World Affairs Council of Maine Announces 2026 Governor's International Breakfast

Annual event to focus on Maine's place in the global economy and future opportunities

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary podium or lectern in a sunlit conference room, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood around the central object.The Governor's International Breakfast offers a reflective space for Maine's leaders to thoughtfully discuss the state's global role and future opportunities.Portland Today

The World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center will host the 2026 Governor's International Breakfast, an annual event that brings together Maine's civic, business, academic and government leaders to discuss the state's role in the global economy. This year's theme, 'Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward,' will feature a retrospective panel addressing progress in areas like international trade, energy, climate, workforce development, and public diplomacy.

Why it matters

As Maine navigates global uncertainty and transition, this event provides a vital nonpartisan forum for open dialogue on the state's international engagement and competitiveness. The breakfast highlights how Maine can maximize opportunities and investment in key strategic areas to strengthen its global connectivity.

The details

The 2026 Governor's International Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The retrospective panel will be moderated by David Plumb, senior mediator at the nonprofit Consensus Building Institute, and will feature leaders connected to Maine's strategic plans and the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program.

  • The 2026 Governor's International Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, April 7.
  • The event has been held annually since 1997.

The players

Gov. Janet Mills

The governor of Maine, who will deliver her fifth and final address at the 2026 Governor's International Breakfast.

David Plumb

Senior mediator at the nonprofit Consensus Building Institute, who will moderate the retrospective panel at the event.

Allison Hodgkins

Executive director for the World Affairs Council of Maine, which hosts the annual breakfast.

World Affairs Council of Maine

A nonprofit organization that has worked since 1977 to support cultural exchange between Maine and the world, providing a forum for exploring international issues.

Maine International Trade Center

A partner organization that co-hosts the Governor's International Breakfast, focusing on Maine's role in the global economy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At a time of such uncertainty, this event holds greater significance than ever. Since its inception, the breakfast has brought together governors and leaders from across backgrounds, sectors and communities, reflecting our [World Affairs Council of Maine] long tradition of cultivating nonpartisan spaces. As Mainers look for ways to engage thoughtfully on global issues, events like this remain a vital space for connection and progress.”

— Allison Hodgkins, Executive director, World Affairs Council of Maine

What’s next

Registration for the 2026 Governor's International Breakfast is open to the public, with early bird rates available. Maine students may attend at no cost.

The takeaway

The Governor's International Breakfast provides a crucial nonpartisan platform for Maine's leaders to thoughtfully discuss the state's global role and identify strategic areas for investment and engagement. As Maine navigates uncertainty, this event underscores the importance of international cooperation and public diplomacy in strengthening the state's competitiveness and connectivity.