WITA’s Friday Focus on the 2024 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and the Washington International Trade Foundation (WITF) hosted their 2024 Annual Dinner. Every year, the Dinner attracts hundreds of top decision makers, policy shapers, and trade experts from D.C. and around the world, and is affectionately known as “Trade Prom.”
At this year’s Dinner, WITA and the Foundation honored Senator Chris Coons and Congressman Darin LaHood. The event also featured valedictory remarks by Congressman Earl Blumenauer. In addition, every year, WITA and the Foundation acknowledge the contributions of a member of the trade community with the Lighthouse Award. The recipient of the Lighthouse Award remains secret until revealed on stage during the Dinner. This year, we were proud to recognize Doug Palmer, Senior Trade Reporter for POLITICO, and Ana Swanson, Trade and International Economics Reporter for The New York Times, with this special award.
WITA and the Foundation sincerely thank all of the sponsors that make this event possible each year. We appreciate your support for international trade and are grateful for your contribution to help us bring the trade community together every year.
All the recordings of the 2024 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner can be accessed here.
Valedictory Remarks by Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who will be retiring from Congress at the end of this term, gives his valedictory remarks on trade at the 2024 Annual Dinner.
Presentation of the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Darin LaHood
Congressman Darin LaHood receives the Congressional Leadership Award, presented by former Congressman Kevin Brady.
Presentation of the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Chris Coons
Senator Chris Coons receives the Congressional Leadership Award, presented by former Senator and USTR Rob Portman.
Lighthouse Award Presented to Doug Palmer & Ana Swanson
Stephanie Lester and Sarah Thorn present the Lighthouse Award to this year’s recipients Doug Palmer, Senior Trade Reporter for POLITICO, and Ana Swanson, Trade and International Economics Reporter for The New York Times.
Full Video of 2024 Annual Dinner
2024 Speakers
Kenneth Levinson, WITA’s Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Lester, Gap Inc., Vice Chair of WITA’s Board of Directors
Welcoming remarks by the French Embassy’s Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs, Antonin Aviat
Co-Masters of Ceremony, Nasim D. Fussell, Lot 16, and Kaitlin Sighinolfi, International Paper
Featured valedictory remarks by Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Former Congressman Kevin Brady presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Darin LaHood
Former Senator & USTR Rob Portman presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Chris Coons
Sarah Thorn, Walmart and Stephanie Lester, Gap Inc., presenting Lighthouse Award
Ana Swanson, WITA Lighthouse Award
Doug Palmer, WITA Lighthouse Award
Watch All the Event Videos Here
07/24/2024 | WITA & WITF | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
View All Photos & Event Program
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Upcoming at WITA
Featuring Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Director-General of the WTO
Wednesday, September 11
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CET
Geneva, Switzerland
Full event and sponsorship details can be found here.
WITA – We put the community in trade community.
Information about upcoming WITA and trade community events