PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – CANTO will host its 41st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition from August 9–12, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Under the theme, “Elevate the Caribbean: From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” CANTO 2026 will bring together policymakers, government ministers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology innovators, investors and industry executives from across the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond.
The four-day conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, networking opportunities and a trade exhibition showcasing new products and solutions across the information and communications technology sector.
Regional Leadership and Industry Support
Thirteen government ministers are confirmed to participate, with additional confirmations anticipated. Their portfolios span telecommunications, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy, innovation and public administration.
Participating ministers will represent Anguilla, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Liberty Caribbean will serve as the conference’s Headline Sponsor. Gold Sponsors include One Communications and ClearSky Technologies.
“This level of government and industry participation reinforces CANTO’s role as a leading regional platform for collaboration on the policies, investments and technologies shaping the Caribbean’s digital future,” said Teresa Wankin, Secretary General of CANTO.
Speakers and Conference Topics
Confirmed speakers include Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union; Ambassador Abhinav Puri of the Federation of International Consular Chambers of Africa; and Professor Therese Chambers of the University of Technology, Jamaica.
Conference discussions will address:
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
• Cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and trust
• Connectivity and broadband infrastructure
• Financing and monetization of digital infrastructure
• Smart energy systems
• Policy, regulation and public-private partnerships
• Inclusive access, digital skills, and empowerment
The Trade Exhibition Hall will feature companies and organizations from across the global ICT ecosystem, including Liberty Caribbean, PXS, ARIN, One Source Suppliers, Ookla, 6D Technologies, LACNIC, Calix, GSMA, and Summa Networks.
A major highlight of the conference will be the inaugural presentation of the CANTO Ministerial Award for ICT Leadership and Digital Transformation. The award recognizes measurable government leadership in digital policy, inclusive access, national digital transformation, investment, and infrastructure development.
“CANTO 2026 is not just our 41st Annual Conference. It is a declaration of the Caribbean’s ambition to compete on the global digital stage,” Wankin said. “The conversations, connections and decisions made in Punta Cana this August will help shape the region’s digital future for years to come.”
Registration
Registration is open at www.canto.org. Group discounts are available, along with discounted accommodation at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and airfare savings through Copa Airlines.
For group and institutional registration, sponsorship, or exhibition opportunities, contact the CANTO Secretariat at canto@canto.org.
About CANTO
CANTO is the region’s premier ICT trade association, representing telecommunications operators, regulators and technology companies across the Caribbean and Latin America. With members in more than 30 countries, CANTO advances regional dialogue, policy development, capacity building and industry collaboration in support of a connected, competitive and digitally inclusive Caribbean.
Media Contact:
Chrisal Martin
Tel: +1 (868) 788-2467
Email: cmartin@canto.org
Website: www.canto.org
Editor's Note: This release has been edited for length and formatting. The original release is available for download.