In a bid to strengthen its standing as a business destination, Panama has launched “Meet in Panama NOW,” a program developed by Visit Panama to encourage new international conferences.
Through its new initiative, Visit Panama will provide qualifying organizers with a rebate up to US$100,000 per event for newly confirmed programs taking place in September and October 2026.
The initiative aims to boost hotel occupancy during periods of lower demand, generate greater economic impact for the destination, and reinforce Panama’s role as a hub for the meetings and conventions industry. To achieve these goals, Visit Panama will work closely with hotels, event organizers, PCOs, DMCs, and strategic partners across the meetings sector to actively encourage the confirmation of new events in the country.
The program is exclusively aimed at newly secured international events held in hotels across Panama that generate a minimum of 500 room nights. Once the event has taken place and the required documentation has been validated, organizers will receive an incentive equivalent to 5 percent of the total room revenue generated, up to a maximum of US$100,000 per event. Eligible events must be confirmed between June 8 and Sept. 8, 2026, and take place in Panama between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2026.
Major Meetings Already on the Calendar
The launch of “Meet in Panama NOW” comes during a busy year for the country’s meetings industry. Panama is already scheduled to host several major international conferences and conventions in 2026, including the 65th ICCA Congress.
Taking place in Panama City from Nov. 8–11, 2026, the Congress is expected to bring together more than 1,500 professionals from the global meetings industry. Hosting the ICCA Congress is widely regarded as a milestone for convention destinations and reflects Panama’s standing in the international meetings market.
Other major international events scheduled for the second half of the year include COLACMAR 2026, the World of Coffee & World Barista Championship 2026, the Central American and Caribbean Congress of Dermatology and several other large global gatherings.
The combination of leading air connectivity, modern infrastructure, and incentive programs such as “Meet in Panama NOW” reinforces the country’s strategy to establish itself as the premier meetings and conventions hub of the Americas.
Beyond its meeting infrastructure, Panama gives planners plenty of options for pre- and post-event activities and incentive programs. Attendees can explore the historic Old Quarter and the Panama Canal, or venture farther afield to beaches, rainforests and Indigenous communities.
For more information, visit tourismpanama.com/mice-meetings-and-events/.
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