The 2025 Chicago International Gala
Friday, November 14, 2025
Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier
Reception: 6:00PM | Dinner & Program: 7:00PM
The Chicago International Gala is a premier celebration of global connection, diplomacy, and economic partnership—honoring the vibrant international community that helps make Chicago a true global city. Hosted annually by World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International, the Gala welcomes members of the Chicago Consular Corps—one of the largest in the U.S., representing over 80 countries—as distinguished guests. This elegant evening not only showcases Chicago’s global reach and commitment to international collaboration, but also supports the next generation of leaders through the Chicago Consular Corps Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Sponsorship and Tickets Past Awardees
Global Citizen Award
Martin Nesbitt
Founding Partner & Co-Chief Executive Officer, The Vistria Group
Rocky Wirtz Corporate Ambassador Award
Hyatt
Accepted by Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt
WBC Innovation Award
Celebrating 65 Years of World-Class Improv, Cutting-Edge Training, & Innovative Corporate Solutions.
Chicago Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year
Conrad Nowak
Chair, Warsaw Committee
Host Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
The 2024 Chicago International Gala was an unforgettable evening, marking World Business Chicago’s 25th anniversary with record-breaking attendance. Together, we celebrated Chicago’s global unity and honored outstanding leaders: John Rogers, Jr. as Global Citizen, Psi Quantum with the Rocky Wirtz Corporate Ambassador Award, the Chicago Sky and Chicago Stars with the Innovation Award, and Michael Moskow with the DuSable Legacy Award. Thank you to our partners, sponsors, and guests for making this milestone year so extraordinary. Watch the recap video to experience the energy, unity, and impact that made this gala truly unforgettable.
Navy Pier, often called the “People’s Pier,” is a national treasure and one of Chicago’s most beloved landmarks. Stretching into Lake Michigan, it welcomes millions each year to experience culture, dining, attractions, and community gatherings. For the third year in a row, USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice named it the best place in America to see fireworks—just one more reason why Navy Pier remains a shining symbol of celebration and connection in Chicago.
Chicago International Gala Co-Chairs
Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago
Rita Sola Cook, President & Timothy Little, Business Banking Midwest Region Executive, Bank of America Chicago
Wendell Dallas, President & CEO, Nicor Gas
Nate Gatten, Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs, American Airlines
John Greene, Board of Directors, Crispr Therapeutics & World Business Chicago, Prior: Discover Financial Services
Brett Hart, President, United Airlines
Travis C. Hunter Jr., Chicago Office Managing Partner, KPMG LLP
Valerie Jarrett, CEO, The Obama Foundation
Kate Jeffers, CEO, Leo
Tom Kilroy, Senior Partner Chicago, McKinsey & Company
Laura Kohler & Steve Proudman, Chief Sustainable Living Officer, Kohler Co. / Retired Consultant
Joe Mansueto, Owner & Chairman, Chicago Fire Football Club
Tamar Newberger, Chair, Chicago Sister Cities International
Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Corporation
Michael O’Grady, Chairman & CEO, Northern Trust
Mike Reschke & Quintin Primo, Prime/Capri Interests, LLC
Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman, Chicago Cubs
Patrick G. Ryan, Founder & Executive Chairman, Ryan Specialty
Charles E. Smith, CEO, CS Insurance Strategies, Inc., a division of MMA; Vice Chair, World Business Chicago
Jennifer Steans, President & CEO, Financial Investments Corporation
Scott C. Swanson, President, PNC Illinois
Danny Wirtz, Chairman, Wirtz Corporation
Matthew Zimmer, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking, William Blair & Company
Chicago Consular Corps
Family & Friends of Lori Healey