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IVP International

CROSS-BORDER BUSINESS & POLICY CONFERENCE
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.

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LEGISLATIVE HOSTS

2026 Legislative Hosts

California · 2Baja California · 1
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, Chair of the California Rules Committee
🇺🇸CA
CHAIR, CALIFORNIA RULES COMMITTEE

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.

Senator Brian Jones, California Senate Minority Leader
🇺🇸CA
CALIFORNIA SENATE MINORITY LEADER

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.

Diputado Gilberto Herrera Solórzano, representing Tijuana’s 6th district in Baja California
🇲🇽MX
DIPUTADO DE LA ZONA NORTE

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 TEAM

Event Management Team

Dan HowleIVP Chairman
Hazel HowleIVP Director of Conferences
Chad PeaceEvent Director
Kaia Los Huertos MalhamEvent Manager
Roberto MorenoConference Liaison

Contact the events team at [email protected]

FAQ

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].