ICC WCF Americas Summit

20-21 May 2026

Santa Cruz de la Sierra The event will have English and Spanish translation
MSME Powerhouse Americas: Chambers Benchmarking the Future

The ICC WCF Americas Summit is a two‑day gathering that brings together chambers of commerce, MSME leaders, policymakers and partners to strengthen MSME competitiveness and advance practical regional cooperation. Held in Santa Cruz, the Summit positions MSMEs as drivers of inclusive, innovation‑led and sustainable growth across the Americas.

The programme will focus on three core dimensions of MSME development: access to regional and global markets, digital transformation, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Through high‑level dialogues, interactive sessions and regional exchanges, participants will benchmark their programmes, compare impact, and explore concrete solutions to shared challenges.

A signature feature of the Summit, the Chamber Benchmark Labs, offers a structured space for chambers to present, discuss and challenge their approaches, KPIs and business models—enabling practical, peer‑driven learning. Every session is designed to reflect Latin America as a single MSME powerhouse, encouraging cross‑border insight‑sharing and collaboration.

Across the two days, the Summit will reinforce ICC and WCF’s objectives in the region: elevating chamber effectiveness, supporting MSME internationalisation and digitalisation, promoting sustainability and women’s economic empowerment, and strengthening regional engagement. Participants will leave with actionable insights, new relationships and practical tools to enhance their impact within their own ecosystems.

Programme

Information to follow soon

Speakers will be announced shortly

Venue

FEXPOCRUZ – Santa Cruz Exhibition & Convention Centre
Avenida Roca y Coronado, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Time

Start : Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 20 May 2026, 09:00 CET: 20 May 2026, 14:00 CET

End: Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 21 May 2026, 12:30 CET: 21 May 2026, 17:30 CET

Working languages

The working language of the Summit will be Spanish and English.

Travel and connectivity Santa Cruz is served by Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), located approximately 20–25 minutes from the venue by taxi or private transport. The city is well connected via major regional and global hubs, ensuring smooth access for international participants.

Accommodation

Recommended hotels are located in the Equipetrol district, offering convenient access to the venue (approximately 7–15 minutes by car). Options include Los Tajibos, Novotel, Swissotel, Marriott, Hampton, Camino Real and Alfonsina.

Accessibility

The venue provides accessible facilities. Participants requiring additional support (e.g., mobility access or interpretation services) are invited to contact the organisers in advance.

Onsite services

A staffed information desk, badge pick‑up, venue signage and delegate support services will be available throughout the Summit.

Visa requirements

Bolivia uses a nationality‑based visa system:

  • Group 1: Visa‑free entry for up to 90 days.
  • Group 2: Visa on arrival or consular visa (depending on nationality).
  • Group 3: Visa must be obtained in advance.

All travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, and may be asked for proof of accommodation, onward travel, and a yellow‑fever vaccination certificate depending on travel history.


Arrival procedures

Travellers may need to complete Bolivia’s online SIGEMIG registration. If not completed in advance, immigration officers may register passengers on arrival.


Local climate

Santa Cruz is a tropical lowland city with warm and humid weather. Participants are advised to bring light clothing, sun protection, and a light jacket for air‑conditioned indoor spaces.


Tourist information

Santa Cruz offers diverse cultural and natural attractions for pre‑ or post‑Summit visits, including:

  • Amboró National Park
  • Samaipata & El Fuerte (UNESCO site)
  • Lomas de Arena dunes
  • Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos

Safety guidance

Santa Cruz is generally safe for business travellers when exercising normal precautions. Participants should avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or hotel transport, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Roadblocks may occasionally occur elsewhere in Bolivia.

Emergency numbers: 110 / 911, ambulance 165 / 119.


Currency & payments

The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). ATMs and card payments are widely available in hotel and commercial districts. Travellers may carry up to USD 10,000 into the country without declaration.

Aimee Welsh

WCF Events Manager

Aimee.welsh@iccwbo.org

Luis Fernando Strauss

Manager of Strategic Relations and Corporate Affairs

luis.strauss@cainco.org.bo