By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is currently buzzing with activity as it hosts the 18th edition of FIEXPO Latin America, a premier trade show for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. This year’s event is particularly significant as Costa Rica has been awarded the hosting rights for the next three years – 2025, 2026, and 2027 – a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the MICE sector.
The event has drawn hundreds of international buyers eager to explore the opportunities presented by Latin American destinations. FIEXPO serves as a vital platform for connecting suppliers with buyers, showcasing the economic, intercultural, and social benefits of the MICE industry in the region.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business implications of FIEXPO, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
FIEXPO plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s burgeoning meetings and incentives industry. By attracting international event planners, it stimulates economic growth, fosters job creation within the tourism sector, and positions the country as a leading destination for MICE tourism. However, it’s vital that organizers and participants understand the legal framework surrounding event planning, including permits, contracts, and liability considerations, to ensure successful and legally compliant operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the legal intricacies surrounding event planning is a crucial reminder that sustainable growth in the MICE sector requires a solid foundation of compliance and best practices. This attention to detail not only protects organizers and participants but also reinforces Costa Rica’s reputation as a reliable and professional destination for international events. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital aspect of FIEXPO’s impact.
Several aspects are taken into account: good tourism and meeting infrastructure, excellent air connectivity, a first-class convention center, and Costa Rica is a destination we have been working with for a long time. We already had experience working with this country, and we have had a good experience. In addition, Costa Rica is a nation that has committed to meetings tourism very professionally, with the Convention Center, its Bureau, and the private sector.
Carolina Adano, Director of FIEXPO Latin America
Costa Rica’s success in securing the FIEXPO hosting rights for three consecutive years can be attributed to a strategic focus on attracting conventions and incentive travel, initiated in 2014. The country’s robust tourism infrastructure, including a world-class convention center, combined with its skilled workforce and renowned “pura vida” hospitality, has made it an attractive destination for international events.
Currently ranked eighth in Latin America in the MICE segment by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Costa Rica aims to further elevate its position through continued participation in international trade shows and targeted marketing campaigns.
We did a positioning assessment of which were the best events to continue capturing. In this case, we identified that FIEXPO brings more than 300 buyers to see the destination; it is a showcase to show what the country has in infrastructure, services, linkages, and one of the goals was to showcase the country.
Tatiana Orozco, Executive Director of the Costa Rica Convention Bureau
FIEXPO offers significant opportunities for participating destinations, particularly in the associative sector. Costa Rica’s selection as host underscores its maturity as a MICE destination, capable of handling large-scale events. This multi-year hosting commitment allows Costa Rica to showcase its offerings to a global audience, further strengthening its position in the ICCA rankings and attracting more business to San José, Guanacaste, and the Central Pacific region.
The FIEXPO event comprises educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a crucial commercialization component. The official opening of the one-on-one negotiation segment took place at the Costa Rica Convention Center, with a Business Roundtable scheduled for the following day.
This focus on meetings and conventions tourism has substantial positive spillover effects, generating employment in complementary sectors like transportation, printing, translation, audiovisual services, and universities involved in research. Winning the FIEXPO hosting rights not only solidifies Costa Rica’s position in the global MICE market but also contributes significantly to its overall economic growth.
For further information, visit fiexpolatinamerica.com
About FIEXPO Latin America:
FIEXPO Latin America is the premier trade show for the MICE industry in Latin America, connecting destinations and specialized suppliers with international buyers. The event facilitates business connections, promotes the benefits of the MICE sector, and contributes to the growth of the meetings and events industry in the region.
For further information, visit ccbcr.com
About Costa Rica Convention Bureau:
The Costa Rica Convention Bureau is a key player in promoting Costa Rica as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. It works to attract international events to the country, supporting the growth of the MICE sector and contributing to the national economy.
For further information, visit iccaworld.org
About International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA):
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global network of meetings industry professionals. It provides data, research, and networking opportunities for its members and plays a crucial role in tracking and analyzing trends in the international meetings and events sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge. By combining innovative strategies with a rich history of serving diverse clients, we strive to not only navigate complex legal landscapes but also to contribute to a more informed and just society in Costa Rica.
