The Forum hosted the International Conference on Federalism in an Era of Globalization from October 5 to 8,1999 in Mont-Tremblant, Canada. The Conference brought together over 500 elected representatives, civil servants, academics and private-sector representatives from over 25 countries.

The conference was structured around four themes: citizenship and social diversity, economic and fiscal federalism, intergovernmental relations, and social policy and federalism. The format of the sessions maximized the opportunity for participants to share information, best practices and experiences in problem-solving. Presentations by US President Bill Clinton, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, and other leading figures alternated with small roundtable workshops.

Approximately 80 youth were in attendance as full participants in the conference. In addition, the Forum organized a supplementary youth program in Ottawa consisting of a specially-designed intergovernmental negotiation simulation, thus providing youth with first-hand experience in the practical application of federalism.