For the sixth year, a consortium of globally minded organizations is banding together to bring the world to Macon on the evening of Feb. 6, 2025, sharing stories and fostering connections that promise to boost global commerce and culture in Middle Georgia.

Local attorney Christopher N. Smith, who also serves as Denmark’s honorary consul in Georgia, is partnering again with international business news publication Global Atlanta for the statewide Global Trade and Investment Symposium, where a panel of diplomats and business experts will unpack the intricate connections between the state and the global economy after a period of record trade and foreign investment. 

The evening discussion will be held at Pierce Chapel on the campus of Wesleyan College, the event’s host each year since 2020, and will feature leading voices from across the state representing the countries, companies, and industries underpinning job-creating investment and keeping Georgia undeniably connected beyond U.S. borders.

This year will include a special focus on France, the fifth largest nation by jobs created in Georgia, with some 27,100 positions supported by the country’s trade and investment ties with the state, according to a report by the French Embassy in Washington. That’s about 5,000 more employees than Warner Robins Air Force Base. 

Cultural and military connections with America’s oldest ally also abound: French Consul General Anne-Laure Desjonqueres, who will serve as a panelist, has spent much of her tenure in Atlanta awarding France’s Legion of Honor decoration to World War II veterans, including many Georgia who participated in the D-Day landing.

She will be joined on stage by Virginie Durr of Delta Air Lines, who has spearheaded Delta’s initiative to fly veterans back to her native Normandy, where they receive due gratitude and fanfare from a grateful community, most recently last June for the 80th D-Day anniversary. More than 20 heads of state gathered for the event, during which Georgia native Hilbert Margol received his Legion of Honor medal directly from French President Emmanuel Macron.

This comes as Delta is celebrates 100 years since the airline’s birth, unbeknownst to many, as a crop duster in Macon, Ga., before it moved to Louisiana. The symposium will emphasize how Delta has helped drive Georgia’s engagement with the world, from business to tourism to logistics. 

Local leaders and executives will share how foreign investment is helping transform middle Georgia. 

Confirmed speakers include: 

Introductory remarks: Christopher N. Smith, attorney

Panel discussion moderated by Global Atlanta Managing Editor Trevor Williams:

• Anne-Laure Desjonquères, Consul General of France in Atlanta

• Stephen Adams,Executive Director, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority

• Virginie Durr, Enterprise Sales Manager, French Trade Advisor, French American Chamber Board Member, Delta Air Lines

• Raymond Shelton, Vice President, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, YKK AP America Inc.  

Confirmed attendees include diplomats representing at least 10 countries in Georgia, along with a cross-section of leaders in business, academia and economic development. 

During the previous four years, the symposium has regularly notched more than 100 registrants from all over the state who gather to enjoy a night of networking and knowledge. The panel will be followed by a reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres in Wesleyan’s Burden Parlor. 

Cost: $25, or $15 for prior-year attendees. 

Accredited members of the media are welcome to attend at no cost to cover this on-the-record discussion, which will include a moderated Q&A.