PHILIPSBURG–A mixer, a networking event and a number of workshops will be amongst the main features of the St. Maarten Innovation, Initiatives and Industries Linkup Event (SMILE), an initiative of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) in conjunction with ORCO Bank, Global Resourcing, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) and 360° of Innovation.
SMILE will start with a mixer during the evening of November 2, followed by a full-day networking event at University of St. Martin (USM) on Pond Island on November 3.
Topics to be addressed will include the internationally acclaimed “Future of Work” contribution by Aruban agency 360° of Innovation, including a chapter on what the block chain economy can and will mean for the Caribbean; the Heineken Regatta Foundation will present its brand-new vision as the renowned event’s 40th anniversary approaches in 2020; and the long-anticipated launch of Waste2Work, a collaboration between the Netherlands Red Cross and Open-House Foundation.
The St. Maarten Innovation Hub will provide space for up to 15 St. Maarten start-ups, establishing a collaborative industrial campus focused on reuse to reduce waste streams and other sustainable solutions.
The World Bank will provide workshops providing clarity on ongoing tenders and how St. Maarten companies can participate.
Tickets for the event cost US $75 per person.
“As the organisers see it key that all St. Maarten companies are informed well regarding the World Bank tenders, one additional World Bank workshop [will be – Ed.] available for companies not having the funds available to join SMILE, right after the event ends at 5:00pm.”
SMILE workshops will focus on doing business differently after Hurricane Irma – both more innovative and sustainable. St. Maarten managers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and entrepreneurs will be offered workshops on how to further improve their operations in the post-Irma economy.
Workshops will be provided on social media strategy, customer experience, St. Maarten tendering law, tax compliance, digital business in St. Maarten, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, making a business operation more sustainable (eco-labels), international and Caribbean business networking, hydroponic agriculture, and applying for Qredits funding for small and medium enterprises.
Updates will also be provided on the ORCO Housing Project for professionals; the Harbour Group of Companies; the Maho Group and the new sustainability initiative GreenBox.
The SMILE event is open to private sector professionals, government officials and USM students. Coordinators urge everyone to reserve their space now, as attendance is expected to be high.
Interested companies can contact the SMILE project office at email
info@shta.com or call tel. 542-0108. More information and the full programme can be found at
shta.com/SMILE or visit their Facebook page
facebook.com/smilesintmaarten.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/81757-shta-releases-its-smile-programme
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