In a first for ICCA, the Congress introduced an ambitious co-curator model, bringing some of the world’s most influential organisations into the heart of the programme. The World Economic Forum, IEEE, UN Tourism, AC Forum, and the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) each contributed their expertise, networks and perspectives, connecting the business events community with global conversations on leadership, innovation, sustainable development, economic progress and the future of society.
The result was a Congress designed to go beyond the traditional industry gathering. Through its multi-modal programme and the concept of Congresses within a Congress, participants explored the issues shaping their own fields while discovering opportunities to collaborate across sectors.
With approximately 60% of the experience dedicated to networking, the Congress placed human connection at its centre, creating space for meaningful exchanges, unexpected encounters and partnerships that extend well beyond Panama.
Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism of Panama, said: “At the opening of this Congress, I invited participants to discover Panama and get to know the best of our country: its people. Today, we hope this first experience gives them reasons to return and the confidence to choose Panama as the host destination for their associations’ events. We want every congress to open the door to exploring more of our country and extend its benefits to more communities. Thank you to ICCA and its delegates for allowing us to show what it means to be hosts to the world.”
A new model for global collaboration
The co-curator approach represented a significant step in the evolution of the ICCA Congress, bringing perspectives from beyond the traditional business events ecosystem directly into the programme. By working alongside organisations with global influence across technology, development, tourism, research and international policy, ICCA created a platform for conversations that connected the meetings industry with some of the wider forces shaping the world.
From the future of international associations and the role of technology in advancing knowledge to sustainable development, economic transformation and global collaboration, the programme encouraged participants to look beyond their immediate professional environments and consider where their expertise could contribute to broader progress.
The Congress featured internationally recognised advocate and environmental campaigner Erin Brockovich as a keynote speaker, bringing a powerful perspective on individual responsibility, collective action and the importance of challenging established thinking.
Putting people, planet and legacy at the centre
The 2026 ICCA Congress also placed responsibility and lasting impact at the centre of its approach, reflecting ICCA’s commitment to ensuring that business events contribute positively to the communities and destinations that host them.
Through its People, Planet and Legacy framework, the Congress incorporated initiatives celebrating Panama’s cultural heritage, supporting local communities and encouraging more sustainable event practices. These included Panamá Verde, the Clandestino Lab initiative using recycled plastic, and the Gift of Love initiative supporting Fundación Casita de Mausi.
These initiatives reflected a wider ambition: to make legacy an integral part of how international meetings are designed, delivered and evaluated, rather than something considered only after an event has concluded.
Panama: A destination at the crossroads of the world
The Congress was an international platform to showcase Panama’s position as a destination for global business events, highlighting its strategic connectivity, cultural diversity, infrastructure and capacity to bring international communities together.
Through the support and partnership of PROMTUR Panama and local industry stakeholders, the Congress demonstrated the value of collaboration between international associations, destination organisations and the wider business events ecosystem.
The Congress also provided an opportunity to highlight the role of business events in supporting destination development, knowledge exchange and international visibility, reinforcing the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Looking ahead: shaping the future of association meetings
For ICCA, the 2026 Congress represents more than a successful international gathering. It signals an evolution in how the global association meetings community can come together, engage with the world and contribute to wider societal progress.
The CrossWorlds concept challenged participants to consider not only the connections they make, but also the boundaries they can cross and the new possibilities they can create together. By bringing global institutions and the international business events community into a shared space, ICCA has opened new opportunities for collaboration and strengthened the industry’s position within wider global conversations.
As the 65th ICCA Congress comes to a close, its central message extends beyond Panama: the future of business events will be shaped by the connections we create, the perspectives we bring together and the collective impact we leave behind.
The ICCA Congress will continue its global journey in 2027, bringing the international association meetings community together in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 66th ICCA Congress.
Learn more about ICCA here.
