As Houston continues to expand its role as a global center for innovation and investment, the Greater Houston Partnership and Rice University led a strategic trade mission to Paris, France, to elevate the region’s presence at Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2025, the largest technology and innovation summit in Europe.  With 180,000 international attendees, VivaTech offered direct access to global business leaders, policymakers and investors exploring high-growth markets. Houston’s activation sparked opportunities for potential partnerships and drew attention from notable leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Vanessa Wyche, Acting Administrator of NASA.   “They see Houston as one of the cities of the future, and they’re backing that up with their resources and attention,” stated John Cypher, the Partnership’s Vice President of International Investment and Trade. “We saw a lot of potential for partnerships that could bring more international startups to Houston and connect founders to new European markets.”  Beyond VivaTech, the delegation met with key players in France’s innovation and finance sectors, including Banque Publique d’Investissement France, Mouvement des Entreprises de France, and Station F.   The week-long trade mission also highlighted Houston’s global academic leadership with a guided visit to Rice University’s Global Paris Center, the university’s first international campus. “It’s a remarkable moment where Rice shows the world that we are an entrepreneurial-, science- and engineering-based tech accelerator,” said Caroline Levander, Rice’s Vice President for Global Strategy. The center represents a broader vision to connect Houston’s educational and entrepreneurial resources to Europe’s innovation ecosystem. The mission culminated with a reception at the former embassy of the Republic of Texas, celebrating the enduring ties between Texas and France and reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation and growth.   Houston’s role at VivaTech 2025 highlights the city’s innovation and role as a major hub for foreign direct investment. Strengthening international business ties remains a significant part of our growing economy and a way to spur further investment and advance innovation for our region.   Learn more about Houston’s growing role in the global economy.  

Board service isn’t just about governance – it’s a leadership masterclass. If you’re looking to grow your impact and elevate your strategic thinking, joining a board is one of the most powerful development opportunities available. Why It Matters At the Greater Houston Partnership, we know that leadership at every level, from the boardroom to the front lines, is critical to advancing Houston’s position as a city of opportunity. Serving on a board strengthens the kind of high-impact leadership our region needs to grow and thrive. Whether you're leading a team or a company, the responsibilities of board members mirror those of top executives: defining strategy, assessing risk, guiding talent and maintaining accountability. Serving on a board challenges you to think beyond your functional expertise and operate with a high-altitude, enterprise-wide perspective. You’ll learn to ask better questions, make sharper decisions and prioritize what truly matters. The Power of Board Diversity Through our One Houston Together initiative, we’re committed to advancing diversity on corporate boards as part of our broader mission to strengthen Houston’s economic dynamism and opportunity for all. Diverse boards bring broader perspectives, deeper understanding of stakeholder needs and stronger business outcomes. When leadership reflects the communities it serves, companies are better equipped to navigate complexity, spark innovation and build lasting trust.  Core Skills You Build Board experience sharpens your ability to: Think strategically: Board members are expected to elevate conversations, zooming out to consider long-term risks and opportunities. Communicate with purpose: You’re on the board for a reason – using your voice with clarity and confidence is key. Prioritize ruthlessly: Managing board commitments alongside your career teaches disciplined time management. Learn continuously: Staying current on market trends, competitors and global shifts is a non-negotiable. What You’ll Tackle Board meetings often center on today’s most pressing business issues: artificial intelligence, global trade and economic shifts, federal policy changes, sustainability and talent development. You won’t just observe – you’ll contribute to decisions that shape a company’s future. These topics mirror the challenges and opportunities the Greater Houston Partnership tackles, including shaping policies, attracting investment and positioning Houston for long-term success. Getting Ready to Serve You don’t need to wait until retirement. Many professionals gain board experience through nonprofit organizations, where they build leadership skills and expand their networks while giving back to the community. Key steps include: Start networking: Relationships matter. Begin connecting with board members and executive leaders now. Stay curious: Board-ready professionals are lifelong learners who bring fresh insights to the table. Be intentional: Think about how your current role demonstrates strategic thinking, community impact and business results. If you're considering board service, don’t underestimate its impact on your professional trajectory. You’ll grow as a leader, contribute to something bigger than yourself, and bring those sharpened skills back to your day job, benefiting your organization and your career.