The 2025 Concordia Annual Summit will take place at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel (811 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019).

Summit veterans will notice a new lobby layout, with a new Registration location. The Registration Desk will now be located on the left entering the Sheraton lobby. 

Badge pickup for Speakers, Stakeholders, Press, and pre-arranged bulk pickup will take place in Studio B, adjacent to the main registration area.

Government-issued photo ID is required for badge pickup. 

To access the event space, proceed to the back of the lobby then turn right, using the elevator banks or the escalator to ascend to Level Two. 

• Monday, September 22: 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Tuesday, September 23: 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Wednesday, September 24: 9:00am – 3:00pm

• Sunday, September 21: 3:00 – 8:00pm  
• Monday, September 22: 7:30am – 5:30pm
• Tuesday, September 23: 7:30am – 5:30pm
• Wednesday, September 24: 7:30am – 3:00pm

The Bag & Coat Check will be located by the Registration Desk and will be open during Summit hours. 

Begins daily at 7:30am in the Members’ Lounge on Level Three, open to All Access Pass holders. The General Lounge, on Level Two, will also open at 7:30am and provide coffee. 

• Heightened security may be in effect on certain days when heads of state are attending. You will receive an email about what to expect so that you can plan accordingly
• Your Summit Pass must be visible at all times; entry will not be granted without it.
• Lost passes can be replaced for $150 (the old credential will be deactivated).
• Bags such as luggage, backpacks, or oversize bags of any kind will not be permitted into the event space and must be checked at the Bag & Coat check (find hours & location under Venue & Registration). Permitted bags such as small purses, laptop bags, and messenger bags will be subject to security search upon entry. 
• Public sessions will be held on the East Stage and West Stage.
• All Access pass holders can also attend Studio Stage conversations and live tapings of The Swift Hour in the Members’ Lounge. Please note, the Studio Stage will be closed to press and General Access pass holders. 
• Seating at all stages is first-come, first-served, so please plan accordingly for popular sessions.

Our stage welcomes CEOs, innovators, experts, heads of state, and many more from across the globe. Our East and West Stages will run concurrently through the three days of the Summit. The seating capacity is 300 for the East Stage and 150 for the West Stage. Make sure to plan ahead so that you have a seat. The East and West Stages are located on the Level Two.

The Members’ Lounge will be located on Level Three, offering All-Access Pass holders the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments, network with one another, access the Concordia Connect area, as well as observe The Studio Stage & The Swift Hour (more on that below). 

The General Lounge will be located directly across from the East and West Stage entrances. Make sure to take advantage of this lounge to grab some light refreshments, meet with others, and recharge between sessions.

This year, we are debuting a third stage—The Studio, which consists of high-level off-the-record discussions curated for the Concordia member community. The Studio will be hosted inside the Members' Lounge, meaning you will need an All-Access pass to access this programming. Audience members will be able to engage with high-level speakers in a more intimate stage setting. The Studio will also feature live tapings of The Swift Hour, an interview series hosted by Concordia Co-Founder Matthew Swift. Don’t miss an opportunity to see global leaders, innovators, and experts discussing their work. 

By Indonesian artist Jan Stanlav, this multi-sensory work explores Austronesian history and culture through sound, visuals, and storytelling. Interactive elements like the Unity Net invite attendees to share hopes for a unified future, connecting to Concordia’s themes of sustainability and cultural heritage.

This installation was made possible by Opus 1 Foundation.

Head over to the Alani station in the Members’ Lounge on Tuesday & Wednesday of the Summit to use AI to review both current programming and 15 years of sessions on aligned topics or featuring the same speakers. Good to know: Concordia's post-Summit report will be released in November. 

Take advantage of free time in between sessions to peruse complimentary books from the Concordia Community in our onsite library. Make sure to join us for the following book signings in the Members’ Lounge: 

• Monday, September 22 at 11:30am: 
  • High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy by Dr. Judith Joseph 
• Monday, September 22 at 1:30pm: 
  • Sea Change: Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions by Amanda Leland (onsite) and James Workman 
• Tuesday, September 23 at 12pm:
  • This Little World: A How-To Guide for Social Innovators by Shelly Kurtz 

Washington Post Intelligence is The Washington Post's newest suite of services providing senior executives with the insights and connections they need to navigate critical issues. At this year’s Summit, they will launch an exclusive viewing studio in the Member’s Lounge, where guests are invited to share their insights from the mainstage programming and build new connections.

We encourage you to stop by the coffee stand in the Members' Lounge hosted by Juan Valdez, a Concordia Global Patron Member, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee samples to brew at home. We’re proud to showcase Juan Valdez's work in sustainability, from supporting coffee-growing communities to promoting environmentally responsible farming practices across Colombia.

Learn about TikTok’s global commitment to safety and transparency, and how the platform helps people and businesses around the world thrive. Discover how TikTok partners with governments, experts, and communities worldwide to create a trusted digital space where creativity flourishes and everyone can access new opportunities.

• If traveling around Manhattan, allow ample time and prepare to walk or to use public transportation. Comfortable shoes are great to have.
• Bring a device charger or battery pack.
• Don’t forget business cards (printed or digital).
• Concierge desks are located throughout the venue. Make sure to keep an eye out for these should you need assistance onsite. 
• Book meetings in advance but leave space in your agenda for unexpected reconnections or opportunities. The magic of the Members’ Lounge!
• Want to connect with a speaker? Kindly respect that the green rooms are closed-door only, and congregating outside presents logistical challenges for others attending the Summit. It is best to use the Concordia Connect portal to pre-arrange a ‘hello’ or bilateral meeting. 
• Missed a session? Content will be available within 24 hours on Concordia’s YouTube channel. We'll also release our post-Summit Report, with key takeaways and highlighted quotes, in November. 
• Excited for the Summit? We are, too! Share your enthusiasm on social media and tag us so that we can repost and amplify. Find links to our official social media accounts in the Social Media section below. 

Global trade and economic dynamics are undergoing profound transformations, driven by shifts in manufacturing, supply chains, and international trade disputes. These changes reshape how goods are produced and exchanged, impacting emerging and established economies. To ensure long-term prosperity, it is vital to strengthen supply chain resilience, promote standardization, and foster sustainable growth through innovation in trade and manufacturing. Government and private sector leaders must work together to address shifting opinions on tariffs and how countries trade with each other. 
Amid these shifts, economic and social inequalities have highlighted the urgent need for financial inclusion, particularly for women, minorities, and small and medium-sized enterprises, representing nearly 90% of businesses and over 50% of global employment. Building trust in institutions and addressing systemic challenges like unemployment, wealth disparities, and human rights issues across global supply chains are essential for fostering equitable economic growth. How can inclusion strategies empower diverse communities and bolster the global economy? How can innovation create more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive trade practices? How will current trade disputes affect national, regional, and global economic policy?

Rebuilding trust in democratic institutions and strengthening national security remain top priorities for governments and communities alike. Focusing on redefining foreign policy, cooperation between countries, and a sense of domestic peace and security will be high on governmental agendas. How can political parties in divided countries come together to combat the rampant mis- and disinformation across all societal discourse levels? How can initiatives designed to situate underrepresented voices as key actors in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and countering violent extremism affect a change? What role does technology like artificial intelligence play in navigating geopolitical risk and policy making? And how can sectors and multilateral organizations work together to strengthen democracy and national security in a time fraught with threat and conflict?

From hurricanes and wildfires to record-breaking heatwaves and water scarcity, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly impossible to ignore. These crises underscore the urgent need for a global shift toward environmental sustainability and a low-emissions future. As climate patterns change, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship is more important than ever.

Businesses worldwide recognize the physical and regulatory risks associated with climate change and the vast market-driven opportunities to address it. Embracing sustainability isn’t just an ethical imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. Market-based solutions, from carbon pricing to green finance, are powerful tools for driving meaningful environmental progress while fostering innovation and economic resilience. What are the common misconceptions surrounding this transition? What challenges must be overcome to garner broader support for a low-emissions future?

Access to care and advancing the potential of preventative health solutions are critical in addressing the deep disparities in health outcomes. The strain on physical health systems and the broader effects on social relations and mental health highlight the need for innovative solutions to build resilience and equity in our health systems. There is also a vital opportunity for the private sector to step in and help close the gaps left by government systems, particularly in addressing urgent and underserved health challenges. By improving access to early diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and predictive health models, AI can empower providers and patients alike to take a more proactive approach to care. How can we ensure that advancements in AI and preventative care are accessible to underserved communities? What steps can be taken to align technology innovation with policies that address systemic health disparities? 

Universal human rights and social equity are the cornerstones of sustainable global development and meaningful social impact. However, rapid economic and technological growth has deepened socioeconomic inequalities and eroded public trust in institutions worldwide. Protecting fundamental freedoms—such as freedom of expression, movement, public discourse, and the fair rule of law—is essential to ensuring global prosperity and fostering resilient communities.

In this context, cultural diplomacy and youth advocacy are pivotal in addressing these challenges. By fostering mutual understanding across diverse cultures and empowering young leaders with access to education and opportunities, societies can create inclusive spaces where individuals actively shape their social, economic, and political futures. How can stakeholders work together to amplify diverse voices, leverage cultural exchange, and harness youth leadership to uphold human rights, foster trust, and build a more just and inclusive global society? How can youth advocates improve conditions related to gender inequality and child labor?

The increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies is reshaping how we connect, communicate, and work. This rapid transformation highlights the urgency of building a tech-savvy economy and embracing digital solutions that address societal needs while fostering responsible innovation. However, the integration of AI also raises concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the widening socioeconomic and gender divides, particularly in regions with limited access to digital resources. As AI continues to evolve, the role of the private sector in driving technological advancements must be balanced with the public sector’s responsibility to regulate and ensure equitable access. How can AI be leveraged to bridge these gaps, ensure equitable growth in a digitized economy, and strengthen digital infrastructure for workforce development while maintaining public trust and ethical standards?

Concordia offers our Programming Sponsors, Programming Partners, and Members numerous opportunities to engage with the press, including credentialed journalists and our valued Media Partners . For questions about press & media, please reach out to media@concordia.net. Know of a media organization who would benefit from becoming part of the Concordia community? We'd love to hear from you.