GLC is an annual gathering of JA’s global and regional leadership, staff, and partners. In 2025, GLC will be hosted in Rio de Janeiro. This time it’s not only the GLC but also includes four three major events in one location for the first time: the Company of the Year (COY) Competition for JA Americas, the JA Americas Regional Board Meeting, the JA Worldwide Board of Governors Meeting, and broader staff engagement. Please note that space at GLC is  we have limited spots and registration is on it’s a first-come, first-served basis.

• GLC Rio: November 18–22, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  Arrival day: November 18 (all day). GLC starts with a welcome dinner that evening.
  Departure day: November 22 (all day, no program)

Concurrent events:

• JA Americas Company of the Year Competition: November 17–20

• JA Americas Regional Board Meeting JA Americas: November 18 and 19

• JA Worldwide Board of Governors: November 20

GLC is designed for JA staff from around the world. Typically, each JA organization sends its CEO and/or leadership team; however, the conference is open to all staff members with approval from their respective country or regional manager. Board members are not eligible to attend GLC, as board-specific meetings are hosted separately.

We expect approximately 300–350 participants at GLC Rio.

GLC Rio will feature:

• JA Global Leadership Conference (GLC): November 18–22

• JA Americas Company of the Year Competition (COY): November 17–20

• JA Americas Regional Board meeting: November 18 and 19 

• JA Worldwide Board of Governors meeting: November 20

Detailed agendas to follow closer to event dates.

Some sessions will run in parallel, with targeted programming for the different audiences. The full GLC schedule will be shared ahead of time to allow for planning. GLC attendees, board members, and JA Americas COY participants can all attend the JA Americas COY Awards Ceremony, bringing the full JA community together to celebrate student innovation and achievement.

You can only register for one event. There will be overlapping sessions, and your agenda will reflect the programming relevant to your selected registration. Please choose your registration based on your role in the organization and coordinate with your supervisor to ensure the appropriate selection. Interaction with students at the booths.

No, but every session of GLC Virtual is available online!

Registration includes participation in all assigned conference sessions, materials, local transportation during the event, select meals, and organized activities.

• $680 USD for a single room

• $550 USD (per person) for a shared room

The registration deadline is September 17, 2025, but attendee slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When the conference is full, it is full.

No, registration is for the full duration of the event. This ensures full participation in collaborative programming.

The main venue and recommended hotel is Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro.

Address: Av. Niemeyer, 769 - São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22450-221, Brazil

You can book your extra nights through this link.

1. Please use google translate on the top to translate the entire site

2. The rates may vary per day (weekends etc.), you're getting the best rate through this link

3. If you want to book extra nights pre- and post GLC, you have to do 2 separate bookings.

No, we suggest that you organize transportation ahead of time or take an Uber when you arrive.

Visa requirements vary by country. We recommend checking with your local consulate as early as possible. JA will provide letters of invitation upon request.

Please send an email with your passport number, your full name, date of birth, arrival and departure date to contact@jaworldwide.org.

While not required, we highly recommend travel insurance to cover medical needs, cancellations, or emergencies. Worldwide does not cover travel insurance for participants. 

Some vaccinations may be recommended depending on your country of origin. Please consult with a travel health provider for up-to-date guidance.

All participants for GLC, COY, and both Board Meetings will be accommodated in the same hotel with additional security measures in place. Transportation to and from official venues will include coordinated security support. 

Like any major city, Rio de Janeiro has areas where visitors should take extra caution. While the city offers breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow recommended safety guidelines. 

General Safety Recommendations

• Use Uber or other trusted ride-share apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.

• Avoid walking outside alone at night; always take a car service.

• Carry only essential belongings and avoid displaying money or valuables, including mobile phones, in public.

• Avoid nighttime walks along the beach, even in popular areas.

• If planning a tour or excursion, use guides or services recommended by your hotel or the event organizers.
  

Refunds for GLC are available for any reason.

We only accept major credit cards through the oneja.org website

Yes, local transportation will be provided for official sessions and organized group activities.

Smart casual for general sessions; business attire for formal meetings and ceremonies. Further guidance will be included in pre-arrival information.

No, translation and interpretation devices and services will not be provided at GLC Rio.

A dedicated support team will be available before and during the event. Please message us at glc@jaworldwide.org.