Zapopan, Jalisco; April 21, 2026.—The Universidad Panamericana GuadalajaraUniversidad Panamericana hosted the 36th IMEF Guadalajara Business Forum, a forum for discussion that brought together experts in economics, business, and sports to reflect on the impact of soccer on sectors such as investment, tourism, wealth management, and high performance.
During the opening ceremony, Gabriela Gutiérrez Mora, national president of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF), emphasized that soccer goes beyond the realm of sports by generating significant economic benefits.
He noted that events such as the World Cup represent a strategic opportunity for Mexico, as they drive growth in various economic sectors and strengthen economic ties between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
High Performance in Mexico: Discipline, Funding, and Strategy
One of the highlights was the participation of Fernando Platas, an Olympic medalist at the 2000 Sydney Games, who reflected on the factors that underpin high athletic performance.
Platas emphasized that success depends not only on talent, but also on discipline, consistent effort, and the support of multidisciplinary teams. He also highlighted the importance of having a clear goal, adequate funding, and a well-defined strategy to achieve top-level results.
When discussing teamwork, he emphasized that even in a seemingly individual sport, the support of others is crucial:“Synchronized diving emerged from such an individual sport. When the athlete understands that they can share the responsibility, they become more efficient.”
On the subject of discipline, Platas emphasized that talent alone is not enough if it is not backed by perseverance and daily effort. “There are athletes who just want to compete, but don’t train on a daily basis. Discipline is what you have to do to reach your goal,” he said, emphasizing that preparation requires constant commitment and a clear vision of the goal you want to achieve.
He also emphasized that every project requires a clear goal and a plan of action. He recalled that his greatest challenge was defeating the world’s best at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he won the silver medal, stressing that success depends on preparation, strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure.
A multidisciplinary analysis of soccer
The program featured presentations by experts such as Dr. Julio A. Santaella Castell, Federico Rubli Kaiser, Ricardo Alanís, Dr. Lourdes Maisterrena, Dr. Hugo Briseño Ramírez, and Arturo Juárez, who addressed topics such as the economics of the World Cup, the impact of Guadalajara as a host city, the global soccer business, player valuation, and financial planning.
These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of how this sport influences markets, business decision-making, and investment management.
UP Strengthens Academic and Business Ties
By hosting this forum, the Universidad Panamericana GuadalajaraUniversidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to engaging with the local economic and business community, as well as to fostering opportunities for dialogue on issues with significant social impact.
Through initiatives like this, the institution promotes the well-rounded education of its students, connecting them with experts and trends that broaden their professional perspective in fields such as finance, economics, and business.
