WACA | National Conference

2020 National Conference

The WACA 2020 National Conference will be held November 16-20 100% virtually. The 2020 National Conference website and registration is live! 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, check out highlights from the 2019 Conference!

2019 National Conference

The WACA 2019 National Conference: The 8 Forces Reshaping the Global Economy was held November 6-8, 2019 at The Mayflower Hotel Washington, DC. Please visit the official 2019 National Conference website to view the official agenda and learn about Conference speakers and sessions.

Watch the Conference recap video!

Click here to watch video recordings of the 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