InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities 2026

28th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities

Sept. 29-30, 2026, Miami, Florida
The Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC) is proud to host the 28th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities, a premier gathering of mayors, senior public officials and industry leaders from across Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond. This year’s conference convenes under the theme:

“Governance in Transition: Cities Leading in a New Global Era.”
As local governments navigate rapid technological advancements, shifting economic landscapes, and complex geopolitical challenges, cities are increasingly at the forefront of driving growth, innovation and sustainable development.

Over two dynamic days, delegates will explore practical solutions, share best practices, and forge partnerships that empower cities to lead with clarity and confidence. Program highlights will include discussions on:

Digital Economy and Cross-Border Innovation
Integrated Ports and Airports as Hubs of the Future
Public Safety and Cybersecurity
Reimagining Sister Cities for Economic Impact
Skills Development to Support Urban Growth

The conference provides a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insights, reaffirming Miami-Dade County’s role as the Gateway to the Americas and a hub for hemispheric municipal leadership. Register today to join this forward-looking summit and be part of the conversation shaping the future of cities in a changing world.

For additional information and sponsering opportunities, email [email protected]

About the Conference

Founded in 1996, the InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities aims to bring key elected officials from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss trending topics and share best practices on issues of common interest with Miami-Dade County. The conference was founded by The Honorable Javier D. Souto, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner of District 10 and hosted by Florida International University in collaboration with Miami-Dade County.

In 2022, the ITC re-introduced this flagship event to Miami-Dade County and organized the 25th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities in Miami, Florida. With the support of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, the ITC remains committed to organizing this yearly conference to continue fostering trade relations between Miami-Dade County and communities around the world.

To attend or sponsor the next conference, please complete this online form. For more information, please email [email protected].

1. How much does it cost to attend the conference?
  The conference is free of charge for all registered participants.
2. Where is the conference taking place?
  The conference will be held at PortMiami. The specific terminal will be confirmed closer to the event date.
3. What about hotel and airfare costs?
  Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own hotel accommodations and travel expenses.
4. Who can attend the conference?
  The event is open to Mayors and local authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean. Participation is limited to ensure meaningful engagement.
5. What meals are provided during the event?
  The ITC will provide breakfast and lunch during the two days as part of the conference program.
6. Can I make a presentation or participate as a panelist?
  The conference primarily serves as an informational and networking platform. To inquire about available opportunities for presentations, panels, or sponsorships, please email [email protected].
7. When is the deadline to register?
  All registrations must be submitted by Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. To submit your registration, please complete the form online.
8. Can my family members attend?
  Due to limited seating, priority is given to mayors and local authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean. Family members are not able to attend.
9. What is the dress code?
  The dress code for both days of the conference is business attire.
10. Will translation or intrepretation services be provided?
  Yes, the conference will provide translation services to accommodate participants who speak Spanish, English, or other languages as needed. Specific details will be shared closer to the event.
11. Do I need a Visa to attend the conference?
  Visa requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship. Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary travel documents. Learn about applying for a United States Visa.
12. Are there hotels near the conference venue?
  While the ITC does not endorse any specific hotels, attendees often choose accommodations close to PortMiami for convenience. Examples of nearby options include: CitizenM Miami World Center, Hilton Miami Downtown and Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
  
  Participants are encouraged to book accommodations independently and explore additional options through the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
27th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities

Over 300 government officials and institutional leaders, including more than 40 mayors from 21 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, attended the 27th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities, organized by the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC), on September 29–30, 2025, in Miami, Florida.

Hosted in collaboration with Florida International University (FIU), this two-day event reaffirmed Miami-Dade County’s global leadership in promoting innovation, trade, sustainability, and governance — underscoring its role as a hemispheric hub for municipal collaboration and development.

To attend or sponsor the next conference, please complete this online form. For more information, please email [email protected].
2025 Conference Highlights

The 2025 conference opened at the InterContinental Doral with welcoming remarks from The Honorable Christi Fraga, Mayor of the City of Doral, followed by a keynote address by Jeff Hoffman, Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO, who spoke on Innovation, Tourism and Local Leadership.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and ITC Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III formally welcomed delegates during the networking luncheon, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s commitment to fostering collaboration and exchange across the Americas.

Throughout the first day, participants explored topics including smart governance, sustainable infrastructure, bilateral trade, transportation and tourism, engaging with mayors, business leaders, and industry experts from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Notable moments included the signing of a Sister Cities International Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Georgetown, Guyana and a Memorandum of Understanding with Minas Gerais, Brazil, strengthening partnerships in innovation, trade and sustainable development.
Day two, hosted at Florida International University (FIU), began with welcoming remarks from Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Vice Chairman of the ITC, and Anthony Rionda, Associate Vice President at FIU. The day focused on resilience, sustainability and leadership in a changing world, featuring case studies, expert panels and a virtual tour of FIU’s Wall of Wind Experimental Facility, a leading center for hurricane and disaster preparedness.

For additional information and media content
About the Conference

Founded in 1996, the InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities aims to bring key elected officials from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss trending topics and share best practices on issues of common interest with Miami-Dade County. The conference was founded by The Honorable Javier D. Souto, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner of District 10 and hosted by Florida International University in collaboration with Miami-Dade County.

In 2022, the ITC re-introduced this flagship event to Miami-Dade County and organized the 25th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities in Miami, Florida. With the support of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, the ITC remains committed to organizing this yearly conference to continue fostering trade relations between Miami-Dade County and communities around the world.

To attend or sponsor the next conference, please complete this online form. For more information, please email [email protected].
Over 200 foreign delegates and local community leaders attended the 26th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities, organized by the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC), on Feb. 22-23, in Miami, Florida.

Organized by the ITC, this two-day event brought together key government officials and business professionals from Latin American and the Caribbean to discuss issues of common interest and best practices with local administrators and industry experts in Miami-Dade County.

To attend or sponsor the next conference, please complete this online form. For more information, please email [email protected].

2024 Conference Highlights
The 26th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities was hosted by the Honorable Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and of the ITC, who welcomed key elected officials and business owners from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss issues of common interest with Miami-Dade County.

This year’s conference welcomed high-level representatives from a total of 27 cities and 16 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, which included seven Sisters Cities of Miami-Dade County — Asuncion, Paraguay; Bahamas; Iquique, Chile; Paramaribo, Suriname; San Jose, Costa Rica; Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Participants engaged in seven panel discussions and two presentations which covered several topics such as How to do business in Miami-Dade County, Navigating Persistent Challenges in Municipal Governance, Urban Mobility, Disaster Preparedness and Planning, Tourism Trends, Sustainable Infrastructure, NextGen Tech and Climate Change.

For additional information and media content, please view the links below:
- Program Brochure
- #OurCounty News
- Newsletter
- Photos
- Facebook
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- LinkedIn
- Instagram
About the Conference

Founded in 1996, the InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities aims to bring key elected officials from Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss trending topics and share best practices on issues of common interest with Miami-Dade County. The conference was founded by The Honorable Javier D. Souto, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner of District 10 and hosted by Florida International University in collaboration with Miami-Dade County.

In 2022, the ITC re-introduced this flagship event to Miami-Dade County and organized the 25th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities in Miami, Florida. With the support of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, the ITC remains committed to organizing this yearly conference to continue fostering trade relations between Miami-Dade County and communities around the world.

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