CONGRESS OF THE AMERICAS FIABCI 2007 Sheraton Panama Hotel, Panama City October 30-November 2 (Optional November 3-4) Hosting Organizations: FIABCI PANAMA Panama Association of Developers and Realtors (ACOBIR) U.S.-Panama Business Council (USPA) TRAVEL TIPS & CONGRESS SCHEDULE Update on FIABCI 2007 Congress of the Americas Preparations are progressing. Once again we’re seeing great interest from real estate professionals -buyers, investors and developers- a reflection of Panama’s spectacular success in the last few years.  All logistics are on track and you can expect things to go very smoothly.  To assist you, this update answers questions we frequently receive about the conference, travel and lodging. TRAVELING TO PANAMA Do I need an entry visa?  NO. A valid U.S. passport is all that’s required; however foreign visitors must purchase a $5 “tourist card”.  While sometimes available at airline counters or departure gates, you can easily purchase one upon arrival.  If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, check with a Panamanian Consulate or the Panamanian Embassy on whether a visa is required.  The Embassy number is (202) 483-1407; ask for the Consular section or access information at website www.embassyofpanama.org / Consulate / Consulate services / Issuing visas. Language.  Spanish is Panama’s official language.  However, Panama is fairly bilingual and most Panamanians you’ll meet on this trip speak English. Currency.  Panama adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency, although it is called the “Balboa”.  This means you won’t need to exchange currency if dealing with the US$. Credit Cards.  Amex, MasterCard and Visa are welcomed by most merchants. Weather.  Panama is a tropical country.  October temperatures range from 70 at night to 85-90 day time.  October is the rainy season so expect some rain. Hotels, stores, taxis and restaurants are generally air conditioned. Voltage.  Panama’s electricity is 120V, same as the U.S.  Electric accessories and electronic products used in the U.S. can be used safely in Panama. Time Zone.  Panama is in the Eastern Time Zone.  From November to March it’s on Eastern Standard Time with the same hour as Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, Washington and New York; one hour ahead of Houston, Saint Louis and Chicago; two hours ahead of Denver & Salt Lake City; and three hours ahead of Los Angeles and SF. Daylight savings time in the U.S. changes on Sunday, 11/4/07. Direct Flights from Major US Cities – Panama is closer than you think! Approximate flight times:  Miami: 2 hours, 50 minutes; Orlando: 3 hours, 15 minutes; Atlanta: 4 hours; Houston: 4 hours; Washington, DC: 4 hours and thirty minutes; New York: 5 hours, 10 minutes; Los Angeles: 7 hours, 30 min. Security. Panama has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America.  The midtown area where the conference is being held is very quiet and safe. CONGRESS REGISTRATION & HOTEL RESERVATION AND PAYMENT Registration Best way to complete the registration process and hotel reservation is by completing the forms and faxing directly to the Congress office in the United States at (301) 986-8803. Payment Payment can be done by check, wire transfer or credit card. If done by check it should be made out to the U.S.-Panama Business Council (CoA) and mailed to 4701 Willard Ave. #1606, Chevy chase, MD 20815. If done by wire transfer it should be sent to U.S.-Panama Business Council, Wachovia, Washington, DC; Account #2030000120424, ABA 054001220. ARRIVAL AND HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS Arrival.  For participants staying at the host hotel Sheraton Panama, complimentary transportation will be provided from Tocumen International Airport to the hotel so please provide arrival information on your registration form and whether you require ground transportation.  Once you clear customs and the luggage area, you’ll see our greeter with a sign “FIABCI” who will direct you to our complimentary transportation. Host Hotel – Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center. The Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center is a 381-room, 5-star hotel of the Sheraton chain which is located about 15 minutes from the airport. Telephone: (507) 305-5100.  From the U.S. you must dial 011(507)305-5100. Fax: (507) 305-6500. Again you must dial 011(507) 305-6500 from the U.S. Internet: In-room Internet rate is $13.65 plus 5% tax. Hotel e-mail is: info@sheratonpanama.com.pa  Concierge: Available for assistance with shopping, reservations or tours. Ammenities Television: Sheraton Panama  has 67 channels, 30 of them in English including CNN, Fox News and others. Air conditioning: The hotel is fully air conditioned. Ironing / Laundry: In-room iron and ironing board. Daily laundry service. Safe: All rooms have a safe. Mini-bar:  All rooms have a mini-bar.   Business Center: Hours are 7AM-11PM (Mon-Fri);11 AM - 7 PM weekends. Cost: $6 per half an hour; $10 per hour. Room Service: 24 hours. Outdoor swimming pool and exercise room. Available to guests. Barber shop and beauty parlor. Available inside the hotel. ATM: The hotel has an ATM from which you can access your U.S. account. Reservations/Registration.  We encourage you to make hotel reservations through the Congress U.S. office by October 5 to take advantage of the special conference room rates. Daily room tariff: $125 single; $135 double; Club Floor $155; Executive Suite $285. Add 10% tax. When you reserve your room through Congress of the Americas office, it will be reserved and waiting for you, along with a conference information package at check-in.  You’ll need your credit card for room charges and incidentals. Conference packets, name badges and other materials will be distributed upon your arrival at the hotel.  Breakfast.  Continental breakfast included in hotel’s room rates. Conference Office.  The Congress of the America’s office will be in the Balboa Suite on the mezzanine of the Sheraton Hotel.  Feel free to drop by for any requirements you may have. CONFERENCE AGENDA & INFORMATION Tuesday, October 30: “Welcoming Reception”. 7-9 p.m. An informal welcoming event, at the swimming pool of the Sheraton Hotel, will take place. Casual attire. Wednesday, October 31:  Inauguration, Conference and lunch.  8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. These sessions will be in the hotel’s Ballroom and lasts all day. The dress code is business attire or “business casual” (sport coat, no tie, camisilla, shirt/slacks). Try to be at the Ballroom at 8:30 AM so the inaugural ceremony can start punctually at 9:00 AM. Presentations will be in English and Spanish. There will be simultaneous translation services available via headsets. Coffee breaks: 10:30 AM in the foyer. Permanent coffee and refreshment station in the afternoon. Lunch: 12:30 PM at the Chagres room with Keynote speaker. There will be an Expo of acrylic posters at the foyer and mezzanine. The Expo will be inaugurated at Noon. Wednesday, October 31:  Evening Reception at The Canal. 7:00-9:30 PM. We’ll be atop the Panama Canal Visitors Center overlooking the Miraflores Locks.  Bus departs Sheraton Hotel at 6:45 PM.  Business casual (see above). Thursday, November 1: Power Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 AM. This event is an event “by invitation only” for Sponsors of the Congress and special guests. It will take place at the Chiriquí-Ancón suite at the Mezzanine. Invited guests need to present invitation. Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2 – Chagres Room Marketing Breakfast. 8:00-9:00 AM. On Thursday and Friday there will be a Marketing Breakfast between 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Chagres Room. This is a complimentary breakfast. FIABCI members from both Panama and international countries will be allowed one minute to introduce themselves. Thursday, November 1:  Conference. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Thursday’s program is essentially the same format as Wednesday except that the conference will only take place in the morning, in the hotel’s Ballroom; same meal and break times, translation services and dress code as Wednesday. There will also be a lunch. Attire is business suit or business casual. Thursday, November 1:  Study Tour Costa del Este & Reception at Race Track.  2:00-6:30 PM. A Study Tour covering Costa del Este has been scheduled with a presentation at the Hotel and a fieldtrip afterwards. From the Tour we will head to a reception at the Race Track where the “Congress of the Americas” classic will be run at 5:30 PM. The evening is open and some in the group may want to enjoy Panama’s exquisite cuisine or thrilling night life. Attire is business casual. VIP Dinner. Thursday, November 1. 8:00 – 10:00 PM. This is an event “by invitation only” In honor of FIABCI high officials and special guests attending the Congress. The dinner will take place 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at a place TBD. Marketing Session. Friday, November 2. at Ballroom, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. At 9:00 AM Marketing sessions of five minutes each will be scheduled for members of FIABCI at the Ballroom until 11:00 PM. Attendance to the sessions is free. Presentations have a cost of $100 each and are limited to FIABCI members. Closing Ceremony, Friday, November 2. 11:00 AM - 12:00 N. - Ballroom. Closing ceremony will be held at the Ballroom from 11:00 AM – 12:00 N. Lunch: 12:30-2:00 PM. - Chagres room An informal lunch, featuring typical dishes of Panama, will be served at Chagres Room from 12:30-2:00 PM. (Cont. Conference agenda & Information. Friday 2. Closing ceremony) Study Tour, City of Knowledge. Friday, November 2. 2:30 AM – 4:30 PM. A presentation will be done at the Sheraton Hotel from 12:00 – 12:30 PM followed by a lunch before departing in buses at 2:30 PM. A drive-thru will finalize at 4:30 PM. Attire is business casual. Friday Evening, November 2:  Reception and Gala Dinner. 7:00 – 10:00 PM. A reception will be held at 7:00 PM at the foyer and mezzanine of the Sheraton Hotel followed by a Gala Dinner at 7:30 PM at the Ballroom. There will be a high government official as Keynote Speaker of the Dinner. This is a formal and elegant affaire. Attire is black tie (dark suit optional) and cocktail dress for the ladies. DEPARTURE Airline options.  To help with your travel plans, an airline schedule is available upon request which will assist you. Transportation.  For participants staying at the host hotel Sheraton Panama complimentary transportation will be provided to the airport. Be sure to reconfirm your departure time with the Conference Registration Desk as we need to provide you with your exact hotel departure time. Departure tax.  Should be in the price of your airline ticket.  Check to be sure. Shopping. The airport has a large duty-free shopping area and competitive prices. For questions please contact Juan Sosa, Tel. (301) 986-8802 or at e-mail panamerica@msn.com in the United States, or Enrique Sosa, Tel. (507) 391-2100 or at e-mail uspa@cableonda.net or  esosa@fiabcipanama.com in Panama. Thank you for your interest in “FIABCI 2007 CONGRESS OF THE AMERICAS”. ((Program) (OPTIONAL Educational Program presented  by FIABCI & ICREA) (Registration & Hotel Info.) (Travel Tips) (Sponsorship Recognition) (Fiabci Contact Information)