USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference – Welcome to Panama

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held in the beautiful and culturally dynamic country of Panama.

After the first big day, highlighted by keynote presentations by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, everyone was treated to a fabulous Welcome to Panama Dinner Experience! Busses whisked attendees away from the Panama Hilton Hotel, and dropped the off at the Panama Cruise Terminal. The Panama Cruise Terminal is a modern facility situated on the Amador Causeway (Perico Island) at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, not far from Bridge of the Americas and the Miraflores Locks. Serving as the primary cruise port for Panama City, it features two berths capable of handling large ships, offering amenities like duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, and easy access to city attractions.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. I used a Godox V480 flash on each camera, bouncing the light when possible, to create nicely blended light on the subject that complimented the venue. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of the exciting evening!

USGBC 23rd International Marketing Conference in Panama – Day 1

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the 23rd International Marketing Conference for the US Grains and Bioproducts Council (USGBC), held at the stunning Hilton Panama overlooking the Panama City Harbor. With its sweeping waterfront views and vibrant international energy, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with connection, collaboration, and major milestones.

The day began with extensive networking and a series of Advisory Team Meetings, where industry leaders from around the world gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships. There’s always something special about capturing those candid conversations—the handshakes, the laughter, and the focused discussions that drive real progress behind the scenes.

The General Session was packed with highlights. Keynote presentations were delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vasquez Morales. Both speakers offered powerful insights into trade, infrastructure, and the importance of global cooperation. A defining moment of the session was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority—an exciting and historic occasion to witness through my lens. USGBC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand, closed the session with thoughtful remarks that tied the day together beautifully.

To document the event, I worked with two Nikon Z9 bodies—one paired with the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 II and the other with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. When I needed expansive room shots, I swapped in the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4. This setup allowed me to move seamlessly between intimate moments and grand perspectives, capturing the full story of an impactful day.