Strategically situated in New York City, a global epicenter of finance and commerce, the 2024 North American Lithuanian Business Forum amplified its mission to attract investment and spotlight Lithuanian innovation, notably in fintech, defenste and dual-use, ICT and other high-tech industries. This year’s forum, which drew a diverse array of high-profile speakers and participants, significantly expanded networking opportunities for Lithuanian entrepreneurs and businesses, connecting them with key investors and partners. Notably, the forum was enhanced by targeted side events, including go-to-market workshops for Lithuanian companies and industry-specific business missions in defense and dual-use technologies, ICT, and creative industries, further solidifying its role in driving transatlantic business growth and collaboration.

The 2023 North American Lithuanian Business Forum, convened at the Union League Club of Chicago, demonstrated substantial growth, attracting nearly 400 professionals representing Lithuania, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The forum facilitated focused discourse on critical sectors, including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, startups, and creative industries. Chicago, possessing the largest Lithuanian diaspora community in the United States and characterized by its diverse professional engagement, served as an optimal venue. With the endorsement of the President of the Republic of Lithuania and the Governor of Illinois, the two-day program prioritized collaborative initiatives and strategic networking, effectively connecting Lithuanian business leaders with diaspora professionals, exploring United States market opportunities, and reinforcing the forum’s objective to enhance transatlantic economic relations.

The seeds of the North American Lithuanian Business Forum (NALB Forum) were sown in a 2019 meeting held at the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This gathering of Lithuanian professionals, business club representatives and diplomats served as a crucial catalyst for what we now know as NALB Forum. The 2022 inaugural in-person North American Lithuanian Business Forum in Philadelphia, held at the Union League, convened over 200 business executives, professionals, and government officials, featuring 37 speakers across diverse panels and innovator sessions. With patronage from the President of Lithuania and the Governor of Pennsylvania, the forum facilitated high-level discussions on transatlantic business opportunities, showcased success stories, and fostered collaboration between Lithuanian and North American entities. It served as a crucial platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships, laying a robust foundation for future NALB events.