Real Estate As Trade Engine: How John E. Drew Builds For Global Commerce

John E. Drew is betting that real estate can be a catalyst for global commerce, not just a backdrop to it. As founder and chairman of Boston-based The Drew Company and chairman of the World Trade Centers Association, he oversees projects ranging from the Seaport World Trade Center Boston Complex to Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center — developments designed to spur trade, tourism and community growth in the cities they serve.

More recently, The Drew Company was selected as the developer, in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, for the new Signia by Hilton Atlanta, which opened in January 2024. “Together, we were honored by Hilton as the 2023 Full Service U.S. Developer of the Year for this project, of which we are particularly proud,” says Drew.

Today, the company supports more than 450 employees across its projects, combining real estate and hospitality expertise with a commitment to fostering global connections. In the following Q&A, Drew explains how his company’s portfolio is evolving, how WTCA’s network is helping businesses 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 Centers Association’s current key initiatives?

World Trade Centers Association is a network of more than 300 World Trade Center-branded businesses and organizations in nearly 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 all share a common mission: to help regional economies thrive by fostering global trade and investment.

With close to 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 just its global reach, but the way members actively support one another, creating opportunities that extend well beyond their individual markets.

Right now, our focus is on growth and stability. That means welcoming new WTC businesses in regions while ensuring our long-standing members have the support they need to remain strong and competitive. This includes programming that speaks to next generation leaders such as the recent 2025 WTCA Member Forum, which was held virtually in October.

Looking ahead, one of the most exciting milestones will be the 56^th Annual Global Business Forum, hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia April 19-22. It will be the first time in years that the GBF is held in the United States, and it promises unmatched opportunities for B2B networking across our international network.

Knowledge-sharing is central to how we operate. Through active committees, ongoing programs, and regional and global gatherings, our members exchange insights that drive real business outcomes.

Annual conferences in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa regions showcase how these connections spark growth and open new opportunities. Additionally, offering virtual opportunities like the WTCA Sector Salons, most recently on biotech and life Sciences, allow for connections beyond in-person events.

How does WTCA support businesses navigating the current global trade environment?

 At our core, WTCA is committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition. These times have been especially challenging for global trade, and from the outset, our members have shared real-time updates on tariffs, restrictions and regulations. That flow of timely information gives businesses in their markets — and beyond — the clarity and competitive edge needed to navigate a rapidly shifting environment.

This isn’t the first time our network has risen to meet a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chains broke down and PPE shortages were widespread, WTCA’s network shared resources and connected manufacturers around the world. That collaboration enabled businesses and governments to secure critical supplies faster and more efficiently than they could on their own.

Trust is equally important. In an era when technology alone cannot guarantee reliability, our members bring something uniquely human: long-standing relationships and proven follow-through. Businesses know a WTCA connection is credible and dependable. That trust, combined with our global reach and apolitical stance, makes WTCA a vital partner in today’s trade landscape.

WTCA is proud to help build bridges that drive commerce and create lasting value for communities around the world.

What’s next for the company?

The Drew Company is continuing to pursue strategic, managed growth in both real estate and hospitality while staying mindful of current market conditions. High interest rates, loan costs and labor shortages pose challenges in the real estate business like others, but we believe conditions will begin to improve in the near future.

On the residential side, we continue to support transit-oriented development projects that provide housing for the workforce with convenience and ease of location to public transportation, retail stores, and services, in and around Boston.

Our recently completed SkySail at Driftway reflects Massachusetts’ commitment to increasing housing near public transit. With train access directly across the road, the community offers convenience for commuters while adding vitality to the surrounding area.

Hospitality-wise, we are also growing our catering and hospitality services through Capital Cravings by Trade Center Management Associates. A subsidiary of The Drew Company, TCMA’s Capital Cravings recently became the official on-campus catering partner for the US House of Representatives.

Internationally, we are excited about our continued development of WTC Dublin and just launched our WTC International Business Club, and exclusive forum dedicated to advancing thought leadership in global trade, innovation and strategic collaboration. Coupled with WTC Dublin’s trade bridge initiative, we are actively connecting small businesses to opportunities and networking that reaches far beyond the Irish borders.

From a real estate perspective, we see opportunities to collaborate with WTCA members worldwide by leveraging our real estate expertise to help them develop their own properties.