PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic is set to reinforce its position as a regional center for innovation and technology when Punta Cana hosts the 41st Annual CANTO Conference and Exhibition, the Caribbean’s leading event dedicated to telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICT).
Scheduled for August 9–12, 2026, the conference will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and is expected to attract government officials, telecommunications regulators, technology executives, investors, industry leaders, and digital transformation experts from across the Caribbean and beyond.
This year’s conference will be held under the theme, “Elevating the Caribbean: From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” reflecting the region’s growing focus on digital innovation, technological resilience, and sustainable economic development. Organizers say the event will provide a platform for collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders seeking to accelerate the Caribbean’s digital transformation.
Over four days, participants will attend keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking events covering a broad range of topics, including digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, next-generation connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, innovation, and strategies to enhance regional competitiveness in the global digital economy.
The conference is supported by several of the telecommunications industry’s leading companies. Liberty Caribbean will serve as the event’s principal sponsor, joined by One Communications and ClearSky Technologies, organizations recognized for their contributions to expanding digital connectivity and technology solutions throughout the Caribbean.
One of the conference’s most anticipated sessions will bring together 13 Caribbean government ministers responsible for telecommunications, digital transformation, and innovation. The ministerial forum will focus on public policy initiatives aimed at advancing artificial intelligence, expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and fostering greater regional cooperation in the digital economy.
Industry observers view CANTO 2026 as one of the Caribbean’s most influential technology forums, providing a unique opportunity for policymakers and private-sector leaders to shape the future of digital development across the region.
By hosting the conference, Punta Cana continues to diversify its international profile beyond leisure tourism, strengthening its reputation as a premier destination for global business events, conferences, and investment forums. The event also underscores the Dominican Republic’s growing leadership in promoting innovation, digital connectivity, and technological advancement throughout the Caribbean.
