Hackathon participants will work on solutions to the challenges of the MICE sector in Latin America, with awards that include an invitation to the ICCA Summit in the Dominican Republic. It is organized by ICCA, PROMTUR, Visit Panama and IEEE Panama, with the support of SENACYT and Ciudad del Saber.
The event industry, which includes meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), has become one of the main strengths to attract visitors to Panama. Thanks to its privileged geographical location and other advantages, the country has positioned itself as an ideal scenario for this segment of tourism.
To promote the creation of digital solutions in this sector, the ICCA Hackathon 2024 will be held under the slogan “Technological solutions for TravelTech and Eventech in Panama and Latin America.” This event will be held on June 10, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the Hilton Hotel in Panama City, as part of the FIEXPO Latin America, which will last until June 13.
FIEXPO Latin America is the leading event of the meeting industry in the region, bringing together exhibitors and participants from destinations such as Aruba, Argentina, Brazil, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Cayman Islands, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
The ICCA Hackathon is organized by the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA), PROMTUR, Visit Panama, along with the Panama Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and IEEE Entrepreneurship. In addition, it has the support of the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) and the City of Knowledge (CDS).
The ICCA Hackathon 2024 will bring together developers, designers, professionals, creative students and entrepreneurs to face the most urgent challenges of the meeting and event sector. Participants will work on one of the three main problems faced by destination promotion entities, convention centers and hotels, and event organizers.
The event schedule includes several stages. Registration will take place from May 22 to 29. The presentation of challenges will be held on May 31 in a virtual way, followed by a period of work on solutions from May 31 to June 6, also remotely. There will be a follow-up and pre-pitch meeting on June 6, again virtual, culminating with a live pitch on June 10 at the Hilton Panama. The winners will be announced during the FIEXPO closing dinner on June 12.
To participate in the Hackathon, participants must register at the link provided before May 29.
The prizes include an invitation to the ICCA Summit in the Dominican Republic with all expenses paid, hotel nights in Panama, air tickets and mentoring from Ciudad del Saber.
The Ing. Susana Lau, President of IEEE-Panama, commented: “The Hackathon 2024 is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to ICCA and PROMTUR in the organization of this event. This is especially significant as part of our work to promote Panama as a conference destination. Events like this not only promote entrepreneurship, but also connect key organizations such as City of Knowledge and SENACYT.”