FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summit marks new United Airlines partnership, recognizes 25 New Architects of American Influence, and honors Pernod Ricard's Conor McQuaid
WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 16, 2026 — Meridian International Center convened more than 220 leaders from government, business, and the diplomatic community at the 15th Annual Meridian Summit: Shaping American Influence, held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the Summit brought together executives, policymakers, and diplomats to examine the future of American influence, with discussions spanning commercial diplomacy, economic statecraft, emerging technologies, and critical resources.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, our country remains the world’s most consequential economic, military, technological, and diplomatic power. But power and influence are not quite the same thing," said David Bohigian, CEO of Meridian International Center. “Influence is about what we do with those strengths. It is about the partnerships we build, the markets we create, the technologies we develop, the alliances we sustain, and the ability to bring people together around shared interests.”
Featured speakers included Ambassador Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; Rep. Ami Bera; Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of The Perot Companies; and Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, among others.
The Summit also marked the announcement of the United Airlines Center for Diplomatic Engagement, the new name of Meridian's Center for Diplomatic Engagement through a strategic partnership with United Airlines. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening American engagement with the world through people-to-people diplomacy. Read the full press release here.
Meridian unveiled its inaugural class of 25 New Architects of American Influence, selected from more than 200 candidates. Honorees include Patrick Mahomes, Jensen Huang, and Peggy Whitson, among leaders across business, technology, culture, sports, and state and local government advancing American influence beyond traditional diplomacy. Check out the full list here.
Meridian also presented its 2026 Corporate Leadership Award to Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, recognizing his leadership in using business to strengthen diplomacy and build international partnerships.
“Leadership for me is about creating opportunities for others, bringing people together, giving them the confidence to contribute, and leaving relationships stronger than we found them.” said McQuaid. “In a world where connecting really matters, Meridian’s mission comes to the fore and reminds us that building bridges, fostering understanding, and finding common ground are both a privilege that we share but also a deep and enduring responsibility.”
Meridian extends its gratitude to Ball Chairs Sarah and Ross Perot Jr.; Congressional Co-Chairs Senator Bill Hagerty and Rep. April McClain Delaney; and Summit Chairs Pernod Ricard, ServiceNow, and AstraZeneca for their leadership and support. Meridian also thanks its speakers, moderators, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to this year's convening.
For more information, visit summit.meridian.org.
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About Meridian International Center
Meridian is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy for a better future. Our programs strengthen American leadership by accelerating collaboration on shared challenges, increasing economic competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. We equip leaders from business, science and technology, cities and states, culture and sports with the insights, networks, and resources to navigate a complex world.
Media Contact
Riley Nelson
RNelson@Meridian.org | 719-213-0171
