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ICCA Congress 2026 to be held in Panama City, November 8‑11
The 65th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress will take place in Panama City from 8 to 11 November 2026, drawing more than 1,000 business‑events professionals from over 80 nations. The event runs under the CrossWorlds theme and aims to boost collaboration, innovation and sustainability in the global meetings industry.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- ICCA Congress 2026 will take place in Panama City
- Timing
- 8 to 11 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Business events professionals and association executives worldwide
The details
- Announced by
- International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
- Takes effect
- 8 to 11 November 2026
Event Overview
The 65th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress is scheduled for 8–11 November 2026 in Panama City. The four‑day gathering will be held under the theme CrossWorlds and is expected to attract more than 1,000 business‑events professionals representing over 80 nations.
The event aims to strengthen international collaboration among association executives, convention organisers and destination representatives, focusing on innovation, sustainability and future opportunities in the MICE sector.
- Expected attendees: over 1,000 professionals
- Participating nations: more than 80
- Theme: CrossWorlds
Venue and Participation
The Panama Convention Center, located on the Amador Causeway, will serve as the main venue. It offers 33,500 m² of flexible space, including a 15,400 m² exhibition hall, a 4,000 m² ballroom and 16 modular meeting rooms, providing ample capacity for plenary sessions and breakout workshops.
Delegates will have access to Panama’s hospitality infrastructure, waterfront attractions and the historic Panama Canal, enhancing the overall experience beyond the conference sessions.
- Exhibition hall: 15,400 m²
- Ballroom: 4,000 m²
- Modular rooms: 16
- Proximity to Tocumen International Airport
Program and Partnerships
The congress will feature a ‘Congress within a Congress’ format, combining specialist discussions, interactive workshops and networking. Keynote speakers include environmental activist Erin Brockovich and representatives from the World Economic Forum.
Approximately 60 % of the programme will be dedicated to professional networking, allowing participants to explore partnerships, discuss competitive bidding strategies and share best practices on technology and sustainable development.
- Keynote: Erin Brockovich
- Partner organisations: World Economic Forum, UNRISD, UN Tourism, IEEE, AC Forum, CAF
- Official airline partner: Turkish Airlines
- Accommodation partner: JW Marriott Panama
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel dates should align with the congress dates of 8–11 November 2026
- Accommodation options include JW Marriott Panama, the official partner listed for delegates
- Visitors can use Tocumen International Airport, the primary gateway to Panama City
Cost and documents
- No new conference fees are announced; standard registration and travel costs apply
- Travelers should ensure passports are valid and obtain any required visas for Panama
What you need to do
- Monitor ICCA communications for registration details and deadlines
- Arrange visas, flights and hotel bookings well before the 8 November start date
Who this affects
-
International association executives
They are invited to discuss collaboration and industry trends at the congress
What to do Attend sessions and network during the event
-
Convention organizers
They will participate in specialist discussions and workshops on event planning
What to do Engage in programme activities and explore partnership opportunities
-
Destination marketing officials
The congress provides a platform to showcase tourism products and attract future conference business
What to do Present destination offerings and meet potential buyers
-
Hospitality providers in Panama
Increased delegate presence creates demand for hotels, restaurants and transport services
What to do Prepare services to accommodate the influx of visitors
Frequently asked questions
When is ICCA Congress 2026 taking place?
ICCA Congress 2026 runs from 8 to 11 November 2026 in Panama City, offering a four‑day program for global business‑events professionals. The congress will bring together association executives, convention organisers and destination representatives to explore collaboration, innovation and future opportunities.
Where is the venue for ICCA Congress 2026?
The congress is hosted at the Panama Convention Center on the Amador Causeway, featuring extensive exhibition space, a large ballroom and multiple meeting rooms. The venue provides 33,500 m² of flexible space, including a 15,400 m² exhibition hall and a 4,000 m² ballroom, and is close to Tocumen International Airport.
What is the theme of ICCA Congress 2026?
The event’s theme is CrossWorlds, focusing on international partnerships, emerging technologies and sustainable development within the meetings industry. Sessions will examine how collaboration and innovation can shape the future of business events, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technology‑driven solutions.
Which organisations are partnering with ICCA for the 2026 congress?
Partners include the World Economic Forum, UNRISD, UN Tourism, IEEE, AC Forum, CAF, Turkish Airlines as the official airline and JW Marriott Panama as the accommodation partner. These organisations contribute expertise in strategic leadership, social sustainability, tourism development, engineering, finance and logistics, enhancing the congress programme with diverse perspectives.
How many countries are expected to participate in ICCA Congress 2026?
More than 80 countries are expected to send delegates, with representation from nations such as Panama, Switzerland, Spain, the United States, Belgium, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Turkey, Angola and South Africa. The international audience will include over 1,000 business‑events professionals, reflecting the global reach of the MICE sector.
