FAQ – Haiti Tech Summit

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Haiti Tech Summit 2019

FAQ

Information Packet

For: Speakers, Attendees, & Stakeholders

Please download PDF version here HTS InfoPack 2019 x

Please also view Youtube Information Session here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDcDaOhhutg

Welcome to Haiti Tech Summit

When we first announced the Haiti Tech Summit- we were overwhelmed with the support of 423,000 people from all over the world! Then, the questions started to flow in. Below is a list of typical questions that arise regarding the summit.

In the end, you want to be here. Don’t miss out on this historic event and have bragging rights that will last a lifetime!

About Haiti Tech Summit: Deemed the “Davos of the Caribbean” Haiti Tech Summit brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, pioneers, and creatives under one roof to address humanity’s greatest challenges via technology.

Who Speaks at Haiti Tech Summit: With previous headliners such as Jack Dorsey (Founder of Twitter), Ben Horowitz (Investor Twitter, Facebook), Tim Draper (Investor in Skype, Hotmail etc), the President of Haiti Jovenel Moise, Vicky Jeudy from Netflix Orange is the New Black, and VP+CEOs from Google, Facebook, Airbnb, Uber and more.

Mission Haiti Tech Summit: 13 year initiative to transform Haiti into an international tech hub by 2030.

Why 13 years and why 2030?: Haiti Tech Summit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of achieving #1 No Poverty, #4 Quality Education, #9 Industry Development and Infrastructure, #11 Sustainable Cities, and #17 Partnerships. We aim to have Haiti be an inspiring case study of economic development, innovation and ecosystem building by 2030.

Who Attends Haiti Tech Summit: The Haiti Tech Summit is for local and international industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, digital marketers and creatives interested in transforming the world via entrepreneurship. The Silicon Mountain, with its tropical climate and exotic beaches, is the ideal Caribbean getaway for tech enthusiasts and disruptors.

Why Haiti? Hosting the event in Haiti not only aims to revitalize economic activity in the country but to also provide a new narrative for Haiti and emerging markets. “Haiti has a profound history of empowerment, leadership, and innovation. As one of the most populous countries in the region, it has huge potential to catalyze entrepreneurship in a unique way ” says Christine Souffrant Ntim, the founding organizer of the event.

What is the official language of the event? The official language of communication is English. We will have on-site translators in Creole and French at certain parts of the event.

Is this a government event? No. This is a tech event that has no government affiliations. We do however have featured speakers from the local and regional government ecosystem which includes the Office of the Presidency.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Preparation & Arrival

Haiti Tech Summit Package Ticket Purchase

Flights & Transportation

Hotel Accommodations

Security

Part 2: Program Information and Involvement

Program and Schedule Information

Options for Involvement

Part 3: Departure & Other FAQs

Departure Day

Other FAQ

Part 1: Preparation & Arrival

Haiti Tech Summit Package Purchase

How do I buy tickets?

Step 1: Start at www.HaitiTechSummit.com and click on the “register” button. Book your tickets (preferably with hotel packages) via the eventbrite link showcased on our website. All tickets above standard provide a complete wholistic experience that covers airport pick up and drop off, accomodation and food/drinks at the resort hotel.

Step 2: Once your ticket is confirmed- await an email by June 1st from the logistics team requesting your room preference and flight details. You will be required to fill out the arrival form with your information, passport copy and preferences.

What if I am having difficulty purchasing online?

If you are booking through a VPN, disable the VPN connection and try again. For more help, reach out to info@haititechsummit.com.

What if it’s my first time in Haiti?

All ticket packages above the standard are inclusive of hotel, food and airport pickup. Our team ensures that once you arrive in Port au Prince, that you will be taken care of. All you need is to fly into Port Au Prince, Haiti. We take care of everything else. Please note that we work with the Ministry of Tourism and private contractors to prepare for all incoming flights. Thus our ambassador team will be at the airport for all arrivals.

How do I book a hotel?

All ticket packages above standard includes hotel accommodation. Please note, if you book your hotel directly with Decameron and purchase a standard ticket- you will ONLY gain access to standard access activities from 9am-5pm. Absolutely under no circumstances will you be granted to evening activities at Haiti Tech Summit despite being a guest at the hotel. If there are spots available, you can purchase evening passes on a first come, first served basis.

How do I pay if I don’t have a credit card account?

You can pay by credit, debit card, or direct bank account transfer via info@globalstartupecosystem.com or cash payment locally via our office hub at Dagmar in Port Au Prince.

Flights & Transportation

Book your flights.

Do not do one party search on just kayak or expedia. Use Google Flights to get the most comprehensive search that is affordable. An alternative is www.momondo.com. Since we receive over 40+ countries represented the summit – we suggest that if you are traveling from outside of the USA or the western hemisphere- fly to Top Locations: such as NYC or MIA. Then fly to Port – Au- Prince, Haiti. Use airport “PAP” Flight Code. For 2019, the travel dates are to Fly in June 20th Thursday/ Fly out June 23rd Sunday . If you make flight plans outside of these dates- we are NOT responsible for transportation or accommodation. You can email the team to pay for services to support with this via info@haititechsummit.com

Do I need a visa to enter?

Haiti does not require any visas to enter.

What should I know about arrival at PAP airport?

There is a $10-$20 entrance fee into the country that can be paid once you land. Its a cash payment only so please come with this in hand. If you do not have cash payment for this fee, it will take longer to get to the ATM machine to make payment after. When you arrive you will be asked to pay a $10-$20 entrance fee before being ushered through immigration to get your passport stamped.

After this you will head to bag claim where you will retrieve your luggage. As you exit the baggage claim area you will present your customs declaration form to the officer and head towards the exit. There is no need to have someone take your bags to the Decameron shuttle or your preferred local transportation option for you, so just decline any offers. When you exit, look for Haiti Tech Summit Ambassadors with T Shirts to identify themselves.

How do I get to the resort if I purchased the Standard package?

All ticket packages except the Standard include airport transfer. You will have to make your own arrangements for transportation.

Is it safe to explore outside of the resort?

Yes it is. However we do not recommend it because many internationals do not speak Haitian Creole and will not be able to communicate with locals. Please note that French and English is not the localized form of communication.

We do offer a Port Au Prince (Capital) Tech Ecosystem Tour the day prior to the summit. This is a separate experience with additional charge. Please email the team for more details via info@haititechsummit.com

What is the Security protocol?

As the largest tech summit in the Caribbean- we have the highest level of security for participants flying into Haiti. Each transport vehicle for arrival day and departure is led and followed by security and police enforcement. At the resort- we have 24 hour security at the entrance and throughout the resort monitoring for activity. In summary, we have both private and public law enforcement security as service providers throughout the Haiti Tech Summit Experience.

For celebrity and government arrivals/departures- we have private helicopter transportation. Our helicopter services also are leveraged in times of emergency.

Furthermore, since travel warnings are frequently issued for Haiti, we have an annual partnership with the US Embassy as additional support for any additional concerns that may arise. Each year the US Embassy of Port au Prince sponsor local and international entrepreneurs to attend Haiti Tech Summit and is thus invested in its success.

Please note that though we have extreme levels of security for participants entering and leaving Haiti- that its not due to actual need but for the comfort of our participants who prefer that we have these measures.

Hotel Accommodations

Are all hotel rooms air conditioned?

Absolutely! All guest rooms at Decameron Resort are air conditioned and very comfortable.

Where should I stay if I bought the Standard package?

Upgrade your package with Haiti Tech Summit to include accommodation at the event hotel.

What will the food offerings be like during the summit?

If you have a pass where you are sleeping at the resort, 3 meals will be provided. If you are not sleeping at the resort and have a standard pass, lunch will be provided only.

Belly up to the international buffet or visit two a la carte restaurants serving Haitian and Mediterranean cuisine. There’s also a snack bar available for 24 hours.

What will the drink offerings be like during the summit?

All attendees will have unlimited water, non-alcoholic, as well as alcohol beverages during their time at the resort. Please drink responsibly.

What should I pack?

Copies of passport and ID
3 formal outfits (business attire or business casual) for conference event activities
1 gala outfit (for award night ceremony and VIP dinner)
1 beach party outfit
Light clothing for downtime at the beach
Sunglasses
Dry bag or phone protector: You’ll definitely want this if you’re at the beach or on boats and island hopping. I used plastic baggies, but wish I had brought a dry bag.
Sunglasses: Pack a sportier and affordable pair in case something happens to them.
Bug spray – for night time camping activities
Toiletries: travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hair creme, etc.
Bring a small backpack or cloth bag along to throw your stuff in when you head to the beach or off on an excursion. Drawstring bags are a particularly favorable option.

Part 2: Program Information and Involvement

Program and Scheduling Information

When should I arrive and leave?

Its best to arrive the day of the event (Thursday June 20th) and depart a day after the event concludes (Sunday June 23rd). Please check the website for the official dates.

When does onsite registration begin?

Onsite registration begins Thursday, June 20th at noon.

What is the overall program schedule?

June 20, 2019:

FLY IN TODAY (not the 19th)
Shuttles from airport in PAP
12pm-6pm International and local arrivals + registration
6pm-9pm Welcome Ceremony
9pm- Until After Party

June 21, 2019:

9am-6pm Main Stage Event + Partnership Roundtables + Workshops
6-9pm VIP dinner for VIP, Speakers, Sponsors,Celebrities + Government Officials ONLY
9pm- Until After Party

June 22, 2019:

9am-6pm Main Stage Event + Partnership Roundtables + Workshops
6pm-9pm Splash Networking Event
9pm – Until Beach Party

June 23, 2019:

Shuttles to airport in PAP/ FLy out
Testimonial interviews of attendees, speakers and partners

In which language will the event be conducted?

The official language of communication is English. We will have on-site translators in Creole and French at certain parts of the event.

Where can I find a detailed summit schedule?

You can find our updated agenda here: http://haititechsummit.com/schedule2019/

Where can I find a list of all the speakers?

All speaker information can be found on the HTS website homepage. It will be updated as speaker information as finalized.http://haititechsummit.com/

Where can I find a list of partners and sponsors?

You can find a list of all summit partners and sponsors here: http://haititechsummit.com/partners/

Will there be opportunities for networking?

Yes. Each day we have scheduled 3.5 hours of networking activities, round table meetings and expo workshops.

If I’m not sleeping at Decameron can I stay after the sessions have ended for networking?

No. Standard access tickets are only for activities from 9am-5pm. Only Bronze, Gold, Platinum ticket holders have access to post daytime activities.

What kind of accessibility arrangements are available?

Individuals with a mobility needs will have to email the team in advance for us to make proper arrangements on site such as seating and transportation.

What other activities will occur during, before, or after the summit?

Prior to the summit, we host the largest activation of tech gatherings across the country. If you are interested in arrival early- email the team for cost for accomodation and tours.

June 17-June 19th (Monday-Wednesday) Haiti Tech Week where 5000 influencers take part in workshops, activities and programming to empower local entrepreneurs. You need to arrive Sunday night. Tickets and hotel accommodation in Port au Prince can be purchased via info@haititechsummit.com

June 19th (Wednesday) Haiti Tech Platinum- where 20 guests are taken on a tour to corporate sites, government offices and tech hubs. This is an invite only tour with VIP tickets for purchase. You need to arrive Tuesday night. Tickets and hotel accommodation in Port au Prince can be purchased via info@haititechsummit.com

Options for Involvement

Can I advertise my business at the event?

Yes! We offer exhibitor spaces. Find more details and register here: http://haititechsummit.com/exhibit/

How can my business / organization become an HTS sponsor?

We have sponsorship packages ranging from $5,000 – $100,000, each with varying perks and frills. Submit your interest here: http://haititechsummit.com/sponsor/

How can I apply as a speaker for the event?

Please send all inquiries to info@haititechsummit.com. Or submit your speaker application online at our website. Please note that for 100 spots we receive over 460+ submissions a year.

How can I volunteer at the event?

Volunteer positions will be posted 4 weeks prior to the event and will only open to locals.

How can I sign up as a media partner?

Please send all inquiries to info@haititechsummit.com. Please note that due to the high number of media partnerships for Haiti tech Summit- we do not offer free media passes to bloggers. We have pre and post press conferences where bloggers are also invited alongside mainstream media partners.

Part 3: Departure & Other FAQs

What is the departure procedure?

We have an ambassador team that has all exciting flight plans. Please pack your items and take them to the lobby. We have shuttle departures every hour and in most instances every 30 minutes.

What activities take place on departure day?

We have a series of media interviews with speakers and partners. Now we offer interviews to attendees to capture their stories and experience. There are also areas for final photo shoots.

Will there be food served?

Breakfast is still available in the morning.

Can I receive a list of all conference attendees after the event?

No. We do not offer that data to the open public.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance?

Yes- we do offer this digitally if you submit your details by the deadline.

How do I stay involved?

Who can I reach out to with other questions?

Feel free to direct any other questions to info@haititechsummit.com