The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce will put artificial intelligence at the forefront of discussion at its annual Economic Forum next year.
The event, taking place at Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa on 23 January, will bring together global thinkers, local leaders, and sector experts for a full day of talks and workshops.
This year’s forum will focus heavily on AI, not as a standalone trend, but as a force now influencing nearly every aspect of Cayman’s economy and daily life, the chamber said on its website.
The goal is to explore AI’s potential with both optimism and responsibility, ensuring the islands are equipped with the skills, systems, and safeguards needed for sustainable progress, it explained.
The event’s agenda will be built around the chamber’s three strategic pillars – building a future-ready workforce, sustaining economic success, and advancing quality of life.
Preparing a future-ready workforce
A series of short, high-impact presentations will look at the skills and mindsets Cayman needs to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.
Speakers will examine future-ready competencies, demographic shifts, and the expanding opportunities within Cayman’s growing technology ecosystem.
A hands-on workshop, ‘Accountability meets AI: Leading with clarity in a data-driven world’, is designed to give leaders practical tools to adopt AI confidently and responsibly.
The message running throughout is Cayman’s long-term competitiveness depends on adaptable, digitally fluent people at every level.
Driving sustainable economic success
Sessions throughout the day will explore how AI can strengthen productivity, diversify Cayman’s economic base and support better decision-making.
Experts will discuss global and regional trade pressures, cybersecurity, and the technological forces already reshaping key sectors.
Premier Andre Ebanks is set to lead a session on ‘Cayman’s Digital Future’, outlining how national strategy can accelerate innovation, while another panel will review the chamber’s Government Accountability Scorecard and its role in promoting strong, effective governance.
Keynote speaker Vikram Mansharamani – a global trend watcher who shows people how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities – will link these themes with a global perspective on navigating uncertainty.
Enhancing quality of life
The forum will also turn a critical eye toward how economic progress translates into community well-being.
Panels will address affordable housing, health system innovation, and the practical implications of the Caymanian Rights Act.
A discussion on regulatory frameworks and building codes will examine how policy decisions shape safety, standards, and quality of life across the islands.
By weaving AI throughout its programme, the 2026 Economic Forum hopes to offer a wide-angle look at Cayman’s future – and a roadmap for collaboration between business and community leaders.
Wil Pineau, CEO of the chamber, said this year’s forum “is really about looking past the headlines and getting honest about what’s coming next for Cayman”.
He told Cayman Independent: “Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping how we work, live, and make decisions, and we need to understand both the opportunities and the risks.
“That’s why I’m especially excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Dr Vikram Mansharamani. He has a real gift for cutting through the noise and helping people think clearly about change.
“If you care about Cayman’s future and want to be part of the conversations that will guide it, this is the event to attend.”
Sponsorship opportunities or ticket reservations are available by emailing emily.sintorn@caymanchamber.ky or calling (345) 743-9126.
