The World Business Networking Forum: Tbilisi The Gateway to Business Opportunities and Networking along the Silk Road is designed as an international platform that brings together business leaders, investors, and professionals from diverse industries to create a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of strategic partnerships. The forum takes place in Zone B of the ICAF FAIR, which is held on the same day, allowing participants to seamlessly access and explore adjacent exhibitions focused on academic innovation, education, and commerce. In this way, the event serves as a bridge connecting the worlds of business and academia within a single integrated ecosystem. The concept of the forum draws inspiration from Tbilisi’s symbolic role along the historic Silk Road — a traditional corridor of trade and cultural exchange — and reinterprets it as a modern hub for global business networking. The event structure is carefully designed to foster meaningful professional relationships through a sequence of curated activities. From the initial registration and welcome business cocktail that creates a welcoming and informal atmosphere, to structured networking sessions, business pitch presentations, and collaboration roundtables, each segment is intended to facilitate purposeful dialogue and generate tangible partnership opportunities. The concluding segment of the forum, featuring a premium business cocktail reception accompanied by live music, provides a relaxed yet elegant setting for executive-level discussions. This atmosphere encourages deeper engagement and trust-building, which are essential foundations for long-term business relationships. At the same time, participants are encouraged to continue exploring opportunities by visiting the nearby ICAF FAIR exhibitions, gaining exposure to new ideas, research developments, and commercial innovations. Participation in the forum, offered at an accessible fee of 90 GEL (35 USD), represents a highly valuable investment. Attendees gain access to an international business network, opportunities to connect with potential partners and investors, increased organizational visibility within a global professional environment, and insights into emerging regional and international trends. Importantly, the registration fee also grants participants entry into a broader ecosystem of academic and commercial exhibitions, significantly enhancing the overall value of the experience within a single day. On an individual level, participants benefit from expanding their professional networks, engaging directly with industry leaders, refining their communication and presentation skills, and establishing long-term relationships built on mutual trust. Ultimately, the World Business Networking Forum is more than a conventional networking event; it is a strategic platform that connects people, organizations, and ideas across regions, embodying a modern interpretation of the Silk Road centered on connectivity, collaboration, and sustainable global economic growth. Agenda World Business Networking Forum Tbilisi The Gateway to Business Opportunities and Networking along the Silk Road 13:00 – 13:30 Registration & Welcome Business Cocktail Participant registration and name badge collection Informal networking with drinks and refreshments Initial participant introductions facilitated by coordinators 13:30 – 14:00 Opening Ceremony & Participant Introductions Opening remarks by the organizer Brief participant self-introductions to build familiarity Overview of the event objectives and networking opportunities 14:00 – 15:00 Structured Business Networking Session Rotational small-group networking meetings Exchange of ideas, opportunities, and business experiences Facilitated discussions to create meaningful connections 15:00 – 15:20 Coffee Break & Open Networking Coffee and refreshment break Free networking and informal conversations 15:20 – 16:00 Business Pitch Session Selected participants present their business ideas Q&A and professional feedback from participants Identification of collaboration and partnership opportunities 16:00 – 16:40 Business Collaboration Roundtable In-depth discussions by industry groups Exploration of partnership strategies and joint initiatives Identification of actionable collaboration opportunities 16:40 – 17:20 Premium Business Cocktail Networking with Live Music Executive networking session with live background music In-depth discussions and partnership negotiations Strategic introductions facilitated by coordinators 17:20 – 18:00 Closing Ceremony & Live Networking Reception Summary of key insights and collaboration outcomes Sharing of partnership highlights Closing remarks and group photo Continued networking with live music