Participants manual

IV Young Americas Forum
“For the participation of young people in the VII Summit of the Americas”
X Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas
“Finals, Expo and Award Ceremony”
INFORMATION GUIDE
Image: José Porras, Wikimedia Commons
April 8-9, 2015
El Panamá Hotel, Panama City, Panama
www.yabt.net/foro
INFORMATION GUIDE
IV Young Americas Forum
IV YOUNG AMERICAS FORUM
April 8-10, 2015
El Panamá Hotel, Panama City, Panama
1. Place and Date of the Forum
Welcome to the IV Young Americas Forum to be held April 8 through 10, 2015 in Panama City,
Panama. The official venue is El Panamá Hotel located in Via España, 111, Panama City, Panama.
The Finals of the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas will take place within the Forum’s
activities. This year, TIC Americas has four categories: social, economic and cultural innovation as well
as Eco-Challenge.
2. Program
The preliminary agenda for the event can be found at the following link:
http://www.yabt.net/download/Agenda-IV-Young-Americas-Forum.pdf.
3. Application and Accreditation Process
The Participants Application Form is now available. Complete the Application Form!
The form contains a guide that explains the requirements and appropriate steps to participate in the
Forum. It will be available until February 27, 2015. Upon completion of the deadline, the selected
candidates will be notified promptly in order to continue the required accreditation process.
4. Language of the Event
The official languages of the event are English and Spanish. We will have simultaneous translation.
5. Accommodations
 Forum’s Official Venue
El Panamá Hotel
URL: www.elpanama.com
Address: Vía España, Eusebio A. Morales 111, Panama City, Panama
Contact: Jhoscelyn Escobar de Mendoza, Sales Manager
Email: jescobar@elpanama.com
Tel: +507 215-9447
Mobile: +507 6672-4178
 Additional accommodations
The following is a list of hotel recommendations for those who will attend to the Forum.
Hilton Garden Inn Panama
URL: http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/panama/hilton-garden-inn-panamaPTYPPGI/index.html
Address: Avenida Eusebio A. Morales and calle 49A oeste, El Cangrejo Bella Vista, Panama City
(In front of El Panamá Hotel)
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Contact: Joxy Rios
Email: joxy.rios@hilton.com | reservas.hgipanama@ghlhoteles.com
Tel: +507 209-1597 / +507 301 999
Mobile: +507 6379-3060
Granada Hotel
URL: www.riandehoteles.com
Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales, El Cangrejo, Panama City
(10 minutes of walking distance from El Panamá Hotel)
Contact: Hazel McDonald
Email: hmcdonald@riandehoteles.com
Tel: +507 204 4482 | 204 4444
Torres de Alba Hotel & Suites
URL: www.torresdealba.com.pa
Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales and 55 (In front of El Panamá Hotel)
Contact: Derek Lashley P., Sales Executive
E-Mail: dlashley@torresdealba.com.pa / reserva@torresalba.com.pa
Tel.: +507 300-7130 / 306-9371
AZ Hotel & Suites
URL: www.az-hotelespanama.com
Address: Calle 49, El Cangrejo, Panama City
(5 minutes of walking distance from El Panamá Hotel)
Contact: Priscilla Vásquez, Operations Manager
Email: reservas@az-hotelespanama.com / operaciones@az-hotelespanama.com
Tel: +507 366-5200 ext. 1165 / 213-2222
6. International Expo
TIC Americas Finalists will be given a conventional Stand to take part in the International Expo at
the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Convention Center. The Stand is sponsored by the YABT and partners
of the program. It will be approximately 1x2 square meters.
The assembly of the Expo is scheduled for April 7 starting at 3:00 PM. The Expo will be open full
time during April 8 and 9. Disassembly of the Expo will take place on the evening of April 9. The
organization is not responsible for equipment and items not removed from the Stand at that time.
Each team is responsible for equipping the Stand with their POP materials, banners and other
viewing materials for the visitors. The organizers will provide a small table and chair, lights, basket
and marking of the Stand. It is forbidden to place nails, hooks or other accessories that can damage
columns and walls of the Stand.
We suggest to have at hand items that you will likely need to assemble your Stand, for example:
electric strip, power adapter, tape, stapler, double contact tape, yarn nylons, among other. Those
teams that need to rent a LED screen, plasma screen or other audiovisual equipment for the Stand,
we will be happy to share contact information for people within the Hotel or a local provider so that
you can arrange and coordinate with them directly.
7. Internet Connectivity
Forum participants will have access to wireless internet on the premises of the event. Some areas
will have a stronger signal than others. The service is provided by an externally contracted
company. The organizers, the hotel venue and service providers are not responsible for damages
that mobile devices, laptops, iPads or other computer equipment that you voluntarily choose to
connect to the available networks within the premises of the Forum may suffer.
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8. Lunch
The organizers will provide lunch on April 8 and 9 to accredited and full time participants of the
Forum. You will have to present your event badge at the entrance of the designated lunch areas.
General public visiting the event attending to specific activities such as the International Expo will
not be allowed to enter the designated lunch areas. This audience group will have different badges
and will only be able to circulate in areas predetermined by the organizers.
9. Information Desk
We will have an information desk located at the lobby of the Gran Centenario Hall to address
general questions in English and Spanish by delegates and other Forum participants.
10. Security
It is important that during the course of the event all participants take care of their belongings. The
Forum organizers are not responsible for losses of any kind.
Additionally, the organizers are not responsible for the restrictions and security measures at the
perimeter of the Forum venue set by security agencies of Panama. Each person should have with
them their badge and personal identification to show when requested.
11. Relevant Information of the Country
a) Schedules
Banks are open Monday through Friday between 08:00 and 15:00 hours. Some banks have
branches in shopping centers with extended hours until 18:00 and 19:00 hours.
Government offices work from Monday through Friday between 08:00 to 16:30 hours.
b) Currency
The official currency of Panama is the Balboa. However, the used currency is the US dollar. 1
Balboa equals 1 US dollar.
All international credit cards are accepted.
c) Local Time
TMG – 5
d) Weather
The country has two seasons: dry season, also known as summer, and rainy season. Summer
begins in late December and ends in April. Rainy season begins in late April and lasts until the
end of December. Panama’s climate is tropical and the temperature is usually uniform
throughout the year. The average temperature is 25 ° C to 32 ° C.
e) Electrical Power
The electric current is 110 volts.
f)
Area Code
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The international telephone access code for Panama is (+507). For international calls
originating from Panama, the telephone code is (00), followed by the country code and
corresponding city code.
g) Transportation
Popular transportation choices in Panama are: Taxi, Metrobus and Metro (Subway).
 Taxis circulate throughout the city and are color yellow. Taxis do not use meters so it
is recommended to ask how much they will charge before boarding them.
 To use the Metrobus you must have a prepaid card that costs US $2.00, plus fare.
 The nearest Metro Station is Iglesia del Carmen (a 3 minute walk from El Panama
Hotel). The fare is US $0.35 per ride using the prepaid card that you can buy at shops
and Metro Stations. Stations and access to the Metro (Line 1) available at:
www.elmetrodepanama.com/pdf/LineaUno.pdf
h) Emergency Telephone Numbers
Phone Directory – 102
Fire Department – 103
Nacional Police – 104
Local Time – 105
International Calls by Operator – 106
Medical Emergencies (Ambulance) – 911
i)
Tourism
Sights:
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Coastal Belt (10 minutes by car)
Casco Viejo (20 minutes by car)
Panama Canal – Miraflores Visitors Center (30 minutes by car)
Causeway / Amador Islands (30 minutes by car)
Ruins of Old Panama (25 minutes by car)
Note: All distances are calculated from El Panamá Hotel.
The following links provide additional information about tourism in Panama:
 www.atp.gob.pa/
 www.visitpanama.com/
j)
Taxes:
The Added Value Tax in Panama is 7% and it is known as Impuesto de Bienes Materiales y
Servicios (ITBMS).
k) Other Services
Drugstores:


Farmacias Arrocha, Vía España branch. Closes at 9:00 pm. (5 minutes of walking
distance from El Panamá Hotel).
Farmacia del Supermercado Rey in Vía España, 24 hours (5 minutes of walking
distance from El Panamá Hotel).
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Clinics / Medical Assistance:
Every clinic and hospital is a 15-20 minute drive away from the El Panama Hotel.
 National Hospital (24 hours)
Av. Cuba, between 38 and 39 Street, Panama City
Telephone: 207-8100 / 306-3300
Office: 227-5444
 Bethania Clinic (24 hours)
Transistmica, Bethania entrance
Telephone: 261-7504
 Los Portales Clinic (24 hours)
San Francisco, near Omar Park
Telephone: 270-3467
Supermarkets:

El Rey Vía España Supermarket, 24 hours. (5 minutes of walking distance from El
Panamá Hotel).
Shopping Malls:
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Albrook Mall: Albrook (20 minutes by car)
Multiplaza Pacific: Vía Israel (15 minutes by car)
Multicentro: At the beginning of the Coastal Belt (10 minutes by car)
El Dorado: Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro (15 minutes by car)
Note: All distances are calculated from El Panamá Hotel.
l)
Communications
Here you will find a list of companies providing mobile telephony in Panama. The SIM cards
and prepaid cards can be purchased at technology stores, some supermarkets and Farmacias
Arrocha (Pharmacy). All companies have promotions to activate Data Service (prepaid) on your
mobile device.

Movistar - www.movistar.com.pa
 Customer Service: *611
 Available Minutes Query: *611 (Option No. 1)

Cable & Wireless (Plus Mobile) - www.cwpanama.com/movil
 Customer Service: 161
 Available Minutes Query: *165#SND

Claro - www.claro.com.pa/portal/pa/pc/personas
 Customer Service: *611
 Available Minutes Query: *103#

Digicel – www.digicelpanama.com
 Customer Service: *100
 Available Minutes Query: *120#
12. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Delegates and participants will be responsible for meeting all entry requirements set by the
immigration authorities, customs and other security agencies in Panama. Information on the
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requirements and procedures for entering Panama can be found in the following link:
www.panamatramita.gob.pa/clasificación-migratoria. You can also visit www.migracion.gob.pa.
To enter the country you must present your Passport which must have a minimum validity of six
months, as well as a copy of the round-trip ticket you purchased. Persons entering the country
through the border with Costa Rica must check requirements in the internet links above and/or
check with the Consulate of Panama in your country.
Persons requiring authorized visas (VA-1) must immediately notify YABT via the contact information
available on the last page of this guide. This type of visa is required for citizens of countries that for
reasons of immigration policy require prior authorization from the National Migration Offices of
Panama to enter the country.
Every person with an international flight must pay an exit tax that amounts to US $40.00, which
normally is already included in the purchased ticket.
The list of Embassies and Consulates of Panama is available at:
www.panamaenelexterior.gob.pa/.
13. Reception at Tocumen International Airport
Delegates and other participants who are in possession of the confirmation of Accreditation may
use the official transportation of the VII Summit of the Americas. In transit zone and outside of the
airport you will find staff and volunteers of the Summit, who will assist you to board the transport
route according to your destination.
It is important to highlight that transportation has an itinerary and departure routes. If your
destination is not within the established routes, you can take a taxi on your own expense. Tocumen
International Airport is located at approximately 40 minutes by car from El Panama Hotel and the
rest of the hotels recommended in this document.
After going through Customs you will find a one-stop taxi service. The fare from Tocumen
International Airport to Panama City is around US $30.00. The official rate is US $10.00 per person
if you share the taxi with four passengers; and of US $14.00 per person if sharing with two
passengers. Private taxis are usually US $30.00 or a little more depending on the destination.
Forum participants have to go through all posts of migratory control and Customs. Your luggage is
removed at regular carousels and is subject to in situ revision by security agents. Diplomats, Armed
Forces Officers and Officials from International Organizations and NGOs accredited to the Foreign
Ministry of Panama will receive the usual care given by this institution.
14. Leaving the country
Forum participants should consult the itinerary and routes of the VII Summit of the Americas
transportation system, available April 10. For this occasion, you need to show your Accreditation to
be able to board the transportation vehicle. Summit Staff present at the premises of the Forum will
provide more information. Those who chose to stay extra days in the country will have to coordinate
transportation on their own.
15. Press
a) Access
The official, national and international press is invited to perform media coverage of the Forum’s
activities. Media representatives accredited to the VII Summit of the Americas will have direct access
just by showing their Summit Press credentials. Those who do not possess credentials shall first record
their data in the Information Desk located at the lobby of the Gran Centenario Hall.
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Press accreditations for the Summit are available until March 15, 2015 at:
http://cumbredelasamericas.pa/en/. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Panama: prensacumbre@mire.gob.pa.
b) Press Conference
The Official Press Conference of the Forum will be held on April 7, 2015, between the hours 2 to 3 PM
in the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hall of the El Panama Hotel. We invite media representatives to join
us and experience first-hand all the details of the Forum. The conference will be led by representatives
of organizing institutions and partners of the Forum, accompanied by young leaders and entrepreneurs
who will share their testimonies about their participation in the process of the VII Summit of the
Americas.
c) Press Center
The official venue of the Forum will have a general Press Center located in the front parking space of
the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Convention Center, available to accredited representatives of the Summit
media press. The Press Center features workstations to facilitate coverage of the activities. Summit
Staff can assist you with requirements within the enclosure.
d) Coverage
Press representatives will be assisted by staff and volunteers of the Forum, they will serve as guides
within the event and will assist them at all times. Additionally, they will help the press representatives
identify the delimited areas for easy movement and know the spaces authorized for interviews, offices
and general coverage. Press representatives may withdraw copies of printed communications or
register their information to receive digital version of communications at the Information Desk.
e) Special Interviews
Authorized representatives of YABT will provide interviews to press officials during the development of
the Forum. Staff and volunteers in charge of press will facilitate contact and coordinate interviews,
including young leaders and entrepreneurs considered success stories and examples to youth in the
Hemisphere.
Similarly, we invite press representatives to visit the International Expo located at the Vasco Nuñez de
Balboa Convention Center, with the presence of young entrepreneurs that are TIC Americas 2015
Finalists. Profiles of the finalists will be available at: www.ticamericas.net on March 6, 2015.
Press Contact
Isabella Troconis
Communications, Young Americas Business Trust
Email: isabella.troconis@yabt.net
16. Relevant Information
Before the IV Young Americas Forum begins, we invite you to review the following websites and
documents:

VII Summit of the Americas – http://cumbredelasamericas.pa/en/

IV Young Americas Forum – http://www.yabt.net/foro/en/index.php

Official Virtual Survey of the Forum - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZRJ78LJ
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
Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas –
http://www.ticamericas.net/en/index.php

Formulation of recommendations on the document “Mandates for Action”, to be
negotiated by Member States prior to the Summit - www.summitamericas.org/SIRG/2015/012215/mandates_en.doc
17. Did you know…?

The first edition of the Young Americas Forum was held three months prior to the IV
Summit of the Americas in Argentina. The declaration was adopted on August 12, 2005,
celebrating the International Youth Day.

The V Summit of the Americas held in 2009 in Trinidad and Tobago hosted the II Young
Americas Forum as its first activity. In that occasion, young people were recognized as
Social Actors and from that day on the Young Americas Forum is developed within the
framework of the Summit.

In the year 2012 an implementation component is incorporated on the III Young Americas
Forum, within the framework of the VI Summit of the Americas. This was possible through
the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas).

In 2008 in Colombia, and for the first time in 38 years, the General Assembly of the OAS
elected the slogan “Youth and Democratic Values”. A year earlier, the Permanent Council
of the OAS, in collaboration with YABT, organized the OAS Youth Symposium that took
place in the United States. Both events, among others, created a precedent for the three
editions to this day of the OAS Youth Conference.
18. General Coordination
Young Americas Business Trust (YABT)
General Secretariat of the OAS
1889 F St N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006, USA
Tel.: +1 202 370-4723 | www.yabt.net
Valerie Lorena
Executive Director
E-mail: valerie.lorena@yabt.net
Washington D.C.
Edgar Maestre S.
Program manager for Latin America
E-mail: edgar.maestre@yabt.net
Panama City
For enquires and further information, please contact us at:
forum@yabt.net
Follow us:
Twitter - @YABTs #JovenesenlaCumbre | Facebook – www.facebook.com/YABTDC
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