From Mining Towns to Global Impact: The Power of the Phoenix Global Forum

Kate Mayeski, Maverick May Solutions

Since starting my own business, I have been lucky enough to benefit from mentors and sponsors who are gracious enough to open doors to bigger and bigger rooms for me. Recently, I found myself in one of the biggest rooms yet: the 2025 Phoenix Global Forum (PGF).

Thanks to the support of Resolution Copper and Phoenix Sister Cities—two organizations I now deeply respect—I had the privilege of attending this world-class event as a sponsored guest. I walked in expecting a few inspiring panels. I walked out with a radically expanded perspective on my city, its global connections, and my role within it.

But let me back up a bit.

Forging the Future in the Desert: What Is the Phoenix Global Forum?

I’ll admit it: before attending, I didn’t realize the scale and significance of the Phoenix Global Forum. It’s not just another conference. It’s the result of a powerful partnership between the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA) and Phoenix Sister Cities, designed to elevate Phoenix’s position on the world stage.

Now in its second year, the Forum brought together over 200 attendees from around the globe—industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs—all under the banner of “Forging the Future.” It was held at the Phoenix Convention Center, and as a frequent conference and event goer over my career, I was astounded by the overall organization of the event.

This forum is more than just high-level discussions—it’s a platform connecting Phoenix’s growing innovation sectors with global trends in AI, sustainability, quantum computing, critical minerals, biosciences, and more. It positions Phoenix not just as a participant in global economic conversations but as a shaper of them.

The Power Behind the Scenes: Sponsors That Represent the Future

The PGF’s vision is powered by its diverse and mission-driven sponsors. These aren’t just names on a banner—they’re the lifeblood of the event, representing the sectors critical to Arizona’s future.

Key supporters included:

• City of Phoenix – Demonstrating the city’s commitment to innovation and global leadership

• Resolution Copper – A mining leader with deep roots in Arizona and a big presence at the forum

• Salt River Project (SRP) – A vital player in energy, water, and resource management

• Freeport-McMoRan – A major force in Arizona’s mining and critical minerals sectors

• Government of Quebec – A partner reinforcing the international and cross-border collaboration

• Niagara Canada – Promoting trade and investment opportunities across North America

• Phoenix Business Journal – Delivering local business news and coverage

• Axios – National media partner extending the forum’s reach and visibility

  
  

Standing among them, I saw firsthand how public and private sectors converge to shape global narratives—starting right here in Phoenix.

Superior Beginnings and Global Conversations

Kate Mayeski, Maverick May Solutions, on a Polaris UTV in Superior, AZ, rented from Superior UTV Rentals.

My journey to the PGF began in the beautiful mining town of Superior, Arizona, where I’ve spent time building relationships with the local community. It was through these connections that I was invited as a sponsored attendee. To be honest, I didn’t realize how closely my story—starting from small-town collaboration—would mirror the theme of the entire forum.

This wasn’t just an event about Phoenix. It was about how small, local ecosystems—like Superior’s mining culture or Phoenix’s startup scene—can plug into something global. That connection hit me deeply.

Learning the Legacy: Phoenix Sister Cities & IEFA

Before this event, I didn’t know the history or power behind Phoenix Sister Cities or the IEFA. Now I do—and I’m in awe.

At the closing dinner, I had the honor of sitting next to two incredible women: Rita Marko, President/CEO of Phoenix Sister Cities, and Francisca Insulza, Chief Operating Officer of IEFA. Their stories, their leadership, and their global outlook left me inspired and hopeful.

Phoenix Sister Cities has been fostering international relationships for over 50 years. From cultural exchanges to economic development, they are the heartbeat of Phoenix’s global ties. They manage partnerships with cities like Himeji, Taipei, Calgary, and Prague—and have helped bring international business and cultural exchanges to Phoenix residents like me.

In a later conversation about the importance of international collaboration, Rita Marko shared her thoughts with me. "Through Phoenix Global Forum, we’re not just exchanging ideas—we’re shaping the future. Each international partnership is a spark, igniting bold, shared solutions that transcend borders and transform communities from the ground up." I couldn't agree more.

Then there’s the IEFA. Founded in 1994, IEFA was created to connect global leaders and foster collaboration to address the world’s most pressing challenges. With 23,200 participants, 563 speakers, and representatives from over 100 countries across its annual forums in Miami, Paris, Buenos Aires, Phoenix, Montreal, and Toronto, the organization has become a global powerhouse for economic dialogue and networking.

I asked Francisca Insulza what lies at the foundation of IEFA and the Sister Cities partnership. She said they "share the vision of a world that grows and progresses through connection and dialogue, and that is what the PGF aims to bring to Phoenix. An international gathering centered on the sectors that are key to the region’s economic development, the Forum provides thought leadership and exchange on the pathways towards a new economy and on the technologies that break barriers today and will allow us to solve the challenges of tomorrow.”

Beyond its flagship conferences, IEFA also provides event production, roundtable management, and executive networking consulting—services that enable leaders and organizations to expand their strategic reach. Their ability to convene decision-makers across government, academia, and industry makes IEFA a rare and valuable connector in today’s divided world.

These are the kind of women who open doors—sometimes literally—to the rest of the world.

Why It Matters—To Me and To Us

This wasn’t just a conference. It was a mirror reflecting what’s possible when a city believes in its people, when local business owners like me are invited into the conversation, and when global challenges are tackled with local insights.

As a Phoenix resident and entrepreneur, I felt proud. I also felt seen. Events like the Phoenix Global Forum remind us that we’re not small players—we’re contributors to a larger, urgent, and exciting global movement.

From This Forum, Forward

What I experienced at the Phoenix Global Forum will stay with me for a long time. It reminded me that growth isn't just about scaling a business—it’s about showing up in rooms that challenge you to think bigger, connect deeper, and lead with purpose.

This is the first post in a series where I’ll share more insights, highlight key conversations from the Forum, and continue to reflect on what it means to “forge the future” from right here in Arizona.

Because when local communities step into the global conversation, we all rise.

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