The Iceberg loves a movement. Especially a movement that uses business & professional events to drive positive change.
But it often requires an evangelical personality, combined with an event, to achieve that change. In Latin America (LATAM), one such character has driven the evolution and development of the Business Events Sector – founder of the FIEXPO Group, and former ICCA President, Arnaldo Nardone.
Reviewing the 2025 and 3rd edition of the PROMTUR Panama hosting of the 10th edition of FIEXPO, The Iceberg caught up with its founder and evangelist, and the regional leaders, to understand the drivers for change, the impact that FIEXPO has had on its host destinations, and the capacity building legacies that FIEXPO leaves behind…
Panama has enjoyed a $25m visitor economy but more than that, it is now firmly on the rotational map for business and association meetings
To achieve regional infrastructure and marketing investments into the required convention bureaus and meeting infrastructure including the impressive new Panama Convention Centre, Nardone has used the event to host the FIEXPO Politicians Forum – perhaps the most significant of its kind with political and policy representation from all countries. Here, Nardone explains why political understanding is so vital, complimented by Events Industry Council chair, Ana-Maria Viscasillas who herself has been at the epicentre of the advocacy narrative…
Business events are creating employment, a visitor economy – but also connecting industries, driving innovation, and supporting health beyond 25% of national tourism spend
FIEXPO moves to Costa Rica for the 2025-2027 editions as it rotates to build capacity and awareness throughout the region. More here: FIEXPO Latin America – 09-12 June 2025
