ANDE Global Annual Conference 2025 FAQs
Registration

How many people can attend from my organization? Each organization may send one senior leader (C-suite or division lead in a large organization) plus one additional attendee. However, if your organization sends two senior leaders (director level or above), you may bring up to five attendees total (two senior leaders + three additional staff members).

I am not an ANDE member. Can I still attend? Absolutely! Non-members are welcome to attend, learn about ANDE, and join the conversation about the development ecosystem.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please review our Overview and Membership Brochure. For further discussion, contact the ANDE Membership team at ande.membership@aspeninstitute.org.

I don’t plan to attend all days of the conference. Can I pay for only certain days? Registration covers September 30 and October 1 of the full conference. We are unable to allow attendees to register for only one day.

Offsite excursions on October 2 will have a separate sign-up process available at a later date.

Who is coming to the conference? When our conference networking app is launched this summer, you will be able to see a list of attendees. The app will also enable you to reach out directly to set up meetings and plan your personal conference agenda. If you are attending the ANDE Global Annual Conference for the first time, this is a great way to connect with like-minded members and get to know others in the sector in advance, to help you make the most of the time at the conference.

What does my registration cost cover? Your registration provides exceptional value, covering full access to all conference sessions, networking opportunities, coffee breaks from September 30 to October 1, our welcome cocktail reception on September 30, and a seat at the Gala Dinner on October 1.

Special Member Offer: ANDE Members who book their hotel stay before the conference or until 200 rooms are filled (whichever comes first) will receive three nights for the price of two—with the third night, September 29, complimentary.

Please note:

  • Your registration fee does not include the full cost of your hotel stay. You’ll need to book your room separately, and the resort’s all-inclusive rate will cover your meals throughout your stay.

  • Offsite excursions on October 2 are not included in the ticket price. These experiences will be available to book separately at a later date.

What is the cancellation policy? You can find ANDE’s Event Cancellation Policy and how to submit a request here.

When does the conference begin and end? The conference begins at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, September 30. The conference ends after a gala dinner and closing ceremony around 10:00 pm ET on Wednesday, October 1.

ANDE is also organizing offsite side events for Thursday, October 2. These excursions will provide participants with opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs and learn more about the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Maya Riviera and more broadly across Mexico. If interested, please take note when booking travel arrangements. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

What does the agenda look like?
You can find the draft agenda at this link. The agenda will continue to evolve over the coming months, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates.

My organization wants to have a speaking role at the conference. How can we get involved? Unfortunately, our call for sessions deadline has passed. However, the ANDE Global Annual Conference is designed to be highly participatory and discussion-based for all attendees, regardless of whether you have a formal role on the agenda.

Do I get a complimentary pass to the conference if I am a speaker? We cannot provide plenary and session speakers with a complimentary conference pass. However, if your session is accepted, you will have a two-week window to purchase your conference ticket at the early bird member rate.

Is there an online component to the conference? No, the entire conference will take place in person and will not be live-streamed.

Do I need to pre-register for member-led sessions (roundtables, workshops, or breakouts)? No, pre-registration is not required for any agenda sessions. Attendees are encouraged to join any session that interests them.

Sponsorship

I am interested in sponsoring the conference. Whom should I contact? Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sponsoring the Global Annual Conference is a great way for your organization to promote your brand and create awareness about your work and also goes a long way in supporting ANDE’s emerging market members to attend the conference. Please review our sponsorship brochure and contact Kate Clowes to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Will there be scholarship opportunities for those who need financial support to attend? Scholarship applications are now closed. Thank you to all who applied for scholarship funding to attend the Global Annual Conference 2025. These scholarships are intended to reduce registration costs and promote greater inclusion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across the ANDE network.

The application deadline was Friday, June 13, 2025. All applicants have been notified of their award status.

Travel and Lodging

Will there be a hotel room block for guests? Yes, a discounted room block is available for conference attendees from September 27 to October 5, 2025. The nightly rate is $360 for a single room and $450 for a double room. The resort is all-inclusive, so all meals and amenities are included in the nightly rate.

Special Member Offer: ANDE Members who book their hotel stay before the conference or until 200 rooms are filled (whichever comes first) will receive three nights for the price of two—with the third night, September 29, complimentary.

Booking information will be provided once your conference registration is complete.

Do I have to stay at the Haven Riviera Cancun to attend the conference? No, staying on the property is not required. However, if you choose to stay elsewhere, you will need to purchase a day pass from the resort in addition to your conference registration fee. The day pass is approximately $200 per day and covers access to the all-inclusive amenities and conference activities on site.

Can I request to have a roommate during the conference to reduce my accommodation costs? Yes, if you are interested in being paired with a roommate, please contact us at ande.events@aspeninstitute.org, and we can connect you with another ANDE member who is also looking for a roommate. If you have someone in mind, feel free to contact them directly.

What airport should I fly into, and what are the recommended travel dates? You should fly into Cancun International Airport, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the venue. To ensure you don’t miss any part of the conference, we recommend arriving by September 29 and departing on or after October 3. If you’d like to extend your stay and enjoy the venue, the discounted room block rate is available from September 27 to October 5.

If I want to travel while in Cancun, how should I get around? We do not recommend using Ubers or other rideshare apps in the area. Taxis are available but tend to be more expensive.

We are currently coordinating with a trusted local transportation company to secure reduced rates for attendees. We’ll share more details on this option soon.

I need a visa letter to attend the conference. How can I obtain one? If you need an invitation letter to secure a visa, please indicate so during event registration and provide your passport information. You can view visa requirements by country here.

Do I need any vaccinations before entering Mexico? No vaccinations are required to enter Mexico. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the annual flu shot. Depending on your travel plans and activities, the WHO advises considering vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and yellow fever. 

Please consult with your medical care providers and visit the World Health Organization for additional information.

Where can I exchange currency in Cancun? There is an ATM at the Haven Riviera Cancun for U.S. dollars only. Most locations in Cancun will accept pesos, U.S. dollars, or major credit/debit cards.

What are tipping expectations in Mexico? At the venue: Tipping is not required at the resort, but you are welcome to tip individual staff members if you’d like to show appreciation for exceptional service.

General tipping recommendations in Mexico:

  • Restaurants: A tip of 10–15% is standard; up to 20% for excellent service.
  • Hotels: Tip bellhops 20–50 pesos per bag and housekeeping staff 20–50 pesos per night.
  • Taxis: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare is customary.
  • Tour guides: A tip of 10–15% of the tour cost is appropriate, or 100–200 pesos per person for a full-day tour.

What medications should I bring with me to Mexico? Most medications are available in Mexico, but it’s important to bring enough of any prescription medications you require. The hotel has a general store that stocks common over-the-counter items. We also recommend carrying probiotics to help with potential stomach discomfort.

What should I wear to the conference? In September, Cancún is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 77–91°F (25–33°C), and brief afternoon rain showers are common. We recommend business casual attire made of lightweight, breathable fabrics with a light layer for chilly conference rooms. For evening events, resort casual is appropriate, and it’s wise to bring an umbrella, sun protection, and stay hydrated.

Is it mandatory to take a COVID-19 test before attending the conference? While it is not mandatory, we strongly recommend that all attendees take a COVID-19 test before arriving at the conference. This precaution helps ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. If you test positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing any symptoms, we kindly ask that you stay home and not attend the conference. This measure is crucial to protect the health and safety of other attendees.

Do I need to submit my COVID-19 test results to the conference organizers? No, you do not need to send us your COVID-19 test results. We trust our attendees to make responsible decisions regarding their health and the safety of others.

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the ANDE Events team at ande.events@aspeninstitute.org. As we receive more inquiries, we will periodically update the FAQs.