The boom in the technology sector is boosting the meetings market in western Mexico’s metropolis Guadalajara. The city presents itself as “traditionally modern” and is now even a member of the Best Cities Global Alliance. “This fills us with pride and opens up excellent networking opportunities,” says Ligia Gonzáles, Business Manager at the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The CVB was founded 50 years ago as the first of its kind in Latin America.

Events like these are no exception in Guadalajara: the city’s EXPO site is the second-largest event location in Latin America after Sao Paulo. Apart from the Corona years, it welcomes an average of 2.5 million guests to 200 events every year. Eight of Mexico’s largest trade fairs are held on the grounds.

A big advantage is that of the 28,000 hotel rooms currently available, around 4,800 are within walking distance of the EXPO. The Financial District in particular boasts modern conference hotels such as the Hilton Midtown, Hyatt Regency Andares and the recently opened W Marriott and Hotsson Hotel.

There is also a good choice of hotels in the impressive historic Old Town – even if these accommodations are considerably smaller than the large hotels in the Financial District.

Read more about the international MICE business in the e-paper of the new issue of CIM.