ICCA opens office within the Panama Association Hub and set to collaborate on Global Advocacy Alliance

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is expanding its strategic presence in Latin America and the Caribbean with the establishment of a new office within the Panama Association Hub (PAH). In collaboration with PROMTUR, Panama’s destination management organisation, the PAH was launched last year as a platform where international organisations can establish branch offices to develop the Latin American market and foster knowledge sharing and the advancement of scientific and legacy projects in Panama and the region. “Latin America and the Caribbean are rapidly gaining popularity as destinations for international association conventions and congresses,” said Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO. “ICCA’s contribution to the region will enhance societal and economic development. ICCA has a long-term commitment to Panama, and to Latin America and the Caribbean. We’re thrilled to establish our office among some of the most-recognised names in tech, NGOs, and academia in the City of Knowledge, Panama City, a hot spot for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration – a centre for forward-thinking businesses and associations in the region.” “We are thrilled to welcome ICCA to our country, especially to the Panama Association Hub (PAH), the first associative centre in Latin America,” said Fernando Fondevila, CEO of PROMTUR Panama. “Only four locations in the world have such a model: Brussels, Washington DC, Singapore, and Dubai. The PAH is the first in the region, positioning Panama as the main gateway for knowledge, innovation, and meetings throughout the region, providing a unique platform for international associations.” The new regional office within the PAH joins ICCA’s existing Montevideo, Uruguay, office. In separate news, ICCA has announced it is to collaborate with the UK’s The Business Of Events (TBOE) to introduce the Global Advocacy Alliance. Scheduled to run during the ICCA Plenary at IMEX Frankfurt, 13 May 2024, this initiative will convene 200 industry leaders to discuss and share best practices in advocating for the event sector to governmental bodies at local, regional, and national levels. Supported by Gevme, the session will feature insights from industry leaders from politics, destinations, consortiums, convention bureaus, and venues. ICCA says the aim of the Global Advocacy Alliance is to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to effectively champion the interests of the event sector “The Global Advocacy Alliance is a key part of ICCA’s commitment to advocacy,” said Gopinath. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer members the opportunity to learn how to more effectively communicate with key stakeholders to advocate for their respective sectors to governments and policymakers. By advocating for the best interests of our industry, we contribute to the collective growth and upward trajectory of our community as a whole.” Martin Fullard, director of The Business of Events, who will be chairing the event, remarked: “Advocacy is one of the biggest challenges our industry faces and is globally recognised as imperative. The idea behind this event is to bring together industry leaders to share best practices and create a toolkit for everyone involved to utilise in their advocacy efforts.” For more information on the ICCA Global Advocacy Alliance and to register for the event, please visit the ICCA event website.