It’s been a while since I posted something here … but I thought this was worth posting.
Attending the Digital Leadership Conference Belize 2024, held on November 13 at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza, was an invaluable opportunity to represent Galen University. This event, hosted by Rhics UK, E-Data, and Chamberlain Consulting Ltd., drew over a hundred attendees from diverse professional backgrounds, spanning technology, education, business, and government. As Belize continues its journey into the digital age, this conference served as a vital stepping stone in uniting various sectors to explore digital transformation, cybersecurity, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Presentations and Insights
Several speakers presented on cutting-edge topics, yet the pace and depth varied significantly:
- Christian Junior delivered a session dense with content and case studies, including a reference to a ransomware incident involving Belize Electricity Limited. While informative, the presentation’s speed and slide-heavy approach may have been challenging for many to follow fully.
In terms of the BEL reference, I’d say that although the case study was relevant, its repeated use felt somewhat sensitive, as Belize Electricity Limited representatives were present. It highlighted the risks of using local incidents as case studies when attendees from affected organizations are present. Nevertheless, he seemed like a very knowledgeable person in the field. - Sonia Ceballos and Agata Ruta stood out for their concise and confident presentations. Their years of experience were evident in their ability to distill complex ideas into actionable insights, making their sessions particularly engaging. Their well-paced approach demonstrated the value of balancing technical details with clarity, catering to both tech and non-tech professionals in the audience.
- Dionne Chamberlain presented on digital transformation strategies. Although her insights were solid, the limited session time seemed to impact the delivery, resulting in a broad rather than deep exploration of strategies. It underscored a theme throughout the conference: the importance of allocating enough time for deep dives into essential topics.
- Juan Carlos Namis offered an intriguing glimpse into Belize’s technology history. Despite his successes as a business leader, I felt the session could have benefited from more depth and a stronger tech-focused perspective. While historical context is crucial, I felt that we could have focused on the now and how to shape future tech innovations in Belize.
Diverse Perspectives and Networking
One of the unique strengths of this conference was the diversity in attendee backgrounds. With an even mix of tech-savvy professionals and others less versed in digital innovations, the event allowed for dynamic exchanges and cross-sector learning. This diversity also emphasized the universal relevance of digital leadership across all industries. While the after-cocktail session provided a chance for informal interactions, I felt that structured networking activities, like roundtable discussions or facilitated meet-and-greet sessions, would have further enhanced connections among attendees, allowing us to delve deeper into potential partnerships and shared challenges.
A Note on Session Structure
One notable aspect of the conference was the “lunch and learn” sessions, which aimed to make productive use of the midday break. However, these sessions felt hurried, I attended Christian Junior’s segment. Many lenghty slides were skipped as it was during the main presentation, skimming only through the surface. It was okay for the non tech savvy individual I’d say. But for someone in the field I’d have preferred an interactive discussion for exceeding the presentation.
Takeaways and Future Directions
The Digital Leadership Conference Belize 2024 was ambitious, insightful, and a promising initiative for Belize. For a first-time conference, it succeeded in sparking essential discussions around Belize’s digital future. However, there is room for refinement. In future editions, a few adjustments could maximize attendee engagement:
- Enhanced Interactivity: Encouraging more audience participation through interactive polls, live Q&A segments, and structured networking could foster deeper engagement and ensure the content resonates across diverse professional backgrounds.
- Balanced Session Timing: Providing each speaker with ample time to cover their material without feeling rushed would allow for a more thorough exploration of complex topics, particularly in technical sessions. This balance would also reduce the risk of losing the audience’s attention due to information overload. Christian was given too much time yet skimmed over the surface on some areas.
- Focused Case Studies: While local case studies make the content relatable, handling them with sensitivity is crucial, especially when representatives from those organizations are present.
The conference concluded with a feedback questionnaire that was sent out to attendees today, a sign that the organizers are open to growth and eager to make future events even more impactful. I look forward to seeing how this event evolves in the coming years and am hopeful that with minor tweaks, it will continue to serve as a platform for inspiring digital leadership and innovation in Belize.
I also must add if the organizers plan to involve individuals at all levels it needs to be affordable. $600 per person participation price is pretty hefty!
