Events

The World Economy Summit is dedicated to advancing dialogues that catalyze global growth and fortify resilience in an uncertain, shifting global economy.

Global leaders are grappling with widening divisions across countries and cultures amid geopolitical crises, economic uncertainty, and lower trust in institutions. The consequences: greater political polarization, weaker familial relationships, and overall lower life satisfaction. Semafor, in partnership with Gallup and in coordination with the World Happiness Report editorial team, will present the latest data and insights at the 2025 World Happiness Report launch.

Cutting-edge innovations in carbon capture technology, green hydrogen production, and next-gen aircraft are revolutionizing the energy landscape. Discussions will explore the latest energy breakthroughs and provide new insights on how to best scale and implement these critical emerging technologies.

A GOP trifecta in Washington means that the 2017 tax cuts could be extended – and there will be renewed attempts to repeal the estate tax and lower the corporate tax rate. But the last spending bill fight shows Republicans aren’t united on every issue, complicating matters.

Join us in Washington, D.C. in February for an unprecedented gathering of the brightest minds in publishing, journalism, media, and investing hosted by Semafor. This summit, convened by Semafor Co-Founder and CEO Justin B. Smith, is an urgent call to action for industry leaders to reimagine the future of news and rebuild public trust in an era of misinformation and social media noise.

Join us for a world-class lineup of live journalism at the World Economic Forum 2025. Explore the schedule and request invitations to attend these sessions.

As the incoming White House gears up to roll back some regulatory rules and the Fed slowly cuts interest rates, the outlook for small businesses, including opportunities for franchise owners, are set to evolve. Semafor’s editors will lead a series of conversations with key policymakers and small business owners to discuss ways to create a thriving environment for small businesses and franchise owners.

As Republicans prepare for a trifecta in Washington, Rep. Beth Van Duyne will sit down with Semafor’s Senior Washington Editor Elana Schor to share her perspective and insights from her perch on the powerful Ways & Means committee. Join us on December 11, when the Texas Republican will discuss the GOP’s plans for taxes, tariffs, and more.

Against the backdrop of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Fall Meetings in Washington, D.C., Semafor sets the stage for an extraordinary and unparalleled meeting of the minds featuring preeminent figures and power brokers across the global economy, coming together for unmissable on-the-record conversations on the state of the global economic landscape.

Semafor has arrived in the Gulf to follow and break news on today's biggest story: how the Arabian Peninsula is using its resources and ideas to transform itself and project its power. As the region asserts itself on the world stage, Semafor Gulf will sit down with the players shaping its future across finance, tech, diplomacy, and beyond.

Manufacturing jobs offer higher-than-average pay and a chance to do meaningful work. The sector is key to the US economy and maintaining its competitive edge. Yet a shortage of skilled labor persists and is especially acute in the aerospace industry where around three million jobs could go unfulfilled by 2026 at a time when air travel is growing. Which efforts are helping people join the industry? What role should government and businesses play to train the current and next generations?

Climate financing is directing investments toward potentially world-changing low-carbon technologies, renewable energy sources, and resiliency projects. Meanwhile, new AI innovations are making these projects more effective by forecasting climate risks and improving energy efficiency through data analytics. But, can investments reach regions that are most affected by climate change? And, will AI’s energy demand cancel out the potential climate benefits? Programming will be followed by a reception.

Hosted on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, The Next 3 Billion is the premiere U.S. convening dedicated to connecting the unconnected. Millions of people lack access to the internet, educational opportunities and basic healthcare. Millions do not have bank accounts, access to electricity or any form of identification. Collectively, they represent one of the most untapped social and economic opportunities of our time. Unlocking this potential requires a new model for cooperation between global leaders in diverging domains across government, technology, finance, health, education, cybersecurity, and energy.

With growing demand for clean energy to power AI and its transformative benefits, the biggest companies are seeking new sources of power. What are the most efficient ways the energy sector can meet the moment and maintain clean, reliable energy for all consumers? Join us for newsmaking conversations featuring David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas, Ørsted and Kathleen Barrón, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Constellation. Programming will be followed by a reception.

Join us on September 19 as Semafor's editors convene top stakeholders to analyze the rapid growth and future trajectory of the U.S. gaming industry. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the federal ban on sports wagering, legal sports betting has expanded to 38 states and D.C., generating over $66 billion in commercial gaming revenue in 2023. We’ll delve into how states are utilizing this revenue to support critical public programs such as education, infrastructure, and veteran services and address the measures being taken to prevent an increase in gambling addictions, particularly among young Americans.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s latest book, The Art of Power, chronicles her nearly two decades as a senior leader of the Democratic Party and her commanding role during the biggest political and legislative battles of the era. As Pelosi comes off of yet another successful political maneuver – mounting a behind-the-scenes effort to replace President Joe Biden on the top of the Democratic ticket – Semafor’s Kadia Goba will sit down with her and discuss the state of the 2024 presidential race, how she learned to effectively wield power, and why, as she puts it, she’s willing to take a punch… for the children.

A convening of key stakeholders and thought leaders to examine the importance of reliable energy infrastructure to economic development and how the public and private sectors work together to protect energy security. As the world increasingly relies on cloud computing and the electrification of manufacturing and faces rising temperatures, the energy demand is growing at an unprecedented rate. In the U.S., this surge is further driven by new federal investments aimed at climate-friendly electrification projects. Meeting this demand without compromising affordability and reliability has become a critical challenge for energy leaders.

An entire generation of Americans have grown up in a world of screens. From childhood memories captured and shared on Instagram and YouTube, through an adolescence shaped by TikTok, to early adulthood navigating the disruptions of AI in the job market, the impact of social media on young lives is undeniable. Join Semafor’s editors, industry and policy experts to explore how online platforms can play a constructive role in communicating age restrictions for certain goods and services and the responsibilities and strategies of policymakers in effectively regulating social media use among young people.

Join us in Washington, D.C. for a convening of policy makers and the leading voices in fintech that will bridge the divide between regulators and innovators. This rapid pace gathering will allow for a candid exchange of ideas and examine the ways to balance the necessary guardrails for financial institutions with the innovations that are making banking more accessible. The conversation will also dive into the competitive landscape, with tech companies increasingly looking to expand into financial services and traditional banks seeking to play catch up.

The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic and ever-changing, with new threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques emerging regularly. Yet even in a technologically advanced environment, humans remain at the core of cybersecurity as both defenders and perpetrators of cyber threats. Join Semafor’s senior editors for a consequential discussion on how policymakers and business leaders can work together to establish a more proactive and innovative cybersecurity ecosystem.

This year’s State of the Global Workplace Report from Gallup shows us that pandemic-era trends are continuing to reshape how employees across industries, and the world at work, feel, and plan for their futures. Join Semafor's senior editors for a convening of policymakers and business leaders to discuss the latest Gallup data and what it means for economic growth, business investment, public health, and the role leaders play in encouraging a healthier work-life balance.

Join us in Washington, D.C. for the largest and most consequential gathering on the state of the global economy.  Six sessions across two days will feature the most influential economic and business decision makers in the world. Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Carlyle Group Co-Founder David Rubenstein will co-chair the event and act as key advisors to the program.

Join Semafor, in partnership with Gallup, for an exclusive first look at the 2024 World Happiness Report. We'll present the brand new survey data and share key insights that will change the ways global leaders across business, tech, politics, and beyond perceive “happiness,” and how to promote wellbeing through our lifetimes. We'll present the brand new survey data and share key insights that will change the ways global leaders across business, tech, politics, and beyond perceive “happiness,” and how to promote wellbeing through our lifetimes.

Join Semafor's senior editors and the most forward-thinking leaders in policy, engineering, and technology as we survey the state of privacy in the U.S. and abroad. What does digital privacy look like in a future supercharged by artificial intelligence? How should policies evolve and what consequences might they have for businesses and individuals? In this 90-minute session, we'll map the future of digital privacy.

Join Semafor's Deputy Washington Bureau Chief Morgan Chalfant for an exclusive interview with The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Ranking Member Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for a news-making conversation on competing with China, the Democratic foreign policy argument, and the Select Committee's focus for 2024.

Semafor convened the leading voices from government, labor, business, and beyond, to delve into critical and timely discussions around how manufacturing capacity, supply chain production, and trade policies are challenging the status quo of the U.S. and global economy.

A bicoastal event convening top tech leaders and leading policymakers to examine the most-pressing questions around AI: what are its limitations and what exactly it means for the way we work, live, make art, cure diseases, wage war, campaign in democratic elections, and what exactly it is. Moderated by Semafor's Technology Editor Reed Albergotti, Business and Technology Editor Gina Chon, and Technology Reporter Louise Matsakis.

Semafor's Founding Editor-at-Large Steve Clemons is joined by Axel Springer Chairman and CEO Mathias Döpfner for a candid conversation about the state of global democracy, strengthening trade alliances, and how to push back against autocratic regimes. Döpfner's latest book, The Trade Trap argues free trade has strengthened dictators while undermining democracy and a rules-based world order. This wide-ranging discussion cuts through conventional wisdom and explores a new path forward for economic and democratic prosperity.

Semafor's expert editors hosted a data-driven discussion on the global state of wellbeing. Guided by Gallup data, the conversation explored global emotional trends, social connectedness, mental health, and what it means, ultimately, to be well.

Semafor convened industry experts and stakeholders for a discussion exploring the threats, the solutions, and the future of cyber security from the lens of business, policy, privacy, and beyond.

Semafor Founding Editor at Large Steve Clemons was joined in an exclusive 1:1 interview with the President and CEO of Constellation, Joe Dominguez, on the state of the energy transition, next generation renewable energy technologies, and how to scale clean energy projects.

Semafor convened with national stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the state of broadband access and equity, connectivity challenges, and digital infrastructure. Using the power of digital connectivity, we'll hear directly from those most affected by inadequate broadband infrastructure and those who are at the forefront of bridging the digital divide.

Hosted by Business & Finance Editor Liz Hoffman, Semafor's inaugural business summit convened leaders across politics, finance and media who are forging the future of business today.

Semafor and Al-Monitor hosted the can't-miss Middle East event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings. The Global Middle East Summit, a first-of-its-kind event, convened policymakers, business leaders, and investors from around the world to explore the region’s transformative changes, their profound global impacts, and to participate in shaping the future of the Middle East.

Semafor Founding Editor-at-Large Steve Clemons was joined by Governor Wes Moore for an exclusive, 1:1 interview on how the Maryland is building a competitive and inclusive business environment, how it's boosting green technology, and why he thinks AI can help government work better.

Guided by Semafor’s Washington journalists, explore topics of critical importance to both leaders and employees – including hybrid work, employee engagement, burnout, changing demographics, and the growing importance of work-life balance – and offer key insights into crafting thriving workplaces in the year ahead.

Semafor Founding Editor at Large Steve Clemons brings Semafor's leading DC newsletter to the stage, sitting down with Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins to explore the rebounding tech sector, connectivity and bridging the digital divide, and more.

Semafor's definitive conversation on permitting reform. We dive deep with public and private sector leaders on the different perspectives on this key issue, the redlines between them, and the future shape of America's permitting system.

On May 25, Semafor hosted a conversation with policymakers, government and business leaders about rebuilding American Infrastructure to remain globally competitive and meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

On April 18, Semafor Editor at Large Steve Clemons sat down with Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) for a deep-dive discussion exploring the current political landscape, the 2024 presidential race and Governor Christie's own ambitions for a higher political office.

Against the backdrop of the World Bank and IMF Spring 2023 meetings in Washington, D.C., Semafor held its first annual World Economy Summit featuring the world’s most respected central bankers, finance ministers, CEOs, CFOs, policy practitioners, and economists.

Semafor brings its scoops and stories to life with the launch of a new, inaugural media summit. Hosted by Semafor co-founder and leading U.S. media voice Ben Smith, Semafor Media at Genesis House convened preeminent figures from across the world of news, media and entertainment to discuss the most pressing issues facing our industry today.

Semafor's Steve Clemons led conversations with congressional leaders about the role of cross-border commerce in keeping the American economy globally competitive.

Semafor editors traveled to Davos to cover the 2023 World Economic Forum and sat down with some of the biggest names in business, government, and advocacy for morning newsmaker conversations.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda joined Semafor Editor at Large Steve Clemons for a fireside chat during the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

What smart policy solutions can help supply chains withstand both expected and unexpected interruptions? Semafor convened conversations with key policymakers and private-sector leaders about efforts to make America's supply chains resilient and globally competitive.

During the US-Africa Leaders Summit, Semafor convened African and American leaders, business chiefs, innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders for discussions on topics including regional and global economic priorities, technology, health, climate, and sustainable progress across the continent.

On Nov. 18 Semafor's third forum on the future of news convened current and former White House Press secretaries and advisors, political correspondents, and lawmakers to examine the relationship between news media and government in a healthy democracy.

On September 22, Semafor's Editor-at-Large Steve Clemons interviewed Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs on whether Facebook would allow former president Donald Trump back on its platform, the roles and responsibilities of the global tech industry, misconceptions about data and the internet, social media and the upcoming elections and more.

On September 7, Semafor engaged senior journalists about covering politics and government in an age of low trust and increasing polarization, where political norms are under intense pressure and social media has helped turn rival parties into mutually hostile identities.

On July 7, Semafor's first pre-launch event convened leading actors and commentators in the contemporary battle over the nature of news, and asked whether and how news can operate in a hyper-polarized landscape.