The GXN Conference 2025 sets new standards

The 4th Global Executive Network (GXN) conference, held from 24 to 26 September at the Altis Grand Hotel in Lisbon, brought together over 120 top executives from the international promotional products industry. With a clear focus on leadership, technology and transformation, this year’s programme marked a new chapter in the development of GXN as a global executive platform. From AI-powered keynotes to real-time cybersecurity simulations, the three-day event offered a wealth of strategically important insights, curated networking and cross-border dialogue.

First GXN Lifetime Achievement Award presented

One of the emotional highlights of the event was the presentation of the first GXN Lifetime Achievement Award to Tim Andrews, President and CEO of the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). The award recognises outstanding contributions to the global promotional products industry and reflects GXN’s commitment to recognising long-term leadership and innovation. ‘Tim Andrews has not only led ASI with vision and determination – he has shaped an entire generation of professionals in our industry,’ said GXN founder Michael Freter during the award ceremony.

Industry under pressure: a strategic keynote

The opening address, delivered by Michael Freter and conference moderator Florian Rotberg, provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the promotional products industry – with a view to geopolitical changes, market pressures and the need for greater international cooperation. Participants engaged in stimulating discussions on resilience, sustainability and value-based leadership in uncertain times. ‘We have realised that we have become part of an incredible global community. GXN was not just an industry conference – it was a meeting place for leaders and ideas and, for us, a confirmation of our direction and approach,’ said Sarah Howarth of Wildthang from the UK.

Keynote on AI in practice

Another highlight was the contribution from Julian Phillips, a US-based futurist and author of LevAIthan, who shared the stage with his virtual AI co-author Athena. The interactive AI keynote illustrated how artificial intelligence is redefining leadership, decision-making and creativity – not in theory, but in the reality of executives’ lives.

A platform for the people behind the brands

The GXN conference stood out for its carefully curated supporting programme with remarkable moments and content that provided a valuable platform to showcase the people behind the brands. These included:
• Gender-inclusive leadership sessions, including a presentation highlighting the importance of leadership development and its implementation in the industry
• A second Global Women’s Leadership Council, which set a dynamic agenda for the future.
• Strategic networking formats such as the ‘Billionaires Club’
• Insights from over 25 speakers from Europe, Asia and North America. The success of the 4th GXN conference underscored GXN’s ongoing mission to connect leaders and drive innovation across borders. ‘The exchange and discussion with entrepreneurs representing a total volume of over 15 billion dollars is unique. Learning from the best. The annual GXN conference has established itself as the most important global event in the industry,’ summarised Marcus Sperber, CEO of elasto.

More abaut GMX at: www.gxn-net.org

Picture above: Welcoming the participants: conference moderator Florian Rotberg (left) and GXN founder Michael Freter.