2025 Crossroads Summit in the Headlines
The Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit, held May 7–8, 2025, brought together global decision-makers for a two-day, invite-only event co-hosted by Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah. Explore how the press covered this dynamic event.
Press Release | Former Prime Ministers, U.S. Secretaries of State headline Utah trade summit on global business trends
Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah hosted top international leaders and business minds to discuss the uncertainties, trends and opportunities shaping global commerce at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit.
Over 1,000 people attended the two-day conference during World Trade Month, which concluded today in Salt Lake City.
Deseret News | Why is the world coming to Utah?
Some of the world’s most influential experts on international relations convened in Salt Lake City to help Utah businesses navigate the upheaval of global markets.
Featuring conversations with three former U.S. secretaries of state and three former prime ministers,
“It just shows once again that Utah is not just the crossroads of the West, it’s a crossroads of the world,” said Jeff Flake, former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and WTC Utah board chair.
Deseret News | What Trump’s former secretary of state says about his tariff plans
At the summit, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed issues surrounding Trump’s chaotic international trade policy shifts figured largely in the discussions and Pompeo, who was interviewed on stage by former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, underscored his feelings about the critical role of the U.S. in the global economy.
Deseret News | Antony Blinken speaks in Utah about Ukraine, Trump’s cuts to foreign aid and tariffs
During his remarks to Utah’s political and business leaders at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit, former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the U.S. to remain the “last, best hope” of the world by continuing to assert global leadership.
Salt Lake Tribune | ‘Existential threat’: Utah businesses grapple with the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs
As Utah businesses grapple with trade wars and uncertainty surrounding tariffs, two former secretaries of state — including Donald Trump’s former top diplomat — say the president needs a clearer vision and messaging about what he is trying to accomplish with his sweeping trade duties.
The roiling trade war, the lurching rollout of the tariffs and the uncertainty of where they will land in a few months have proven challenging for Utah companies, executives said.
“We are feeling the pain,” Traeger CEO Jeremy Andrus said. “It’s really hard for us right now, but it’s an interesting moment.”
Salt Lake Magazine | Global Summit Brings Big Names to Salt Lake
Global leaders at the summit repeatedly assured attendees that the world is taking notice. They applauded Utah’s rapid acceleration and spirit of ingenuity despite a period of economic turmoil, and encouraged leaders not to react instantly to every news reel but rather to be prepared with scenario planning, compromise and restraint.
Leaders were also warned against trade war legislation and dehumanization and encouraged to seek strategies for getting ahead of the curve when it comes to legislation on technological advancements that have the potential to harm.
