The MobiWorld Caribbean conference promises to help both business leaders and software developers better exploit mobile technology opportunities in the Caribbean and further afield.
Many of us in the ICT/technology space recognise the still untapped potential of mobile and portable devices. While it might be a prudent business decision to cater to the growing needs of that market., it can be a challenge to develop financially viable and sustainable ventures. MobiWorld Caribbean, which will be held on 27—28 September at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (UTT Campus), in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, promises to help businesses harness mobile technology.
Although spanning 2 days, each day of MobiWorld Caribbean has been designed to be independent of each other, while maintaining the overarching objective of equipping attendees to better capitalize on what mobile market can offer. Based on the event schedule, Day 1 focuses on the business of mobile, and could be of particular interest to entrepreneurs, and public and private sector leaders. On the other hand, Day 2 is geared towards software developers and those interested in mobile applications (apps), and will include an intensive coding workshop.
Have an idea for an app?
In addition to a full two-day conference, MobiWorld Caribbean plans to feature an App Idea Contest, which aims to foster commercially viable mobile app development in the Caribbean. The competition intends to support the devlopment of two apps by offering:
US$12,500 in application design & development support- mentorship and advice on bringing the products to market, and
- marketing and application deployment support (Source: MobiWorld Caribbean).
The written idea for the app must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, 15 September 2012. A shortlist consisting of the five best ideas will be invited to deliver a live presentation on Friday, 28 September 2012, during the Developer Day (Day 2) of the conference.
Chike Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Ideas Limited, the same group behind last year’s Caribbean Digital Expo (CDX), shares his own views on MobiWorld Caribbean:
I am interested in attending, now what?
Persons interested in attending MobiWorld Caribbean can register on the event website, and subsequently arrange payment via the options provided. In light of the fact that each day can be enjoyed independently of the other, prospective attendees can decide whether they would like to participate in either the Business Day (27 September), the Developer Day (28 September), or both.
As at publishing of this post, the early bird pricing had ended, but discounted rates are still being offered, based on the size of the group being registered and how early payment is made. Pricing details to participate in the Business Day and/or the Developer Day are available on the event website.
The value proposition
Without a doubt, the Caribbean consumer is becoming even more attuned to and savvy about mobile technology, and is eager for options that advance their business or professional requirements, and also enhance their personal lives. However, most of those options are being sourced from developed countries (international markets), although there is expertise – considerably closer to home – that can provide comparable solutions. According to Caribbean Ideas, MobiWorld Caribbean attendees can expect to benefit from the event in the following ways:
- Extremely knowledgeable speakers: From the head of mobile for CNN Money, to VP of Client Service at Iconmobile, a global mobile agency, to the co-founder of Shopvisible, a company that specializes in Mobile Commerce for traditional businesses, attendees will be exposed to dynamic, knowledge speakers who can impart valuable, practical information.
- Mobile in a Caribbean Context: Global and regional experts will be featured who are able to help you relate the global context to the unique Caribbean reality.
- Practical Mobile Strategies: We’re all about action and we know that you are as well. This conference is designed to deliver practical insights and tactics that you can walk away with. Our goal is to ensure that you not only understand mobile in the context of your business strategies, but also how you can make your way in taking advantage of the capabilities.
Finally, for those who will be in Trinidad and Tobago, ICT Pulse will be participating in MobiWorld Caribbean on 27 September. Please feel free to drop by and say hello.
Image credits: MobiWorld Caribbean; Salvatore Vuono (FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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