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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. The announcement by Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, is an important milestone for both cities, demonstrating strong alignment with ICCA’s vision for a dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking business events industry.

ICCA Congress: The Premier Event for the Meetings and Events Industry

The ICCA Congress is recognized as the flagship event of the meetings and events industry, attracting delegates from around the world. It serves as a premier gathering place for professionals in the business event space to connect, collaborate and build lasting friendships. Each year, ICCA collaborates with cities around the world to decide the next host for this landmark event. The selection process is meticulous, with the ICCA Board carefully evaluating potential candidates to ensure that the chosen city can provide an unparalleled experience for attendees while showcasing its unique culture.

Porto: A blend of tradition and modernity

Porto, a city where history seamlessly meets innovation, is set to host the ICCA Congress in 2025. Luis Pedro Martins, President of the Porto and Northern 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 destinations, which will contribute to an unforgettable experience for all 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 is perfectly aligned with ICCA’s mission, ensuring that the 2025 Congress will be a landmark event. The event also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention and Visitors Bureau, which adds an extra layer of significance to the event.

Panama City: A Premier Global Destination

In 2026, the ICCA Congress will move to Panama City, Panama. Fernando Fondavilla, 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 key in this journey, highlighting the country’s socio-economic opportunities and commitment to becoming a hub for knowledge sharing through the business events industry.

Panama City offers impressive infrastructure and facilities, supporting ICCA’s vision of a more sustainable meetings and events industry. The hosting of the ICCA Congress is an important milestone for Panama, reaffirming its position as a leading destination for international congresses and events. The strategic location of the city, with its vibrant culture and modern facilities, will undoubtedly enhance the experience for all delegates.

Sustainable and innovative events

Both Porto and Panama City exemplify ICCA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in 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 venues that are consistent with these principles.

Unmatched opportunities for host cities

Hosting the ICCA Congress provides the selected cities with a unique opportunity 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 an opportunity 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 all set to offer exceptional experiences to all delegates. As ICCA continues to drive the industry forward, the upcoming congresses in Porto and Panama City will undoubtedly set new standards for international events, fostering greater collaboration and progress within the business event community.