Bermuda has been selected to host a major tech conference which could bring more than 1,000 people to the island.

The Global Privacy Assembly has chosen the island to host its 2023 summit.

Today the news was welcomed as a major boost to the country.

Governor Rena Lalgie said: “Hosting the Global Privacy Assembly in 2023 is a welcome symbol of Bermuda's commitment to personal data privacy and its place at the heart of data protection modernisation critical to so many aspects of our lives.

“I congratulate Privacy Commissioner Alexander White in securing this important event in Bermuda so soon after Bermuda joining the GPA in 2020, demonstrating commitment and continued progress to the highest international standards in the balance of data protection and, where appropriate, transparency."

The Premier, David Burt, added: “This is a significant opportunity for Bermuda to showcase to the world how committed we are to privacy and data protection and that we are determined to be a world leader in this realm.

“I would also like to commend Mr White and his team for their efforts in securing Bermuda as the venue for this event.”

Mr White said: “The GPA’s annual meeting will place the eyes of the global tech industry on Bermuda. For these weeks in late October, our island will be a buzzing hub of perhaps a thousand entrepreneurs and decision-makers, so we have a tremendous opportunity to show off our home as a business location of choice.

“I look forward to bringing local industry into the planning process for side events and co-ordinating with the BDA Tech Summit as a two-for-one opportunity for attendees to enjoy Bermuda a little longer.”

The week-long event, to be held in late October 2023, will provide an opportunity for regulators and policymakers to meet in person and set the agenda for global technology and data issues.

Mr White will join the conference's executive committee to plan and co-ordinate the gathering, which looks to place Bermuda squarely at the centre of the tech world.

In addition to the GPA's deliberative sessions, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner will organise general admission sessions and side events hosted by the world's technology and tech policy leaders.

While the Bermuda keynote speakers have yet to be decided, recent summits have included entrepreneurs and chief executives from the largest tech companies in the world, such as Microsoft and Apple.

The GPA includes privacy and data protection watchdogs from more than 130 countries and previous events have attracted between 700 and 1,500 attendees.

In addition to the scheduling of formal events, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner will work with local vendors and partners to organise dining, shopping, cultural, and recreational activities for attendees and their families.

Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Charles H. Jeffers II said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as the host destination for the Global Privacy Assembly 2023.

“Bermuda looks forward to showcasing our gorgeous island and legendary hospitality to the hundreds of members from around the globe. Our sales team is to be commended for providing the Privacy Commissioner with the support to help land the winning bid.”

Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) interim CEO Susan Pateras said: “The purpose of the BDA is to promote and protect, in collaboration with government and the private sector, sustainable and equitable economic growth and prosperity in Bermuda.

“As such, the BDA launched its annual Bermuda Tech Summit in October 2019, with the 2021 event being held from October 13 to 15. The Bermuda Tech Summit has previously engaged attendees from across the globe with the primary objectives being to promote Bermuda as a global tech leader; inform prospective entrants of our history of innovation and current and expanding intellectual capital levels; and highlight new business entrants that have chosen Bermuda to build and grow.

“As the world continues to shift, global technology and data has become a critical part of the conversation, so we see this as a huge win for Bermuda and look forward to welcoming all of the 2023 Global Privacy Assembly delegates to Bermuda and also to BDA’s 2023 Bermuda Tech Summit.”