2020 National Conference
The WACA 2020 National Conference will be held November 18-20 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Keep checking this page and subscribe to our newsletters for all 2020 Conference announcements regarding topics, speakers, working agenda, and other important information. We look forward to seeing you in 2020! In the meantime, checkout highlights from the 2019 Conference!
2019 National Conference
Click here to view photos from the 2019 National Conference - you may just see yourself!
The annual WACA Conference, taking place every autumn in our nation's capital, brings World Affairs Council leaders and members together with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, experts, educators, students and interested citizens to convene and engage on the most pressing global issues and policy choices impacting our lives.
The benefits to attending the premier three-day world affairs event - in its fourth decade - include:
- Expert opinions, timely insights, and audience dialogue about the United States' role in the world
- Access to extraordinary speakers, thought leaders, and ambassadors available for local Council programming
- Bipartisan, diverse, and inclusive perspectives on the issues
- Visits to think tanks and embassies; networking receptions and dinners
- Professional development, leadership training, mentoring, and peer-to-peer networking
2019 Conference Sessions
Tuesday, November 5
- 1918 Society Dinner: American Foreign Policy in a Shifting World Order
Wednesday, November 6
- Ambassadors Luncheon: 30 Years On: The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the Global Order; Award: WACA's Inaugural International Service Award presented to The Honorabel James A. Baker, III
- Think Tank Off-Site Briefings
- Student Scholars & Young Professionals Reception
- Annual Membership Meeting
- Awards Dinner and Keynote Program: AI: How We Will Learn, Work, and Live With Dignity; Awards: 2019 WACA Chairman's Individual Award presented to Lise Falskow, President and CEO of Alaska World Affairs Council, and 2019 Council of the Year presented to the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth (President and CEO James Falk accepted); A Touch of Sicily: Performance by Sicilian composer and pianist Corrado Neri
Thursday, November 7
- Global Ties U.S. Members Meeting
- Trade and the EU
- The SHE Economy
- The Corporation and the Future of Capitalism
- Great Decisions Luncheon: China's Grand Strategy
- Climate Change and Food Insecurity
- The Economics of Disinformation
- Chinese Embassy Reception: 40 Years of China-U.S. Diplomatic Relations
Friday, November 8
- Are We Entering an Illiberal Era? The Challenge to Liberal Democracy
- Leadership Day Professional Workshops
2019 Conference Speakers
2019 Think Tank Off-site Briefings
Click here to watch video recordings of the 2018 National Conference.
Click here to watch video recordings of the 2017 National Conference.
National Conference Sponsors
2019 Conference Website
To become a National Conference sponsor, please contact WACA by phone at 202-833-4557 or email waca@worldaffairscouncils.org.