentials and sample articles to media@tradecouncil.org.

Information about visa and other requirements to enter the United States can be found on the following website https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html/.

Please contact our Trade Commissioner, Onyx Connor, by e-mail to onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org, listing your name, job title, organization name and industry.

The International Trade Council provide letters of invitation upon request to registrants only in the following circumstances:

• Registration is paid in full. Non-member registrants may be required to pay via wire transfer.
• Registrants must use a company email address.
• Registrants that may be asked to provide a brief statement regarding how attending the Think Global Conference is relevant to their organization.

Please contact our Trade Commissioner, Onyx Connor, by e-mail to onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org, for
further information.

Please contact our Trade Commissioner, Onyx Connor, by e-mail to onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org, listing your name, job title, organization name and industry.

Unfortunately, the International Trade Council is a not-for-profit organization and is not in a position to offer such grants. You may, however, search our grants database for funding offered by government organizations.

Please contact our Trade Commissioner, Onyx Connor, by e-mail to onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org, listing your name, job title, organization name and full contact details.

If you have any special needs, disabilities, and/or dietary restrictions that we may address to make your participation at our events more enjoyable, please do let us know when registering.

Yes. WIFI information will be posted at the Think Global Conference Registration Desk.

The cost of the hotel accommodation and travel is not included in the registration fee. Details of the accommodation options are also included within the conference information, and on the Venue & Accommodation page. To take advantage of our corporate accommodation rate, please quote you are attending the Think Global Conference when making your reservation.

Cancellations requested by 30th August 2019, will receive a 50 percent refund. Cancellations received after the 30th of August will receive no refund. Please contact Onyx Connor (onyx.connor@tradecouncil.org) with refund requests.

Although attendees may bring family members to Chicago during the Think Global Conference period; only paid registrants wearing conference names badges will be permitted to attend conference events and food/social functions.

To receive information regarding International Trade Council membership, visit the membership information page for details.

Please contact Conference Director, Ron Nolasco by email at ron.nolasco@tradecouncil.org, or by phone at +1 202 869 0988.

Please contact ron.nolasco@tradecouncil.org for assistance.