LANGUAGE - IDIOMA
Make It With Mexico is a cross-border business conference hosted by the Independent Voter Project. The conference is modeled after IVP’s successful Business and Leadership Conference held in Hawaii for over 20 years. Attendees will participate in dinner-table-style 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 27 - July 31, 2025
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 Congresswoman Rocío López Gorosave, Congressman Gilberto Herrera Solórzano and Senator Gustavo Sánchez Vásquez.
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. If you wish to learn more, you can 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 PRESENTATIONS!
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. Legislators will not be making presentations.
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 issues.
Sponsors may bring printed materials such as a one-sheet.
Projectors will not be provided.
IMPORTANT: Lobbying is strictly prohibited. This means that 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 determine speaking order, introduction key points, relevant issues for all groups, any requests for specific issues, 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 form. Conference attendees will receive preferred rates from the hotel up to three days before and/or 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:
Confirm your attendance and hold your room and event tickets.
Confirm your party details, preferred language, and emergency contact.
Confirm attendance and event tickets for your family and/or guests
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
Make special requests (rollaway beds or dietary restrictions).
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].
Attendees interested in extending their stay 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.
Attendees can book an additional room by indicating it on their registration form to IVP. 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.
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 27 at 5:00 PM local time, and ends on July 31 at 1:00 PM local time.
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, we strongly encourage participation. The additional casual networking time during meals, receptions, and other activities offer opportunities, beyond the table discussions, to build meaningful relationships with attendees.
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 throughout the conference. Each 90-minute discussion is led by business leaders from both sides of the US-Mexico border. 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.
The agenda will be available through the IVP Events mobile app at the conference.
The conference takes place on July 27-31, with check-out on July 31. Attendees will be staying in the Conrad Punta de Mita.
📍Carr. Punta de Mita Sayulita Km 2, Punta de Mita, NAY 63734, Mexico
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. If you fly directly from a U.S. airport to PVR, you will not need to complete the FMM form.
Puerto Vallarta Airport | Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
📍Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 7930, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
San Francisco
Santa Ana
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Denver
Austin
Dallas
Houston
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. Another cost-effective and easy option is to get an Uber (~$40 USD) when you get to the airport.
Legislative attendees have the option to be reimbursed up to $500 total for travel expenses, including flights, taxis, and parking.
Read the Conrad Resort’s page on “how to get here” with notes on airport, taxi, rental cars, and more: https://www.conradpuntademita.com/getting-here/
Request private transportation through Conrad Resort’s request page: https://www.conradpuntademita.com/airport-transfer/
The Conrad Resort also has a recommended transportation vendor, Tropical Incentives DMC; contact Elías Vázquez to arrange: [email protected], https://www.tropicalincentives.com/en/dmc-in-riviera-nayarit
Attendees will be staying at the Conrad Punta de Mita Resort & Spa from July 27-31.
📍Carr. Punta de Mita Sayulita Km 2, Punta de Mita, NAY 63734, México
Attendees interested in extending their stay 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 room costs will be reconciled at the conclusion of the conference between you and the resort staff.
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
You can learn more about the amenities at the Conrad Punta de Mita on the Resort Amenities or Resort FAQ.
IVP is pleased to provide conference attendees with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks at our daily open bar during the conference dates (July 27–31) as part of a special Gourmet Meal Plan through the Conrad Punta de Mita. Registered children and one (1) guest are also included in the meal plan. Please note that, during conference-wide events, attendees must dine at the designated conference restaurant or meal locations (e.g., breakfast provided by the conference cannot be redeemed at other resort restaurants).
To explore the resort grounds, you can find an interactive map on their Resort page (scroll down the webpage to find it).
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. Review their offerings on their Families page.
Families can book time at the Kids Club and Game Room on the resort’s booking page. Families can reserve baby sitting services, with 24 hours’ advance notice, via email [email protected].
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.
Conrad Punta de Mita employs daytime and nighttime security staff. Conrad is a gated community, and the local Punta de Mita government is known for implementing safety measures to protect visitors.
Bring your casual attire for a humid and warm environment.
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 the following items for the best conference experience:
If traveling from the US, bring your passport
Headphones/earbuds, especially if you require translation services!
Comfortable and appropriate clothing for hot and humid 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 Conrad resort stocks many necessities should you forget anything important!
If you’re traveling from the US, don’t forget to check your phone plan for international coverage. The Conrad resort offers Wi-Fi on site.
Punta de Mita, Nayarit, is famous for its stunning beaches and tropical allure. 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 that add to the region's lush beauty.
Yes! We will offer English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translation services.
If you need interpretation services, please come prepared with your charged cellphone, headphones, and a phone charger to use our artificial intelligence interpretation service.
We will have AI translation services available for each table discussion. Event notes and speeches will be delivered in English or Spanish.
Explore nearby natural and cultural attractions on the Resort’s Riviera Nayarit page. Some highlights include:
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, vibrant dining and nightlife
San Francisco (San Pancho): laid-back town, bohemian atmosphere, organic cafes, art galleries, food markets
