World Coffee Conference in Guatemala takes place from 26 to 28 February 2010. The location is in Guatemala City at the Hotel Camino Real. Majestic volcanoes, varied microclimates and exceptional Guatemalan Coffees are among the attractions of the ICO´s World Coffee Conference 2010. In a fast-changing world, the Conference will offer an unparalleled opportunity to address today's economic, trade and environmental challenges with the coffee world´s decision makers.
The Conference is organized by Anacafé in close cooperation with the International Coffee Organization (ICO). It will be chaired by the President of Guatemala Alvaro Colom and will take as its theme "Coffee for the future: Towards a sustainable coffee sector".
In addition to the conference, you will be able to visit the exhibition area where many companies related to the sector will display their products and services. Participants will also attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Coffee Association of Guatemala (Anacafé), and be able to visit a coffee farm or discover the culture of Guatemala by choosing one of the available tours.
Conference Topics
Coffee is of exceptional importance to the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in developing countries and the objective of the 2010 Conference is to bring together high-level stakeholders to analyse and discuss ways of ensuring a sustainable future for the world coffee economy.
The Conference will take place in Guatemala City over three days on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February 2010. There will be an opening ceremony on 26 February, with the President of Guatemala, Presidents and Ministers from Member countries, and high-level representatives of multilateral organizations.
The Conference will take as its theme "Coffee for the future: Towards a sustainable coffee sector" and will comprise four main sessions:
Economic Sustainability: the economics of production
• World Production: changes in supply, impact on financial crisis
• Production Costs: labor, fertilizers, transportation, risk management, alternative uses of land
• Support for producers: institutions and capacity-building, international aid programs, governmental support, diversification 
Economic Sustainability: the economics of demand
• Geographic trends and changes in consumption habits
• Development of markets: for coffee with special characteristics, quality, promotion of consumption and market development
• Market analysis: impact of the economic and financial crisis (2008 onwards), outlook 2010 - 2020
Environmental Sustainability
• Climate change
• Use of water
• Pests and diseases
Social Sustainability
• Women in Coffee
• Youth
• Millennium Development Goals
Speakers for the Conference will be recognized experts in their field and the Conference will facilitate a free exchange of views and ideas with some of the most influential decision-makers in the industry, with full representation from producer and consumer interests.
Interpretation will be available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
TOURS
Special pre- and post-event tours are available for Conference attendees. Private guides will provide exceptional service during your visit. During the Conference special tours will be available for your companion. There is limited availability.
Traveling to Guatemala
Visa requirements
Information on visas for Guatemala is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala
Airlines that fly to Guatemala City
• American Airlines (www.aa.com)
• Continental Airlines (www.continental.com)
• Copa Airlines (www.copaair.com)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• Iberia (www.iberia.com)
• Mexicana (www.mexicana.com)
• TACA (www.taca.com)
Main Airports
Guatemala City (GUA) (La Aurora) is 6km (4 miles) south of the city. To/from the airport: A bus runs to the city. Taxi services to Guatemala City are available (journey time - 20 minutes). Facilities: Car rental, duty-free, shops, bars, restaurants, post office, bank/bureaux de change and tourist information.
Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) is 3km (2 miles) from Flores, Petén and is located one hour from the UNESCO Tikal Archaelogical Park. Regular flights operate to Belize and Mexico. To/from the airport: Taxis and shuttles are available. Facilities: Snack bar and car rental.
Departure Tax
US$30, usually included in the fare. 24-hour transit passengers are exempt. A security tax of US$3 is payable at the airport.
Electrical Standards
Electrical current is 120/60 (volts/hz). North American Style Adaptor Plug. Grounding Adaptor Plug A.
For more information please go to: http://www.wcc2010guatemala.org/
Source: International Coffee Organization
Pictures: Ignacio de Wit, Silvia Aldana, World Travelers
