With its centralized location in the heart of the country, and wealth of heritage and history, Guadalajara is a relatively unheralded locale that provides a quintessential Mexico experience.
As the nation’s second-largest metropolis—and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music—the city also boasts an endless array of group possibilities.
Guadalajara’s inviting Centro Historico old town provides endless exploration, with dining options ranging from the colorful food vendors at the Mercado Libertad to world-class cuisine.
Groups seeking to soak in some culture can visit the Museo Pantaleon Panduro, offering a peerless collection of ceramics and other works, or enjoy opera or ballet at the Teatro Degollado.
And for an unforgettable outing that’s nothing but fun, groups can tip back some tequila at the Jose Cuervo facility an hour’s drive away, or climb aboard the Tequila Express for an all-day adventure at the Hacienda San Jose del Refugio distillery, where live mariachi music and “folklorico” singing and dancing add to the allure.
And when it’s time to convene, Guadalajara couldn’t be more accommodating, with a solid selection of meetings-friendly hotels plus the massive Expo Guadalajara—home to more than 800 events a year and offering over a million square feet of function space.
case study
Dr. Jim Poisant
Secretary General
World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA)
Vienna, Va.
Event Overview: Poisant recently helped organize the 2011 Global Public Policy Summit, with 450 delegates from over 50 countries, held at Expo Guadalajara.
Meetings Focus West: What are the selling points that make Guadalajara an ideal place to gather?
Dr. Jim Poisant: Guadalajara is a beautiful city, wonderful culture, friendly people and a world class-hub for information and communications technology industry.
Did you have any major concerns or misconceptions about Guadalajara or holding an event there, and were they dispelled once it came together?
I did not have any concerns, personally; however, if others did, I sincerely believe they were dispelled during their visit.
Did you find the customs process efficient (including the process for bringing materials, etc., into and out of Mexico)?
There were no problems with customs that I was aware of.
What did your attendees enjoy the most about Guadalajara and what were some of the most memorable moments of the trip?
The entire event and experience was memorable. The conference itself was world-class. The social activities for delegates and guests were outstanding! The Mexican people are simply wonderful.
What unique off-site venues did you use for events or meetings?
A number of executives played golf (beautiful scenic course). There was a spouse/guest program that exposed delegates to shopping, historic areas and buildings. There was also internationally recognized entertainment, world-renowned foods and gracious hospitality.
What sort of experience did you have with local suppliers, in relation to taking care of the logistics of the event?
All I can say is the logistics were flawless, and the hotels were all great to deal with.
What advice would you give other planners bringing groups to Guadalajara?
I would highly recommend any group to go to Guadalajara. Once they go they will want to go back—as we are in 2014.
At a Glance
- Total Number of Hotels: 300-plus
- Total Number of Hotel Rooms: 22,000-plus
- Largest Meetings Property: Hotel Riu Plaza, with 557 guest rooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space
- Maximum Group Size: Expo Guadalajara has an Expo Forum hosting up to 2,100 for a banquet and 3,500 for a cocktail reception
- Average Room Rate: $150 USD
- Taxes: 16% (0% VAT is calculated for international congresses when these are carried out by foreign meeting planners and could be applied to foreign participants)
- Value Season: April-August and the last week of December
- Top Off-Site Venues: Teatro Degollado; 20 museums; three World Heritage Sites
- Top Off-Session Group Activities/Excursions: Tequila distillery tours; 200-plus bars and nightclubs; Libertad Market
- Getting There: Guadalajara International Airport is highly connected, with a large selection of air routes to international cities, offering more than 450 flights daily.
For more information
Guadalajara CVB
Oscar Morales Romero, Marketing Manager
Tel.: (011) 52-33-3125-2365
omorales@gdlmidestino.com
www.guadalajaramidestino.com