NEW YORK (AP) – Semafor, a media company, is organizing a Washington economic conference aimed at global CEOs, scheduled for April 23-25, 2025. The event is positioned to rival the prestigious World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, Switzerland, in terms of its influence and impact.
In a recent announcement, Semafor reported that over 200 CEOs have already committed to attending this year’s conference, a significant increase from approximately 50 CEOs who attended a similar event two years ago. This growth reflects a burgeoning interest, attributed to the policies and implications surrounding the election of President Donald Trump. Justin B. Smith, co-founder and CEO of Semafor, noted that the current interest level is unprecedented, stating, “It is really turning into what will be the closest thing to what Davos has accomplished in Switzerland.”
Historically, Semafor has placed a strong emphasis on hosting special events, which serve as a strategic focus for the company since its inception earlier in the decade. The prior year saw participation grow to around 75 CEOs, signaling a trend of increasing engagement with regulatory efforts taking place in Washington, D.C. Smith reaffirmed that Trump’s administration has significantly fueled the momentum and expansion of this conference.
Expectations for the event are high, with Semafor hoping for an overall attendance of about 5,000 people. The company is in discussions to secure participation from officials affiliated with the Trump administration, although none have been confirmed as of yet. As the Trump team is still in the process of staffing up, the presence of administration officials would notably elevate the conference’s news value.
Semafor has also outlined its plans for discussions featuring its journalists, covering topical areas such as global finance, energy, economic growth, and the technological revolution. Some of the high-profile leaders confirmed to attend include executives from notable companies such as Netflix, FedEx, Instacart, Mattel, United Airlines, Whole Foods, and WeWork.
The event is being co-chaired by industry titans and influential figures, including David Rubenstein, co-founder of Carlyle Group; Henry Kravis, co-founder of KKR; Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel; and Penny Pritzker, former U.S. Commerce Secretary. This impressive roster of leadership underscores the conference's significance as a gathering point for key decision-makers in global economic discussions.
As Semafor steps into the forefront of media-organized economic gatherings, its Washington conference marks a pivotal moment in affirming the role of media companies in hosting events that address major global issues in finance and governance.
