2026 WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminar
Friday, Oct 2, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (UTC)
Trade policy fundamentals
Learn. Connect. Advance.
Build Your Future in International Trade with WITA Academy
WITA connects the world’s top trade experts, delivers timely policy insights, and develops the next generation of international trade leaders through its global network and year-round programs, all in one place.
What Is WITA Academy?
A Learning Platform for the Future of Global Trade
WITA Academy delivers expert-led training and development to help participants build careers, policy understanding, and professional networks.
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Corporate Trade ProfessionalsWITA Academy equips trade professionals with the policy knowledge, expert networks, and compliance training needed to navigate today’s complex global trade environment. -
Legal/Consulting FirmsThrough the Trade and Law Series and other initiatives, WITA Academy connects legal and consulting professionals with career opportunities and expertise across international trade law and policy. -
Policy & Government AdvisorsWITA Academy’s Intensive Trade Seminars and Trade on the Hill programs provide government officials and policy advisors with the tools to understand and navigate the Washington trade policy landscape. -
SStudents & Emerging ProfessionalsThrough Pathways to Opportunity™ and the WITA Fellowship, the Academy opens doors for students and early-career professionals seeking to build careers in international trade.
Pillars of the WITA Academy
The WITA Academy™ is committed to strengthening the trade community by bringing together a broad range of perspectives and creating opportunities for engagement amongst the trade community.
WITA Academy — Pathways Program with the University of Delaware
Career Development
The WITA Academy aims to educate students and others about careers in international trade, showcasing a wide range of opportunities within the field.
Through its extensive network of trade professionals in the United States and around the world, the Academy highlights various pathways to careers in international trade. By working with universities and local communities, the WITA Academy empowers individuals to explore opportunities that might have previously seemed out of reach. Through the extensive WITA network of trade professionals in the United States and around the world, the WITA Academy provides guidance and resources to those exploring careers in trade.
This work helps build a sustainable pipeline of next-generation talent for the international trade community, connecting bright individuals with impactful careers in trade policy.
Trade Education & Capacity Building
For more than a decade, WITA’s Intensive Trade Seminar (ITS) has been a cornerstone program, educating government officials, private sector professionals, and the public on how to navigate the Washington and international trade policy landscape.
ITS sessions cater to a diverse audience, including policymakers, trade professionals, corporate leaders, legal advisors, and students, providing practical knowledge of trade policy mechanics and fostering connections within the trade community.
In addition to the flagship program on American trade policy making, WITA offers ITS sessions on hot-button issues and specific trade topics, delivering in-depth education that supports a deeper understanding of trade policy.
ACADEMY PROGRAMS
Initiatives of the WITA Academy
From career development to trade education, the WITA Academy offers a range of programs designed to build the next generation of international trade professionals.
WITA ACADEMY
Pathways to Opportunity
The WITA Academy is actively partnering with colleges and universities across the United States to host programs for students interested in exploring careers in international trade policy, introducing them to a wide range of opportunities and fostering the next generation of trade policy professionals.
WITA ACADEMY
Trade and Law Series
A specialized Pathways to Opportunity™ program introducing law students and undergraduates to the field of international trade law, connecting emerging legal talent with professionals from law firms, the private sector, government, and trade organizations.
WITA ACADEMY
Intensive Trade Seminars (ITS)
Since 2008, WITA has hosted its signature Intensive Trade Seminar™ in conjunction with the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, geared toward individuals seeking a career in trade policy and those in the business of international trade.
WITA ACADEMY
Trade on the Hill
In partnership with Young Trade Professionals™, these briefings for Congressional staff provide updates on trade issues including Trade Promotion Authority, Tariff Policy, Trade Law, and Free Trade Agreements & Negotiations.
WITA ACADEMY
WITA Internship Program
Interns gain valuable exposure to the global trade community, Washington’s political environment, and international trade policy, developing key professional skills including event coordination and networking.
WITA ACADEMY
WITA Fellowship
A one-year paid opportunity for early-career professionals to develop management and leadership skills within WITA, connecting Fellows to Washington’s trade policy community and global trade professionals.
Audience at a Glance
Strategic Exposure to the People Who Shape Global Trade
WITA offers direct access to a diverse and influential audience across sectors and regions.
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100+Events Per Year
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30kMonthly Engagements
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25+Countries Represented
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40%Government Audience
WHAT PARTICIPATION LOOKS LIKE
Engaging Formats That Fit Your Career Path WEBINARS
PARTNERS WITH LEADING INSTITUTIONS ACROSS INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Real Value. Real Community.We are grateful to be considered a trusted and informed platform for the discussion of international trade policy, especially for government officials.
Support the Mission
Sponsor Education and Access in the International Trade Community
Amplify your brand’s commitment to global trade by sponsoring WITA Academy programs and participants.
Questions About WITA Academy?
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
We’ve compiled answers to help you understand how to participate or support our educational programs.
Do I need to live in D.C. to join?
No, this is a virtual event. You will receive a Zoom link to join virtually.
Can students join WITA events?
Yes, students are encouraged to join to learn more about trade policy. All of our programs are free to attend for active students. Please register using your student email account.
What if I want to upgrade or switch tiers later?
If you would like to upgrade or switch membership tiers, you can adjust your level of membership in the “Subscriptions” tab. Please click on your profile and navigate to this tab to upgrade or adjust your membership. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any issues throughout the process.
How long does membership last?
WITA memberships last for one year and renew annually from the date of purchase. Please reference our memberships page to learn more about becoming a WITA member.
Do members get access to past events?
Yes, members will gain access to all past events that are recorded and posted on our website.
Still have questions or need support?
Feel free to reach out to our dedicated support team.
Contact WITA at (202) 312-1600 or [email protected].
