Introduction

The Department of the Interior is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its third Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands later this year, November 13-14, 2006, in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The Conference is the next major event in the ongoing initiative of the Department of the Interior to foster private sector-led economic development in the U.S.-affiliated insular areas. Like the Conferences and Business Opportunities Missions that have already taken place (see our Past Events tab), the purpose of this Conference is to help U.S. businesses take advantage of exciting opportunities in the U.S. territories and in nations in "free association" with the U.S. You will quite literally have the islands come to you at this conference; the leaders of all seven jurisdictions will introduce you to their wonderful islands, and business and government leaders from these jurisdictions will discuss the opportunities that exist there in sectors ranging from tourism to information technology. You will also have the benefit of networking events with leaders from both the islands, the state of Hawai'i, and the Federal government, and be able to pre-register for one-on-one meetings with potential partners of your choice.

Conference Details

The first day of the Conference will feature high level dignitaries from throughout the Insular Areas, Hawai'i and Washington, DC, making presentations about the unique opportunities and benefits of doing business in the islands. The late morning and afternoon sessions will include breakout sessions on topics ranging from tourism and how to finance hotel developments to telecommunications and how planned improvements will benefit businesses throughout the region. The luncheon will feature a very special speaker who will be announced by the middle of August.

The morning of the second day will be devoted to more business oriented sessions — including one session describing the business assistance organizations, support groups, and other resources already in place in most of the islands. You'll hear from key leaders about what they are doing and what they can do for you. You will also hear from dynamic business owners who have been successful in the islands and how they did it. The rest of the second day will be set aside for prearranged Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings where you will have a chance to meet other conference participants "one-on-one" who have been matched specifically to you. In addition, there will be a networking luncheon on the second day where you can meet more business and government leaders from throughout the insular areas.

The Conference will be held at the Waikiki Marriott Resort and Spa in Honolulu, HI. Honolulu is served by most major U.S. and many international airlines from hubs around the world.