2024 Americas Summit Costa Rica
April 23–27, 2024 | San José, Costa Rica
The Biennial of the Americas, in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), and Governor Jared Polis, hosted the 2024 Americas Summit in Costa Rica. Over five days, delegates engaged with senior elected officials, business leaders, and cultural innovators while experiencing the region’s biodiversity, creative spirit, and economic dynamism.
Thematic Priorities
Summit programming was centered around five key themes:
Sustainable Living
Eco-tourism, biodiversity, and models of sustainability
Agrarian Advancements
Agriculture, rural co-ops, and plant medicine innovations
Health & Innovation
Medical devices, life sciences, and wellness industries
Education & Democracy
Literacy practices, education, and democratic leadership
Economic Progress
Workforce development, U.S. - Costa Rica partnerships, renewable energy, and innovation
Summit Highlights
Delegates participated in a robust agenda of site visits, panels, receptions, tours, and cultural activities, designed to showcase Costa Rica’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and community building. Highlights included:
Tours of regenerative agriculture cooperatives and local coffee/cheese producers
A hike through the cloud forest at Savegre Eco Lodge and urban biodiversity tours with ChepeCletas
A technology visit to the Terumo medical device facility in Cartago
Discussions on green economy transitions, health innovation, and community empowerment at venues such as Parque La Libertad and the National Museum of Costa Rica
Contemporary art and design experiences at TEOR/éTica, Cero Uno, and Abra Espacio, alongside interactive design pop-ups at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Culinary and cultural exchanges, from farm-to-table dinners to a festive Cantina Night reception
