Leon, Mexico’s fifth largest city, is rich in culture and history. On land first inhabited by a number of different indigenous groups, Viceroy Don Martin Enriquez de Almaza founded Leon in 1576 to establish a defensive position against the fierce Chichimecs who opposed the Spanish conquest.

This colonial city later became known as the “Shoe Capital of the World”, famous for its production of quality leather goods and shoes for national and international markets. For those who like leather goods it is still a great shopping destination. 

Leon’s strategic location in the center of Mexico links it to major cities and airports and, in addition to leather, it continues to produce agricultural products and livestock for the rest of the country.

Leon’s urban and industrial growth has brought modern architecture, hotels, shopping centers and restaurants, and one of Mexico´s top ten convention centers, Poliforum Leon. This modern structure has 137,795 square feet of event space, can hold up to 12,000 people, and is designed for events of all types and sizes from banquets and concerts to conventions and expos.  Conveniently, the Poliforum will soon have an attached Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

The Poliforum Leon has hosted a number of international and national events, including the World Youth Conference 2010, the ISO/TC 207’s 17^th Plenary Meetings 2010, and the International Tomato Congress. Leon’s largest convention center is conveniently located near a number of hotels, including the 5 star Holiday Inn Convention Center with 177 rooms and 3 meeting spaces that hold 250 people.

The International Airport of Guanajuato is located in the adjacent town of Silao, 20 miles from Leon, and has direct flights to and from six U.S. cities, including Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.