The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is set to host, what it says will be a first of its kind, Manufacture 360° Conference to be held on May 8 at the AC Hotel in Kingston.

At the conference, expected to bring together international experts, government ministers, as well as business leaders and decision-makers, participants can expect to benefit from shared practical insights, strategies, and connections that will enable local manufacturers to maximise their potential.

“This is a must-attend manufacturing event, especially as the industry experiences robust growth. Over the last five years, the manufacturing sector has consistently contributed an estimated $60 billion–$70 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), positioning itself as the largest contributor among all goods-producing industries; though some amount of untapped potential remains.

“The conference presents an invaluable opportunity for manufacturers across various sectors in Jamaica to come together, to discuss common challenges, learn from experts, share best practices, and collectively work towards achieving growth and prosperity within the industry,” said executive director of the JMEA, Kamesha Blake.

With an emphasis on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the conference is to provide a platform for manufacturers to come together to exchange ideas as they gain valuable perspectives on the industry. Attendees are being told to expect a dynamic event featuring keynote presentations, industry discussions, peer-to-peer sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Exploring a wide range of topics pertinent to the sector, attendees will hear presentations from a list of world-class speakers include Dr Daniel Tromans, head of service delivery and responsible officer at EAL Awards, a division of the UK-based Enginuity Group, and Emil Alvarado, director of B2B acceptance Central America and Caribbean at global payments company Visa, who will explore e-commerce trends and opportunities in the region. Other speakers expected to make contributions are Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment, and commerce; Richard Pandohie, managing director and CEO of Seprod Limited; Christopher Levy, group president and CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group Limited; Mark Hart, executive chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica; and Michelle Chong, co-founder and CEO of Honey Bun Ltd, among many others.

Expected to kick-off with a pre-networking event on May 7, the Manufacture 360° Conference aims to provide manufacturers with a platform to establish valuable B2B connections. Concluding activities on May 9 with a plant tour of Caribbean Cement, it will also offer manufacturers the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to some of the island’s most advanced manufacturing processes.

The event is being made possible by a long list of corporate and government sponsors including the HEART/NSTA Trust, who through a joint initiative with the JMEA and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is to launch the much-anticipated National Manufacturing Sector Skills Council.

Aligned with the UK’s Apprenticeship Programme, the Sector Skills Council seeks to actively address skills gaps by developing diverse training programs designed to meet the specific needs of the manufacturing sector, ultimately fostering growth as it enhances Jamaica’s global competitiveness.

“The conference is a must-attend event for manufacturers who want to win in manufacturing, especially our MSMEs. The conference offers a forum to interact with and learn from top players in the industry while gaining practical knowledge to drive operational excellence and competitive advantage, as participants get the opportunity to network and make invaluable connections,” Blake said.