John E. Drew is betting that real estate can become a catalyst, not just a backdrop, for global commerce. As founder and chairman of Boston-based The Drew Company and president of the World Trade Center Association, he oversees development projects aimed at promoting trade, tourism and community growth in target cities, from the Seaport World Trade Center Boston Complex to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
Most recently, The Drew Company was selected as the developer of the new Signia by Hilton Atlanta, which will open in January 2024 in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. “We are especially proud that together we were recognized by Hilton as the 2023 Full Service U.S. Developer of the Year for this project,” says Drew.
Today, the company combines real estate and hospitality expertise with a commitment to fostering global connections, supporting more than 450 employees across projects. In the following Q&A, Drew discusses how his company's portfolio is evolving, how WTCA's network is helping companies navigate today's volatile trade environment, and where he sees the next wave of opportunity in real estate and global connectivity.
What are some of the World Trade Center Association's current major initiatives?
The World Trade Center Association is a network of more than 300 World Trade Center-branded companies and organizations in approximately 100 countries and territories. Our members are diverse, from real estate developers and convention centers to chambers of commerce, universities, ports and logistics hubs, but we have a common mission: to help local economies thrive by facilitating global trade and investment.
With nearly 50 members in North America alone, WTCA is rooted in an ecosystem built on commerce, community, and connection. What sets our network apart is not only its global reach, but also the active support our members have for each other, creating opportunities that extend far beyond their individual markets.
Currently, we are focused on growth and stability. This means welcoming new WTC business to the region while ensuring our long-standing members have the support they need to remain strong and competitive. This includes programs that speak to the next generation of leaders, such as the recent 2025 WTCA Member Forum, held virtually in October.
Looking ahead, one of the most exciting milestones will be our 56th anniversary.th Annual Global Business Forum, hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia, April 19-22. This is the first time in several years that GBF has been held in the United States, and it promises unparalleled opportunities for B2B networking across our international network.
Knowledge sharing is at the heart of how we operate. Through active committees, ongoing programs, and regional and global gatherings, our members exchange insights that drive real business results.
Our annual conferences in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa showcase how these connections drive growth and open new opportunities. Additionally, virtual opportunities, such as the recent WTCA Sector Salon on Biotechnology and Life Sciences, enable connections beyond in-person events.
How is WTCA supporting companies navigating the current global trade environment?
The WTCA is fundamentally committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition. This has been a particularly challenging period for global trade, and from the beginning Member States have shared real-time updates on tariffs, restrictions and regulations. This timely flow of information provides companies within the market and beyond with the clarity and competitive edge they need to navigate a rapidly changing environment.
This is not the first time our network has stepped up in the face of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chains collapsed and personal protective equipment shortages spread, WTCA's network shared resources and connected manufacturers around the world. This collaboration has enabled businesses and governments to secure critical supplies more quickly and efficiently than they could alone.
Trust is equally important. At a time when technology alone cannot guarantee reliability, our members bring something uniquely human: long-standing relationships and proven follow-through. Businesses know that their connection to WTCA is reliable. This trust, combined with WTCA's global reach and apolitical stance, makes WTCA an important partner in today's trade landscape.
WTCA is proud to help build bridges that foster commerce and create lasting value for communities around the world.
What’s next for the company?
The Drew Company continues to pursue strategic and managed growth in both real estate and hospitality while keeping current market conditions in mind. High interest rates, loan costs and labor shortages pose challenges to the real estate business like any other, but we believe the situation will start to improve in the near future.
On the housing front, we will continue to support transit-oriented development projects that provide easy-to-locate workforce housing convenient to public transportation, retail, and services in and around Boston.
The recently completed Skysail at Driftway reflects Massachusetts' commitment to increasing housing near public transportation. With easy rail access across the street, this community provides commuter convenience while revitalizing the surrounding area.
On the hospitality side, we are also expanding our catering and hospitality services through Capital Cravings by Trade Center Management Associates. TCMA's Capital Cravings, a subsidiary of The Drew Company, recently became the official on-campus catering partner of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Internationally, we are excited about the continued development of WTC Dublin and have just launched the WTC International Business Club and dedicated forum dedicated to advancing thought leadership in global trade, innovation and strategic cooperation. Together with the WTC Dublin trade bridge initiative, we are actively connecting small and medium-sized businesses to opportunities and networks far beyond Ireland's borders.
From a real estate perspective, we see an opportunity to leverage our real estate expertise to collaborate with WTCA members around the world and assist them with their real estate development.
