Attending the Jamaica Diaspora Conference for the first time? Discover essential tips on networking, planning your schedule, connecting with government agencies, and maximizing your conference experience.
1. Plan Your Schedule Early.
The conference is packed with plenaries, sector-focused sessions, cultural events, and networking mixers. Review the agenda in advance and map out:
- Must-attend sessions aligned with your interests (business, philanthropy, governance, youth engagement, etc.)
- Breaks for rest, meals, and informal networking
- Evening events where the most organic connections happen – plan shuttle travel or alternative travel options for freer movement (travel with someone)
2. Download All Official Conference Apps/Resources for Program and Networking Purposes
- Download the Conference App – https://aitix.app
- Having these ready before arrival saves time and stress.
- Give Yourself Time to Get Familiar With Key Hotel Staff, Conference Coordinators and Floor Plan of Diaspora Marketplace
3. Prepare a Clear Personal Goal for the Conference
Ask yourself: What do I want to walk away with?
Examples:
- New business partnerships
- Opportunities to invest in Jamaica
- Ways to contribute to community development
- Government or policy engagement
- Youth or cultural initiatives
Your goal becomes is your compass.
4. Bring Business Cards or Digital Contact Tools
Networking is the heart of the Diaspora Conference. Have at immediate disposal:
- Physical business cards
- A QR code with your LinkedIn
- A short intro about who you are and what you’re looking for
You’ll meet people from several countries— be proactive in building new relationships, make it easy to stay connected and try not to stay just with the people you know.
5. Attend the Sector-Focused Breakout Sessions
These smaller rooms are where:
- Real partnerships form
- Government agencies share actionable programs
- Diaspora groups collaborate on specific initiatives
Pick at least two that align with your expertise or interests.
6. Engage With Jamaican Government Agencies
Representatives from ministries, JAMPRO, JN, PICA, Tourism, Health, Education, and more are on-site.
This is your chance to:
- Ask questions
- Explore investment or volunteer pathways
- Solve long-standing issues (citizenship, land, business registration, etc.)
7. Experience the Culture—Not Just the Conference
Try to experience one off-site cultural experience:
- Local cuisine (try pepper shrimp, escovitch fish, festival)
- Craft markets
- Historic sites like Sam Sharpe Square
- Beachfront relaxation
8. Participate Actively—Ask Questions, Share Ideas
The conference thrives on dialogue.
Stand up in sessions, join Q&A, and contribute your expertise.
Your perspective matters—this is a global Diaspora, and every voice shapes the agenda.
9. Follow Up Soon With Contacts Made in Government, Private Sector and Peers
- Email new contacts
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Join Diaspora groups or task forces
- Commit to one action item
About Author
Marlon A. Hill is a Miami business lawyer with the law firm of Weiss Serota, a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association and served as the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern United States, 2006-2011.
