On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and the Washington International Trade Foundation hosted their 2026 Annual Dinner. Every year, the Dinner attracts hundreds of top decision makers, policy shapers, and trade experts from D.C. and around the world, and is affectionately known as “Trade Prom.”

At this year’s Dinner, WITA and the Foundation honored Senator Todd Young and Senator Maria Cantwell with WITA’s Congressional Leadership Award. The event also featured an America 250 Performance by Alumni of Signature Theater’s Education Programs. In addition, every year, WITA and Foundation acknowledge the contributions of a member of the trade community with the Lighthouse Award. The recipient of the Lighthouse Award remains secret until revealed on stage during the Dinner. This year, we were proud to recognize John Murphy, former Senior Vice President and Head of International, US Chamber of Commerce.

WITA and the Foundation sincerely thank all of the sponsors that make this event possible each year. We appreciate your support for international trade and are grateful for your contribution to help us bring the trade community together every year.

Featuring:

Kenneth Levinson, WITA’s Chief Executive Officer

Nasim Fussell, Business Roundtable, Chair of WITA’s Board of Directors

Nasim Fussell presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Todd Young

Special America 250 Performance by Alumni of Signature Theater’s Education Programs.

Nasim Fussell presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Maria Cantwell

Sarah Thorn, Walmart and Stephanie Lester, Gap Inc., presenting Lighthouse Award

John Murphy, former Senior Vice President and Head of International, US Chamber of Commerce, WITA Lighthouse Award

Photos from the 2026 Annual Dinner