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Government of Panama

Panama Convention Center, helping to boost tourism and the panamanian economy

  • Client: Government of Panama (Panama Tourism Authority)
  • Date: 2016-2020
  • Location: Panama City (Panama)
  • Sector: Building and Cities
  • Subsector: Cultural
  • Investment: 207,90 M USD
  • Challenge
  • Our work
  • Value add

Challenge

Attracting sociocultural events is pivotal in boosting a country’s global reputation. Event spaces, therefore, must not only accommodate large gatherings but also offer exceptional value. In response, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) strategically decided to redesign and reconstruct a convention center, providing the city with a versatile space designed to captivate international audiences through its impressive scale and functionality.

Completed in 2020, the Panama Convention Center (PCC) now stands as the largest and most technologically advanced convention center in the region, accommodating up to 23,000 guests. Spanning 13.8 verdant hectares, the PCC features 61,175 square meters of configurable, contiguous indoor spaces. Prominently located on the banks of the canal along Amador road, the center is notable for its modern design.

This center has become a key driver in the growth of Panama’s tourism and economic sectors.

Our work

ATP appointed the Ayesa Panama consortium to a $4.5 million contract to oversee the construction of the new convention centre in Amador. Ayesa provided comprehensive administrative services, including inspection, supervision, and quality control, ensuring all aspects of the design, construction, and equipment installation met stringent technical specifications. The company meticulously managed and supervised the design of the building and its surrounding spaces, guaranteeing that the construction adhered to the established quality standards.

Upon completion of the construction, Ayesa facilitated the technological transfer to ATP, marking the official launch of the convention centre. The company oversaw the final stages of construction, handled the startup and commissioning of the facilities, coordinated the building’s handover to the client, and transitioned its management to the building’s administrator.

The project team, composed of highly qualified specialists from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, played a crucial role in exceeding the contract’s objectives, thereby marking another success for the company. Their varied expertise and perspectives enabled innovative solutions, enhancing overall project value. This collaborative success highlighted the team’s ability to handle complex challenges and reinforced the company’s reputation for delivering high-quality projects internationally.

Value add

As the project manager, Ayesa brought professional rigour and adept management to the project’s complex contract, representing and protecting the client’s interests at all times. This approach safeguarded the client’s goals, and streamlined the project lifecycle, from the initial drafting of technical specifications for the redesign and construction contract to the successful delivery of the building. This process included thorough supervision and quality control of project documentation, enforcement of strict quality, safety, health, and environmental standards on-site, and careful management of new bids, addenda, and amendments to the main contract.

Strategically located with panoramic views of the canal and the Panama City skyline, the building serves as a prime venue for business, cultural, sports, or social events. The design cleverly incorporates elements from previous constructions, creating a high-value networking space in the lobby. To the west, the facility features two floors of meeting rooms and a banquet hall, complemented by VIP parking and general services. To the east, a large ground-floor exhibition hall extends, supported by a longitudinal lobby and additional meeting rooms and spaces.

This project has been externally recognised:

  • 2023 | Finalist EN Awards | Best International Venue
  • 2022 | World Travel Awards | Finalist in leading Meetings & Conference Centre

"This project has helped strengthen Ayesa's footprint in Panama, but has also enhanced our expertise in the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). It's a proud achievement that has earned us acclaim for our meticulous quality and rigorous standards from the community and the Government of Panama".

Antonio Tirado

Contract Director

131290m2

of plot

62120m2

of built-up area

46800m2

of rentable area

25400people

capacity

1715parking

spaces

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