Looking back: #TBIC2025

On August 26, 2025, more than 130 participants came together for the Transatlantic Business & Investment Conference 2025, making it our largest and most engaging gathering yet.

The atmosphere throughout the day reflected exactly what makes this community so unique: open dialogue, a willingness to share experiences, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the transatlantic economic relationship. From the social event on the Chicago river, through the welcoming reception at LUXBAR Chicago, to a day filled with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats, there was a buzz of conversation and new connections being made.

From the opening remarks by Consul General Brian Cahalane (Ireland) and Consul General Michael Ahrens (Germany), to a thought-provoking “state of the economy” presentation by Jeffrey Korzenik (Fifth Third Bank), the stage was set for a day that did not shy away from difficult questions. Tariffs, energy competitiveness, workforce readiness, and the global investment climate were all on the table. Participants appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from those shaping policy and business decisions, and it became clear that the U.S.–European dialogue on FDI is not only necessary, but more relevant than ever.

Our panels and fireside chats spanned the issues that matter most to our community. We explored the impact of global trade shifts on investment strategies, examined how communities can position themselves to compete in an energy-constrained world, and looked at both large-scale data center projects and SME investments to understand what makes expansions succeed. The afternoon’s focus on data-driven site selection, digital tools, and community strategy provided very practical takeaways for participants to bring home. Each conversation added a layer of depth to the overarching theme of the day: how U.S. communities and European companies can navigate today’s uncertainties while building long-term partnerships.

Equally important, the networking that took place between sessions was just as valuable as the panels themselves. With so many representatives from U.S. economic development organizations, corporate leaders, consultants, and service providers under one roof, the exchanges in the hallways and over coffee breaks offered a chance to compare notes, ask candid questions, and discover opportunities for collaboration. Chicago, with its international outlook and central location, proved to be the perfect stage for this kind of dialogue.

A warm thank you goes to all our sponsors, members, partners, and guests who helped make the day a success. Whether you were on stage sharing expertise, supporting the event as a sponsor, or joining the discussions as a participant, your contributions shaped the day and underscored the importance of our shared mission. Events like this thrive on the energy and engagement of those who attend, and we are grateful for every single voice that contributed to making the 2025 conference special.

📸 You can find a selection of photos from the day here: Conference 2025 Photos