We’ve been telling you about the benefits, beauties, and advantages of Panama for more than a decade – a country that we feel should be at the top of the list of every would-be overseas retiree, resident, investor, and entrepreneur.

Now, we’d like to share it with you firsthand.

Panama is so many things that International Living readers tell us they’re looking for:

• the world's top retirement destination
• the world’s premier offshore center
• a tax haven
• an asset haven
• a coastal escape
• a mountain retreat
• a real estate bargain
• an environmental sanctuary

But all the postcards and newsletter articles in the world can’t take the place of seeing – and feeling – a place for yourself. That sense when your feet touch the soil that you could easily call this place home – or at least, second home.

I also feel I should issue a word of warning: News of the beauty and opportunity in Panama is getting out beyond our little community of readers. The mainstream press mentions it, the travel magazines highlight it, the cruise ships are making it a prime destination.

There are still deals to be had, places to discover, and an enviable lifestyle waiting for you to call it your own. We just don’t want to see you put it off much longer – and run the risk of missing out.

Our last two Live & Prosper in Panama seminars sold out and that’s why I’m hoping you’ll join us for our third:

Live & Prosper in Panama Seminar
July 20-22, 2006
Panama City, Panama

We’ve chosen our conference home base very carefully, because we think this city says everything about Panama we want you to know in one breath.

With its Miami flavor and New York City energy and infrastructure, Panama City is a real, functioning, First

World city – without the First World price tag. Chock full of cultural activities, shopping malls, luxurious high-rise condo buildings, accessible telecommunications, ATM’s on nearly every corner – you’ll find that every modern convenience you could get in a world-class city in America, you can get here.

Plus, you’ll be surrounded by the arresting natural beauty of Panama while you learn about the incredible array of incentives for foreign investors, magical retirement opportunities that allow you to live in luxury on a modest budget, and irresistible property deals that will make it hard to go back home…

You might be tempted to buy a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse located just ten minutes from downtown Panama City. Fully renovated and air-conditioned, this apartment was listed for just $55,000…

Or you might discover a private 2.2-acre beach estate near Coronado Beach,– complete with 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house, pool, gazebo, caretaker’s quarters and over an acre of orchards. Who could resist such a property? The dream house we’re describing would easily have fetched millions in the U.S., but recently sold here for just $295,000…

Maybe you have always wanted to build your own dream house. In Boquete – a small town in the Panama Province of Chiriquí that was named by Modern Maturity magazine as one of the World's 15 Best Places to Live -- you’ll find ready-to-build lots already complete with paved road, electricity, water, phone and internet capacity for around $43,000... and you can build a two-bedroom home for just $122,000...

But there’s much more to lure you to Panama than phenomenal land deals. Such as:

• Discount programs on everything from movies to prescriptions to airline tickets for pensioners – and you can be as young as 18 to apply for status as a pensioner. (That’s what I call early retirement!)…
• A 20-year real estate tax holiday when you make a purchase on new construction with a construction permit secured before September 1, 2006...
• The market currency is the U.S. dollar, so there is no need to exchange currency and no risk of losing your buying power as the value of the dollar fluctuates worldwide…
• Panama enjoys the status of being one of the last truly private offshore havens, second only to Switzerland…so you can rest assured your financial affairs will remain discreet…
• Thanks to the Panama Canal, and years of foreign investment, Panama enjoys an enviable infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and economic services that can support any business or leisure activity you can think of…
• Affordable medical care that rivals the U.S. in terms of quality – for half the price or less…
• An enviable geographic location – 477 miles of Caribbean beach on one side, 767 miles of Pacific beach on the other and 500 rivers that wind through the country and make their way to the oceans. If waterfront land is akin to gold, Panama is certainly a bountiful mine.

No Longer the Best-Kept Secret

We’re not the lone voice extolling the virtues of Panama anymore. Hailed as the Best Adventure Destination of the Year by Porthole Cruise Magazine, and the Number One Retirement Destination in the Western Hemisphere by Modern Maturity Magazine – Panama is on the map to stay.

These kudos are more than just a powerful PR campaign on the part of Panama’s Ministry of Tourism – although with singing sensation Ruben Blades at the helm as Panama’s most famous resident, biggest fan, and Minister of Tourism, the press is certain to continue singing its praises. There are also numerous bona fide agencies that have recognized Panama for its safety, economic status and bevy of opportunities.

The stalwart voice of retirement options – the AARP – has even honed in on Boquete. This mountainous city with a burgeoning expatriate population holds the number four position on their list of best places to retire.

So I hope you’ll trust me when I tell you, the time for you to come and explore the bountiful opportunities that exist in Panama is right now.

We Called First Dibs!

Because we beat the pack here by about a dozen years – we are firmly established while others are trying to get their bearings.

We have our own local office right in Panama City where the conference is being held. Our own on-the-ground representatives, Brandon Clogston and Roger Lacayo, will play host during the conference – and likely a bit longer for those who decide to stay on and explore the country and its opportunities first-hand.

Then, there’s the array of property and land deals that we’ve steadfastly gathered – and will present to you in person in February. Find out how you can:

• Live in a townhouse, villa or terraced condominium ensconced on a state-of-the-art 18-hole, Par-72 Championship golf course overlooking the breathtaking Panama Canal. Prices range from $198,000 to $450,000 and include lifetime membership to the golf club, a fitness center, tennis courts, spa, shopping center – and no real estate or property taxes for 20 years.
• Pick up a lot to build your own dream home just an hour outside of Chiriqui provinces capital city of David. Choose from bay view lots for just $49,900, riverfront lots for just $129,000 to $199,900 for beachfront property on the Pacific Ocean. The equestrian center, clubhouse and other amenities are yours to enjoy as soon as they are constructed.
  Or you can skip the hour-long drive into David when you dock your boat outside your home and sail into the David marina in less than 30 minutes. (And if you don’t want to build your own home, let the property owners develop it for you. At just $85/sq. ft. for interior construction, you might be hard-pressed to beat their price on your own – but you’re welcome to try!) (This is available at Istana Properties through conference speaker Susanna Elmore)
• Maybe a high-rise condo in Panama City is more your speed – you could easily land a resale property for $55,000 to $90,000 or buy a brand new condo for as low as $134,000 and enjoy the nightlife of New York City – but still be just steps away from the beach, close to the airport, and enjoy every modern amenity you can imagine. (This is the price range for Panama City condos found on numerous websites.)
• If you drop a million bucks in California – you barely get the garage of a beachfront estate! For that kind of money in Panama, you can get 33 acres primed to start your own development…
• Then there’s the little plot we picked– the Villas at Contadora nestled in Panama’s Pearl Islands. With just a few beachfront villas left, you’ll discover an enclave of like-minded expatriates who are already living the relaxed carefree life you’re looking for. You can buy a one-bedroom villa for as low as $147,500 at the Villas at Contadora.
  

But of course, it takes more than a dream house to make a new life, which is why we’ve invited such an extensive range of experts who will cover everything you need to know – whether you want to relocate, invest, or just have a second home for vacationing until you’re ready to retire.

From establishing residency or citizenship to outlets for shopping, access to banking or places for relaxing, adventures worth exploring or opportunities for investing – you’ll be assured, even amazed, by the plethora of choices you’ll have here.

Not to mention, you’ll be awash in the beauty of Panama – and there’s nothing like first-hand experience to help you make your next move.

Better Quality of Life, For Less

One aspect of Panama that is drawing the attention of Americans and Europeans especially is Panama’s Pensionado program.

Aimed at luring retirees to a more luxurious – yet less expensive – lifestyle than most can obtain in their high-tax, high-cost countries of origin, this program puts Panama in a class by itself among retirement destinations around the world.

Here’s the incredible thing about this program – it is not age-based. You can enjoy ‘retirement’ benefits even if you’re as young as 18. If you can document a minimum monthly pension of $500 (plus another $100 per dependent), you are eligible to a long list of perks, such as:

• Import tax exemption for household goods
• Tax exemption to import a new car every two years
• 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events)
• 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
• 25% off airline tickets
• 50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday
• 30% off hotels stays from Friday through Sunday
• 25% off at restaurants
• 15% off at fast-food restaurants
• 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)
• 10% off prescription medicines
• 20% off medical consultations
• 15% off dental and eye exams
• 20% off professional and technical services
• 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans
• 25% discounts on utility bills
• 15% off loans made in your name
• 1% less on home mortgages for homes used for personal residence

Remember, too, that these are discounts off of already low costs. Panama City might feel like New York City in some ways – but not to your wallet.

Whether you are living on a pension or fixed budget – or just like to spend less and get more – Panama will make your heart sing. You’ll only pay 10 - 12 cents per kilowatt hour electricity costs in most places. Water and trash collection will run you around $7 a month. The minimum wage for housemaids or gardeners is 88 cents per hour.

You’ll also live and eat like a king – local beer at the supermarket is just 30 cents a can, and a cup of coffee in a restaurant may be as little as 30 cents, too. How about an avocado for just 50 cents, a pound of chicken for a dollar, a banana for 5 cents – and a complete dinner at a mid-range restaurant -- $10 per person.

These aren’t the Pensionado prices – these are the regular prices. In U.S. dollars, with no worries or concerns that you’ll lose any buying power – since the U.S. dollar is the national currency used across Panama and does not need to be exchanged, ever.

Whether you have a modest income and you want to stretch it further – or you live comfortably in the U.S. and would like to live like royalty here – your days of pinching pennies and stretching dollars will end when you cross the border.

Why Choose When You Can Have It All?

Of course, cost of living counts, but not as much as happiness. Your personal paradise is a place that you’ll love instantly – from the minute you hit the soil. You should feel comfortable and at home, but still have a chance for adventure, mystery and wonder.

This is exactly why so many of our readers have discovered that their slice of paradise is waiting for them in Panama. This thin synapse connecting the Americas might well be the richest, most diverse strip of land there is.

Do you love the pace and excitement of city life? Or do you crave the quiet and solitude of the mountains? Do you prefer the Pacific Ocean, or the Caribbean Sea? When you come to Panama, you don’t have to even make these kinds of hard choices – you can have it all!

At the conference, you’ll be ensconced in the five-star Miramar Intercontinental Hotel – an oasis situated in the heart of the banking and commercial district. You’ll enjoy the access and proximity to the city’s center as you consider business and relocation options – but you’ll still enjoy all the rest and relaxation you need to unwind between sessions, too.

Residential areas of Panama City will be easy to explore – such as the diverse and affordable San Francisco, the wealthy enclaves of Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica, and the Canal Zone, which offers some enticing deals for real estate investors.

Within an hour’s drive from Panama City, you’ll discover dozens of beaches along the coastline – where opportunities for a relaxed beachfront lifestyle abound. Coronado, Gorgona, and Santa Clara, and don´t forget the best-kept secret of wealthy Panamanians...Contadora Island, an island getaway only a 15 minute flight from Panama City.

Six hours away from Panama City and only a 50 minute flight, the Chiriqui province and the lovely Boquete await your visit. This area of Panama has stolen the hearts of many Americans. High in the mountains, near the famous Volcan Baru, you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean on clear days.

The nearby Bocas del Toro – with 68 islands perfectly suited for bird watching, fishing, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing. Newly designated as a tourism and conservation zone by the Panamanian government, this region is top on the hot list for development and opportunity.

Did someone say side trip? I hope so – I can’t think of a better way to top off your experience at the conference than with a few days tacked on to explore this side of Panama.

Make This Your Year

Panama is ready for you – are you ready for Panama? There’s only one way to find out.

So many places sound good on paper – and even look good in pictures. But there’s still only one way to see if a place is going to be a good fit for you, and that’s to set foot on the soil yourself. If after a few days you find you don’t want to leave – ever – you know you’ve found the place.

Honestly, there’s so much to see and do in Panama – so many options – that it could easily be overwhelming.

That’s why I’m hoping you accept this invitation to come to the Live and Prosper in Panama this July 20-22, 2006. It’s simply the most convenient, affordable way to find out everything you need to know about this magical place.

When you come to an event like this, you can do your best thinking, knowing that many of the most basic decisions and pieces of information have already been gathered – residency and citizenship, real estate, business opportunities, tax questions. There’s simply no need to figure it out all by yourself – we’ve done all the legwork for you.

All of the resources, developers, expatriates, and service providers you’ll meet through us have been pre-screened. Which means we’ve visited their site, done background checks on them – the works. And we can assure you that they live up to International Living’s high standards for a good bargain and a bona fide investment. The speakers are all experts in their field and experienced in Panama’s laws and customs. And in some cases, we’ll even arrange for site visits and side trips for you.

Between the low cost of living, the deals still available in real estate, and the Pensionado program, Panama can restore your hope of enjoying an early retirement – a dream you might have given up if your savings doesn’t match the size of your retirement fantasies.

Or it might just be the thriving business community, the black-, tan and white-sand beaches running up and down the isthmus, the 48 national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges – everyone has their reasons for coming to Panama. The real miracle of this place is that the reasons can vary so widely.

It’s cliché, I know, but it’s more true here than anywhere else I know: Panama offers something for everyone. As I said, you should see it for yourself. And you should see it now.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Peddicord

Publisher, International Living

P.S. - Remember, you can get $100 off per person if you register by April 20th Plus, you can get additional discounts depending on your status as a subscriber, lifetime member or roundtable member. Check the registration form closely and make sure you claim all the discounts you´re due. Click here to register right away.

P.P.S - We will be offering several OPTIONAL TOURS at the conclusion of the seminar that will focus on real estate. We'll be exploring the city on Sunday, July 23, and the beaches on July 24-25. We strongly suggest you plan to stay on at least these 3 days after the seminar. This will give you a chance to look at real estate and for general sightseeing - either with us on one of our organized tours or on your own.

Your Day By Day Schedule

International Living's
Live and Prosper in Panama Seminar
July 20-22, 2006 ~ Panama City, Panama

Thursday, July 20

9:00AM - 11:00AM Registration. Receive your name badge and welcome materials.

11:00AM - 6:00PM Seminar Sessions

6:00PM - 7:00PM Welcome cocktail reception

Friday, July 21st

9:00AM - 6:00PM A full day of informative seminar sessions with two coffee breaks.

6:00PM - 7:00PM A VIP Reception for Lifetime & Roundtable members.

7:30PM - Optional Group Dinners

Saturday, July 22nd

9:00AM - 6:00PM A full day of informative seminar sessions with two coffee breaks

6:00PM - 7:00PM Farewell cocktail reception

* Please Note: This is a broad outline only. You will be sent a specific schedule with exact speaker times and topics prior to the seminar.

** Speakers, schedule and topics are subject to change.

***OPTIONAL TOURS: We strongly recommend that you leave at least 3 days after the conference to see some more of this beautiful country. We will be offering several tours - exploring the city and beach areas.

Sunday, July 23rd - Optional City Real Estate Tour.

Monday & Tuesday, July 24th-25th - Optional Beach Real Estate Tour.

Price and What´s Included

PRICE: 1 person = $895; 2 people = $1,490 (guest or spouse pays just $595)

The conference includes all seminars and informal Q&A sessions, introductions to contacts in Panama, a welcome cocktail reception, a farewell cocktail reception, all coffee breaks, and travel and accommodation assistance from our staff. Your international airfare, hotel transfers, meals, and overnight accommodations are not included in the price of the seminar.

EARLY BIRD & OTHER DISCOUNTS

Reserve your place by April 20, 2006, and you save $100 per person Discount Price: 1 person = $795; 2 people = $1,290

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO INTERNATIONAL LIVING
No matter when you sign on, if you're a subscriber to the print edition of International Living or a Panama Insider subscriber you are eligible for a $50 discount off the registration price.

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR PANAMA INSIDER AND LATIN AMERICA INSIDER MEMBERS
Panama Insider and Latin America Insider are entitled to $100 discount off the registration price

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR LIFETIME MEMBERS
No matter when you sign on, if you're a Lifetime Member of International Living, you are eligible for a $150 discount off the registration price.

$200 ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT FOR ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS
No matter when you sign on, if you're a Roundtable Member of International Living, you are eligible for a $200 discount off the registration price.

(Please note: Please take advantage of the greatest discount based on your membership status but only one membership discount applies).

TRAVEL & HOTEL DETAILS:

Discounted rate at the Miramar Intercontinental Hotel in Panama City, Panama: We have arranged a discounted rate for seminar attendees at the Miramar Intercontinental where we are hosting this event.

As a conference attendee, you can take advantage of a discounted room rate of $125 a night, single or double occupancy. The hotel is graciously allowing our attendees to take advantage the discounted rate 5 days before and 5 days after the event to accommodate your needs. The rate includes full buffet breakfast daily, welcome cocktail drink and complimentary use of the fitness center and spa.

Additional choice accommodations are also available: club floor room at $145 per night and a suite at $275 per night.You may book additional discounted nights, either before or after the seminar, based on availability. Inquire when you sign on for the seminar.

To reserve a room at the hotel, Please contact the hotel to today to reserve your accommodations:
Telephone: +1-888 303 1758 and mention group code ILG
Or click here to register online at the special rate.

Travel Assistance
For all your travel needs (including flight assistance and insurance) please contact your travel agency of choice.

You may also want to consider one of the many companies that specialize in online reservations and travel assistance, like: www.orbitz.com, www.travelocity.com; or www.expedia.com.

We also suggest you sign up for free e-mail alerts from your preferred airlines, via their websites. In addition, numerous websites -- including www.travelzoo.com, for example -- offer free e-mail alerts highlighting regular specials for a wide range of airlines. Many of these websites offer tips for getting the best flights, such as being flexible with travel dates and airports if possible.

REGISTRATION, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION DETAILS:

Registration and Payment Details: In order to hold a reservation for the seminar, full payment is due when you register. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and money orders.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received on or before June 20, 2006, will receive a full refund, less a $150 penalty per person. From June 20, 2006 through July 8, 2006 a refund less a $350 penalty per person will be given. After July 8, 2006, the conference fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please call, fax, or e-mail our offices immediately to avoid any unnecessary charges. In most cases we will be able to hold your full payment for you to apply toward a future seminar.

Click Below to Reserve Your Place Today!

Or Contact

International Living Conferences
Conference Hotline
Phone: +1-866-381-8446 ( USA & Canada toll-free) or +1-410-230-1243
or E-Mail: events@internationalliving.com

Disclaimer: International Living and any of its agents and speakers do not provide any individual, personalized investment advice. This conference provides only information to the general public, and at no time should any person acting as an agent or speaker at the conference be relied upon as rendering personalized investment advice. International Living may receive compensation from speakers and presenters selling their respective products at conferences. The compensation may be in the form of a sponsorship fee, flat fee or commission from sales. Advertising you may receive from their companies should not to be construed as originating from or connected in any way to International Living.

By registering for an International Living event you’ll automatically receive our FREE "Untourist" Travel and Events e-letter and Panama First Alert (You can unsubscribe to this at any time).