Introduction to Luis Díaz Pascual and His New Role
At the 31st National Congress of the Meetings Industry (CNIR) held in Puebla, Luis Díaz Pascual was officially appointed as the new president of the Mexican Meetings Industry Council (COMIR) for the 2025-2027 term.
Newly Formed Executive Board
The new executive board consists of Antonia Gámez as the president-elect for 2027-2029, Kitzia Morales as secretary, Mauricio Magdaleno as treasurer, Miguel Cruz responsible for event coordination like the CENIR, and Rafael Hernández overseeing innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and the initiative against human trafficking.
Strategic Plan for the Meetings Industry
The strategic plan, structured around five key areas, was developed through planning sessions during the outgoing administration of Michel Wohlmuth.
- Inter-association integration and sectoral articulation
- Professionalization, talent development, and institutional growth
- Strategic promotion and international positioning
- Public influence and legislative agenda
- Innovation, sustainability, and inclusion
Prioritizing Critical Issues for Industry Competitiveness
Díaz Pascual emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues affecting the sector’s competitiveness, such as implementing a zero-rate for Value Added Tax (VAT) and streamlining visa processes to facilitate international participants, particularly from Asia and Latin America.
He also mentioned the intention to update the economic impact study of the industry, last conducted in 2014, to ensure current data supporting their influence on authorities.
Collaborative Transition and Ongoing Projects
Díaz Pascual highlighted his close collaboration with Michel Wohlmuth, the outgoing president-elect, over the past two years. This partnership ensures a smooth transition and consolidation of ongoing projects, such as the promotion of the Mexican Convention and Congress Bureau in preparation for COMIR’s 10th anniversary in 2026.
Support from Puebla’s Subsecretary of Tourism Development
Carlos Márquez Pérez, the subsecretary of tourism development in Puebla, administered the oath to the new executive board. He assured that the efforts of the attendees would benefit Puebla’s residents, stating, “You can be sure that we will capitalize on this opportunity and consider you our allies for hosting such significant events.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Luis Díaz Pascual? Luis Díaz Pascual is the newly appointed president of the Mexican Meetings Industry Council (COMIR) for the 2025-2027 term.
- What is the focus of his leadership? Díaz Pascual aims to unite and modernize the meetings industry, emphasizing international projection, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.
- What are the key areas of his strategic plan? The five key areas are inter-association integration, professionalization and talent development, strategic promotion, public influence, and innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.
- What critical issues will he address? Díaz Pascual intends to tackle VAT zero-rate implementation and visa process streamlining for international participants.
- How will he support the meetings industry’s competitiveness? He plans to update the economic impact study of the industry and ensure current data supports their influence on authorities.
- What projects will be consolidated? Ongoing projects, such as promoting the Mexican Convention and Congress Bureau, will be consolidated in preparation for COMIR’s 10th anniversary in 2026.
