In early May 2026, I’ll be back at National Harbor, Maryland—and if my experience tells me anything, it won’t feel like just another event.

Thousands of decision-makers—from global CEOs and fast-scaling startups to government leaders and economic developers—will gather along the Potomac River. But what makes this different is the shared purpose: turning ambition into real investment.

From where I sit, working directly with communities and companies navigating expansion decisions, the SelectUSA Investment Summit isn’t just a conference. It’s one of the most effective environments in the United States for foreign direct investment (FDI)—a place where conversations don’t just inspire, they move projects forward.

Where Global Capital Meets American Opportunity

When I talk to companies about expanding into the U.S., the questions are always the same: where should we go, how do we do it, and who can help us get there?

SelectUSA Investment Summit answers all three.

I’ve seen firsthand how it brings together more than 5,500 participants, including thousands of investors from around the world and economic development leaders representing every U.S. state and territory.

What that creates is something you don’t often find: a single place where global capital, local opportunity, and federal support all connect at the same time.

And it’s not theoretical. It’s practical. It’s real conversations about site selection, workforce, incentives, and timelines—all happening within a few days.

“The SelectUSA Investment Summit isn’t just where you learn about opportunities—it’s where you accelerate them. In a matter of days, you can build relationships, compare communities, and gain the clarity needed to move a project”

That’s not a tagline—that’s what I consistently see happen.

A Marketplace of Possibility

Every time I walk into the Exhibition Hall, I’m reminded how unique this event really is.

You have hundreds of economic development organizations, service providers, and industry experts all in one place—each one ready to show how their region can support a company’s growth.

Instead of spending months traveling from city to city, companies can evaluate multiple locations in a single day.

From my perspective, that changes the entire dynamic. Communities aren’t just presenting—they’re competing, collaborating, and adapting in real time.

More Than Networking—It’s Deal-Making Infrastructure

What stands out most to me is how intentional the SelectUSA Investment Summit is.

This isn’t casual networking. It’s structured for action.

Companies can:

• Schedule one-on-one meetings with vetted partners
• Sit down with state and local leaders who can influence outcomes
• Attend sessions that go deep into workforce, incentives, and supply chains
• Hear directly from executives and policymakers shaping investment decisions

I’ve seen processes that normally take months get compressed into a few days simply because the right people are in the same room.

A Launchpad for Growth Sectors and Innovation

For high-growth companies—especially in tech and advanced industries—the SelectUSA Investment Summit goes even further.

Programs like SelectUSA Tech create real opportunities for startups to connect with investors, partners, and the resources they need to enter the U.S. market.

From my standpoint, this is where you start to see the future take shape—not just where capital is going, but which industries are gaining momentum and why.

Why 2026 Matters More Than Ever

The 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit carries added significance with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

But what matters more to me is the momentum behind it.

SelectUSA has already helped drive billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs across the country. And each year, I see more projects move from conversation to commitment because of connections made at this event.

For companies considering expansion, that track record isn’t just impressive—it’s actionable.

The Strategic Advantage: One Trip, Unlimited Access

If I had to sum up the biggest advantage of the SelectUSA Investment Summit, it’s this: efficiency with impact.

In one trip, companies can:

• Compare regions side-by-side
• Understand workforce and incentive structures quickly
• Build relationships with decision-makers
• Identify partners who can help execute their plans

That kind of access is hard to replicate anywhere else.

The Bottom Line

When I talk to companies about entering or expanding in the United States, the conversation always comes back to timing.

The opportunity is there. The question is how quickly you can act on it.

From everything I’ve seen, the SelectUSA Investment Summit helps answer that question.

It’s where global ambition meets American infrastructure.
Where conversations turn into commitments.
And where the next wave of investment starts to take shape.

If you’re serious about expanding into the U.S., this isn’t just an event to attend—it’s one I strongly recommend you leverage.