The ICCA Congress is the premier event for meetings and events in the industry. Year after year, the Congress draws delegates from around the globe and attracts attendees throughout the community. It’s the place for everyone in the business events space to gather, connect, and form the friendships that make us strong and successful.
“I’m honoured to announce today that the ICCA board has selected the next two destinations for the ICCA Congress. From November 9 to 12, 2025, we’ll be heading to Porto, Portugal, and from November 8 to 11, 2026, we’ll set a course for Panama City, Panama,” said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. “ICCA is thrilled to head to these world-class cities for the meetings and events industry’s flagship event, two locations that share ICCA’s vision for a dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking business events industry.”
Every year, ICCA works with destinations worldwide to determine the location for this landmark event. Through deliberation, the ICCA Board narrows down the potential candidates and ultimately selects one city to host the Congress. This event brings together the best and brightest in the industry and provides an unmatched opportunity for the host city to showcase and share its culture and put its best face forward.
“We are thrilled to welcome the ICCA Congress to Porto in 2025. Porto is a city where history meets innovation, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity,” said Luís Pedro Martins, president of Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau.“With our world-class venues, vibrant culture, and rich heritage, we are confident that Porto will provide an unforgettable experience for all delegates. Our commitment to excellence and sustainability ensures that the 2025 Congress will be a landmark event, celebrating ICCA’s mission and the 30th anniversary of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau. Join us in Porto for an inspiring and transformative Congress concept.”
Both cities are excellent examples of locations that support ICCA’s vision of a more sustainable meetings and events industry. They have also developed impressive infrastructure and facilities to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the Congress. ICCA says they are looking forward to sharing more details as they partner with these two outstanding destinations to produce the industry’s most prestigious event.
“Panama has implemented an ambitious strategy to consolidate its position as a premier global destination for international meetings and congresses,” said Fernando Fondevila, CEO of Promtur Panama, a destination marketing agency for Panama. “Our partnership with ICCA, one of the world’s industry-leading organisations, has been instrumental in this journey. We are proud to be the only ICCA partner in Latin America to host its next Regional Office and to have been selected to host its 2026 Congress. Hosting this Congress represents a transcendental milestone for our destination, and it again reaffirms its position as an epicentre for the generation of socioeconomic opportunities and the exchange of knowledge and legacy through the business events industry.”
