Leadership at both the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Panama Tourism Authority have revealed that the upcoming 65th ICCA Annual Congress in Panama City would present a programme that would go off the beaten track.
While specifics about the conference programme have yet to be released, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath told TTGmice that the Congress “won’t feel like a traditional event”.
He added: “It will be a shared space where associations, destinations, governments, academics, tech leaders, creatives, and investors all come together in real conversations. After Porto, we’re taking the next step. Panama City brings deeper, more candid C‑level discussions, with governments and ministries fully at the table. It feels like the right place, at the right moment, for where our community is heading.”
ICCA’s last global gathering in November 2025 marked a fresh new creative approach, where an ambitious new multi-venue format was deployed. Nine iconic locations across host city Porto in Portugal – from the historic Alfândega Congress Centre to the Stock Exchange Palace – were utilised to deliver five distinct content tracks.
Spreading the programme across the city also encouraged the involvement of Porto residents in the organisation and delivery – a successful demonstration of the positive community impact business events can bring.
Gopinath had then explained that the unusual Congress design in 2025 as well as the theme, Charting the Course, was spurred by the need for continuous innovation and transformation.
In an interview with TTGmice, Gloria De León, minister of tourism entity, Panama Tourism Authority, said her team is “designing an experience that goes far beyond a traditional congress, one where every moment has been thoughtfully curated with intention”.
When asked how ICCA members will be offered a meaningful introduction to both Panama City and Panama, De León said: “From the very first moment, through our unmatched air connectivity, modern infrastructure and strategic location, ICCA members will step into a destination that is alive with energy as a true crossroads of the world. Throughout the programme, experiences will extend beyond the venue into carefully curated settings, where every detail reflects the essence of Panama and creates meaningful connections.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to discover firsthand the many wonders of our country. We are confident they will be pleasantly surprised, not only by our rich and vibrant culture, our cuisine that truly delights or our extraordinary biodiversity, but above all, by our people.
“Our culinary journey will awaken the senses, blending refined dining with authentic local flavours through UNESCO-recognised gastronomy. Along the way, participants will uncover hidden gems and meaningful moments that bring Panama’s culture to life. Each experience has been designed to inspire creativity, spark new ideas and encourage innovation, setting the stage for an ICCA Congress that is not only memorable, but truly one of a kind.”
As with all ICCA Annual Congresses, the event is both an opportunity for members to interact with global colleagues and to explore a new destination.
De León believes that draws offered by Panama and Panama City will entice ICCA members to enrol in the Congress and extend their time in the country for pleasure, for it offers an unmatched diversity of experiences.
“In a short amount of time, you can explore modern infrastructure, a world-renowned engineering marvel, vibrant historic districts, lush rainforests 20 minutes away from the city, and pristine beaches on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. It’s a destination that allows you to experience more, effortlessly, in a place as authentic as its people,” she elaborated.
Another destination advantage is Panama’s people and sense of hospitality, she opined.
She detailed: “Here, you will feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely welcomed, and above all, cared for. That human connection transforms a visit into something much more meaningful. As a global hub connecting continents and cultures, Panama naturally brings people together. It’s a place where connections happen effortlessly, ideas flow, and opportunities grow.
“Here, visitors find much more than just a place for meetings, but a destination to work, innovate and enjoy on the same trip; that’s why attending the Congress is just the beginning, extending your stay becomes an essential part of the experience.”
Gopinath expressed hopes of all ICCA members and congress attendees taking home “something meaningful” at the end of the Panama City gathering. He would like them to leave the event with a “sense of belonging to a global community that connects people, shares knowledge, and genuinely improves lives”.
