Forum 2026 marked a strong, forward-looking start to the year for The Agency on a global scale. Held in Fort Lauderdale, the annual gathering brought together Managing Partners, top agents, and leaders from around the world for several days focused on strategy, inspiration, and connection.
For The Agency Costa Rica, our first Forum was a clear signal of the country’s growing relevance within the brand’s global ecosystem. With a network of more than 150 offices worldwide, the event fostered new referral relationships and strengthened existing ones, connecting Costa Rica with key markets such as Spain, Boston, Canada, California, Texas, Florida, Jamaica, and beyond.
What stood out most was the strong, visible presence of the Costa Rica team actively participating across every layer of the event, from leadership sessions to informal conversations that often shape the most meaningful collaborations.
“Costa Rica is no longer being introduced—it’s being discussed as a strategic market within the network.”
— Clari Vega, Managing Partner, The Agency Costa Rica
Forum 2026: The Agency Global Recap
Forum 2026 unfolded over several carefully curated days at the new Omni Fort Lauderdale, blending business strategy, wellness, innovation, and celebration—setting a clear tone for the year ahead.
For a full global perspective on the event, read the original recap published by The Agency:
Forum 2026: A Powerful Start to the New Year
Welcome & Networking Kickoff
Early gatherings and relaxed registration moments set the stage for cross-market conversations. For Costa Rica, these informal settings proved especially valuable, as agents from North America, Europe, and the Caribbean engaged organically around lifestyle-driven markets and second-home opportunities.
“Some of the most productive conversations happened before the sessions even began,” noted Terri Kaminski.
4th Annual Golf Classic – Trump National Doral
A Forum tradition, the Golf Classic offered a more personal environment for strengthening relationships. Costa Rica’s team connected with long-standing contacts and new referral partners in a setting that encouraged candid, relationship-first dialogue.
Oasis-Themed Welcome Reception
The official opening reception brought together the global network in a lush, bohemian-inspired setting. Costa Rica’s presence was unmistakable, with conversations naturally gravitating toward the country’s blend of lifestyle, design, and long-term value.
High-Impact Speakers & Vision for 2026
Thought leaders, including Chris Voss, Álvaro Nuñez, and Pastor Robert Madu, delivered insights on negotiation, purpose, and leadership. Founder & CEO Mauricio Umansky outlined The Agency’s vision for the year ahead—one centered on collaboration, innovation, and global alignment.
Technology & Innovation Reveal
One of the most anticipated moments of Forum was the unveiling of The Agency’s new technology initiatives for 2026, led by Zane Burnett, EVP of Digital Strategy. Costa Rica leadership engaged directly in discussions around AI, advanced platforms, and how technology will redefine global referrals and client experience.
“What’s coming is not incremental—it’s transformative,” said Andrés Riggioni, Managing Partner, The Agency Costa Rica.
Chairman’s Awards Dinner & Final Celebration
An elegant black-tie evening honored the top 5% of agents worldwide, followed by a vibrant, tropical-inspired closing celebration that reflected both the diversity and unity of The Agency’s international community.
A Unified Costa Rica Presence on a Global Stage
Representing The Agency Costa Rica were Vicki Klunk, Melissa Lacayo, Mitzam Fontiveros, Terri Kaminski, Clari Vega, and Andrés Riggioni—each deeply engaged throughout the week with peers, leadership, and partners from around the world.
“Forum reinforces that Costa Rica is very much part of the present—and the future—of the brand,” said Clari Vega.
Across meetings, dinners, and spontaneous conversations, referrals were discussed naturally—agents exchanging market insight, client profiles, and ideas that will continue to develop in the months ahead.
Reconnecting Roots and Expanding Horizons
For Terri Kaminski, Forum offered the opportunity to reconnect with her original U.S. Northwest network while introducing Costa Rica’s Caribbean potential.
“There was strong interest in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica,” Terri shared. “Places like Puerto Viejo offer culture, authenticity, and opportunity—and that story resonated deeply.”
These conversations reflected a broader theme at Forum: experienced agents seeking markets that combine lifestyle appeal with long-term fundamentals.
Miami, Spain, and a Global Client Perspective
Melissa Lacayo played a key role in bridging Costa Rica with major international hubs. During Forum week, she participated in curated property and client visits in Miami, including One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid and Aston Martin Residences.
“These experiences help frame Costa Rica within a global luxury context,” Melissa explained. “It’s about perspective, not comparison.”
Beyond Miami, she also strengthened ties with Spain and other strategic markets, reinforcing Costa Rica’s role as a complementary destination for global buyers.
Energy, Development, and Global Momentum
Vicki Klunk brought her characteristic energy to conversations with The Agency’s development teams and international agents.
“There’s a real sense of momentum,” Vicki said. “Costa Rica is being viewed not just as a lifestyle destination, but as a market aligned with global development and design standards.”
Sharing Guanacaste with the World
With experience from previous global events, Mitzam Fontiveros served once again as a natural ambassador for Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Engaging with teams from more than 15 countries, she highlighted Guanacaste’s beaches, forests, surf culture, and increasingly refined luxury offerings.
“Guanacaste speaks to people looking for authenticity and quality of life,” Mitzam noted. “Forum helped start conversations that are already continuing beyond the event.”
Relationships, Technology, and What Comes Next
Throughout the week, Clari Vega strengthened relationships with Managing Partners and top performers from markets including Las Vegas, Jamaica, Hilton Head, Toronto, and Beverly Hills—often in the settings where trust is built most naturally.
Meanwhile, Andrés Riggioni focused on leadership meetings around global marketing initiatives and The Agency’s evolving technology platform.
“AI and advanced systems are no longer abstract ideas—they’re practical tools,” Andrés shared. “Costa Rica is well positioned to benefit from this next phase of growth.”
Looking Ahead
Forum 2026 closed with optimism, clarity, and a strong sense of alignment. For The Agency Costa Rica, it reinforced a simple truth: the country is firmly embedded within a powerful global network—and the relationships formed continue to shape what comes next.
Costa Rica didn’t just attend Forum.
It showed up with purpose, perspective, and momentum.
Explore current opportunities across Costa Rica’s most compelling markets:
Luxury properties in Costa Rica
If you’d like to connect with our team, we’re always happy to continue the conversation.
Contact The Agency Costa Rica
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