Celebrating 100 Years of World Trade Week

The Chamber recently hosted the World Trade Week Centennial, marking 100 years of advancing global trade in the Los Angeles region.

 

With the founders of World Trade Week, the Chamber, along with the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and Los Angeles World Airports, co-hosted the milestone celebration. Special gratitude to Gene Seroka, Dr. Noel Hacegaba, and John Ackerman for their steadfast leadership in championing global trade in the region.

 

President & CEO Maria Salinas and Board Chair Andy Park welcomed leaders from across the region to this milestone event that brought together business and civic leaders to recognize the partnerships that have shaped Los Angeles into one of the world’s leading gateways for international commerce.

 

The program delivered timely insight into the forces reshaping global trade and what they mean for Los Angeles and your business.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The opening panel featured Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) CEO John Ackerman, and Deputy Mayor for International Affairs Dilpreet Sidhu. Moderated by Dr. Jessica Robinson, Professor of Supply Chain Management at California State University, Long Beach, the panel shared their vision for deepening coordination and maintaining the region’s global competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.

 

Keynote speaker Peter Tirschwell highlighted current risks and warning signals for global markets in our ever-changing trade environment, and also discussed trends, supply chain dynamics, and potential new regions for businesses to explore during an uncertain trade climate.

 

RECOGNIZING LEADERS IN GLOBAL TRADE

Alan McCorkle, President & CEO, Yusen Terminals, presented the Bob Kleist Leadership Award to the International Longshore & Warehouse Union. Mario Medina, President, International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 13, accepted the honor on behalf of the union, recognizing the critical role of the workforce that powers the system of trade.

 

Dana Debel, Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines, honored Julie Anne Hennessy, former Director of LA West for US Commercial Service, with the US Department of Commerce, with the Stanley T. Olafson Award for her leadership and long‑standing contributions to global trade.

 

THANK YOU

World Trade Week continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, insight, and leadership in global trade. Events like the Centennial bring together the partnerships that drive opportunity, stability, and growth across our region.

 

We look forward to continuing to engage our members in conversations and initiatives that shape the future of global trade in Los Angeles.

 

EVENT PHOTOS

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

JW Marriott Los Angeles
L.A. Live

For more information Please contact, [email protected].

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

As we mark the centennial of World Trade Week, we’re proud to welcome Peter Tirschwell, who brings unmatched insight into the forces reshaping international trade at a pivotal moment for the global economy. Join us for a timely conversation as he shares perspectives from his work at the Journal of Commerce and the TPM conference, trends shaping global markets, and what they mean for Los Angeles and your business right now. 

OUR PANELISTS

2026 WORLD TRADE WEEK AWARD HONOREES