Save the Date: TBIC 2025 Conference in Chicago!
Registration is now OPEN! Click here to purchase your ticket on Eventbrite.
TBIC is pleased to host its Transatlantic Business and Investment Conference in Chicago, IL, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 on Energizing Investments: Data-backed Strategies for FDI Growth.
Join us for:
• Extensive face-to-face interactions with the leading network of economic developers and site selection experts in the transatlantic marketplace
• An intensified focus on capacity building: in interactive panel discussions, you will engage with leading experts on FDI marketing, site selection, workforce development, and more
• Ideas and best-practices to deal with challenges and opportunities: learn more about the current state-of-play of key European markets and industries, and how to prepare for international FDI attraction
Take a first look at the preliminary agenda here.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out to Matthias ([email protected]) for more information on sponsorship opportunities and how your organization can gain visibility among industry leaders and decision-makers.
Please note, that only TBIC Members will be able to take advantage of the Member Price!
Room Block
All attendees who are interested in arriving on Monday, August 25, are encouraged to book a room at The Drake Hotel (140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611) where TBIC has organized a room block with preferential rates. To make a reservation, click here. Alternatively, please reach out to Ms. Sharon Johnson with The Drake at [email protected], specifying that you are a participant in the TBIC Annual Conference 2025. Please be aware, that a room booking must be made separately from a ticket purchase for the TBIC Conference.
There are also several excellent hotel options in walking distance. We blocked several rooms for Sunday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 26, for those of you who want to arrive one day earlier and/or leave one day later.
Welcome Reception
An optional welcome reception will be organized on Monday, August 25, at 6:00 pm at a prime location near the hotel. Drinks and a selection of hors d'oeuvres/appetizers will be served at the invitation of TBIC. For participants only interested in partaking in this gathering - and not to the conference on Tuesday, August 26 - a registration limited to the welcome reception on August 25 is also possible.
Conference Opening
The conference itself will officially open at 9:00 am on August 26 in Wintrust Hall in the Schreber Center on the Loyola University Water Tower Campus. An optional welcome breakfast will be organized at the same location, beginning at 7:30 am.
For more details about the conference, check our website (www.tbic-fdi.com) or contact us at [email protected].
OPTIONAL Social Event, Monday August 25:
Join us on Monday, August 25th from 3:00-5:00pm for our Social Event with TBIC Members, TBIC Advisory Council Members, and Guests for an unforgettable Chicago River Architecture Cruise! Further details to come.
Click here to purchase your ticket on Eventbrite today!
Conference documents:
With a special thank you to our conference sponsors:
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A Glimpse of What to Expect: Highlights from TBIC’s Largest and Most Impactful Conference Yet
Atlanta, GA, USA
Aug 27, 2024
This year’s event, our largest yet, brought together over 130 U.S. economic development organizations (EDOs), FDI experts, site selection consultants, and key representatives from European consulates and bi-national chambers. The connections, insights, and collaborations that took place over the past few days reinforced our mission to bridge the gap between U.S. communities and international companies planning to expand into the U.S.
Kicking Off with Global Perspectives
We started strong with Anne-Laure Desjonquères, Consul General of France in Atlanta, setting the tone with her opening remarks, followed by an insightful keynote from Jon Willis, Vice President and Senior Economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. From these opening discussions, it was clear that this year’s conference would delve deep into the complex dynamics of transatlantic trade and investment.
Diving into FDI Trends and Infrastructure
The day continued with a series of panels that sparked meaningful conversations. Our panel on "Perspectives and Trends in Foreign Direct Investment, Transatlantic Relations, and the Global Economy" brought together some of the sharpest minds in the field—Eike Klapper, Philipp Clarke, Jeffrey Reed, Tess Fay, and Jon Willis—to discuss the macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the future of FDI.
Our next session on "Key Challenges and Assets of FDI-Ready Infrastructure" tackled one of the most critical components of attracting foreign investment. Bill Adams, Bruce Bharat, Jennifer Bostian, and Manann Donoghoe shared their expertise on everything from strategic site planning to the importance of human infrastructure, highlighting the key elements that make a region stand out to global investors.
Success Stories that Inspire
One of the highlights of the conference was hearing about the success story of Miele USA’s site selection process in Opelika, Alabama. Jan Vüllers, John Sweatman, and James Blair showcased how collaboration within the TBIC network led to Miele’s decision to establish its first U.S. production plant. It’s success stories like this that remind us how impactful our collective efforts can be in facilitating meaningful FDI opportunities.
Unlocking Strategies to Attract International Companies
Our panel on "Exposure & Presentation: How to Attract International Companies" was a must-see for anyone looking to elevate their community’s appeal to global businesses. Ron Bertasi, Richard Culberson, Philip Marschall, Ann Rybka, and Carter Hendricks delivered practical advice on how to market regional assets and leverage technology to position regions for success on the global stage.
A Record-Breaking Event with Unmatched Collaboration
We can’t thank our speakers, sponsors, and attendees enough for making TBIC 2024 our most successful conference to date. The energy, engagement, and collaboration we witnessed this week was truly inspiring, and we’re already looking forward to what #TBIC2025 will bring.
Until then, let’s continue building bridges across the Atlantic and working together to foster transatlantic business growth.
Impressions from #TBIC2024:
Please get in touch to receive the link to all photos.
