Embassy and Ministry Network (EMN) September Briefing
Event Details
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September 23, 2026
9:00 am – 10:30 am
A Focused Conversation on Trade Policy
Event Purpose
Topical Relevance
Audience Takeaway
Embassy and Ministry Network (EMN) September Briefing
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September 23, 2026
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Active Embassy or Ministry officials can RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Because seating is limited to keep the discussion intimate, we accept one RSVP per Embassy/Ministry and maintain a waitlist once seats are filled.
Hear from Voices at the Center of International Trade
Jennifer Hillman
Co-Director, Institute of International Economic Law
Georgetown University Law Center
Kenneth I. Levinson
CEO
WITA
Ken Levinson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of WITA – The International Trade Association and Washington International Trade Foundation.
WITA is the world’s largest non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to providing a neutral forum for the open and robust discussion of international trade policy and economic issues. WITA and its affiliated groups have over 10,000 members, and more than 160 corporate sponsors and group memberships.
Ken has over 30 years of experience working with companies, associations, NGOs and governments, advocating innovative solutions to complex public policy challenges. Over the years, Ken has worked with clients in the technology, telecommunications, biopharmaceuticals, agriculture and food, financial services, retail, apparel, energy, and consumer products sectors.
Previously, Ken served as Senior Director for Global Government Affairs for AstraZeneca. Prior to joining AstraZeneca, Ken served as Senior Vice President and COO at the Washington, DC consulting firm of Fontheim International. Ken joined Fontheim after spending six years on the staff of U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV. Ken advised the Senator on foreign policy and national security matters, and served as the Senator’s chief advisor on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, dealing with issues related to international trade and tax policy.
Ken received his Master’s Degree from New York University after doing his undergraduate work at the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst. Ken also spent a year studying at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ken and his wife, The Reverend Donna Marsh, live in River Forest, IL.
Who is eligible to attend?
This briefing is exclusively for active Embassy and Ministry officials who are Members of WITA’s Embassy and Ministry Network. One RSVP is accepted per Embassy or Ministry.
Is this event open to the public or private sector?
No. EMN briefings are closed-door sessions reserved for embassy and ministry staff. Private sector, media, and general WITA members are not eligible to attend.
What are the Chatham House Rules, and why do they apply?
Chatham House Rules mean participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. These briefings are free for embassy and ministry staff, and breakfast is provided.
How do I RSVP, and what if the briefing is full?
Active Embassy or Ministry officials can RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Because seating is limited to keep the discussion intimate, we accept one RSVP per Embassy/Ministry and maintain a waitlist once seats are filled.
