The SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 brought together thousands of business leaders, investors, economic development organizations, and government officials at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland from May 3–6, 2026.
Global Chamber® was again proud to participate and host an on-site gathering during the summit, creating additional opportunities for members, partners, and global leaders to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful cross-border relationships. SelectUSA is the premier event dedicated to promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the U.S.
Through the attendance and excitement of this year's event, we could see beyond the numbers to the level of trust that investors still have for the U.S, which is the #1 trusted and attractive destination in the latest Kearney Survey for international business expansion and investment.
Foreign Direct Investment
This year’s summit welcomed more than 3,000 attendees, including over 1,200 business investors from approximately 80 international markets. Economic developers from nearly every U.S. state and territory joined corporate executives, service providers, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends, investment opportunities, workforce development, infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, and the future of global business.
Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, inflation concerns, immigration debates, tariffs, and global economic shifts, one message remained clear throughout the event:
Global companies continue to see opportunity in America.
Taiwan arrived with the summit’s largest delegation of 207 participants, followed by South Korea with 152 delegates. Indian companies also announced a record-breaking $20.5 billion investment into the United States, reinforcing continued confidence in the U.S. market.
Beyond Geography: Understanding America
One of the key themes echoed throughout the summit was that successful U.S. market entry requires more than selecting a location on a map.
America operates through diverse regional ecosystems — state by state, city by city, workforce by workforce. Companies seeking to expand into the U.S. need trusted bridges, strategic partnerships, and local insights to navigate opportunities successfully.
That role of connection and collaboration is exactly where Global Chamber® continues to create value. By connecting companies, investors, economic developers, and ecosystem leaders across 605+ metropolitan areas worldwide, Global Chamber® helps businesses accelerate international growth with stronger relationships and trusted introductions.
Global Chamber® Conversations Beyond SelectUSA
The momentum from SelectUSA extended into a myriad of Global Chamber® discussions focused on FDI, economic development, and real estate.
One featured Globinar, “Deals at the Intersection of Business, Economic Development and Real Estate,” explored how international investment, partnerships, and property development continue shaping global growth opportunities.
Janice Teply Wright of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty shared insights from her specialized course on navigating global real estate and economic development opportunities, while leaders across multiple Global Chamber® communities contributed perspectives on trends, partnerships, and deal-making in today’s international marketplace.
The conversation highlighted how global business, economic development, and real estate increasingly intersect to create new opportunities for companies expanding internationally.
Looking Ahead
Now celebrating its 12th anniversary, the SelectUSA Investment Summit continues to play a vital role in facilitating investment and job creation across the United States.
With robust networking opportunities, industry spotlights, technology programs, and direct access to decision-makers, the summit remains one of the most important global gatherings for companies exploring U.S. expansion.
Let’s continue the conversations, connections, and partnerships sparked during SelectUSA 2026 — helping businesses worldwide build bridges, create opportunities, and grow globally.
Learn more about Global Chamber® and upcoming global business events here: https://www.globalchamber.org
About Global Chamber®
Global Chamber® is a trusted global business community connecting members across 605+ metropolitan areas worldwide and supporting business growth in 195 countries.
Members gain access to millions of customers, strategic partners, investors, and trusted connections that help companies export, import, invest, and grow internationally with greater speed and confidence.
Through global events, introductions, advisory support, and cross-border collaboration, Global Chamber® helps leaders and organizations build meaningful relationships and create new opportunities worldwide.
Learn more at: https://www.globalchamber.org
Originally published at https://www.globalchamber.org/blog/2026/06/03/global-chamber/selectusa-2026-highlighted-global-momentum-for-investing-in-the-us/
