For the fifth consecutive year, leading regional communications and technology provider Liberty Caribbean has pledged its continued support as headline sponsor of the 41st CANTO (Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations) Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition, cementing its long-standing commitment to driving digital progress across the Caribbean.
Scheduled to run from August 9 to 12, 2026, the landmark industry gathering will be hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, bringing together a diverse cross-section of key stakeholders to advance the region’s digital ambitions. Aligned with the 2026 conference theme, “Elevate the Caribbean — From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness”, the four-day event will convene senior government leaders, top regulatory officials, policy makers, cutting-edge technology innovators, and leading telecommunications providers from across the region and beyond. Attendees will collaborate to map out strategies for accelerating widespread digital transformation, boosting the Caribbean’s global market competitiveness, and unlocking inclusive, long-term sustainable economic growth.
As the event’s principal sponsor, Liberty Caribbean will take a leading role in shaping the conference’s core programming. Company executives will lead and participate in high-profile keynote addresses, interactive roundtable debates, intimate fireside chats, and expert-led panels that examine both the transformative opportunities and complex challenges presented by today’s fast-growing AI-powered digital economy.
Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the unique moment of opportunity for the Caribbean region amid rapid global technological change. “The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is redefining how economies compete, businesses grow, and societies connect. For the Caribbean, this presents an unprecedented opportunity to leap forward,” Smidts said. “Liberty Caribbean is committed to investing in the networks, partnerships, and digital capabilities that will enable our region to embrace these opportunities with confidence. CANTO provides the ideal platform for the conversations and collaboration that will help shape the Caribbean’s next chapter of digital growth.”
Throughout the conference, Liberty Caribbean will prioritize forward-looking discussions on four critical pillars of regional development: expanding accessible, high-speed connectivity across underserved communities, advancing meaningful digital inclusion for all population groups, developing progressive, innovation-friendly policy and regulatory frameworks, and strengthening cross-regional collaboration to speed up the pace of technological innovation.
This multi-year sponsorship commitment reflects Liberty Caribbean’s broader mission to work hand-in-hand with governments, regulatory bodies, private enterprises, and industry stakeholders to build a more connected, economically resilient, and globally competitive Caribbean. As headline sponsor, the company will engage directly with regional cabinet ministers, senior regulators, ICT industry leaders, and private sector delegates to co-design the future trajectory of digital development across the Caribbean.
Beyond high-level policy discussions, the 2026 conference will deliver a robust multi-format program that includes keynote presentations from industry trailblazers, expert-facilitated deep-dive discussions, hands-on technology showcases highlighting the latest digital innovations, and structured networking opportunities designed to forge new cross-sector partnerships. All programming is centered on advancing the Caribbean’s collective digital agenda and fostering deeper, more effective regional collaboration to meet shared development goals.