connectXperience:

Uniting Human Creativity & AI in Marketing!

November 2-3, 2023, Grand Cayman Marriott Resort

The marketing world gathered in full force November 2-3 for interactive workshops and a full day conference that explored the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). ConnectXperience left no stone unturned in exploring its implications on the industry. Over two insightful days, esteemed speakers dove deep into the realms of AI, discussing the need for its integration into the workplace, upskilling employees, and embracing AI’s collaborative potential. Following the conference was an awards ceremony to highlight the top players in the marketing industry.

Speakers at the event included Deputy Premier Hon. André Ebanks, Minister of Financial Services & Commerce, as well as Investment, Innovation, and Social Development; along with industry luminaries such as Danielle Watler, Out of the Blu; Hollie Whitelocke, Cayman Islands Government; Jeff Abracen, Vice President of Creative Strategy at BAM Strategy in Montreal Canada; Searlina D’Amico, Director of Marketing, BG Wealth Group; and a student panel sponsored by the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI).

The event also featured a panel discussion on the evolution of innovation as well as engaging talks by Greg Kihlström, The Agile Brand Podcast and the Innovation Economy Podcast; Aditi Joshi, Google AI Program Lead; Amy McGrath, AirVu Media; and Ron Johnson, Blueprint Creative.

The UCCI student panel added a fresh perspective, sharing students experiences with AI tools in education. They explored how AI has transformed their learning methods and discussed how educators are adapting to this technological evolution.

Throughout the conference, the prevailing theme emphasized the importance of collaborative work with AI, whether in education or the workplace. Upskilling and educating employees to harness the power of AI were recurrent topics, ensuring that no one becomes obsolete in the rapidly evolving landscape.

AI is one of the upcoming advancements that will transform people’s roles—not remove their jobs, but rather improve and elevate them—because the roles have changed and all the parts have changed, according to Jason Butcher. Aditi Joshi discussed the unintended consequences of AI, she emphasized a collaborative approach in her speech, stating the importance of aligning AI systems with human values, globally recognized norms, transparency, and accountability.

Additionally, this conference celebrated the remarkable 10th anniversary of the Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association, serving as an occasion to commend exceptional contributions and achievements within the industry.

The 2023 CIMPA Awards encompassed ten distinct categories, recognizing excellence in various aspects of the field: Brand of the Year, App or Website of the Year, Video of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Community Impact of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Creative Professional of the Year, Marketer of the Year, Agency of the Year, and, the inaugural Pioneer Award that spotlights outstanding excellence in the marketing community.

Click here to read about the 2023 CIMPA Award winners!