World Trade Day 2026: Kentucky's Global Business Summit

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World Trade Day 2026 - Celebrating Kentucky's Global Reach

Two days in Louisville, August 25–26, where Kentucky companies of every size meet the buyers, partners, and trade officials who can help them grow abroad.

World Trade Day is Kentucky’s leading event for international business. Over two days you can walk an International Trade Expo and sit down in pre-arranged matchmaking meetings with foreign trade offices and Kentucky companies looking to grow abroad. It is a direct path to new buyers, partners, and supply-chain relationships in the markets you want to reach.

Strategic Access & Benefits

Targeted B2B Matchmaking: Facilitated one-on-one consultations with Kentucky enterprises seeking international expansion, joint ventures, and resilient supply chain partnerships.
VIP Reception: An exclusive venue for diplomatic heads of mission, commercial attachés, and trade commissioners to engage with state economic officials.
World Trade Day Luncheon & MLC Award: Be there as we honor Kentucky companies and individuals who have excelled in international trade, and enjoy a briefing on global trade trends and the 2026 outlook.

See the Agenda

Stand alongside the world’s trade officials at the VIP Reception: an evening with heads of mission, commercial attachés, trade commissioners, and Kentucky’s economic leaders.

World Trade Day 2026: Kentucky’s Global Business Summit returns to the tradition of our most impactful past events, you can expect to meet government officials from Kentucky and abroad, trade representatives from more than a dozen countries, and business leaders from companies of every size.

B2B Meetings for Foreign Trade Offices and Delegations

The World Trade Center Kentucky is available to assist in profiling specific international markets to maximize economic impact for your delegation.

For delegations, this is efficient access to Kentucky’s $50.6 billion export economy and its leading employers, with meetings arranged in advance so your trip produces results you can report.

A special reception celebrating Canada - Kentucky trade and investment will be held in conjunction with the Global Leaders Reception on August 25th.

As a featured participant, Canada is pleased to bring together business leaders, economic development partners, government representatives, and international trade professionals for an exclusive evening of networking and discussion.

This reception is free, but registration is required.

Secure your spot!

Foreign Trade Offices, Commercial Attachés, and Embassies interested in official representation or delegation registration are invited to contact our protocol team at events@wtcky.org or register using this link

ATTEND

Ticket & Table Pricing

Summit Pass

VIP Reception + B2B Matchmaking + Keynote + Luncheon & MLC Award

Members - $375

Future Members - $450

VIP Reception

Members - $150

Future Members - $185

August 26th Pass

B2B Matchmaking + Keynote + Luncheon & MLC Award

Members - $325

Future Members - $395

Executive Table

Members - $2,200

Future Members - $2,700

8 Full Summit Passes + 8 VIP Reception Invites + Preferred seating + Logo on main stage screen

Corporate Table

Members - $1,800

Future Members - $2,200

8 seats for Aug 26 Luncheon + Company recognition in digital program

Traveling in for World Trade Day 2026?

Marriott Louisville East

1903 Embassy Square Blvd, Louisville, KY 40299

Special group rate of $169/night last day to book August 4, 2026
Book your group rate for World Trade Day + International Trade Expo

Guests may also call central reservations at (888) 236-2427. Reservationists can locate the group block for Marriott Louisville East under "World Trade Day."

The Martha Layne Collins Award for Excellence in International Trade

During the Day Two luncheon we present the Martha Layne Collins Award for Excellence in International Trade to companies in our region that have shown real commitment and success abroad. The award is open to companies of every size, from the smallest to the largest, continuing Governor Collins’s legacy of growing Kentucky trade around the world. It is a night to bring your team and see their work recognized.

Find out more about the award here

SPONSOR

Want to sponsor World Trade Day 2026?

Your brand in front of Kentucky’s exporters, foreign trade officials, and decision-makers from companies of every size, gathered in one place for two days.

Sponsoring this event is a relationship, not a logo. The sponsors who treat it that way tell us it returns far more than it cost. We’d rather talk to find the perfect fit for you. Email Hope with any questions today. hope@thumbprintconsulting.com

Platinum Sponsor - $25,000

Premium logo placement (above Gold/Silver)
Named sponsor of one major element: International Expo, Business Matchmaking Sponsor
Speaking role (panel or breakout)
6 registrations
Priority exhibit placement
Half-page program ad
Logo on lanyards (first secured sponsor)
VIP Reception access

Gold Sponsor - $20,000

Logo on signage & digital promotions
Exhibit table included
4 registrations
Quarter-page program ad
Option to sponsor a luncheon or networking break
Recognition in social media & press mentions

Silver Sponsor - $15,000

Logo on website & signage
2 registrations
Sponsor listing in the program
Option to sponsor a networking moment

Bronze Sponsor - $10,000

Logo on sponsor banner & website
1 registration
Opportunity to include flyer in attendee bags
Recognition in printed materials

Other Sponsorship Options

Reception Sponsor $10,000 (1 available) - Branding during the reception, sign, and slides
Lanyard Sponsor $7,500 - Logo on all attendee name badge lanyards
Registration Desk Sponsor $5,000 (1 available) - Sponsor logo on registration counters & check-in screens
WIFI Sponsor $5,000 - Custom network name & branded welcome page
Conference App Sponsor $5,000 - Logo on app Home Screen & push notification
Charging Station Sponsor $4,000 (1 available) - logo on signage & decals on charging stations
Conference Notebook Sponsor $3,500 - logo on coffee stations
Breakfast Sponsor $3,000 (1 available) - Rotating ads/logos on hallway monitors and session screens
Water Station Sponsor $2,500 - Logo on refillable water stations throughout the venue

EXHIBIT

Want to be an exhibitor at World Trade Day 2026?

Ready to Go Global?

Space is strictly limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't miss the chance to put your services in front of Kentucky’s most influential global leaders.

Fill out the form linked here

Exhibitor Package - $800

Premium Presence: One (1) dedicated exhibit table in our high-traffic networking zone.
Full Access: Two (2) full summit registrations (valued at $300+ each) to attend all sessions and keynotes.
Brand Recognition: Featured placement in the official event program and digital exhibitor directory.

Current Exhibitors:

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. - In 1904, Stock Yards Bank & Trust started as a small bank in Louisville, working with businesses that supported the livestock industry. Today, we help individuals, families, and businesses with a complete line of financial services with our unique focus on personal banking. It’s not new—in fact, we call it “banking, the way it used to be.”

WHO WILL BE THERE

Stay Informed

Stay current with the latest developments surrounding World Trade Day. This premier event brings together global leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders to explore emerging trends and opportunities in international trade.

Receive timely updates on:

Keynote Speakers and Panelists: Announcements featuring distinguished voices shaping global commerce.
Exhibitors: Organizations presenting innovative solutions, products, and services.
Sponsors and Partners: Leading companies supporting the success of the event.
Program Updates: Vital information on the agenda, sessions, and special engagements.

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Stay up to date!