“Good morning, Kathleen!” called out one attendee at this week’s Live And Invest In Panama Conference as she approached me Wednesday morning.
“I joined the tour of Panama City and the nearby beaches yesterday,” she told me breathlessly. “That was great. I’m keen to see more of the country. Especially the surf beaches! Could I organize something for Saturday?”
“I’m not sure,” I replied, “but I know the guy who can help you try.”
“You want to speak with Scott,” I continued. “He’s an expat living in Playa Venao… this country’s premier surf beach. Scott is an avid surfer himself and an entrepreneur. He has opened a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel… and now he’s developing a private community just back from the water. His presentation on Playa Venao is on the schedule for tomorrow, but I can introduce you now…”
Later that morning, standing in line at the ladies’ room, the lady in front of me turned and smiled.
“This is excellent, Kathleen,” she said. “I’m so happy I decided to make the trip to join you and your team for this event.
“One thing I haven’t heard anyone speak about yet is surfing. Do you know if there are good surf beaches here?”
“I do!” I replied. “The best is Playa Venao. You’ll hear all about it tomorrow. Are you a surfer?”
“Me? No!” said the lady. “I’m well past the age for surfing. But my kids love it. I’m trying to get them as excited about my Panama plans as I am!”
“How many of you here are considering a move to Panama?” I asked the crowd our opening morning.
A few hands went up.
“Full- or part-time,” I added.
Many more hands went up.
“How many are here to make an investment?”
Nearly every hand in the room was raised.
My on-the-ground-in-Panama team and I have done our best since to address all three agendas.
Everyone’s story is different, and hearing them is the best part of our conferences.
“Kathleen, my husband and I became All Access Pass members some years ago,” remarked one attendee in passing. “I was at your event in Portugal a few years ago… and my husband has been to two previous Panama events, but this is my first time in this country.”
“Welcome,” I said.
“My husband is all in on Panama. But he told me I needed to come see for myself and give my seal of approval.”
“Ah, your husband is a smart man,” I told her.
“I’m interested in Boquete,” said another attendee. “And I’d like to start a small business. Do you think I’d find opportunities in that part of the country?”
“Do I!” I told her. “The highway has been improved and Copa now runs three flights a day from Panama City’s Tocumen International to the nearby airport in David. This expanded access is leading to real growth in the expat population. That’s one reason we named Boquete as the world’s best place to retire overseas in 2026.
“All those expats and retirees are clamoring for more shops, restaurants, and services of all kinds.”
“Kathleen, it’s so great to see you. I’ve been following you for more than 20 years. My wife and I became Panama Circle members years ago then we moved to Panama a decade ago. We were living at Altos de Maria and loved it.
“Then we turned 80, and we got to thinking that it might be smart to be nearer to a big hospital… so we’ve moved to Panama City. We’re living on Avenida Balboa… just a few blocks from where you and Lief have your apartment.
“And we’re finding we love being in the city, too. Everything’s so convenient for us.”
Young or old… investor or retiree…
Looking to make a move full- or part-time… hoping to start a business…
Shopping for a new life in a big city… dreaming of life at the beach…
As we’ve worked hard to showcase for the hundreds in attendance at this week’s Live And Invest In Panama Conference, this 2026, no matter your agenda, Panama is a very good place to start your search.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
