Panama City, FL: December 18, 2025 ­ — Destination Panama City (DPC) is excited to announce the January 2026 DPC Academy classes. The Academy includes three identical Event Coordination sessions, each offered on different dates for convenience, as well as a separate Social Media Best Practices class. The Event Coordination sessions are interactive, 90-minute trainings designed to equip event organizers with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to successfully apply for DPC Event Assistance Program funding in FY27.

Event organizers seeking Event Assistance funding in FY27 must attend one (1) of the three Event Coordination sessions to meet eligibility requirements. The Social Media Best Practices class is an optional, supplemental course intended to further strengthen marketing efforts, audience engagement, and overall digital presence.

Event Coordination Training

• Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9 AM
• Monday, January 12, 2026 at 2 PM
• Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4 PM

Location: Destination Panama City, Visitors Center, 101 West Beach Drive, Panama City, FL 32401
Duration: 90 minutes

The Event Coordination Training sessions will provide event organizers, nonprofit organizations, and community groups with the guidance and support needed to plan successful events in Panama City. Each session will cover key topics such as event budgeting, planning, logistics, marketing, and application submission for DPC’s Event Assistance Program.

“We want to ensure event organizers have the tools they need to succeed,” said Jennifer Vigil, President & CEO of Destination Panama City. “By providing clear guidance on budgeting, planning, and marketing, we’re fostering stronger, more impactful events that enhance Panama City’s vibrancy and community spirit.”

What Attendees Will Learn:

• Overview of the DPC Event Assistance Program, including benefits, goals, and eligibility requirements
• Step-by-step guidance on event budgeting and financial planning
• Tips for successful event planning, marketing, and operational logistics
• Marketing strategies and tools to increase event visibility and community engagement
• Walkthrough of the Event Assistance application process, submission tips, and common mistakes to avoid

Who Should Attend?

• Event organizers, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations planning events in Panama City
• Individuals seeking to learn best practices for event budgeting, logistics, and funding

Participants who complete one of the three sessions will gain access to exclusive templates, checklists, and tools to support their event planning journey. Additionally, one-on-one support will be available by appointment for those needing further assistance.

Social Media Best Practices

• Wednesday, January 28 at 10 AM

The Social Media Best Practices session is designed to support Destination Panama City’s tourism partners across all sectors, including retail, dining, attractions, excursions, and event organizations. This interactive, 90-minute class will focus on practical, real-world strategies for using social media to strengthen digital presence, tell compelling brand stories, and more effectively connect with both residents and visitors.

“Strong destinations are built on strong storytelling,” said Jennifer Vigil, President & CEO of Destination Panama City. “This course is designed to help our tourism partners better understand how to use social media in a way that is authentic, strategic, and aligned with today’s platforms and audience expectations.”

What Attendees Will Learn:

• Best practices for promoting events across major social media platforms
• How to create engaging, high-quality content with limited time and resources
• Tips for building reach and engagement organically
• Understanding platform algorithms, posting cadence, and timing
• How to use analytics and insights to refine and improve performance
• Common social media mistakes to avoid and how to correct them

Who Should Attend?

• Event organizers and nonprofit organizations promoting events or initiatives
• Small businesses and community groups seeking to improve their social media presence
• Anyone interested in strengthening digital marketing and audience engagement skills

Participants will leave with actionable tips, content ideas, and practical tools they can immediately apply to their social media efforts. While this course is not required for Event Assistance Program eligibility, it is highly recommended for organizations looking to maximize the reach and impact of their events.

 

How to Register:
Interested individuals are encouraged to reserve their spot. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, please visit https://destinationpanamacity.com/dpc-academy/