Date and Time
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026
12–1:30 p.m. MST
Location
World Trade Center at City Creek
Lobby Training Room
Registration
Understanding digital trends shaping global commerce
Businesses today operate in an environment defined by constant technological change. Innovation creates new possibilities, but it also raises questions: How can we stay protected in an age of information overload? How do we adopt new tools without compromising security, trust, and profits? Utah businesses are navigating this while balancing global customers, shifting regulations, and the evolving needs of employees and partners.
Join us for a luncheon with Gerard de Graaf, senior envoy for digital to the U.S. and head of the San Francisco European Union (EU) office. The EU is a leader in digital innovation, with programs that support and prepare companies and public-sector organizations. De Graaf offers insight into trends shaping international markets and the pressures businesses face as they navigate modern challenges to staying competitive in their field.
What to expect
Global context for digital trends
Insight into how international partners are approaching digital transformation
Perspective on the risks and opportunities tied to emerging tech
Considerations for navigating change with confidence
This event is hosted in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Salt Lake Chamber.
Gerard de Graaf
Gerard de Graaf serves as senior envoy for digital to the United States and head of the EU office in San Francisco. He has spent more than 30 years at the European Commission across a wide range of policy areas.
Most recently, he was a director in the Commission’s digital policy directorate, where he oversaw work on the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. His career has also included leadership on EU telecommunications and audiovisual policy, cybersecurity, digital standards, startup policy, green and digital initiatives, and international relations. He previously served as trade counselor at the European Commission’s delegation to the United States in Washington and has held roles in the Secretariat-General, the research and innovation directorate, and the internal market directorate. He joined the European Commission in 1991 and is from the Netherlands.
Crossroads of the World
Join us as we bring together global influencers at our in-person roundtable discussions with top government and business leaders from around the world. Be a part of meaningful conversations and make valuable connections that will expand your perspective and knowledge of the global marketplace. These roundtables are designed for the ambitious and forward-thinking individual who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the world of international trade.
In partnership with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Salt Lake Chamber.
