Montana World Trade Center's World Trade & Investment Day 2026

Our 2026 program features hands-on training for internationally engaged businesses in the morning followed by an afternoon general session delivering timely insights on the rapidly evolving global trade landscape and what it means for Montana. We'll also honor the Montana exporter of the year as chosen by the Montana district export council, offer offsite visits showcasing the infrastructure, companies, and partnerships powering Montana’s export growth and foreign direct investment pipeline, and welcome consuls general from our trading partner nations to share their perspectives, meet with Montana firms, and amass more granular detail about mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.

International trade & investment are essential to Montana’s economy —from wheat to SaaS products and everything in between, Montanans are selling their products & services around the world, importing supply chain solutions, and receiving investment from global markets.

Come join us to celebrate Montana’s successes on the global stage, learn about untapped opportunities, and gather together in celebration of World Trade Month.

We’re looking forward to seeing you May 12th in Butte!

DRAFT AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE

MORNING SESSION — Training for Montana Firms Engaged in International Business

Location: Butte, MT

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

8:30 AM | Event Check-In & Networking over Coffee

9:00 – 11:15 AM | Morning Training Sessions

11:30 AM | Check-In for General Session & Site Visit Confirmation

____________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL SESSION — Montana’s Trade & Investment Strategy in a Volatile World

Location: Butte, MT

12:00 – 12:05 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

12:05 – 12:15 PM | Montana Global Trade & Investment Update

12:15 – 12:40 PM | Fireside Chat — Montana & the Next Frontier of Global Trade

12:40 – 1:10 PM | North American Trade Outlook — USMCA 2026 Review

1:10 – 1:35 PM | Montana Agriculture & Global Market Opportunities

1:35 – 2:15 PM | Panel — Positioning Montana for FDI Success in Advanced Industries & Critical Minerals

2:15 – 2:35 PM | Fireside Chat & Exporter of the Year Award

2:35 – 2:45 PM | TRANSITION Comments

__________________________________________________________________________________________

AFTERNOON SITE VISITS — Advanced Industry & Logistics Infrastructure

2:45 – 5:30 PM | Site Visits (Includes Transportation)

Headwaters Tech Hub / UMEC Testbed

Port of Montana Foreign Trade Zone

___________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENING RECEPTION — Networking & Trade Diplomacy

Location: NorthWestern Energy Facility, Butte

5:30 – 7:00 PM | World Trade & Investment Day Program & Reception

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Montana World Trade Center