Speaker Series

March 3rd, 2026: WACC CEO Series with Kurk Wilks, President and Chief Executive Officer of MANN+HUMMEL

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to welcome Kurk Wilks, President and Chief Executive Officer of MANN+HUMMEL, as a featured speaker in our CEO Series on March 3, 2026. As the global leader of a German-headquartered company with more than 21,000 employees across 80+ locations worldwide, Mr. Wilks offers a unique perspective on German–U.S. economic ties, transatlantic leadership, and managing complex global operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

March 3rd, 2026: WACC CEO Series with Kurk Wilks, President and Chief Executive Officer of MANN+HUMMEL2026-01-07T14:14:20-05:00

November 11, 2025: An Exclusive Evening with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television’s “Rick Steves’ Europe” and public radio’s “Travel with Rick Steves

Prepare to be transported on a cultural journey filled with captivating tales of exploration, thought-provoking global insights, and the secrets to unlocking the wonders of our world. The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is thrilled to present an unforgettable evening with the one and only Rick Steves, the iconic, best-selling travel author and beloved host of Rick Steves’ Europe on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

November 11, 2025: An Exclusive Evening with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television’s “Rick Steves’ Europe” and public radio’s “Travel with Rick Steves2025-11-17T09:00:34-05:00

November 4, 2025: WACC CEO Series with Jörg Wuttke, Partner at DGA Group in Washington, former CEO of BASF in China, and former Head of the European Chamber of Commerce

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Tuesday, November 4 for a timely CEO Series luncheon with Jörg Wuttke—one of the world’s leading voices on business in China. With decades of executive leadership and policy experience in Asia, including roles as CEO of BASF China and President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Wuttke brings rare, firsthand insight into the challenges of navigating China’s complex business landscape.

November 4, 2025: WACC CEO Series with Jörg Wuttke, Partner at DGA Group in Washington, former CEO of BASF in China, and former Head of the European Chamber of Commerce2025-10-27T10:06:50-04:00

May 29, 2025: WACC Speaker Series Panel Lunch with David Salvo, Bret Schafer, and Krystyna Sikora (The Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States)

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an exclusive event on Thursday, May 29, featuring experts from the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States , as they unpack how countries like Russia, China, and Iran are actively shaping public discourse and influencing communities in North Carolina and across the country through digital propaganda campaigns and misinformation.

May 29, 2025: WACC Speaker Series Panel Lunch with David Salvo, Bret Schafer, and Krystyna Sikora (The Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States)2025-04-29T09:44:54-04:00

March 13, 2025: WACC Speaker Series with Dr. Nina Ansary, Award-winning Iranian-American Author, Historian, Women’s Rights Advocate, Director of the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum Women’s Leadership Initiative at the University of Cambridge, and Former Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics Centre for Women, Peace and Security

Join us on March 13, 2025, for an insightful presentation by Dr. Nina Ansary, a leading expert on women's rights and gender equality. With extensive research and advocacy on gender bias, women's empowerment, and historical inequalities, Dr. Ansary has shaped global conversations on women's rights. 

March 13, 2025: WACC Speaker Series with Dr. Nina Ansary, Award-winning Iranian-American Author, Historian, Women’s Rights Advocate, Director of the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum Women’s Leadership Initiative at the University of Cambridge, and Former Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics Centre for Women, Peace and Security2025-07-03T12:09:38-04:00

October 3, 2024: WACC Speaker Series Panel with Dean Shelly Rigger (Davidson College) & Tate Nurkin (Atlantic Council)

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on October 3 for an exclusive luncheon featuring two renowned experts on U.S.-China relations: Dean Shelley Rigger of Davidson College and Tate Nurkin, a leading authority on defense and Indo-Pacific security. This in-depth presentation will examine China's expanding global role, including its growing economic and political influence, military modernization, and technological advancements.

October 3, 2024: WACC Speaker Series Panel with Dean Shelly Rigger (Davidson College) & Tate Nurkin (Atlantic Council)2024-10-01T16:14:59-04:00

September 25, 2024: WACC Speaker Series with Talmage Boston, renowned litigator and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”

Join us for an inspiring WACC Speaker Series luncheon featuring Talmage Boston, renowned author of "How the Best Did It: Leadership From Our Top Presidents," on September 25. Discover the secrets behind the leadership styles of America’s most influential presidents and how their principles can be applied to modern leadership challenges. Talmage Boston will share captivating insights and powerful lessons from his extensive research, making this a must-attend event for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.

September 25, 2024: WACC Speaker Series with Talmage Boston, renowned litigator and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”2024-09-20T12:25:15-04:00

September 24, 2024: WACC Private Dinner with Talmage Boston, renowned litigator and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”

Join us on September 24 for an intimate WACC Private Dinner featuring Talmage Boston, the esteemed author of "How the Best Did It: Leadership From Our Top Presidents." This special event, limited to just 24 participants, offers a unique opportunity to explore the leadership styles of America’s most influential presidents.

September 24, 2024: WACC Private Dinner with Talmage Boston, renowned litigator and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”2024-09-20T12:25:36-04:00

April 9, 2024: Annual China Town Hall — WACC Distinguished Speaker Series with Dr. Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty | Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College(Virtual)

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion with Dr. Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty and Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College on China-US relations followed by a for a nationwide live stream event at 6:30 p.m. ET with a Q&A with Kurt Campbell, nominee for Deputy Secretary of State. He will examine the challenges and opportunities for both countries as they confront the most critical issues of the 21st century.

April 9, 2024: Annual China Town Hall — WACC Distinguished Speaker Series with Dr. Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty | Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College(Virtual)2024-07-31T00:58:28-04:00

Feb. 15, 2024: An Exclusive Evening with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television’s “Rick Steves’ Europe” and public radio’s “Travel with Rick Steves

Prepare to be transported on a cultural journey filled with tales of exploration, global insights, and the secrets to unlocking the wonders of the world. The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is thrilled to present an enchanting evening with the one and only Rick Steves, renowned best-selling travel author and the charismatic host of "Rick Steves' Europe" on February 15, 2024.

Feb. 15, 2024: An Exclusive Evening with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television’s “Rick Steves’ Europe” and public radio’s “Travel with Rick Steves2024-07-31T00:58:42-04:00
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