Relive the past SMILE events

The St. Maarten Innovation, Initiatives and Industries Linkup Event (SMILE) event held at University of St. Martin (USM) attracting annually more than 300 forward-thinking, aspiring entrepreneurs, managers and key decision-makers have increased from 90 to 129 organizations in 2022.

SMILE was created in 2018 to create a platform for inspiration, new thinking and doing business after Hurricane Irma. With its two key themes of Innovation and Sustainability, best practices and challenges from both on – and off island are shared. With the central notion of “building back better” after the destructive hurricane season of 2017. Networking is a key feature of the event, kicking off with a mixer on opening day.

In 2022 SMILE launched its Event App that allows domestic and foreign visitors to meet during the event and remain in contact after. Also, a special SXM Art Fair section was introduced which befits the close relationship with the creative economy.

The Third Edition had registered delegates from Anguilla, Aruba, Saba, Bonaire, Curacao, Canada, Czech Republic, Dominica, Estonia, France, Germany, India, the European Netherlands, Mexico, Panama and the United States.