P – Over 120 top managers from the international promotional products industry met up for the 4th Global Executive Network (GXN) Conference in Lisbon from September 24 to 26, 2025. GXN is a platform for high-ranking decision-makers from the promotional products industry and is by invitation only.
GXN-founder Michael Freter at the 4th GXN Conference.
The focus of this year’s programme was management, technology and transformation and according to the organisers thus marked a new chapter in the development of the GXN as a global management platform. The three-day event offered a multitude of strategically important insights, curated networking and dialogue, including also AI-supported keynotes or real-time cyber security simulation. The carefully curated framework programme included gender-inclusive management sessions, the second Global Women’s Leadership Council, strategic networking formats as well as insights by over 25 speakers from Europe, Asia and North America.
The opening speech, held by the founder of the GXN, Michael Freter, and the conference host, Florian Rotberg, offered a comprehensive overview of the current situation of the promotional products industry with a view to geopolitical changes, market pressure and the necessity for strong international cooperation. Julian Phillips, a futurist and author based in the USA, shared the stage with his virtual AI co-author, Athena, during his keynote. The interactive AI keynote illustrated how artificial intelligence redefines management, decision-making and creativity.
Furthermore, the first GXN Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tim Andrews, President and CEO of the ASI, during the event. The prize honours outstanding contributions to the global promotional products industry and reflects the commitment of the GXN in recognising long-term leadership qualities and innovations. “Tim Andrews has not only led ASI with vision and purpose – he has shaped an entire generation of professionals in our industry,” said GXN Founder Michael Freter during the award ceremony.
The success of the 4th GXN Conference underlined the ongoing mission of the GXN in bringing managers together and driving innovation forward.
“The exchange and discussion with entrepreneurs representing a total volume of over $15 billion is unique. Learning from the best. The annual GXN conference has established itself as the most important global event in the industry,” said Marcus Sperber, CEO of elasto.
The GXN Conference will be staged in Kitzbühel in 2026.
