Semafor, a notable media company, is set to hold an economic conference in Washington D.C. this April, aiming to establish itself as a key player in the realm of global business discussions, similar to the renowned World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The conference, now entering its third year, has already garnered participation from over 200 CEOs, showcasing a significant increase in interest, largely attributed to the evolving policies and influence of President Donald Trump.
According to Justin B. Smith, Semafor’s co-founder and CEO, the event is shaping up to mirror the achievements of Davos, with the dates scheduled from April 23 to 25.
This development underscores the rising significance of specialized events orchestrated by media organizations, a direction that Semafor has been focused on since its inception earlier in the decade.
In prior years, a similar gathering in Washington attracted approximately 50 CEOs, which increased to around 75 in 2024, indicating a growing interest among business leaders in regulatory matters stemming from Washington. Smith acknowledged that the recent surge in interest is primarily driven by Trump’s electoral influence, which has catalyzed the rapid development of this year’s conference.
While Semafor is optimistic about the possibility of Trump administration officials participating, no confirmations have been made as the staffing of his team is still underway. The event will feature Semafor journalists moderating discussions on various subjects, including global finance, energy, economic growth, and the technology revolution.
Targeting an attendance of about 5,000, Semafor has already confirmed the presence of influential figures from companies such as Netflix, FedEx, Instacart, Mattel, United Airlines, Whole Foods, and WeWork.
The conference will be co-chaired by notable personalities, including David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group; Henry Kravis, co-founder of KKR; Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel; and Penny Pritzker, former U.S. Commerce Secretary.
