INDIGGO Conference – ‘#TheExposureCall’

Last year, one vital member of Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation team harnessed her strengths in organisation and communication to execute the first-ever INDIGGO Conference. Jamila Pinto is at it again, venturing into the second instalment on Saturday, March 23, at the Courtleigh Auditorium.

Under the theme, ‘The Exposure Call,’ the event remains loyal to its original idea – to bolster the creative industry with structure by inviting aspirants and practitioners to engage not only with each other, but also to facilitate conversations with successful creative-industry professionals and other entrepreneurs.

This is possible by what Pinto calls an investment of J$4,000. This gives access to the conference, lunch, and a professional headshot by StudioCraft. “We used the word ‘investment’ because we want our attendees to see themselves as an asset. As it relates to achieving their visions and goals, they have to have all the right tools and make the right moves. Investment has to do with putting in the money and time and other things to contribute to the growth and development of something. Part of that growth and development is definitely attending and being involved in the INDIGGO space,” Pinto told The Gleaner.

For the past few weeks, ‘#TheExposureCall’ has been used to promote the conference. “We’re calling them out to expose or show their talents and crafts, as well as meet and network with some of the most amazing influencers in the creative and corporate industry,” Pinto said.

Last year’s presenters included Protoje, Kamila McDonald (author and entrepreneur), Michelle Chong (CEO, HoneyBun), Rickman Warren (director, Lucralux Marketing), and Kerry-Ann Clarke (director, The Collection Moda). The event also had presentations from upcoming visual artists, such as Paige, Rebecca Simru, Roux and Jordan Morris. This year’s conference will be hosted by TV and radio personality Talia Soares and feature presentations from dancehall and reggae entertainer Agent Sasco, Xaymaca International band leader Kandi King, creative director and photographer Yannick Reid, and Dr Leachim Semaj.

“There wasn’t really any special way to select the speakers, but the team and I chose them based on their impact in the industry, and just the fact that they make themselves available to persons who are interested in pursuing a similar path as they have,” Pinto explained.The team has devised another way to engage with their audience prior to conference day through the INDIGGO Live Series. Hosted on Instagram, participants are allowed to join in to hear from professionals in the creative industry. “The series is a way to engage our audience in a panel discussion so they can have an idea of what we’re trying to bring to the table at the conference, which is informative, innovative and fun discussions in a smaller space. The final series will air on Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m.

Additionally, there will be a pre-event called the Indiggo Art House on Thursday, March 14, at 23 Dominica Drive. “It’s going to be exclusive for media, sponsors, patrons with early-bird tickets and other tastemakers in the industry,” Pinto revealed, adding that they are looking forward to making this year’s conference bigger and better.