Access advance registration pricing for New England’s premier international business event set for September 24 

Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business is pleased to announce that early registration is now open for the 40th Global Trade Summit. Taking place September 24, 2026, the event brings together the region’s foremost business leaders, government officials, academics, and entrepreneurs looking to explore global trade trends, emerging technologies, and new market opportunities.

This year marks the Global Trade Summit’s 40th anniversary. Since 1985, the Global Trade Summit – formerly World Trade Day – has served as the premier event for international business leaders looking to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The summit builds on decades of impact while firmly looking ahead, addressing today’s global trade challenges, the latest trends in emerging markets and supply chain dynamics, and opportunities for growth in an increasingly interconnected economy.

“This 2026 Global Trade Summit will provide attendees with resources and insights from leading industry experts, helping them address today’s challenges, grow their business and compete on the world stage,” said Jason Kelly, Director of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. “It’s the Summit’s 40th anniversary this year and it’s inspiring to reflect on the event’s history. The throughline has always been one of international collaboration and connection, where: where attendees build meaningful relationships that create a lasting impact for Rhode Island and the regional economy.” 

Over its history, Bryant University has brought together more than 15,000 international business leaders, more than 800 individual speakers, and more than 100 corporate sponsors in the name of global business collaboration and international trade development. This year’s summit will feature a robust line up of industry experts and keynote speakers addressing topics like automation and supply chain innovation, advancements in artificial intelligence and logistics, and the trends driving the future of the global economy. 

Attendees who register prior to July 31st can take advantage of the early registration discount and save $50 per ticket. Register now at the following link: Early Registration.  

For information about the 2026 Global Trade Summit and to stay up to date on the latest agenda, speakers, and sponsors, visit: https://global-trade-summit.bryant.edu/. 

About the John H. Chafee Center for International Business
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business is Rhode Island’s designated agency for world trade and export activities. For over 40 years, the center has been committed to growing Rhode Island’s local economy through a global reach. Through partnerships with Rhode Island Commerce, the Small Business Administration, local government, and trade organizations, the Chafee Center encourages global business expansion, retention, and attraction. It administrates the SBA’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP Grant), providing access to funding for small businesses. The Chafee Center’s other programs include international trade missions and shows, strategic consulting, market research, and broad-based events. The center works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide customized business consulting services to Rhode Island-based enterprises.

About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.  

Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, LinkedIn, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual.