World Trade Week Southern California 2025

99th ANNUAL KICK OFF CONFERENCE

For nearly a century, World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public about the vital role and benefits of global trade in local, state and national economies.

Thank you for joining us at the 99th Annual World Trade Week Conference, the region’s premier event dedicated to global commerce.

For nearly a century, this gathering has brought together business leaders, trade experts, and policy makers committed to open markets, international cooperation, and economic opportunity.

This year’s theme, “A New Horizon: Reimagining Trade with Innovation,” highlighted how technology, and specifically AI, are shaping the future of international commerce, supply chains, and distribution.

Program highlights included:

Featured remarks from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
A keynote from Paula Natoli, Head of Global Supply Chain Strategic Industries at Google.
An informative panel discussion on AI-driven trade innovation moderated by Stephanie Hughes, Global Client Manager and Sustainability Ambassador at Maersk, with Luis Erana, CEO of Alba Wheels Up International, LLC; Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals; and Jason Walker, Regional Head, North America at Maersk.

Proud to Recognize Two Standout Leaders in Global Trade:

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach, received the Stanley T. Olafson Award, the Chamber's most prestigious honor, for his exemplary leadership and contributions to international commerce.
Pacific Harbor Line was presented with the Bob Kleist Leadership Award, accepted by President Otis Cliatt II, recognizing the company’s commitment to sustainable freight operations and its impact on the regional economy.

The message from this year’s conference was clear: tariff uncertainty is not merely a policy concern—it’s an obstacle to growth. Rising costs, delayed investments, and disrupted supply chains are impacting businesses of all sizes. Small and mid-sized enterprises—the backbone of our economy—are often the least equipped to navigate volatile trade conditions.

WORLD TRADE WEEK VIP RECEPTION

World Trade Week VIP Reception was hosted by Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez and his wife Alina Flores, at their historic residence designed by Paul R. Williams, famed architect.

2026 WORLD TRADE WEEK CENTENNIAL SUMMIT

At the conference, Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas proudly announced the launch of the 2026 Centennial Summit—a landmark celebration of international trade. The event will be co-chaired by the three cofounders of World Trade Week, and three visionary leaders at the helm of Southern California’s global gateways:

John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports.
Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.
Gene D. Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Together, they represent the critical infrastructure that powers international commerce, drives innovation, and connects our region to the world. We are excited to build momentum toward this historic celebration and strengthen L.A.'s role in the global economy. Stay tuned for updates on our 2026 Centennial Summit.

THANK YOU
Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, members of the Los Angeles Consular Core, and attendees. Your participation is important to drive meaningful conversations which strengthen our global trade economy. We look forward to continuing to champion global trade that promotes opportunity, stability and growth.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.