After great discussion with the Michigan World Trade Week partner organizations as well as the planning committee, it was determined that due to the ongoing uncertainty brought by COVID-19 and unknown length of time to get business back to normal, it is best for Michigan World Trade Week and all involved to move the event to May of 2021. This long-standing community event remains committed to the considerable value our content, networking and face-to-face connections bring. Unfortunately, in this time of social distancing, we feel it is prudent to delay and ensure the health and well-being of our community. Our 34 speakers/panelists are looking forward to bringing their content to the event in 2021 when things stabilize.

All existing sponsors will have their sponsorship contribution and all benefits moved to May 2021. We hope that you understand and know the Michigan World Trade Week committee wishes everyone good health as we work together as a global community to slow the impact of COVID-19.

Michigan World Trade Week 2021

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Week of Events Schedule

Michigan World Trade Week is a celebration of international trade and business growth for Michigan.

For 35 years area businesses and community leaders have worked together to:

Share international business knowledge and resources at the annual business conference and key networking events scheduled throughout the week
Highlight the link between international trade and Michigan's economic well-being
Recognize the contributions of international trade to job creation in Michigan
Commend companies succeeding in global markets
Support the annual proclamation issued by the President of the United States declaring World Trade Week in May

VAGTC US Dept. of Commerce

Who are our official partners?

Michigan World Trade Week is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) and Grand Valley State University's Van Andel Global Trade Center (VAGTC) together with support from the Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee is comprised of volunteers from over 20 internationally focused companies and organizations. The Committee leadership alternates on an annual basis between the CS and VAGTC.

Sonja Johnson, Executive Director of GVSU's Van Andel Global Trade Center is Chair of the 2020 Planning Committee.

Who are our sponsors?

Each year over 30 sponsors financially support the business conference and other key student-focused programs, showing their commitment to leveraging experiences and growing international opportunities for Michigan businesses. Sponsor 2020 World Trade Week events.

Officially recognized Partner Organizations coordinating events throughout Michigan World Trade Week 2020 include:

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids

International Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan

Michigan World Trade Week Planning Committee

West Michigan World Trade Association

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan