A groundbreaking new event, CaribCon 2025, is set to celebrate and elevate Caribbean creativity, artfully situated in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. This inaugural conference aims to ignite growth within the region’s dynamic “Orange Economy” by forging crucial connections between local creatives and global opportunities, thereby expanding their collaborative networks and market influence.
The Vision Behind CaribCon
Conceptualized by Omega Simmons, founder of SOS Media, CaribCon is born from a deep-seated passion for Caribbean culture, fueled by her Bahamian roots and Turks and Caicos heritage. Simmons observed that while the Turks and Caicos Islands are globally celebrated for their pristine beaches and luxury tourism, the richness of its creative community often remains in the shadow. CaribCon is strategically designed to illuminate the diverse talents of the Caribbean, showcasing that its creative prowess extends far beyond music and dance to include comedians, innovators, designers, thespians, visual artists, storytellers, and digital creators. “Our region is known for its music and dance, but we are also comedians, innovators, designers, thespians, visual artists, storytellers, and digital creators,” Simmons stated. She emphasized that the conference’s core mission is to provide “access,” to build “bridges to global industries,” and to ensure that Caribbean creatives are not only celebrated but also “supported, empowered, and positioned to monetise their craft on the world stage.” By hosting CaribCon, the Turks and Caicos Islands are poised to be recognized not just as a premier tourism destination, but as a vital hub for cultural and creative innovation.
A Spectrum of Creative Disciplines
The four-day immersive program is designed to attract and unite a broad array of professionals from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Attendees will include influencers, content creators, media professionals, marketers, and brand leaders, all converging to learn, connect, and collaborate. The event’s dynamic agenda features engaging panel discussions, practical hands-on workshops, interactive live brand activations, and vibrant cultural showcases that celebrate the unique spirit of the region. A significant element of the programming will be a “TikTok Turks and Caicos Takeover,” designed to highlight and amplify digital creativity on a global platform. Furthermore, CaribCon is facilitating curated networking opportunities, intended to spark authentic relationships and foster collaborations among creatives, communicators, and brands, aiming to connect participants with their next collaborator, mentor, or creative partner.
Empowering Caribbean Talent for Global Markets
A central tenet of CaribCon is the empowerment of Caribbean creatives to effectively monetize their skills and content on an international scale. The conference will host influential voices from the Caribbean’s entertainment and creative sectors, offering valuable insights and strategies. Featured speakers include Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, a distinguished communications specialist and keynote speaker, who will share her expertise on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Additionally, Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, a pivotal figure in the music industry and mother of soca superstar Machel Montano, will launch her book “King of Soca” and impart her invaluable experiences in nurturing talent and building enduring brands through intimate fireside chats. Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, will also contribute his extensive expertise to discussions centered on shaping the future of the region’s creative sector and talent development. The overall aim is to equip attendees with actionable strategies for increasing their visibility, influence, and impact, thereby enabling them to expand their platforms and discover innovative revenue streams for their creative endeavors.
Cultivating a Thriving Creative Ecosystem
CaribCon transcends the definition of a mere event, embodying a movement dedicated to nurturing the growth of the Caribbean’s creative economy. By connecting cultural ambassadors with both global opportunities and robust collaborative networks, the initiative seeks to establish a supportive and sustainable ecosystem for artists and entrepreneurs throughout the region. The conference venue, The Shore Club Resort, is an award-winning property in Providenciales, chosen for its luxurious ambiance that ideally complements the event’s focus on inspiration and innovation. This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts by organizations such as UNESCO and the Caribbean Development Bank, which are actively working to support and fund creative entrepreneurship, underscoring the critical role of creative industries in sustainable national development. The timing for CaribCon is particularly relevant, coinciding with a global surge in the appreciation for cultural content and digital innovation. Registration for CaribCon officially opened on September 1st, 2025, with further travel information anticipated shortly.
A Catalyst for the Future of Caribbean Entertainment and News
CaribCon 2025 stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to amplify Caribbean creativity on the global stage. By assembling key stakeholders, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and opening direct pathways to international markets, the conference is poised to cement the Caribbean’s status as a formidable force within the global entertainment and creative landscape. The event promises to be an transformative experience for creatives across the region, equipping them with the essential tools, vital connections, and profound inspiration needed to not only succeed but thrive in an increasingly interconnected world of arts and media.