The Global Summit is Forward Global’s flagship annual program, convening over 250 members and strategic partners. It is a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and best practices, make new strategic connections, and make more progress in a few days as a collective than we would otherwise make in two years working alone. Our three-day event will begin with a Member Day on Thursday, March 4. This dedicated day empowers Forward Global members to self-organize into working groups around the issues, strategies, and innovations that drive impact. Members have the space and time to build connections, workshop bold ideas, and align around shared goals—laying the groundwork for the solutions and collaborations that will shape the days ahead. Two full days of programming follow on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6, featuring inspirational talks, skills-based workshops, peer reflections, curated table pods, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and action.

The Global Summit engages diverse participants to break down silos and facilitate shared learning and systemic collaboration. As Forward Global’s largest annual convening, we pursue participation from across the social sector. Attendees include Forward Global members and prospective members, partners, academics, social sector leaders and practitioners. All attendees actively participate and contribute by sharing learnings, ideas, and opportunities for action. Regrettably, because we design the Summit for true connection and collaboration, interest in this historically sold-out event greatly exceeds our capacity and, thus, it is by invitation only for non-members. If you have any questions about participating in the Global Summit, email us at [email protected].

The Global Summit is held in a different location each year, reflecting the global nature of our members. We’re thrilled that the 2027 Global Summit will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Information on hotel options and booking links will be available soon; all options will be within easy walking distance of our Summit venue. Prior Global Summits have been held in Whistler (2026), Los Angeles (2025), New York City (2024), London (2023), Toronto (2022), and California’s Napa Valley (2019 and 2020). Always held the first week in March, stay tuned for updates on future host cities.

Registration is open for members! Be sure to reserve your spot by contributing early. Given the high demand we’ve seen in prior years, we expect the event to sell out again. Upon registration, your ticket is non-transferable.

The contribution amount, which covers the direct costs of producing the Summit, is GBP £2,000 / EUR €2,700 / USD $3,500 / CAD $3,700 per member. Early bird registration is available through June 30; prices increase on July 1. If you plan to pay by wire or check, payment must be received by June 30 so we can confirm your spot at the early bird rate.

By registering early, you’re helping our team better prepare and plan for the Summit. This increases efficiencies and helps keep costs down.

This is a tax-deductible donation. Thank you for helping us build and sustain our community! As a not-for-profit organization, Forward Global is funded by member contributions and grants from our partners. We strive to keep the Summit affordable and accessible to as many members and partners as possible.

In keeping with our principles of equity and justice, we also welcome additional donations to support a sector leader who might not otherwise be able to join. You will be presented with these contribution options during registration. Thank you for your trust and partnership in this work.

Attendee contributions fund the direct costs of producing the Global Summit. Because the event historically sells out, we appreciate early cancellation notice so that seats can be given to individuals on our waiting list. As a voluntary donation, we hope that attendees will consider their payment as a contribution towards the mission of Forward Global. We understand that plans change, and through January 31 you can choose to reallocate your contribution for another purpose; understandably after that point we are unable to make any refunds.

The Global Summit is a green event. Forward Global is working to minimize our carbon footprint and will offset emissions from staff travel to Amsterdam. We encourage participants to do likewise and to practice sustainable lifestyle choices throughout the program. As hosts, we will choose sustainable meal options and meeting practices wherever possible. We hope that the Global Summit will also unlock resources towards climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency in line with our community’s vision and values.

We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions.