FIEXPO Latin America 2026 Opens in Costa Rica Under ‘Connect to Evolve’ Theme

Against this backdrop, FIEXPO Latin America positions itself as more than a trade show. The event aims to create business opportunities while providing a forum for discussion on the future of the meetings industry and the priorities needed to respond to global challenges.

 

Costa Rica will host the 2026 edition, further strengthening its position as a destination for international meetings and events. The country's connectivity, political stability, biodiversity, sustainable approach and event infrastructure provide a strong foundation for bringing together business, knowledge exchange and long-term impact.

 

The programme will explore many of the issues currently shaping the sector, including governance and public policy, purpose and legacy, event bidding and destination positioning, artificial intelligence and data, talent development, the future of work, accessibility, sustainability and destination development.

 

The educational programme will begin with the FIEXPO Opening Session powered by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), titled Connect to Evolve: From Global Industry Challenges to Conversations That Generate Business. The session will examine how destinations, organisations and professionals can translate strategic conversations into tangible business opportunities.

 

The programme will feature contributions from industry leaders including Michael Blackman, Jaime Granados, Senthil Gopinath, Martin Boyle, Annette Gregg, Paul Van Deventer, Borja Castelar and Kike Ramírez, alongside representatives from destinations, associations, international organisations and public institutions across the region.

 

Professional development will remain a central component of the event. Certification programmes and educational initiatives delivered in partnership with international organisations will provide professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean with access to global standards, practical tools and new skills relevant to the meetings industry.

 

According to the organisers, regional competitiveness depends not only on destination infrastructure but also on the quality of its professionals and their ability to understand and respond to global trends.

 

Several specialised forums will take place during the event. The Latin American Destinations Forum will examine destination competitiveness, governance, market intelligence, event bidding, sustainability, impact measurement, technology and artificial intelligence.

 

The Next Generation Summit will focus on students, young professionals and emerging talent, including participation from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) through the IAPCO & FIEXPO Jorge Castex Scholarship Programme for Latin America.

 

The Inclusive Legacy Lab, developed in partnership with Let's Meet and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), will explore accessibility as a strategic component of sustainability, competitiveness and legacy.

 

Additional sessions include FIEXPO Connecting Minds, dedicated to power skills in the age of artificial intelligence; the Women in the Meetings Industry Forum, which will focus on leadership and representation in decision-making roles; and the 13th Latin American Political Forum, bringing together government representatives and institutional leaders to discuss the role of business events in public policy, destination development, international positioning and regional cooperation.

 

From 10 June onwards, FIEXPO's scheduled business meetings programme will form a key part of the exhibition, facilitating direct engagement between destinations, specialised suppliers and international buyers. The programme is designed to create new business opportunities, strengthen relationships and support market development across the region.

 

For organisers, the theme Connect to Evolve reflects the event's broader purpose. Connecting means bringing together decision-makers, destination leaders, event organisers, association representatives, buyers, suppliers, innovators and researchers. Evolving means transforming those connections into new capabilities, partnerships, business opportunities, policy initiatives and long-term impact.

 

With Costa Rica as host, an extensive educational programme, international speakers, specialised forums and a robust business platform, FIEXPO Latin America 2026 aims to support the continued growth and professionalisation of the meetings and business events industry across Latin America and the Caribbean.