The MBA Global Business Forum is a themed speaker-series course designed to look at current trends in global business and hold discussions regarding international issues facing companies. Leaders from international businesses and other organizations, as well as faculty members from various departments and specializations are invited to share their perspectives with seminar participants.
GBF for Credit
The Global Business Forum (listed as an IBUS 500 in the time schedule) is offered every quarter with a different theme, and is a 2-credit class. Students may apply a maximum of 6 Global Business Forum credits towards their MBA degree elective requirements.
2025-26 GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM THEMES
Fall 2025: Doing Business with Central and South America
The GBF will host executives who have worked in Central or South America or have built and maintained significant relationships with companies in this area to share their insights. Executives will be asked to compare and contrast their experiences in Central/South America with business experiences in the US and other countries, to discuss and identify opportunities in this exciting area, as well as the possible pitfalls of doing work in Central/South America.
Winter 2026: The Global Sports Arena: Business, Culture, and Impact
In celebration of Seattle hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Global Business Forum will host a dynamic speaker series that will delve into the multifaceted world of global sports. This series will feature industry leaders and experts who will explore various aspects of sports across the globe, including marketing, operations, management, and the economic impact of sports around the world.
Spring 2026: Managing Macroeconomic Trends
How do business leaders leverage and mitigate risks associated with trade disruptions? This quarter will take an in-depth look at the critical role that trade between nations plays in the perpetuation of business across the globe. We will invite leaders to discuss how they deal with tariffs and trade regulations, how they manage the import and export of valued goods and products, and complex interplay between trade and macroeconomic forces in business.