Thu | Mar 28, 2024

INDIGGO Conference to be staged in 2021 - Virtual staging postponed until January 23

Published:Monday | November 23, 2020 | 12:10 AM
Jamila Pinto, co-founder and director of the INDIGGO Conference.
Jamila Pinto, co-founder and director of the INDIGGO Conference.

Organisers of the premier creative networking event, the INDIGGO Conference, have announced its postponement to next year.

The event was to be held virtually, under the theme ‘From Hustle to Enterprise’; however, the organisers said they have taken the concerns and challenges of their cohorts into consideration.

As a result, they have made the decision to postpone the event in light of the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic and how it has impacted a lot of creatives, said director and co-founder of the INDIGGO Conference, Jamila Pinto.

She explained, “Like many professionals within the industry, we have been watching world events unfold. I’d like to say that we are ready, but Christmas may be a difficult period for some persons to navigate, with all their expenses and responsibilities, and we want to make sure no one is left out.”

The conference would have had its third instalment via the Accelevents virtual event platform this Saturday, November 28.

“This year has been very unpredictable,” Pinto said. “And so, we feel like the fresh start of a new year will give us renewed purpose, motivation and, overall, a new outlook on how we want to pursue any goals we may have.” The new date is January 23, 2021.

The INDIGGO Conference, which is marketed to provide aspiring and established creatives with learning opportunities, was prepared to deliver a dynamic and in-depth programme with special presentations from some of the industry’s finest.

While the organisers are aware that the postponement may disappoint some supporters, Pinto expressed that it would not be right to organise an event that does not meet the high expectations that have been set since its inception.

The conference launched its ‘From Hustle to Enterprise’ interview series on YouTube which featured the likes of Television Jamaica’s Intense co-host and artist Ashley Miller; videographer and entrepreneur Rogen ‘Ruption’ Walker, and event promoter and businessman P.J. Wright. Though the series has ended, there are plans to have features on social media.

Physical space

As for next year, a twofold event – both virtual and physical – is unlikely. “I don’t think there can be a component to the conference that has persons interacting in a physical space, not even in January [with] all COVID-19 protocols observed. That also comes with additional expenses that would not fit into our budget,” said Pinto.

The conference will continue to promote its all-virtual experience, which will still feature workshops, discussion, and its signature virtual arthouse in 2021.

“Right now, we are focused on giving our attendees, sponsors and other partners a great virtual experience, and we are so grateful for the support of everyone as we look towards doing so with the new date.”

Refunds are being offered on tickets purchased, but for those who still plan to participate in next year’s staging of the INDIGGO Conference, the tickets remain valid.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com