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 ticket for the full conference will cover your attendance at all sessions, a cocktail reception on September 30, and a gala dinner on October 1.
The price does not cover your hotel stay, which will need to be booked by you separately. As the resort is all inclusive, all other meals will be covered by your room stay.
The price also does not include tickets to attend off site excursions to take place on October 2.
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? The 2025 agenda will include:
- Global and regional State of the Sector deep dives
- Interactive discussions on the latest network news and research
- Inspiring featured speakers
- Dynamic opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- Engaging member-led and curated sessions
- Fun speed networking, and much more
ANDE members help create our agenda by submitting session ideas. Once we receive and select the approved sessions, we will be able to share additional details on the agenda.
My organization wants to have a speaking role at the conference. How can we get involved? ANDE will accept session ideas from members until Friday, May 16, 2025, at midnight U.S. Eastern Time. In the session submission form, please list potential speakers and moderators. We will take the suggestions into consideration when finalizing lead discussants for sessions in the agenda. 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.
When will I find out if my session idea was selected? If your session idea is accepted, you will be notified by mid-June 2025. We cannot guarantee that your session idea will be selected, but we will carefully review each submission. We also may combine ideas from similar submissions.
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.
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? Yes—limited scholarship funds will be available for ANDE members with financial need. These scholarships will cover registration fees only and will not include travel or accommodation costs.
An application process will open around mid-May, and additional details will be shared closer to that time.
Will there be a hotel room block for guests? Yes, a special discounted room rate will be available for conference attendees. Full details, including rates and the booking link, will be shared in the coming weeks.
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.
Will the conference provide or endorse transportation services? While the ANDE Events team may provide general information about available services in the area, it does not endorse or recommend any particular service providers. Attendees should independently verify the quality and safety of services before making any arrangements.
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.
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.