IVP International

July 26–31, 2026
Conrad Resort · Punta de Mita, Mexico
IVP International, formerly Make It With Mexico, is a binational business and policy conference that brings together legislators and industry leaders from both sides of the border to explore shared challenges and opportunities. Modeled after the Independent Voter Project’s long-running Business and Leadership Conference, the event fosters open dialogue and authentic relationships in a relaxed, family-friendly setting — encouraging participants to connect, collaborate, and develop ideas that strengthen cross-border partnerships.
Inquire →2026 Legislative Hosts

Assm. Blanca Pacheco
Assemblymember, California State Assembly
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco currently serves as the Chair of the California Rules Committee. She was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent Southwestern Los Angeles and holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. Blanca’s career includes impactful roles such as the Mayor of Downey and as a successful practicing attorney, always maintaining a deep-rooted commitment to public service. As the daughter of a nurse and a bus driver, combined with her experience in municipal law and community development, she has become a leading advocate for fostering cross-border economic and policy discussions between California and Mexico.

Sen. Brian Jones
State Senator, California Senate Republican Caucus
Brian has served in the California State Senate since 2018. He is the current Senate Minority Leader of the California Senate Republican Caucus. He also serves as the co-Chair of the Senate Outdoor Sporting Caucus. In the Senate, he has sponsored legislation that tackles homelessness, keeps our communities safe, lowers the cost of living, and removes bureaucratic barriers for businesses and Californians. Brian W. Jones was born on a military base in Austin, TX, and his family moved from Colorado to San Diego County when he was ten years old. He attended Grossmont College and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at San Diego State University.

Dip. Gilberto Herrera Solórzano
Congressman, Baja California (Morena)
Diputado Gilberto Herrera Solórzano represents Tijuana’s 6th district in Baja California as a member of the Morena party. In the LXVI Legislature with over 15 years in politics, he has served on key commissions addressing economic development, has championed for education, social welfare & equity. He is known for his dedication to vulnerable communities. Also as a former advisor on Northern Border Affairs and current member of the Border Issues Commission, he focuses on sustainable growth, regional progress, and strengthening cross-border ties. As former rector of the Autonomous University of Baja California, he brought a focus on innovation and academic growth to his public service.
Event Management Team
Contact the events team at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
IVP International is a cross-border business conference. The conference is modeled after a conference held in Hawaii for over 20 years. Attendees will participate in table discussions where groups of legislators rotate through cross-border conversations led by industry stakeholders at each table. There will be additional optional events and evening programming to facilitate networking between business leaders, officials, and families.
Conrad Resort & Spa, Punta de Mita, Nayarit, México
July 26 – July 31, 2026
The conference is a casual gathering of legislators and business leaders from California and Mexico. All attendees are encouraged to bring their families (including children under 18). The media will not be invited to the conference. California legislative hosts include Assembly member Blanca Pacheco and State Senator Brian Jones. Mexico legislative hosts include Congressman Gilberto Herrera Solórzano.
Reach out to our team at [email protected] or directly to the Event Manager, Kaia Los Huertos Malham, [email protected]. Our team can field questions in English or Spanish.
Legislators and sponsors receive direct invitations to sign up on our website.
Legislators are required to participate in all table discussions and conference events. Lobbying is prohibited, and no specific legislation may be discussed. Legislators will not be making presentations. IMPORTANT: Legislators are legally required to attend and actively participate in all conference table discussions. For failure to attend, legislators may be required to reimburse their full cost of attending the conference.
Sponsors must complete all registration forms and remit full payment within sixty (60) days of the conference to secure their rooms. Sponsors will be assigned an issue-based table by the conference co-hosts approximately two (2) weeks prior to the conference. Questions about sponsorship, including payments, should be directed to Chad Peace at [email protected]. There shall be no formal presentation. There will be two-way translation services. Legislators are required to participate in all table discussions and conference events. Lobbying is prohibited, and no specific legislation may be discussed. IVP will set up a Zoom call for each issue-based group of sponsors to facilitate discussion planning. Lead Presenting sponsors serve as table moderators and manage time allocations. Sponsors should create ‘dinner-table-style’ discussions on major industry-related issues. Each participant shall be given a proportionate amount of time to present their issue. Sponsors may bring printed materials such as a one-sheet. Projectors will not be provided. IMPORTANT: Lobbying is strictly prohibited. Discussions should be focused on general industry conditions and policy, NOT ON SPECIFIC LEGISLATION. The list of participating sponsors will be available through the IVP Events mobile app prior to the conference.
Topics are determined based on the business sectors of participating sponsors. IVP will provide a suggested topic list and grouping of sponsors, and then sponsors can make changes to their own topic/group.
IVP will coordinate a Zoom call for each discussion topic. One representative from each sponsor will be directly invited to attend the Zoom call. IVP will do a brief orientation to review the format and guidelines. Sponsors will then coordinate amongst themselves to discuss introduction key points, relevant issues for all groups, etc. Lead Sponsors will be expected to take the lead on the call and at the conference table discussions.
Questions about sponsorship payments should be directed to Chad Peace at [email protected].
Sponsors must complete one registration form for each sponsored room. Legislators must complete one registration form for everyone traveling in their party. All participants must include any additional nights you plan to stay at the Conrad Punta Mita, before or after the conference, on your registration to receive preferred rates from the hotel up to three nights before/after the conference.
The conference includes four nights at the resort, with check-out on July 31. A registration form must be completed for each sponsored room and each legislator, so we can: 1. Confirm your attendance and hold your room and event tickets. 2. Confirm your party details, preferred language, and emergency contact. 3. Confirm attendance and event tickets for your family and/or guests. 4. Book any additional nights you might be staying before or after the conference. The hotel will collect your payment details upon arrival in Punta de Mita. 5. Make special requests (rollaway beds or dietary restrictions). 6. Priority room and other special requests.
Your room cannot be held or guaranteed until you complete your registration form. Changes to your registration can be made by emailing the Event Manager, Kaia Los Huertos Malham, [email protected].
The conference takes place on July 26–31, with check-out on July 31. Attendees will be staying in the Conrad Punta de Mita.
If you are based in the United States, yes! Remember to bring your passport! If you are based in Mexico, no! You will travel to Nayarit for this conference.
Conrad Punta de Mita is located about 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Puerto Vallarta Airport | Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 7930, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México US Airports with Direct Flights to PVR include: San Francisco, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and the Tijuana International Airport via Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge.
Conference attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference. We recommend pre-booking transportation to guarantee a private and appropriately sized ride. You can also get a taxi once you land (~$100), or do a ride-share like Uber or Lyft (~$50 USD) when you get to the airport. The ride-share pick up is located outside the airport, turn left out of baggage claim, proceed over the pedestrian bridge, and then you can call an Uber/Lyft. Legislative attendees have the option to be reimbursed up to $500 total for travel expenses, including flights, taxis, and parking. You can request private transportation through Conrad Resort’s request page or through their recommended vendor, Tropical Incentives DMC.
Attendees will be staying at the Conrad Punta de Mita. Carr. Punta de Mita Sayulita Km 2, Punta de Mita, NAY 63734, Mexico.
Attendees interested in extending their stay or booking extra rooms can take advantage of IVP’s negotiated room rates for up to three (3) nights before and/or after the conference. Attendees must indicate their total stay on the registration form and will be responsible for additional costs related to their extended stay. Additional rooms or nights must be reserved through the IVP registration form. Additional room or night costs will be reconciled at the conclusion of the conference between you and the resort staff.
Yes, attendees are responsible for extra rooms, nights, guests, and their meal plans for any non-peak conference nights, or extras outside their sponsorship or agreed-upon attendance. IVP has graciously provided a Gourmet Meal Plan for each conference attendee, along with a limited number of guests. Extra charges will be completed with the hotel upon checkout. To inquire about IVP policy limitations or pricing, please reach out to the Event Manager, Kaia, [email protected].
IVP has graciously provided a Gourmet Meal Plan for conference attendees and a limited number of registered guests. This incredible perk includes daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a 12-hour open bar during set hours. Please note that certain specialty items—like fine wines, caviar, imported specialty meats, room service, and fine dining at CODEX—are not included. If a banquet event is scheduled, attendees are expected to dine at the banquet rather than in other resort restaurants during that meal period. There are no credits or refunds for meals missed or replaced by off-site dining. All meal plans and room add-ons must be pre-arranged through Kaia Los Huertos Malham, [email protected]. You cannot purchase them directly through the resort, as they are exclusive to our group.
Gated community, free parking, free wifi, concierge, spa, golf, tennis, four on-site restaurants, fitness center, outdoor pools, business center, Kids Club, two miles of private beach.
To explore the resort grounds, you can find an interactive map on their Resort page.
The conference is mainly focused in the mornings, with a few evening events sprinkled in. Afternoons remain largely open for attendees. The agenda will be available through the IVP Events mobile app at the conference. The conference kicks off on July 26 at 5:00 PM local time, and ends on July 31 at 1:00 PM local time. Punta de Mita is located in Central Standard Time. On July 27–31, IVP provides a buffet breakfast to attendees and their registered guests. Table sessions take place on July 28–29 in the morning. Join IVP and attendees for evening receptions and a conference dinner throughout the week.
All attendees and a guest are invited to a special welcome reception on Sunday, a sponsored evening reception on Monday, and a conference dinner on Tuesday. Additional sponsored events will be available on a first-come-first serve basis depending on availability. While attendance is not mandatory, they offer additional casual networking time during meals and opportunities to build relationships.
Legislators MUST attend ALL table discussions or they will be legally required to reimburse IVP for any expenses incurred on their behalf.
Discussion tables take place on the mornings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Legislators will be grouped with representatives from differing parties and countries to rotate through each discussion table. Each 90-minute discussion is led by business leaders. Discussion topics may include: • Manufacturing • Agriculture • Energy • Transportation • Public safety or security • Import/Export Business leaders will present introductory information on their sector and work, then invite legislators’ questions and comments. The goal is to develop the understanding and relationships necessary to pursue “win-win” opportunities for all stakeholders.
Yes! We will offer English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translation services. If you need interpretation services, please come prepared with your phone, headphones, and a phone charger. We will have AI translation services available for each table discussion. Event notes and speeches will be delivered in English or Spanish.
The Conrad Resort is a family friendly resort. With free kids meals (12 and under), a kids’ club, game room, water slides, pools, and more. Families can book time at the Kids Club and Game Room, or reserve baby sitting services.
The Turi Kids Club is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, offering 1.5-hour sessions designed for children ages 4 to 12. Reservations are highly recommended as each session is limited to 10 children. Childcare at the Conrad’s Turi Kids Club is not covered by IVP.
Conrad Punta de Mita employs daytime and night security in its gated community, and the local Punta de Mita government takes necessary measures to protect visitors.
Yes, Punta Mita Hospital, 9 minute drive from Conrad Punta de Mita. Local hospital open 24/7. Phone: +52 329 688 0059 EMERGENCY Phone: +52 329 688 0068 Accesso a Punta Mita #1, Col. Corral del Risco, Punta de Mita, Nayarit, ZIP 63734, México
Yes, Farmacia PVR Mita. Full-service local pharmacy open daily. 5-minute drive or 20 minute walk from Conrad Punta de Mita. Open 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (closes at 8:30 PM on Sundays). Phone: +52 322 197 2771 Additionally, the Conrad Punta de Mita offers an in-room medical service, at no additional cost. The doctor can provide a prescription, and if the medication is in stock, it can be obtained directly on property.
Punta de Mita offers a laid-back vibe, but you may want to bring something nice to wear for special occasions like the conference dinner and receptions. Shorts and flip-flops are perfectly acceptable for issue table discussions. We recommend packing: • If traveling from the US, bring your passport • BRING YOUR HEADPHONES, in order to enjoy our free translation services • Comfortable and appropriate clothing for tropical weather • “Nice” but comfortable attire for the conference dinner and receptions • Bathing suit(s) to enjoy the hotel pools or nearby beaches • Sunblock, hats, sunglasses, aloe vera, and other sun protection essentials
The weather is warm and humid year-round, with July bringing average humidity levels around 78% and temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F (26 to 32°C). As July falls within Nayarit’s rainy season, you might experience brief afternoon showers.
Sayulita: surf mecca, vibrant boutiques, delicious restaurants. Islas Marietas: uninhabited islands, exotic marine life, beach beneath a crater. Puerto Vallarta: lively resort town, oceanfront boardwalk. San Francisco (San Pancho): laid-back town, art galleries, food markets.