The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has officially announced the host cities for the next two ICCA Congresses. From November 9 to 12, 2025, the event will take place in Porto, Portugal, and from November 8 to 11, 2026, it will be held in Panama City, Panama. This announcement marks a significant milestone for both cities, which have demonstrated a strong alignment with ICCA’s vision for a dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking business events industry.
The ICCA Congress is renowned as the meetings and events industry’s flagship event, drawing delegates from across the globe. It serves as a pivotal gathering for professionals in the business events space to connect, collaborate, and forge lasting friendships. Each year, ICCA collaborates with cities worldwide to determine the next host for this landmark event. The selection process is meticulous, with the ICCA Board carefully evaluating potential candidates to ensure the chosen city can deliver an unparalleled experience for attendees while showcasing its unique culture.
Porto, a city where history seamlessly meets innovation, is set to host the ICCA Congress in 2025. Luís Pedro Martins, president of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau, expressed his excitement about welcoming the ICCA Congress to Porto. He highlighted the city’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and world-class venues, all of which will contribute to an unforgettable experience for delegates.
Porto is celebrated for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an ideal location for the ICCA Congress. The city’s commitment to excellence and sustainability aligns perfectly with ICCA’s mission, ensuring that the 2025 Congress will be a landmark event. This occasion also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
In 2026, the ICCA Congress will head to Panama City, Panama. Fernando Fondevila, CEO of PROMTUR Panama, emphasized Panama’s ambitious strategy to establish itself as a premier global destination for international meetings and congresses. Panama’s partnership with ICCA has been instrumental in this journey, highlighting the country’s commitment to becoming an epicenter for socioeconomic opportunities and knowledge exchange through the business events industry.
Panama City offers impressive infrastructure and facilities, supporting ICCA’s vision of a more sustainable meetings and events industry. Hosting the ICCA Congress represents a significant milestone for Panama, reaffirming its position as a leading destination for international congresses and events. The city’s strategic location, coupled with its vibrant culture and modern amenities, will undoubtedly enhance the experience for all delegates.
Both Porto and Panama City exemplify ICCA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation within the meetings and events industry. These cities have developed world-class infrastructure and facilities that not only support large-scale events but also prioritize environmental responsibility and sustainability. As ICCA continues to champion these values, the selection of Porto and Panama City underscores the importance of choosing destinations that align with these principles.
Hosting the ICCA Congress provides an unmatched opportunity for the chosen cities to showcase their culture, infrastructure, and hospitality to a global audience. The event brings together the best and brightest in the industry, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration. For Porto and Panama City, this is a chance to highlight their unique attributes and establish themselves as key players in the global meetings and events landscape.
The announcement of Porto, Portugal, and Panama City, Panama, as the next hosts for the ICCA Congress in 2025 and 2026 respectively, marks an exciting chapter for the meetings and events industry. These cities, with their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, are poised to deliver exceptional experiences for all delegates. As ICCA continues to lead the industry forward, the upcoming congresses in Porto and Panama City will undoubtedly set new standards for international events, fostering greater collaboration and advancement within the business events community.
