WITA/WITF Annual Dinner

The 2024 Annual Dinner will be held on Wednesday, July 24. 

The Annual Membership Dinner, typically held each summer, hosted by the Washington International Trade Foundation, is WITA’s signature event. The Dinner attracts hundreds of top decision makers, policy shapers, and trade experts from D.C. and around the world. 

Organized by WITA’s sister organization, the 501(c)(3) Washington International Trade Foundation (WITF), the Annual Dinner is the biggest trade event of the year in Washington, DC. The event is a fundraiser to support WITA and WITF’s trade education activities throughout the year.

Please click here for 2024 event details. 

Attendees

This event is considered “widely attended” under both House & Senate Gift Rules. 

Awards

The highlight of the event is the presentation of awards to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in the field of international trade. Past honorees (listed below) have included Members of Congress, Senators, United States Trade Representatives and other Cabinet and Sub-cabinet level officials.

Another tradition at the Dinner is the honoring of an impactful individual in the trade policy community with our Lighthouse Award. Kept secret until the night of the Dinner, the Lighthouse is awarded in recognition of the contributions the individual has made over the course of his/her career to trade policy, the understanding of global trade, or expanding the benefits of global trade. Prior recipients can be found at the bottom of this page.

Location

The WITA/WITF Annual Dinner (#TradeProm) is hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, located in downtown Washington D.C. at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

WITA and the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center will use the utmost caution and care for our event planners, attendees, and staff following all CDC and Washington D.C. guidelines. 

“Trade Prom”

The Annual Dinner is packed with a ‘Who’s Who’ of trade policy professionals–over 500 attendees each year. It’s no wonder it’s come to be known as “Trade Prom”!

 

2024 Sponsorship Pricing (w. silver being sold out)

 

For more information, please contact Diego Anez, danez@wita.org 


WITA/WITF Sponsorship Levels

Diamond Level Sponsor                                 Investment: $15,000 

  • Elite table at the WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
  • 4 Additional Reception-only Tickets to the Annual Dinner Pre and Post Reception
  • Executive Group Membership for all employees
  • Unlimited free access to regular WITA policy webinars for all employees
  • Two free passes to WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminars
  • One free pass to the in-person Washington International Trade Conference
  • Two free passes to the in-person Congressional Trade Counsels Event
  • Discounted Member pricing for all events, including the Annual International Trade Conference, Congressional Trade Counsels, and Intensive Trade Seminars
  • Diamond Level recognition at the Annual Dinner, and at all in-person events, promotional materials and signage
  • Opportunity for logoed contributions to WITA/WITF Annual Dinner Gift Bag
  • ½ page logoed congratulatory statement to honorees featured during Annual Dinner slideshow and in printed program
  • Logo-Link on WITA’s website

Platinum Level Sponsor                                 Investment: $12,500

  • Premier table at the WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
  • Executive Group Membership for all employees
  • Unlimited free access to regular WITA policy webinars for all employees
  • One free pass to WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminars
  • One free pass to the in-person Washington International Trade Conference
  • Two free passes to the in-person Congressional Trade Counsels Event
  • Discounted Member pricing for all events, including the Annual International Trade Conference, Congressional Trade Counsels, and Intensive Trade Seminars
  • Platinum Level recognition at the Annual Dinner, and at all in-person events, promotional materials and signage
  • Opportunity for logoed contributions to WITA/WITF Annual Dinner Gift Bag
  • ¼ page logoed congratulatory statement to honorees featured during Annual Dinner slideshow and in printed program
  • Logo-Link on WITA’s website

Platinum Half Table Sponsor                     Investment: $7,500 

  • Premier Half Table (up to 4 seats) at the WITA/WITF Annual Dinner & Reception
  • 4 Additional Reception-only Tickets to the Annual Dinner Pre and Post Receptions
  • Executive Group Membership for all employees
  • Unlimited free access to regular WITA policy webinars for all employees
  • One free pass to WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminars
  • One free pass to the in-person Washington International Trade Conference
  • Two free passes to the in-person Congressional Trade Counsels Event
  • Discounted Member pricing for all events, including the Annual International Trade Conference, Congressional Trade Counsels, and Intensive Trade Seminars
  • Platinum Level recognition at the Annual Dinner, and at all in-person events, promotional materials and signage
  • Opportunity for logoed contributions to WITA/WITF Annual Dinner Gift Bag
  • ¼ page logoed congratulatory statement to honorees featured during Annual Dinner slideshow and in printed program
  • Logo-Link on WITA’s website

Gold Level Sponsor                                   Investment: $10,000    

  • Preferred table at the WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
  • Executive Group Membership for all employees
  • Unlimited free access to regular WITA policy webinars for all employees
  • One free pass to WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminars
  • One free pass to the in-person Congressional Trade Counsels Event
  • Discounted Member pricing for all events, including the Annual International Trade Conference, Congressional Trade Counsels, and Intensive Trade Seminars
  • Gold Level recognition at the Annual Dinner
  • Opportunity for logoed contributions to WITA/WITF Annual Dinner Gift Bag
  • Logo-Link on WITA’s website

Silver Table Sponsor- Sold out!

 

Major Contributor                                  Investment: $5,000

  • Half Table (up to 4 seats) at the WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
  • Small Group Membership for u p to 5 employees
  • Unlimited free access to regular WITA policy webinars for all employees
  • One free pass to the in-person Congressional Trade Counsels Event
  • Discounted Member pricing for all events, including the Annual International Trade Conference, Congressional Trade Counsels, and Intensive Trade Seminars Major Contributor Level recognition at the Annual Dinner
  • Major Contributor Level recognition at the Annual Dinner
  • Opportunity for logoed contributions to WITA/WITF Annual Dinner Gift Bag
  • Logo-Link on WITA’s website

*Free passes not available for use at all WITA events. After free passes are used, member rates apply.

If you would need or prefer a personalized invoice, just let us know! Contact Diego Añez: danez@wita.org

 

Past Honorees & Speakers at the WITA / WITF Annual Dinner

2023

Rep. Adrian Smith, Congressional Leadership Award

Senator Tom Carper, American Leadership Award

Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard, Lifetime Achievement Award

Monica H. Whaley, WITA Lighthouse Award

Masters of Ceremonies: Stacy J. Ettinger & Vanessa Sciarra

2022

Rep. Ron Kind, Distinguished Service Award (introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer)

Senator Pat Toomey, Distinguished Leadership Award (introduced by Ambassador Rufus Yerxa, Ambassador Jayme White, & Sabine Weyand)

Ambassador Carla A. Hills, Lifetime Achievement Award (introduced by Ambassador Susan Schwab)

Jennifer A. Hillman, WITA Lighthouse Award (introduced by Stephanie Lester Sarah Thorn)

Master of Ceremonies: Ambassador Rufus Yerxa

2021

Rep. Richard Neal, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene)

Rep. Kevin Brady, Lifetime Achievement Award (introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski)

Ambassador Rufus Yerxa, Lifetime Achievement Award (introduced by Ambassador Susan Schwab)

Florizelle Liser, WITA Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Katrin Kuhlman)

Master of Ceremonies: Ambassador Susan Schwab

2020 

Due to COVID-19, WITA hosted a Virtual Annual Dinner featuring Award Winning Chef Danny Lledó of Xiquet.  Due to the online format of the event, WITA did not have an honoree in 2020.

2019

Senator Chuck Grassley, American Leadership Award (introduced by Ambassador Jim Bacchus)

Rep. Suzan DelBene, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Rick Larsen)

Rep. Jackie Walorski, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Kevin Brady)

Women In International Trade (WIIT), WITA Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Selina Jackson)

Masters of Ceremonies: John Veroneau

See our 2019 Annual Awards Dinner Highlights here

2018

Senator Ben Cardin, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp)

Senator Pat Roberts, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Dan Glickman)

Secretary Sonny Perdue, American Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Kevin Brady)

Laura Baughman, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Bill Lane)

MC: Nicole Bivens Collinson

See our 2018 Annual Awards Dinner Highlights here

2017

Rep Rick Larsen, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Suzan DelBene)

Senator Jeff Flake, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Jim Kolbe)

Meredith Broadbent, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn)

MC: Kellie Meiman Hock

See our 2017 Annual Awards Dinner Highlights here

2016

Secretary Penny Pritzker, Global Leadership Award

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Congressman Kevin Brady)

Rep. David Reichert, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Congressman Kevin Brady)

Bill Lane, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn)

William Reinsch, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Bill Lane)

MC: Nicole Venable

See our 2016 Annual Awards Dinner Highlights here

2015

Rep. Paul Ryan, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer)

Senator Orrin Hatch, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Senator Tom Carper)

Senator Ron Wyden, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer)

Ambassador Mike Moore, Lifetime Achievement Award (introduced by Ambassador Susan Schwab)

Everett Eissenstat, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Bill Lane)

MC: Nicole Venable

See our 2015 Annual Awards Dinner Highlights here

2014

Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr., MD, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks,)

Rep. Ron Kind, Congressional Leadership Award (introduced by Representative Erik Paulsen)

Ambassador Michael Punke, Distinguished Service Award (introduced by Ambassador Peter Allgeier)

Ambassador Clayton Yeutter, Lifetime Achievement Award (introduced by Ambassador Peter Allgeier)

Wendy Cutler, Lighthouse Award (introduced by Sarah Thorn & Bill Lane)

MC: Ambassador Peter Allgeier

2013

Chairman Dave Camp, Distinguished Leadership in International Trade 

USTR Michael Froman, Distinguished Leadership in International Trade 

Rep. Gregory Meeks, Distinguished Leadership in International Trade 

Ed Gresser, Lighthouse Award 

MC: Ambassador Peter Allgeier

2012

USTR Ron Kirk, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. David Dreier, Lifetime Achievement Award

Jutta Hennig, Lighthouse Award

MC: Grant Aldonas

2011

Senator Rob PortmanDistinguished Service Award

Senator John KerryDistinguished Service Award

Angela EllardViji Rangaswami, Lighthouse Award

Keynote address by USTR Ron Kirk

MC: Fruzsina Harsanyi

2010

Senator Max Baucus, Lifetime Achievement Award

Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Distinguished Service Award

R. Scott Miller, Lighthouse Award

Keynote address by former USTR Susan Schwab

MC: Dan Glickman

2009

Rep. Kevin Brady, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. Joe Crowley, Distinguished Service Award

Frank and Regina Vargo, Lighthouse Award

Keynote address by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke

MC: Jim Kolbe

2008

United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Distinguished Service Award

R.K. “Judge” Morris, Lighthouse Award

Keynote address by former USTR Rob Portman

MC: Cal Dooley

2007

WITA’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating of a Quarter Century of Trade Leadership

Keynote address by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez

MC: John Castellani Business Roundtable

2006

Rep. Charles Rangel, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. Jim Kolbe, Lifetime Achievement Award

Keynote address by Senator Hillary Clinton

MC: Bill Lane

2005

Rep. William Thomas, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. Robert Matsui, Lifetime Achievement Award

Keynote address by Rep. Jim Kolbe

2004

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant Aldonas, Distinguished Service Award

Deputy United States Trade Representative Peter Allgeier, Distinguished Service Award

Keynote address by Rep. Cal Dooley

MC: Bill Lane

2003

United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, Distinguished Service Award

Keynote address by Jack Valenti, CEO, Motion Picture Association of America

2002

Rep. Amo Houghton, Lifetime Achievement Award

Rep. William Jefferson, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. John Tanner, Distinguished Service Award

2001

Rep. Phil Crane, Lifetime Achievement Award

Senator Charles Grassley, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. Sander Levin, Distinguished Service Award

2000

Secretary of Commerce William Daley, Lifetime Achievement Award

Rep. Calvin Dooley, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. David Dreier, Distinguished Service Award

1999

Senator Max Baucus, Distinguished Service Award

Senator Chuck Hagel, Distinguished Service Award

1998

Secretary of Treasury Robert E. Rubin, Distinguished Service Award

Senator William V. Roth, Distinguished Service Award

1997

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. William Archer, Distinguished Service Award

1996

Rep. Sam Gibbons, Lifetime Achievement Award

Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Stuart Eizenstat, Distinguished Service Award

1995

Rep. James Kolbe, Distinguished Service Award

Rep. Robert Matsui, Distinguished Service Award


Questions? Contact WITA at (202) 312-1600 or events@wita.org

WITF is the 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational mission and activities of WITA.  WITF’s Federal Tax ID Number is 52-1907420.

Please note that the fair market value of each seat at the Dinner is $150, plus the amount of the WITA Group Membership that each table package includes. Membership pricing is as follows: Executive: $1,000; Large: $500; Small: $350

To calculate your charitable contribution amount, deduct the amount of the table and the group membership from your Investment amount above. 

Thank you for supporting WITA and WITF by sponsoring a table at the “Trade Prom”! 

All checks should be made payable to the Washington International Trade Foundation.