Windsor-Detroit Region Positioned as Prime Candidate for World Economic Forum Expansion
As the World Economic Forum explores hosting its flagship annual meeting beyond its traditional home in Davos, Switzerland, business and tourism leaders in the Windsor-Detroit corridor are actively promoting the region as an ideal alternative location. The international spotlight could bring significant profile-boosting benefits to both sides of the border.
Strategic Cross-Border Advantages
Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ryan Donally emphasized the unique geographic positioning of the region, noting that having world leaders within 100 or 500 metres of downtown Windsor would represent a tremendous opportunity. He described the Detroit River as an iconic waterway connecting two downtown centers in separate nations, situated within what he called the industrial heartland of both the United States and Canada.
Donally explained that this configuration demonstrates the geographic relationship between Canada and the United States in a manner that many people don't fully appreciate. The proximity creates natural advantages for international gatherings seeking to highlight global cooperation and economic partnerships.
Potential Economic and Tourism Benefits
The local reaction follows comments from World Economic Forum co-chair Larry Fink, who indicated the organization is considering ways to expand its signature meeting beyond Davos, where it has been hosted for five decades. In a recent LinkedIn post, Fink wrote about the importance of showing up—and listening—in the places where the modern world is actually built, specifically mentioning Detroit among other global cities.
Gordon Orr, CEO of Invest Windsor Essex and Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, pointed to the region's established track record with cross-border benefits. Good news for Detroit lifts all boats, Orr stated, referencing how major events in Detroit typically generate tourism spillover into Windsor. He cited examples including the NFL draft, large conferences, and international sporting events that have historically benefited both communities.
Building on Existing Momentum
Donally outlined several potential advantages that could materialize if the World Economic Forum selected the region:
- Spin-off events and parallel programming that would engage local businesses
- Familiarization tours for global leaders and decision-makers
- Increased international corporate interest and potential investment
- Enhanced demonstration of Canadian innovation and economic strengths
The chamber leader expressed confidence that Canada would get behind it and try to put time, effort, energy, and resources into demonstrating how great our country is. This sentiment reflects broader regional optimism about leveraging international attention for economic development.
Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects
Orr highlighted how a World Economic Forum event would advance what he called the two-nation destination concept, emphasizing the benefits of being border communities with strong neighborly relations. This perspective builds on Windsor's longstanding view of its proximity to Detroit as a strategic advantage for economic development and international visibility.
The potential hosting opportunity comes as the World Economic Forum appears increasingly open to diversifying its locations while maintaining its traditional Davos gatherings. Local leaders recognize that securing such a high-profile international event would require coordinated efforts between multiple stakeholders, including:
- Municipal governments on both sides of the border
- Provincial and state economic development agencies
- Federal representatives from both nations
- Private sector partners across various industries
As discussions continue about the future location strategy for global economic gatherings, the Windsor-Detroit region presents a compelling case based on geographic uniqueness, existing cross-border cooperation, and demonstrated capacity to host major international events with benefits extending across national boundaries.
