SATURDAY saw some of Guyana’s most well-known faces and names come together for the launch of the Caribbean Content Creator and Influencer Summit 2024.

Held at Scotty’s Steak House, the event kicked off in true influencer fashion with guests being asked to make a short video about the event, marking the first step in the collaboration the summit aims to foster.
Jamicia McCalman-Nelson, curator of the event and CEO of Anna Macc Media & Entertainment Network, emphasised that this gathering was a chance for Guyanese influencers and creators to learn, connect, and grow.

The launch saw some of Guyana’s most notable content creators and influencers in attendance, including Matthew Gaul, Norman Gobin, and Miss World Guyana Andrea King.

The summit, scheduled for October 3-5, 2024, is set to welcome more than 300 influencers and content creators from across the Caribbean. This groundbreaking event aims to bridge gaps in the content creator market and support monetisation for Caribbean influencers, featuring speeches, panels, and countless networking opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, McCalman-Nelson underscored the significance of Caribbean stories and the role that influencers and content creators play in sharing them.

“I believe that Caribbean stories, it should be told, it must be told,” she stated.

She further emphasized the impact and scope that influencers have with their platforms, urging attendees “to take advantage of it, to push the narratives and narratives that uplift each other.”

Highlighting the disparity between the Caribbean and other regions, Mc Calman-Nelson shared her observations.

“I saw it in Europe, in North America, but in the Caribbean, it was absent. How can we bridge that gap? How can we ensure that the content creators’ market is really developed and access its fullest potential?”

The summit’s objectives are both ambitious and necessary. Mc Calman-Nelson elaborated, “We aim to create a functional influencer incubator where Caribbean influencers can tap into local, regional, and international opportunities.”

She also emphasized the potential for content creation to drive tourism, stating, “We want to drive tourism using content creation and influencer marketing.”

Looking to the future, McCalman-Nelson shared her vision for the summit’s growth, stating, “The goal is to have it be a moving summit across different Caribbean islands.”

This approach aims to ensure representation and opportunities for creators throughout the region. The economic potential of the content creation industry was a key focus of the launch. Mc Calman-Nelson cited projections, stating, “Reports further indicate that the content and influence of marketing industries are expected to grow approximately 42.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2032.”

However, she noted a significant regional disparity. “Jamaica is currently one of the only Caribbean countries whose content are able to be monetised.”

Addressing this issue, McCalman-Nelson outlined one of the summit’s primary goals, “To reduce the unemployment rate within the Caribbean through the advancement of monetization for Caribbean content creators and influencers through various social media platforms.”

The launch event concluded with a call to action from McCalman-Nelson.

“I implore you to continue to take this opportunity, not just for the persons here in this room, but to take advantage of the opportunities that are available for you to connect. Start connecting with the regional creators, collaborating with them, and create.”

Matthew Gaul, a prominent figure in Guyana’s digital landscape, added his perspective, encouraging attendees to monetize their influence and content, stating, “I want to encourage you guys to try as much as possible to use your brand and influence to earn money at the end of the day. I don’t know about you guys, but I like money.”

He also expressed his personal aspirations for the summit, stating, “I hope to learn much more about being a better brand ambassador.”

As the Caribbean Content Creator and Influencer Summit 2024 takes shape, it promises to be a transformative event for the region’s digital landscape. By focusing on collaboration, monetization, and authentic Caribbean storytelling, the summit aims to unlock new opportunities for creators and influencers across the Caribbean.