International Congress & Convention Associaton (ICCA) ranked Mexico 11th in the world, in 2004 as a convention destination worldwide in terms of numbers of events hosted. By forming an alliance with PCMA, Mexico hopes to raise the bar and increase the number of meetings and corporate events. 

Mexico Tourism Board CEO Francisco Lopez Mena recently attended The Professional Convention Management Association's (PCMA) annual meeting in Toronto, Canada January 7 to 10. Considered the most important meeting of the year, the Toronto conference was attended by North America's top senior meeting planners to discuss the increased relevance of the North American market to Mexico, share innovative ideas and strategic planning opportunities.

According to Lopez Mena, Mexico's new president Felipe Calderon is intent on building tourism and implementing new initiatives with the meeting industry such as taxes and deductions for both planner and attendees. These initiatives were discussed in a speech given by Lopez Mena at the closing lunch sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board to announce Mexico's long term strategic partnership with PCMA.

According to Lopez Mena, "We acknowledge PCMA's outstanding leadership, quality-driven education components and unparalleled networking opportunities. By entering into this alliance, we have given a chance to showcase Mexico's natural and cultural diversity, world class infrastructure, meeting facilities and increasing air connectivity with major feeding markets."

Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Chicago, PCMA represents the interests of meeting management executives and suppliers to the meetings industry. Also in attendance at the meeting were former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, and former U.S. Congressman, Newt Gingrich.