Jamaica Diaspora Conference to Harness AI for Seamless Connections

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, scheduled for June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create more seamless connections between participants and exhibitors.

The technology was developed by Jamaica-based digital transformation and technology solutions company, Optimity Group.

Addressing the Global Launch of the Conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston on Wednesday (April 15), State Minister, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, emphasised that through the use of this technology, the Ministry is setting a new benchmark for diaspora engagement.

He indicated that the solutions implemented will simplify participation and enhance its impact for all, while also enabling stakeholders and partners to access live data from the conference.

“This conference provides a meaningful display of the technological advancements available here in Jamaica. These technological advancements extend to end-to-end exhibitor management and advanced point-of-sale solutions, ensuring a smooth and secure environment for all participants,” Mr. Terrelonge said.

He added that by embracing these innovations, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and delivering a dynamic conference experience designed to strengthen connections.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Optimity Group, Mario Sparkes, explained that the Conference will be powered by A.I. Tix Connect’s contactless e-ticketing platform, which delivers cashless solutions through advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

“After having been to a number of conferences in Europe [and] Africa, we are very excited to bring a difference in how the delegates connect… in how the diaspora connects with the legacy partners [and] the exhibitors at the conference,” he stated.

The CEO explained that when participants register online, they may choose to share contact information such as phone numbers and social media profiles, including LinkedIn and Instagram.

Upon checking in at the conference, attendees will receive a near-field communication (NFC) wristband, enabling them to seamlessly exchange their uploaded contact details if they wish.

“You are able to load monies on your wristband and make payments at the marketplace. You can refer two persons to meet, based on your interactions with individuals,” Mr. Sparkes shared.

He further explained that participants simply need to tap their mobile device against the wristband to instantly access the other party’s profile and digital business card.

“You can save their contact. You can select follow-up meetings… and that will essentially enhance the engagement or the instant way in which you can actually connect with members at the conference,” Mr. Sparkes detailed.

The CEO noted that the application will feature a booth directory and storefront exploration, allowing members of the diaspora to preview offerings before attending the Conference. Attendees will also be able to schedule meetings directly with exhibitors participating in the event.

Other features of the application include the ability to submit questions to panellists, participate in live session polling, and use the Live Connect option, which allows participants to engage in real-time discussions.

Mr. Sparkes noted that the technology will also enhance the Conference’s B2B offerings through a feature called Tap Suggest.

“The B2B engagement would see the exhibitors having a much more structured approach to how they speak to attendees. The attendees come up, they tap their wristband… it shows them where they visited before, it gives them a nice brief synopsis as to who they are and what their interests may be. It guides their conversation, it allows them to tag their leads, whether it is hot, cold, warm, and then allows them to follow up afterwards,” he further indicated.

The Optimity CEO emphasised that the technology will strengthen engagement among attendees, exhibitors, and vendors within the marketplace.

He urged Jamaicans in the diaspora to embrace the technology, noting that it is designed to build stronger bridges, foster deeper connections, and facilitate successful business deals.

“I know it may be new and scary for some, and most are familiar with the traditional way of making connections. But the tech is there to assist, the tech is there to enhance, and the tech is there to make the experience far more elaborate,” Mr. Sparkes stated.

The Biennial Conference will be held under the theme ‘Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building A More Resilient Jamaica’.

Tickets for the event are now available at an early-bird rate of US$180 for a limited time and can be purchased at http://aitix.app/bjdc.