The Global Summit is Forward Global’s flagship annual program, convening over 250 members and strategic partners. It is a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and best practices, make new strategic connections, and make more progress in two days as a collective than we would otherwise make in two years working alone.

This year, our three-day event will begin with a Member Day on Thursday, March 5. This dedicated day empowers Forward Global members to self-organize into working groups around the issues, strategies, and innovations that drive impact. Members have the space and time to build connections, workshop bold ideas, and align around shared goals—laying the groundwork for the solutions and collaborations that will shape the days ahead. Two full days of programming follow on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7, featuring inspirational talks, skills-based workshops, peer reflections, curated table pods, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and action.

The Global Summit engages diverse participants to break down silos and facilitate shared learning and systemic collaboration. As Forward Global’s largest annual convening, we pursue participation from across the social sector. Attendees include Forward Global members and prospective members, partners, academics, social sector leaders and practitioners. All attendees actively participate and contribute by sharing learnings, ideas, and opportunities for action.

Regrettably, because we design the Summit for true connection and collaboration, interest in this historically sold-out event greatly exceeds our capacity and, thus, it is by invitation only for non-members. All invitations have now been sent. If you have any questions about participating in the Global Summit, email us at summit@forward-global.org.

The Global Summit is held in a different location each year, reflecting the global nature of our members. We’re thrilled that the 2026 Global Summit will take place in Whistler, Canada at the Whistler Conference Centre. Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort town famous for its skiing, snowboarding, and vibrant village atmosphere. Please note that it takes a few hours from Vancouver International Airport to reach Whistler (more details available here on how to get to Whistler). Information on hotel options and booking links will be available soon; all options will be an easy walk away from our Summit venue. 

Prior Global Summits have been held in Los Angeles (2025), New York City (2024), London (2023), Toronto (2022), and California’s Napa Valley (2019 and 2020). Always held the first week in March, stay tuned for updates on future host cities.

Attendee contributions fund the direct costs of producing the Global Summit. Because the event historically sells out, we appreciate early cancellation notice so that seats can be given to individuals on our waiting list. As a voluntary donation, we hope that attendees will consider their payment as a contribution towards the mission of Forward Global. If you are unable to attend, you can choose to reallocate your contribution for another purpose.

The Global Summit is a green event. Forward Global is working to minimize our carbon footprint and will offset emissions from staff travel to Vancouver. We encourage participants to do likewise and to practice sustainable lifestyle choices throughout the program. As hosts, we will choose sustainable meal options and meeting practices wherever possible, working closely with the Whistler Conference Centre, a LEED Certified Building (click here for more on their environmental commitment). We hope that the Global Summit will also unlock resources towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency in line with our community’s vision and values.

We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us at summit@forward-global.org with any questions.