MEXICO CITY – Mexico City will host the first ever 2016 Institute of Business Travel Management (IBTM) Latin American Conference, set to become the leading Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) event in Mexico and Latin America, on September 7-8, 2016. This international convention, which brings together meeting, event and incentive industry decision makers for two days of networking events, lectures and group dining experiences, will take place at Centro Banamex, Mexico City’s world-class convention center that suits any kind of event. The event will join the global portfolio of IBTM events as a rebranded event from ICOMEX.
As the gateway city to Latin America and in close proximity to the United States, Mexico City is a prime location for the prestigious conference, and a hub for meetings and events offering a blend of rich culture and modern innovations, along with a variety of convention, exposition and meeting facilities available for groups of all sizes. Mexico City serves as host to thousands of conventions, trade shows and business meetings every year. With vast art, culture and culinary offerings, meetings attendees will also enjoy cultural activities in this cosmopolitan city that has it all.
Meeting coordinators planning to attend the convention can enjoy a number of new developments, distinctions, facilities and resources while in the city including:
Wide range of meeting venues and attractions: From modern convention centers and hotels to historic parks and castles, Mexico City offers a variety of settings for gatherings of any size. The city has more than 53,000 hotel rooms at 600 hotels, more than 3,000 restaurants and plenty of museums, cinemas, galleries, monuments and entertainment attractions for downtime.
Easy access: Mexico City connects with many U.S. and Canadian cities via nonstop flights operated by Delta, AeroMexico, United Airlines, Air Canada and American Airlines among other airlift services. Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport is just eight miles away from the downtown area, and easily accessible by public transportation. Mexico City has more than 130,000 taxis – more than 10 times of those in New York City --- and a bike share program that makes getting around the city a breeze.
Temperate year-long climate: Though geographically placed squarely in the tropics, the high elevation of Mexico City adds a chill to the air, giving the city one of the mildest climates in Mexico. The average temperature varies from 54°F in the western mountains to 61°F in the center of town. The dry season runs from November to May, and the rainy season June through October. The hottest months are usually April and May when the temperature can reach 86°F, and the coldest are December and January with temperatures at times dropping as low as 45°F.
Experience hosting large meetings: From the Olympic Games to the FIFA World Cup to large medical and tech conferences, Mexico City has the resources to host large numbers of visitors. Mexico City’s modern convention centers can welcome up to 50,000 visitors at one time.
Free Internet connection in key regions: With historic centers and landmarks offering free broadband connection such as Zocalo and the Alameda Central, more than 100 public sites will also be connected in the coming years.
Planning resources: The Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund’s Major Events department is available to help guide the planning process, offering assistance with logistics including recommendations for venues, vendors and steps to securing necessary permits.
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2015 rankings: Mexico City has ranked 37th worldwide and eighth in Latin & North America, out of 384 destinations, due to its number of international events hosted throughout 2015, according to ICCA statistics report 2015. This ranking is above New York City, Washington DC and Chicago.
Meeting Planner International (MPI) Marketplace Excellence Award: Mexico City received this award this year recognizing an MPI chapter providing exceptional business exchange for members. In order to receive this recognition, Mexico City demonstrated influence, innovation, transferability and creativity in the development, planning, and delivery of effective business-to-business opportunities for members.
