Upcoming: ExpoInmobiliaria, Global Entrepreneurship Congress, World Economic Forum

Among major events upcoming at Medellin’s Plaza Mayor convention center this year are the ExpoInmobiliaria real-estate fair February 26-28, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) March 14-17, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) June 16-17.

ExpoInmobiliaria showcases new homes and buildings for sale in metro Medellin, including the Oriente and Occidente suburbs, according to show organizer Camacol (Colombian Chamber of Commerce for Construction).

The show also includes information on options and alternatives in financing, as well as updates on government home-buying subsidies.

Meanwhile, the annual GEC congress this year taps Medellin to host its “global entrepreneurship week” event, featuring expert speakers and delegates from scores of nations.

Following introductions by Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez and Andi president Bruce MacMaster, expert presentations include “building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” “innovators of tomorrow,” “wireless cities,” “connecting people,” “what’s next for Bitcoin and the Blockchain” and many others.

Among featured speakers: Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Small Business Development, South Africa; Cecilia Alvarez-Correa, Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism; Mariano Mayer, Argentina’s National Secretary of Entrepreneurs; Priceline founder William Shaw; and Bancoldex president Luis Fernando Castro.

As for the WEF Latin America regional event on June 16-17, this year’s edition will include sessions on “economic diversification and innovation” as well as “public-private collaboration,” according to the congress organizers.

“The World Economic Forum on Latin America brings together leaders from all sectors, as well as academic thought leaders and millennials, to explore how a new prosperity agenda can be actively shaped,” according to WEF.

“Returning to Colombia and hosted in the city of Medellín, the meeting gathers at a remarkable place and time: Medellín’s transformation over the past two decades is a stark example of successful 21st-century urban innovation,” according to the organizers.