The Program
The Spring 2026 agenda is powered by Semafor’s newsroom — bringing the same rigor, curiosity, and global perspective that defines our journalism. Across five themes, every session is a live act of reporting: headline interviews, unscripted dialogue, and questions that cut through spin. This editorial backbone ensures that what happens on stage is as substantive
as what happens behind closed doors.
Curated spaces and thought-provoking formats foster deep peer learning, candid exchange, and forward-looking insight.
Iván Duque, Former President, Colombia with Tim McDonnell,
Climate & Energy Editor, Semafor
APRIL 13
NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY
AI, geopolitics, national security, climate, trade
APRIL 14
SEEING INTO THE FUTURE
Health, biotech, growth, quantum, future industries
APRIL 15
CONSTRUCTING NEW NETWORKS
Digital assets, mobility, infrastructure, trade
APRIL 16
DRIVING HUMAN ASPIRATION
Education, workforce, culture, global south
APRIL 17
POWERING CHANGE
Energy, leadership, innovation, sustainability
The Principal Experience
Principals immerse in a world-class program designed for depth, access, and connection — blending editorial insight with world-class hospitality.
AMPLIFY
A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Be in the room for headline interviews with the world’s most influential CEOs, investors, and policy-makers. Designed for insight and candor, reserved exclusively for Principals.
NETWORK
CURATED CONVERSATIONS & NETWORKING
Join intimate, by-invitation-only receptions and roundtables that connect you with leaders across sectors and regions.
EXPLORE
EXCLUSIVE PRINCIPAL TOOLS & LOUNGE
Access the Principal-only app for personalized scheduling, networking, and content — including a pre-arrival briefing from Semafor’s editorial team.
CUSTOMIZE
PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE SUPPORT
Receive pre-convening guidance tailored to your interests, with suggested sessions, introductions, and curated programming highlights.
MAGNIFY
RECOGNITION & PRESTIGE
Join a globally recognized cohort and receive shareable credentials to mark your participation.
The Principal Ecosystem
Semafor World Economy Principals are a carefully curated community of senior builders, innovators, and changemakers — the architects of the new world economy. Principals are nominated by peers, industry partners, and institutions, and selected for their ideas, leadership, and real-world impact. They convene for a five-day high-trust forum in Washington, DC, engaging with Semafor’s journalism, one another, and influential leaders shaping tomorrow’s systems, markets, and ideas. Invited Principals join a year-round global community and participate in Semafor World Economy events worldwide.
Sampath Sowmyanarayan, CEO, Verizon Consumer Group
Our foundational thesis brings together six cohorts of leaders:
CAPITAL CATALYSTS
Investors and fund partners redefining how capital fuels innovation and growth.
ENTERPRISE BUILDERS
Visionaries designing the infrastructure of the next economy — from AI to energy systems.
TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECTS
Intermediaries turning complexity into clarity — bridging sectors and ideas.
TRANSITION STEWARDS
Founders and operators creating new markets, jobs, and technologies.
CONNECTORS & TRANSLATORS
Pioneers driving the shift toward sustainability, health, and equitable growth.
POLICY INNOVATORS
Public leaders and advisors shaping smarter, more connected.
“In the face of the new world economy, our ambition is to disrupt the existing models and create a new global platform designed to foster the ideas and voices that matter most to world leaders.”
Justin B. Smith
Co-Founder & CEO, Semafor
“In the face of the new world economy, our ambition is to disrupt the existing models and create a new global platform designed to foster the ideas and voices that matter most to world leaders.”