The 12th edition of the World Tamils Economic Conference, held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Maryland, near Washington, D.C., U.S., began on October 3 and concluded successfully on October 5.
The conference aimed to foster dialogue among the international community, business leaders, and professionals worldwide, promoting close cooperation, partnerships, and networking opportunities. According to its official website, it is one of the largest networking events, providing participants with the chance to explore new markets and identify potential business partners.
Participants at the conference included government representatives, policymakers, and global leaders, alongside business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, self-employed groups, and chambers of commerce.
The first World Tamils Economic Conference was held in Chennai in 2009, with subsequent editions hosted in Dubai, Durban, Pondicherry, and Kuala Lumpur.
Prominent figures involved in the event included Dr. V.R.S. Sampath, founder president of the Madras Development Society and chairman of the conference; Dr. Rajan Natarajan, founder and CEO of Global Alliant Inc. and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, who served as chairman of the organizing committee; and Napoleon Duraisamy, co-chairman of NobiQ, actor, and former Union Minister in India, who was a co-chairman of the conference.
Cecil Sunder, director of Microsoft in Washington, D.C., served as co-chairman of the technology committee. Rajaram Srinivasan, former president of the Washington Tamil Sangam, was the convener of the organizing committee, while Elisha Pulivarti, CEO of the U.S.-India SME Council, also served on the committee.
The event featured concurrent sessions addressing key issues across various industry sectors, as well as discussions on practices relevant to all industries. Influential tech entrepreneurs delivered talks, and attendees had opportunities for B2B engagement, seeking support from international organizations and global institutions. The Crown Jewel of Business Leaders Awards were presented to distinguished business leaders and professionals who have made significant contributions to society.
The conference also included exhibitions and technology showcases, along with networking opportunities through community organizations, chambers of commerce, and professional associations.
The event was sponsored by the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), with technical cooperation from VIT, Bharath University, Sattakadir, The Central Law, Salem, the Tamil Chamber of Commerce, AMET University, and the Madha Group of Educational Institutions.