Planning a Corporate Event in Mexico: A Guide

Planning a corporate event in Mexico gives US and Canadian companies short flights, excellent resorts and a rich culture for the evening program. It also brings a few things to get right: passports, time zones, seasons and contracts. This guide compares Mexico’s three leading meeting destinations and covers what planners need to know before they sign.

Why plan a corporate event in Mexico

• Close to home. Direct flights connect Cancún, Los Cabos and Mexico City with many US and Canadian cities.
• Strong value. Hotels and dining are often less expensive than comparable US destinations.
• Memorable experiences. Beaches, Mayan ruins, desert coastline and one of the world’s great food cities.
• Venues built for groups. Many resorts have their own ballrooms and meeting rooms.

Cancún & Riviera Maya: resort meetings and incentives

The Caribbean coast is one of the most popular regions in the world for incentive trips. Large resorts in the Cancún Hotel Zone, Costa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and Tulum combine rooms, meeting space and dining in one place.

• Best season: December to April.
• Airports: Cancún International (CUN), about 20 minutes from the Hotel Zone, and Tulum International (TQO) further south.
• Time zone: Eastern Standard Time all year, so it matches New York in winter and Chicago in summer.
• Good to know: the Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November; plan contracts with clear weather terms.

Read the Cancún & Riviera Maya planning guide.

Los Cabos: executive retreats

At the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos combines desert, mountains and sea. Its upscale boutique resorts suit small leadership groups and incentive winners.

• Best season: November to May.
• Airport: Los Cabos International (SJD).
• Time zone: Mountain Standard Time all year, one hour behind Mexico City.
• Good to know: many beaches are not safe for swimming; follow the flags and resort advice.

Read the Los Cabos planning guide.

Mexico City: conferences and culture

Mexico’s business capital suits regional meetings for Mexico and Latin America, conferences and client events. Museums, historic neighborhoods and a celebrated food scene make the evenings special.

• Best season: October to May, the dry season.
• Airports: Benito Juárez International (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles (NLU).
• Altitude: about 7,350 ft (2,240 m). Keep the first day light and remind attendees to drink water.
• Good to know: traffic is heavy; build buffer time into every transfer.

Read the Mexico City planning guide.

What US planners need to know about corporate events in Mexico

Passports and entry

A valid passport is required to fly to Mexico. Entry rules and forms can change, so check the latest guidance from the US State Department and the Government of Mexico, and ask attendees of other nationalities to check their own requirements early.

Contracts and all-inclusive terms

All-inclusive resorts can simplify group budgets, but confirm exactly what is included for meeting rooms, AV, private dinners and drinks at events. For summer and fall dates, include weather and cancellation clauses.

Money and tipping

The currency is the Mexican peso. US dollars are widely accepted in resort areas. In Mexico City restaurants, a tip of around 10 to 15 percent is customary; check service charges on group events.

Health and safety basics

• Use pre-arranged coaches or hotel cars for groups.
• Drink bottled or purified water.
• Share an on-site contact number with every attendee.

Team building ideas for Mexico

• Cardboard Boat Regatta: build a boat from unusual materials and race it on the water.
• Pathfinder GPS Adventure: a tablet-based treasure hunt around the resort or town.
• Rolling Kitchen Challenge: create a street food brand and cook for the judges.
• Little Makers Charity Build: build wooden toys and donate them to local children.

Sample 3-day incentive program

• Day 1: arrivals, welcome dinner on the beach.
• Day 2: morning session, team challenge, sunset cruise.
• Day 3: free morning or a cultural excursion, farewell dinner.

Compare Mexico with other North American cities in our guide to the best cities for corporate events.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mexico a good destination for corporate events?

Yes, for many US and Canadian companies. Direct flights, resorts with meeting space, good value and memorable experiences make Cancún, Los Cabos and Mexico City popular for incentives, retreats and conferences.

When is the best time for a corporate event in Mexico?

It depends on the destination: December to April for Cancún and the Riviera Maya, November to May for Los Cabos, and October to May, the dry season, for Mexico City.

Can we pay and budget in US dollars?

US dollars are widely accepted in resort areas, and many resorts quote groups in dollars. The local currency is the Mexican peso. Phoenix Destinations quotes programs in US dollars.

What about hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and affects the Caribbean coast. If you meet in that period, include clear weather and cancellation terms in your contracts and consider event insurance.