CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland
2018
Making an Impression • Meet in Ireland • Tracking the Trends • Team Building • Unique Venues •
The Titanic Exhibition Centre
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Contents Conferencing 2018
01
CONTENTS
42
13
22 05 A-Z OF CONFERENCING
We’ve got some top tips for organising your next event.
08 SPREAD THE WORD
Conferencing 2018 puts together a six-month plan to help successfully market your conference.
10 IDENTITY PARADE
e explore how you can expand W corporate identities throughout a conference.
13 A LASTING IMPRESSION
Follow our advice to take your conference to the next level.
16 CAPITALISE ON COMMUNICATION
Conferencing 2018 examines the best in post-conference communication tactics.
17 ON THE MONEY
Developing an accurate budget and securing sufficient funding is one of the key steps in ensuring your next event is a resounding success.
18 CAPITAL CONFERENCING
e caught up with Dublin Convention W Bureau to discover more about business tourism in the capital.
001_Conferencing2018_Contents.indd 1
22 BUILDING A TEAM
38 OPT FOR UNIQUE
26 TAKE A BREAK
42 TECHNOLOGY
28 THE RIGHT SETTING
44 TRACKING THE TRENDS
31 EVENT GOODIES
46 EVENTS AT ASHVILLE
onferencing 2018 explores a C number of interesting and unique team building activities to help your delegates get to know one another.
We’ve got a few tips to help provide a more enjoyable event experience.
hat layout will maximise the use of W your event environment?
We’ve got some goody bag ideas that your attendees might actually enjoy.
32 COVER STORY
The team behind Meet in Ireland is doing stellar work in attracting conferences, meetings and incentive travel to Ireland, generating millions for the national economy. Conor Forrest spoke with Business Tourism Manager Ciara Gallagher to learn more about their work, resources, and vision for the future.
36 IT’S ACADEMIC
Organising an academic conference? We bring you the lowdown on what’s involved.
T he success or failure of any event can tilt on your choice of venue – we pick out some of the most interesting options across the country.
A round-up of the latest tools available to the global events industry.
Conferencing 2018 looks at several trends predicted for the global event management sector this year.
T here’s another busy year in-store for the team behind Ashville Media Group’s Events department.
48 EVENTS
ome interesting events taking place S across Ireland in 2018.
54 DIRECTORY
Y our essential guide to Ireland’s top conferencing venues. From audiovisual services to entertainment options, this comprehensive directory covers it all. Use our detailed listings to compare facilities at a glance and find the location that best serves all of your conference needs.
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02
Editor’s Letter Conferencing 2018
CONFERENCING 2018 EDITOR Conor Forrest
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS Tiernan Cannon DESIGN Jane Matthews Aine Duffy PHOTOGRAPHY istock, Dublin Convention Bureau, Meet in Ireland, Klaxoon, VeDi, Ballinacurra House, Mount Druid, Delphi Resort, Ballyfin, Adventure.ie, Kippure Corporate EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Mary Connaughton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jane Matthews PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Nicole Ennis MANAGING DIRECTOR Gerry Tynan SALES DIRECTOR Paul Clemenson CHAIRMAN Diarmaid Lennon PUBLISHED BY Ashville Media Group Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West Industrial Estate Dublin 12 Tel: +353 (0) 1 432 2200 Fax: +353 (0) 1 676 6043 Web: www.ashville.com
We’ve got an issue bursting at the seams with tips, tricks, best practice and new ideas for meetings, events and conferences of every shape and size. Read on to discover more about making an impression on your delegates, quirky ideas for breaks to keep your attendees fresh of mind, not to mention an A-Z of all things conferencing. We also take a look at how you can engage people between events and keep them thirsty for more, as well as tips on making the most of your venue. In our cover story, we examine the burgeoning business tourism sector and discover why international conferences are choosing Ireland as their preferred meetings and events destination. Ciara Gallagher from Meet in Ireland discusses the role her organisation plays in attracting these events, and the various financial and other supports they can offer to help secure conference and event bids. We’ve also got some advice on how to arrange an academic conference, several interesting ideas for team building activities, the latest technology for the meetings and events industry, and a look at some of Ireland’s unique event venues. Finally, our comprehensive Venue Directory provides detailed listings covering contact information, rating, location and all relevant facilities for all of the top event locations around Ireland, making it easier for you to find the best solution to meet all of your accommodation, leisure, conference and event needs. I hope you enjoy Conferencing 2018 and find something useful within these pages to help make your conference a success.
Conor Forrest Editor
Cover credit: Titanic Belfast
No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinions and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Conferencing 2018. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is correct at the time of going to press, Ashville Media Group accept no responsibility whatsoever for any inaccuracies that may occur. © 2018
Welcome to Conferencing 2018, your definitive guide to all matters relating to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland.
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A-Z of Event Management Conferencing 2018
05
Check out our list of tips and tricks to make your next event that little bit more memorable.
of Conferencing 004_Conferencing2018_A-Z.indd 5
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06
A-Z of Event Management Conferencing 2018
per cent for those inevitable last-minute purchases – what can go wrong will go wrong!
FOOD In our opinion, this goes without saying – sample the cuisine available at your chosen venue. It would be a disaster if you don’t discover until the day of your conference arrives that the food on offer isn’t really up to scratch. At least if you check beforehand, and the standard isn’t satisfactory, you can always hire in your own caterers. A well-fed attendee is a happy attendee!
GIFTS We all like freebies – even if it’s just a branded pen or
ACCESSIBILITY
CONNECTIONS
Google search will throw
USB memory drive. If your
When choosing a venue for
Many conference attendees
up a number of diaries for
budget allows for it, keep an
a conference, it is important
take time out of their
2018; avoid dates with other
eye out for something useful
to make sure that it is fully
schedules to both learn
major conferences, music
for your delegates, particularly
accessible to all, including
something new or catch up
or sporting events, as you
something you know they’ll
those with physical disabilities.
on advancements within their
may lose potential delegates
want to bring home and use
Making an event accessible
particular field, and to take
or face transportation/
in future.
becomes an easier task if you
advantage of the opportunity
accommodation disruption.
begin planning with this in
to network. Your agenda
mind, and continue to do so
should reflect this – add
DÉCOR
throughout the process, rather
a number of networking
Whatever impact it is you’re
which fade into the
than leaving accessibility
opportunities from small
trying to create at your
background once completed
measures until last.
breakout meetings to after
conference, it will be the
– make sure your conference
dinner drinks and other
venue that leaves a lasting
isn’t one of these. Consider
social events. If you want to
impression – good or bad.
team building activities
Whether you’re hosting a
go down the technological
There are loads of great
outside of the norm, light
small or large conference, a
route, Blendology offers
venues spread right across
entertainment or even
dinner banquet is a great way
digital badges featuring tap
Ireland from which you can
branded goodie bags handed
to end things on a high note
to connect technology –
choose, but make sure you set
out at the end of the event.
(a full stomach often generates
delegates simply tap their
aside enough time to make
Anything that makes your
happier memories). This will
badges against others,
sure you have picked the right
conference stand out (for the
create ample opportunity for
with their details swapped
one that represents you as an
right reasons) is a great step.
attendees to get to know each
instantaneously.
organiser, not to mention the
BANQUET
other – networking is one
needs of your clients too!
INNOVATION There are lots of events
JOURNEYS
of the most attractive parts
DATE
of a conference for many
Obviously you want all of
EMERGENCY FUNDS
people. A final event provides
the attention on your own
When you’re putting your
particularly for those travelling
the ultimate setting in which
event – nobody wants to
budget together, it’s always a
from abroad in an unknown
people can do business.
share the spotlight! A simple
good idea to allow around ten
area. Whether it’s buses, taxis
004_Conferencing2018_A-Z.indd 6
Transportation is a key concern for many delegates,
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A-Z of Event Management Conferencing 2018
07
or flights, make sure you’ve
likely that most people won’t
speaker and other details.
that all of your requirements
got everything organised on
know everyone in attendance.
Facebook and Twitter pages
have been fulfilled.
their behalf – there’s nothing
Providing name tags is a
should be the minimum in
worse than people hanging
great way around this and
2018 (recent news concerning
WELCOME
around your venue, unsure of
allows delegates to introduce
Facebook aside), but you
Welcomes always leave lasting
where to go.
themselves and to identify
can also take advantage
impressions, so be sure that
staff members if they have
of LinkedIn, Snapchat,
all of your delegates are taken
any issues.
Instagram and other outlets.
care of from the moment they
can set the tone for your
ONLINE REGISTRATION
TECHNOLOGY
event and, if they’re well
If guests can register online,
Most event venues will have
organise a space where coats,
known, could increase
this will make a great
all necessary equipment and
bags and luggage can be left in
your attendance figures. In
difference to your event.
technology on hand, from
safe hands. Don’t forget to bring
Ireland, Personally Speaking
Firstly it will give you, as the
high-speed WiFi to various
extra copies of all materials,
Ltd speakers’ bureau is a
organiser, a much clearer idea
AV requirements. Be sure to
including the agenda, dining
good place to start your
of how many attendees to
doublecheck this with your
and accommodation options.
search, with recognisable
expect, as well as any specific
venue as soon as possible – if
names including Bob Geldof,
needs they might have.
something you need is missing
X MARKS THE SPOT
Matt Cooper and David
Secondly, online registration
from their list, you don’t want
If you’re in a large venue,
McWilliams.
will reduce the amount of
to discover this a day or two
things can get confusing quite
queueing time, something
before your event begins.
quickly, especially if there are
KEYNOTE SPEAKER The right keynote speaker
LATECOMERS Sometimes all the planning in
everybody appreciates!
USEFUL INFORMATION
arrive. Have a reliable member of staff on the help desk, and
a large number of stalls and information stands. Position
the world still won’t prevent
PHOTOGRAPHY
Distribute a fact sheet to all
venue maps at key locations,
the odd minor bump in the
Having a professional
delegates on the first day
and ensure recognisable
road, particularly when
photographer at your event
of your conference with all
staff members are on hand
you’re working on a very
is a must-have these days,
essential information. There
to answer any navigational
tightly timed schedule. When
for several reasons. Firstly,
should also be an information
queries.
it comes to timing, make sure
it allows you to provide
desk, in case there are any
the conference is running
high-resolution images for
major queries or confusion
ZZZZ
slightly behind the official
members of the media,
among delegates.
Organising an event can be
schedule in case of any
as well as a great-looking
unexpected delays.
gallery for your website or
VERIFY
promotional brochures.
Ensure that you have
your delegates. Ensure that you
Secondly, allowing attendees
double checked all of your
have allocated plenty of time
There’s no point in holding an
to view and download photos
arrangements. It’s a great
to relax between events and
event if you can’t get the word
of themselves and colleagues
idea to make lists – and check
talks, and allow yourself a few
out! Create an event website
or friends will foster more of
them twice – to make sure
moments to catch your breath!
and make use of social media
a connection to the event.
pages, compile blog posts using
Don’t forget to give your
the latest in SEO advice, and
photographer a list of images
make sure your audience is as
you’d like captured on the
wide as possible. Don’t forget
day, such as keynote speakers
to keep in touch with the
on stage, people taking part
media, particularly national
in panel discussions, or those
newspapers, which can be
manning trade stands.
MARKETING
quite useful in promoting your event, both before and after.
NAME TAGS
make it a tiresome occasion for
SOCIAL MEDIA An important method of spreading the word about
Particularly when your
your event and updating
conference is quite big, it’s
delegates on programme,
004_Conferencing2018_A-Z.indd 7
quite the ordeal, but try not to
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08
Spread the Word Conferencing 2018
SPREAD THE Marketing Tactics List It
WORD We’ve got a handy six-month plan to help successfully market your next conference.
Build up lists for your marketing efforts. Consider websites, industry publications, internet directories, industry-related annual reports, trade associations, literature from competing events, press releases and newspapers.
Stay In Touch Keep track of each delegate’s preferred method of communication. Do they prefer post mailing or emailing? Calls to mobile, home or office? If an email bounces, pick up the phone!
Mail Magic Grab attention by highlighting
I
n order to develop a successful
conference’s marketing strategy, research
conference marketing strategy,
the relevant sector and ensure that your
organisers should begin by looking
conference content is competitive and
at the conference objectives. What do you
cutting-edge. Determine the conference’s
the benefits of attending your
want to achieve? How will you benchmark
unique selling point and build this into the
conference. A simple ‘P.S., don’t
or measure your achievement? Are you
marketing strapline. Terminology such as
forget to register in time to receive
attempting too much? Do you have sufficient
‘the best...’ or ‘leading company in...’ is
a discount on your conference
resources? What is the timeline for achieving
effective in drawing potential delegates so
registration fee,’ is an effective
your objective?
way to get the call to action across. Bespoke mailing geared towards
Common Pitfalls
a specific audience will get your
Marketing fails when
message through effectively.
the target audience isn’t considered
be sure to research these options. When determining the
ORGANISING A GREEN CONFERENCE?
attendance goals, think about demographic
Create a digital version of your conference brochure and send by email. Soft copy marketing materials are much more eco-friendly.
factors. For example, if you’re hosting a
Online Promotion
when developing
Set up a conference website that is
the marketing plan.
easily navigated with a high level
Social, cultural,
of consistency to attract a high
technological,
level of readership. Promote your
physical,
website online through search
economical,
engine optimisation and offline in
political, legal,
marketing strategy. You must ensure that
your promotional materials.
competitive and demographic factors
the resources are available to market to a
all come into play. When creating your
wide pool of potential delegates.
008_Conferencing2018_Spread the word.indd 44
conference for dance instructors, are there enough dance schools in the region or do you need to reach out to other areas?
Issues such as this will impact on the
06/04/2018 09:24
Spread the Word Conferencing 2018
Target Your Audience Once you have established a viable target audience, being splitting this large group into bite-sized pieces, brainstorming marketing avenues to reach each segment. You may initially establish that you are targeting ‘bankers’, which can be broken down into CEOs, directors, managers, etc. Segmenting by sector makes your audience more specific, i.e. investment bankers,
Six-Month Plan Ideally, conference organisers need to allocate six months to market a conference. Here’s how you can spend this time wisely!
Month 1
Month 4
•
Drawing on your target audience
Follow up the postcard mail-out with
futures traders, venture capitalists and so
research, develop a marketing
phone calls to drive attendance. By
on. Marketing efforts can then be tailored
strapline to get attention.
tracking these calls you can update
to fit these smaller audiences. Though it
09
Launch an email campaign covering
contact details in your database to
may seem like a daunting task, the return
the basics (the conference date, time,
improve your delegate records.
on investment is significantly higher when
location and objectives) and use the
Complete design and production on
marketing efforts are communicated in a
event strapline.
the conference brochure, including a
If delegates who have previously
complete schedule for the event.
attended the conference will be
Draft a marketing letter tailored to each
targeted, personalise their email by
segment to send out with the brochure.
personal and relevant way as opposed to a
•
•
generalised mass mailing. Additionally, think about stakeholder interests, competitor campaigns and internal
saying, “We will hope to see you
factors such as experience or resources.
again this year!”
Stakeholders, such as board members, can offer valuable insight into marketing strategies. For instance, if a stakeholder is a well-known figure within a target audience
Months 2 and 3
Send the conference brochure.
•
to continue to drive attendance.
segment, he/she can personalise marketing letters for this group. Check out competitor
•
Pen to Paper
Secure a full schedule of speakers and include their information in the
approach is fresh and original. Internal award, can also be helpful marketing tools.
Begin to develop the conference brochure.
campaigns in order to ascertain that your factors and resources, such as having won an
Month 5
•
Follow up the brochure with phone calls
Month 6
brochure.
Execute further marketing efforts in the
Towards the end of the third month,
immediate lead-up to the conference.
send out promotional postcards
Continue with follow-ups via telephone
repeating the information from the
and email.
promotional campaign but with
Begin developing on-site conferencing
Begin drafting your conference marketing
added detail. Include registration
materials and signage and make sure that
plan by refining your objectives. Refer to
time, conference closing time, venue
branding is consistent.
your initial objective – what did you plan to
information, session topics and
achieve? A typical conference objective might
speakers’ names. Use colours, fonts
be to raise awareness among delegates and
and images that will be reflected
position the company as a market leader.
in the brochure and remember to
Working from this, you can develop more
personalise the messages for your
specific conference objectives (e.g. gain 50
target audience(s) wherever possible.
new members).
NOTE: For best results, communicate in a personal and relevant way as opposed to a generalised mass mailing.
Conference objectives are essential for guiding the development of the marketing plan. Marketing strategies vary by sector, size and specification and, while there isn’t a specific formula for success, a key rule to remember is to keep all communications personal and relevant and use your
Conference objectives are essential for guiding the development of the marketing plan.
marketing plan in order to stay on track.
008_Conferencing2018_Spread the word.indd 45
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10
Identity Parade Conferencing 2018
IDENTITY PARADE Conferencing 2018 explores the various methods of expanding corporate identities throughout a conference.
T
he main focus of many events,
screen or wall, use of décor (flowers, chairs,
especially corporate conferences,
drapes, candles) in the brand colours, plus
is brand promotion. Events can
social networking, teaser advertising and
be very successful at increasing brand identity and raising awareness of associated
viral campaigns. Be creative! Theme branding (or topic branding)
products. However, branding can take
is another way to introduce an extra
on many forms and be used for different
element to your event. Dual branding
reasons. It could be used to highlight the
is a mixture of company branding and
event sponsor(s) or to embellish your venue
theme branding. Themes often adopted
by creating a theme. The objective of your
for corporate events include ‘Power’,
conference will determine your branding
‘Growth’, ‘The Future’ or ‘Strength’.
and you can get creative from there.
Your conference objective will lead you in
What you brand and how much
deciding a theme for your conference. For
branding is used will be determined by two
example, the St Patrick’s Festival is a huge
things: your budget and the size of your
event held annually in Ireland and, while
venue. Needless to say, if your venue is small
the objective of the parade is to promote
your costs will be considerably less.
Ireland and Irish culture, the event co-
Make Your Mark There are two forms of branding: direct
ordinators will also assign a theme to the event and parade each year. Creating a brand strategy that is based
Stand Out
and unconventional. Direct branding
on conference objectives, tied in with
Every day, consumers are bombarded with
includes signage, delegate name badges
the marketing plan and carried through
advertising and promotional material. You
and lanyards, stationery (notebooks, pens
everything from stationery to decoration
have to ensure that your branding will make
and folders distributed to delegates), flash
or signage on-site, will help you focus your
it through the noise to your target audience
memory keys, merchandise (including
marketing plan. A sound brand strategy
by carefully selecting the appropriate means
takeaway clothing, hats or padfolios) and
is the foundation of corporate identity
to suit your needs. Successful branding is
event staff uniforms. Unconventional
development. This will be the how, what,
clear, consistent, interesting and memorable.
branding, also known as guerilla marketing,
where, when and why of your marketing
Remember that your brand tells your story,
is not as obvious as direct branding and
plan; not forgetting to whom you plan
so make it an interesting one.
can include clever methods of targeting
on communicating and delivering your
marketing material and branding at
brand messages. Where you advertise,
and Cork – effectively developed a
your audience. Some examples of
your distribution channels and what you
recognisable brand and logo within their
unconventional branding include projecting
communicate visually and verbally are all
niche. They use this to promote their events
images associated with the brand onto a
part of your brand strategy also.
through advertising and photoshoots;
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The Taste Festivals – Taste of Dublin
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Identity Parade Conferencing 2018
11
Before engaging in any branding and sponsorship activities, make sure that you know your brand – inside and out. to offer your sponsor a suitable package in reciprocation. The great advantage to the sponsor is that you, the organiser, can offer substantial and useful information on a specified target market. For example, Bord Gáis Energy, as an official sponsor of the GAA Hurling Championship, is able to reach its target audience by using hurling games and advertising of upcoming matches to promote its products. If the event lends itself to the inclusion of more than one sponsor, sponsorship can
Every day, consumers are bombarded with advertising and promotional material. You have to ensure that your branding will make it through the noise
be broken down into levels. Platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsorship packages can be offered to various companies, depending on the agreement and spend. An event such as the St Patrick’s Festival would have many sponsors and the conference branding would be organised in accordance with the levels of sponsorship. Venue sponsorship is another method of piggyback branding. The importance of venue selection cannot be denied and the growing trend of venue sponsorship means that certain locations
signage around front entrances and all
perceives your brand, as each colour invokes
have become inextricably linked with
around their venues; and on brochures,
an emotion and allows the audience to
successful brands. By choosing a sponsored
press packs, lanyards, event tickets, event
associate that feeling with your products
venue for your conference, you benefit from
staff uniforms and chefs’ uniforms. They
and objectives. Blue is an overwhelming
that same linkage. This is most useful when
even created their own branded currency
favourite as it is seen as trustworthy,
the sponsoring brand and the event or
for the event, florins, which is used to buy
dependable and committed – hence its use
venue complement one another. National
food and drink throughout the festival.
in so many corporate logos and brands.
stadiums and arenas often associate
Building such a strong and prominent
themselves with major brands, such as the
brand identity is what has made the Taste
Sponsorship
Festivals among the most recognisable food
Probably one of the most common forms
festivals in Ireland.
of branding, and often the most effective,
conference, there are significant benefits in
is linking your brand or event with another
developing a branding strategy. Defining
brand colours are cleverly selected and
corporate identity. Piggybacking can
what your conference objectives are will
used throughout materials relating to the
create greater publicity for your event but
determine your branding needs, while
festivals. The use of colour in branding
it will have to be of equal benefit for the
building a strong brand identity can lead to
is very important to how your audience
relationship to work. You have to be able
sponsorship that will be mutually beneficial.
The Taste brand clearly stands out –
010_Conferencing2018_Identity Parade.indd 45
Aviva Stadium and the 3Arena. Whatever the reason or objective for your
06/04/2018 09:28
12
Venue Profile Conferencing 2018
Camden Court HOTEL Defining excellence for 20 years
C
elebrating its 20th year in
high standard amenities with flat
business, Camden Court
screen smart TVs, in-room safety
Hotel has become an emblem
deposit boxes and luxurious Orla
of hospitality and excellence in
Kiely toiletries. The hotel also offers
Dublin’s City Centre. Located minutes
an opportunity for guests to revive
from Grafton Street and placed on
or unwind in Camden Court Fitness,
the exuberant Camden Street, the
a fully facilitated leisure centre that
hotel is at the centre of it all. With its
includes a gym, 16 metre swimming
optimal location in the heart of the
pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. HDMI and VGA connections, an
city, the hotel is conveniently linked to
With its superb location, modern
all public transport systems, including
décor, amenities and unprecedented
internal PA system and microphones.
Dublin Bus, Airlink Express and the
customer service, Camden Court Hotel
Combined with a knowledgeable and
Luas tram system. Camden Court
is the preferred choice for businesses
dedicated conference team, Camden
Hotel also boasts a secure city centre
looking to arrange a meeting or
Court Hotel is the ideal choice when
car park and is only 30 minutes from
residential conference in Dublin’s City
looking for exceptional service and
Dublin Airport.
Centre. The hotel can cater up to 250
Meeting Excellence.
The modern 4-star hotel offers
delegates and has a choice of break
251 well-appointed en-suite guest
out areas to service refreshments.
bedrooms including two beautifully
Along with 12 excellently appointed
decorated suites. These fresh and
conference rooms, the facilities also
contemporary bedrooms include
include high speed wireless internet,
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CONTACT
information
DENISE CORBOY E: dcorboy@camdencourthotel.ie W: www.camdencourthotel.com
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Making an Impression Conferencing 2018
13
MAKING AN
Impression
Follow these steps to get your conference to a premium standard.
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14
Making an Impression Conferencing 2018
1: Speaking Prowess
5: Travelling
8: Catering
Search for a headline speaker to set the
With international corporate events a regular
While a rousing speech from a famous
best tone for your event. A politician, actor,
feature for many businesses, arranging
speaker may generate excitement about
sportsperson or leading businessperson could
transport is essential and it is imperative to
your event, why not ensure your guests’
not only attract more attendees but also adds
work with a company that has the expertise
stomachs are as well treated as their minds?
publicity and lends a sense of importance
to ensure success. Companies like Tony
Most venues will provide catering facilities
to your event. Personally Speaking Ltd
Doyle Coaches and JJ Kavanagh offer
but, if not, look into hiring catering and bar
speakers’ bureau offers a wide range of
a range of coaches for all group sizes,
staff for your event. From sandwich platters
speakers to suit every event, including well
reflecting the necessary professional image
and banquets to smoothies and canapés, the
known figures like David McWilliams, Tracy
while offering the services of their transport
choices are significant and varied. Feature a
Piggott, Jim McGuinness, Ronan O’Gara
coordinators to help with the running and
sushi station filled with Asian delicacies or a
and Matt Cooper.
planning of the event.
fajita or quesadilla bar for a Mexican fiesta. As a treat, luxury chocolate brands Lily
2: Every Second Counts
6: Interaction
Be realistic about what you can deliver
Be conscious of your audience and why
for guests to indulge, in which can be placed
on the day and plan appropriately. Don’t
they will be coming to this event. Many
in small boxes and left at individual table
underestimate your registration period as
businesspeople will come to network and
place settings.
this will have a knock-on effect all day if it
while this may be over lunch or break-out
runs late. Be conscious that your guests and
sessions, they will appreciate you making this
9: Finish With A Bang!
delegates will want to avoid peak traffic times
time available to them. The layout of your
What better way to wow your guests and
so perhaps start your event with an early
event will be all-important so make sure you
leave a lasting impression than with a
registration and finish mid-afternoon.
provide plenty of appropriate space and
spectacular fireworks display to close the
gathering points where delegates can meet to
event? A childhood fascination is sure to take
discuss the day’s activities and interact. Make
over and your guests will leave enraptured
Businesses such as Inspire Promotional
sound introductions and keep all of your
with this inspired touch.
Products, Mace Promotions and Logo Print
participants involved.
3: The Importance of Branding all provide services to brand conference products from lanyards to pens and
7: After Hours
conference notebook to USBs. Research
Treat delegates and guests after a long day
has shown that a greater number of people
with some light entertainment. Themed
remember the name of an advertiser who
nights can be organised through several
gave them a branded promotional item
companies, with everything from an
over the past 12 months than the name
interactive Formula 1 event to a casino
of a print advertiser they saw over just the
night with professional gambling tables and
past two weeks. USBs in particular are a
black-tie croupiers (think Casino Royale). The
useful method of giving information as the
choice is endless with race nights, murder
relevant content is already on the memory
mystery games, comedians, impressionists,
stick, eliminating the need for note-taking
karaoke, tribute bands, treasure hunts and
– your conference follow up could also be
even funfairs to choose from. Or, if your
distributed this way.
audience is largely from abroad, consider
4: Translation
simply showing them the sights. Get in touch with your local tourist office to find
In a world made smaller by globalisation,
the best of local attractions or simply
more often than not many of your delegates
bring your group to see Ireland’s most
or speakers will be travelling from abroad
famous sights – the Guinness brewery, the
to attend or speak at your event. Booking a
Giant’s Causeway or the Cliffs of Moher
translation service could be a wise move to
are all well worth a look, introducing your
ensure everybody is on the same page on the
delegates to another side of Ireland and
day. A range of translation companies offer
ensuring their trip here is one that they
on-site language services for business.
won’t forget.
013_Conferencing2018_Making an Impression.indd 14
O’Brien and Butlers offer handmade truffles
Be conscious of your audience and why they will be coming to this event. Many businesspeople will come to network and while this may be over lunch or breakout sessions, they will appreciate you making this time available to them.
06/04/2018 09:31
DUBLIN
N7
M5
Naas
Blessington
Kildare
Portlaoise
0
Destination in distance from key points
Bray
76 kilometres/48 miles from Dublin.
N9
16 kilometres/10 miles from Carlow town which is served by an inter city train service.
Wicklow
Baltinglass
1
Castledermot
Kilkenny
95 kilometres/59 miles from Waterford’s south east regional airport.
N8
Carlow
76 kilometres/48 miles from Rosslare, Ireland’s primary ferry port harbour located on the south east coast.
TULLOW N80
Arklow Bunclody
Gorey
Enniscorthy
HOT
New Ross
WATERFORD
Wexford Rosslare
Phone: 05991 80100 • Website: www.mountwolseley.ie
The Mount Wolseley facilitates all your Conferencing needs
An ideal location within an hour from Dublin
• 88 kilometres/55 miles from Dublin’s international airport, within 80 minutes drive by car or coach
A Jewel in the Crown of Conference & Event Venues
• 16 kilometres/10 miles from Carlow town which is served by an inter city train service
· ·
Voted Best Conference & Hotel Venue 15 Professionally Appointed Conference & Banqueting Suites 95 kilometres/59 miles from · Capacities up to 800 Theatre Style Waterford's South East Regional Airport & 500 Banquet Style · Self Contained Exhibition Area · 143 Deluxe Bedrooms & Suites · 16 Lodges on the Resort for overflow capacity Tullow reflects an enduring historical culture with many items of · Tatler Spa of the Year & Extensive Leisure Club · Award Winning ChristytheO’Rathgall Connor antiquity including Stone Fort, Cloch a Phoill and designed 18 Hole Golf Course to be Site Areas for Outdoor Activities · Waiting Green · Discovered 500 Complimentary Car Parking Spaces
• 76 kilometres/48 miles from Rosslare, the primary ferry port harbour along Ireland’s sunny south east coast •
Contact Fionnuala Dillon to organise a site visit the Haroldstown Dolmen. Each a testament to this areas ancient and receive complimentary Afternoon Tea for 2 at sales@mountwolseley.ie past. There are also many beautiful gardens in and around Tullow, including the fabulous and romantic Altamont Gardens, see our Visitors Guide for further information.
The balanc
another pe
Club. As w
and cuisine resources.
HOTEL, SPA & COUNTRY CLUB 244247_1C_Mount Wolseley_JM_Confrence_V2.indd 1 Untitled-4 1
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16
Communication Tactics Conferencing 2018
CONFERENCE
Communication
This will ensure no mistakes will be made when photos are published elsewhere.
Mailing Lists A listserv is a mailing list software application consisting of a set of email addresses for a specified group. Listservs are
For annual and bi-annual conferences, it falls to the organiser to engage delegates in the intervening months. We bring you the best in post-conference communication tactics to maximise the impact of your conference and get your money’s worth.
ideal for online newsletters, announcement lists, discussion groups and conferences. Try www.lsoft.com or, for an Irish provider, check out Send.ie.
TIP: When sending out pre-conference registration mailings and postconference feedback, send via listserv and hard copy mailing to ensure you reach all delegates.
Conference Website
Photography
Set up a conference website to help delegates
Snapshots of your conference can be used in
maximise networking opportunities. In the
future brochures and promotional materials.
lead up to the event, post travel information,
You can also upload them on the conference
hotel details, conference schedules and
website or photo-sharing sites such as Flickr.
pre-conference materials. Following the
Give your photographer a list of all the key
conference, make presentations and
moments to be captured, such as the CEO
Action Plans
conference material available for download,
shaking the keynote speaker’s hand.
To inspire delegates to commit to ‘doing
while you should also consider an online
the work’ once they’ve left the conference
TIP: Make sure your website is password protected if you will be uploading confidential material.
TIP: Remember to let speakers and delegates know that photographs will be taken at the event and ask them to sign a general release at the registration desk.
Feedback Survey
Media Coverage
Surveys can demonstrate how conference
When trying to secure media coverage for
organisers add value, and how the conference
your conference, be sure to do your research
and its material has impacted delegates.
and make sure that other major events aren’t
Develop feedback questions including a
overlapping with yours. There are a number
review of logistics, from pre-conference
of marketing techniques you can employ to
communications to on-site delivery, catering
maximise coverage throughout the event,
and facilities. Ask your delegates to comment
such as organising photocalls, writing press
on each of the speakers. You can do this via
releases with teaser-research titbits and
a hard-copy survey or try an online survey
booking high-profile, celebrity speakers.
forum to allow delegate discussion before and after the conference.
environment, have them complete an action plan stating where they are now and where they would like to be in six weeks, three months and a year. In discussion groups, encourage them to brainstorm steps to achieve their goals and a system for benchmarking progress. Then, email each delegate a copy of his/her action plan at the halfway point to their end goal, along with an encouraging message.
Tip: To take action plans a step further, have delegates find a colleague and set a date to speak on the phone and discuss one another’s progress.
creator such as surveymonkey.com.
TIP: For annual conferences, compile delegate responses into a spreadsheet so that feedback can be easily tracked and presented to stakeholders at the conference debrief.
016_Conferencing2018_Communication Tactics.indd 16
TIP: If you plan on sending photos out to news desks or online news services, have a member of the event management team accompany the photographer, taking down photographed delegates’ names and organisations.
06/04/2018 09:35
Money Matters Conferencing 2018
on the
17
Variable Costs These costs are calculated per person and so can change depending on conference attendance: •
Administration (postage or an online booking tool)
Developing an accurate budget and securing sufficient funding is one of the key steps in ensuring your event is a success.
T
•
Name badges, welcome packs, etc.
•
Catering
•
Entertainment
•
Individual transportation
•
Accommodation
he challenge for any conference
Support
or event organiser, particularly for
Seeking financial support? If you’re
•
Prizes or gifts
those working with limited means,
considering bringing an international
•
Miscellaneous (licences for music or written material, unforeseen costs)
is to plan and execute a successful event
conference to Ireland, Meet in Ireland offers
while keeping within the boundaries of your
a financial support scheme for conferences
budget – no mean feat. In order to do so, it’s
– including documents and presentations
Fixed Costs
vital that you know how much you have to
during the bid process, international
These expenses remain the same
spend on your event, incorporating venue
travel when bidding, a marketing fund to
regardless of the number of attendees:
hire, expected attendance, and other fixed or
boost attendance figures and promote the
•
variable costs (see our information panel).
conference on the global stage, including
Management fees and expenses such as meals, mileage, telephone, etc.
print and web design. Funding is also
•
Personnel
PACKAGES If you can get a range of
available towards inviting decision makers to
•
Administration
services for a fixed price, that will go a long
conduct site inspections in Ireland, for travel
•
Insurance and legal
way in helping your budget. Keep an eye out
and accommodation costs for up to three
•
Cost of site inspection visits
for packages that include accommodation,
individuals. And, for those seeking to hold a
•
Promotion/advertising
meals, transport to and from the venue or
meeting on these shores, the Meet in Ireland
•
Group accommodation
hotel, and perhaps a leisure activity or some
team is also on hand to assist with welcome
•
Transportation (cars, buses, driver
form of entertainment. Make sure there
receptions, entertainment, presentation
aren’t any hidden or obfuscated costs. From
toolkits, VAT reclaim information, venue
•
Gratuities
the time a guest arrives until they depart,
sourcing and much more.
•
Audio-visual equipment, staging, etc.
•
Contingency fund (to cover
they should be provided with outstanding hospitality, discreetly and effectively.
Remember – if you can control your
meals and gratuity, tolls and parking)
emergencies or unexpected
costs at every turn, and manage to keep a
purchases)
sharp eye on your finances, you can ensure a
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Hosting a
successful event that is within your budget.
conference in a city centre location can also
•
Design and print
•
Website design and hosting
keep costs down for your attendees, through inexpensive public transport, and could prove attractive for attendees who like to explore the local area. SHARING THE BURDEN Determine which expenses will be assumed by the client or sponsor, and by attendees. LESSONS LEARNED Before the event, summarise your projected expenses. When the dust settles, make a tally of your actual spend and you might spot some areas that
Don’t forget to have a contingency plan in place. If something does go wrong, a sponsor pulls out or an advertising deal falls through, or you realise that you need an expensive piece of equipment the day before your event, make sure you’ve got an emergency fund in place to keep things on track.
If you can get a range of services for a fixed price, that will go a long way in helping your budget.
could require extra attention during your next endeavour.
017_Conferencing2018_On the Money.indd 17
06/04/2018 09:38
18
Business Tourism Conferencing 2018
Business tourism in Dublin is booming, with thousands of delegates arriving to attend a variety of events in the coming years. Conferencing 2018 caught up with the Dublin Convention Bureau’s Sam Johnston to discover more about what they’re doing to entice conferences to the capital.
018_Conferencing2018_DCB test.indd 18
11/05/2018 10:49
Business Tourism Conferencing 2018
19
n July, conference delegates from across the continent will attend the European Congress of Sports Science, with about 3,000 delegates expected to descend upon the Convention Centre Dublin. Next year, Velo-city arrives in the capital alongside some 2,000 attendees, a global cycling summit that shares experience and expertise from around the world. The big one is pencilled in for 2021 when the World Potato Congress arrives on these shores, an event dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the potato across the globe and a topic with which the Irish should be very familiar. Each of these events has something in common – their presence in Ireland was and will be aided by the hard work of the team behind Dublin Convention Bureau (DCB). “If Ireland can’t hold a potato congress then there’s something wrong!” Sam Johnston says with a laugh. Johnston manages the DCB team, a capable cohort of professionals who offer free and impartial services to international meeting planners, incentive organisers and associations, ranging from finding the perfect venue to providing expert local advice. The organisation predominantly focuses on association conferences and corporate meetings within the MICE sector. It’s somewhat unusual in that’s it’s a city bureau operating as part of a national tourist board – DCB is one facet of Fáilte Ireland’s wider focus. “We source our own leads, we take leads from other colleagues in Fáilte Ireland and the Meet in Ireland team and we also help the industry to convert their own business and generate leads,” Johnston explains. “The tools that we have [include] free information, advice and support, we host site inspections, host familiarisation trips, [and] we work with the conference ambassador programme that Fáilte Ireland runs. The tools [available] for international meeting planners are the hosting of site inspections, advice, the preparation of bid documents, proposal documents, PowerPoint presentations, we provide imagery or video that might
018_Conferencing2018_DCB test.indd 19
11/05/2018 10:15
20
Business Tourism Conferencing 2018
DCB’S TOOLK I T
Sam Johnston. Photo: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography
• • • • • •
Expert local advice Hosted familiarisation trips Marketing support and materials Hosted site inspections Venue sourcing Advice on destination management companies, professional conference organisers and other suppliers.
Irish professionals attempting to entice a global conference or event to the capital, Johnston advises getting in touch to get the ball rolling – the organisation offers free and impartial advice, can help find the best venue for your needs, and provide assistance
While the 2017 figures are being prepared by the Central Statistics Office, in 2016 business tourism was worth €715 million on a national basis.
monetary positives. Chance meetings can
with the legwork involved. If a potential
lead to exciting opportunities or knowledge
venue lies outside of Dublin, DCB will put
sharing. “I think we’ve all heard some of the
you in touch with their colleagues across the
anecdotes around the Web Summit [about]
country. Their experience is vast, ranging
some of the technology contracts or ideas
from conferences on beekeeping and pig
that were developed and signed there. It’s the
producers to ice-skaters and aviation.
knowledge value that is brought to Dublin as
“It’s one of the great things about the
well. And it may affect us directly or it may
area we work in – the breadth of subject
affect us on a global scale because people are
matters that we’re working with conference
meeting and discussing ideas, sharing ideas
ambassadors on. Thankfully we don’t need
and sharing knowledge.”
to know very much about what they do,” says
It’s not difficult to see why the city is a
Johnston. “We help them with the logistics
popular destination for business tourism,
and finding the right people to make the
considering the various avenues of access
bid and win the bid, and then deliver the
available to international delegates and the
conference for them.”
level of venues, accommodation and other help them or help their clients make a
attractions across the city. People, Johnston
decision. And then as well as that there is
maintains, are one of Dublin’s greatest assets.
financial support from Fáilte Ireland for
Dublin & Business Tourism
“From the business tourism side of things,
events coming in, and that’s based on a
from us trying to convert business, we get a
People: Friendly, English-speaking
per international delegate basis.”
lot of feedback from our clients that they get
population.
Dublin’s Assets
a real sense of how genuine the people are, and especially those in the industry who are
Transport: Dublin Airport is one of
Business tourism is big business for Ireland,
going to be looking after them – that they are
the busiest airports in the world, with
though the majority flows into Dublin.
actually invested in our clients’ events. It’s not
40 airlines flying to 180 destinations.
While the 2017 figures are being prepared
just event #173 on their booking form. They
Dublin is the only EU capital with US
by the Central Statistics Office, in 2016
are invested in it, they want it to work, they
pre-clearance.
business tourism was worth €715 million on
want to make it work. So the people element,
a national basis. Each conference delegate
without a doubt, is one of our big sales tools,
Venues: A variety of large event venues
arriving in the city is worth around €1,600
nevermind the infrastructure that we have on
are available across the city, such as the
to the local economy, twice or perhaps three
the ground.”
Convention Centre Dublin, the RDS.
times as much as the average leisure visitor. “Without a doubt, they have a great
What Next?
value to the capital,” says Johnston,
For planners looking to discover more about
noting that their value goes beyond mere
Dublin as a potential event destination, or
018_Conferencing2018_DCB.indd 20
Unique venues range from distilleries and galleries to cathedrals, museums and sports stadia.
06/04/2018 09:43
Venue Profile Conferencing 2018
21
Corporate & Conferencing at
THOMOND PARK STADIUM Experience modern conference and hospitality facilities at Thomond Park Stadium.
T
in the most unique of sporting and
watering menus and their highly trained
cultural surroundings.
and dedicated team provide a personal
Five state-of-the-art event suites
and professional service from start to
can be adapted and tailored to suit
finish, ensuring that your event will be a
any type of corporate event. The
truly memorable occasion.
spacious Thomond Suite features glass
Thomond Park Stadium caters
homond Park Meetings
facades providing natural daylight
for a wide variety of corporate
& Events Centre offers a
with panoramic views of the stadium
events including:
comprehensive range of
and pitch. This suite also has its own
• Corporate social events
modern conference and hospitality
entrance with space for registration and
• Meetings
facilities. The versatility of our event
reception areas. All suites have in-built
• Gala banquets and dinners
suites makes Thomond Park Meetings
state-of-the-art audio-visual systems
• Exhibitions
& Events Centre the ultimate venue for
for any display and technological
• Staff training
everything from business meetings and
requirements.
• Product launches and promotions
seminars, to largescale conferences and
Our catering partner, Masterchefs
receptions. Our dedicated Corporate
Hospitality, is one of Ireland’s leading
and Conferencing Team will ensure
corporate and event catering companies.
that your event is an unrivalled success
Their experienced chefs offer mouth-
CONTACT
information
Contact our Corporate and Conferencing team on +353 (0) 6 142 1129 or email events@thomondpark.ie.
WHEN COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING
CONFERENCES l SEMINARS l CORPORATE EVENTS
TO BOOK YOUR EVENT Call: 061 421100 Email: events@thomondpark.ie Visit: www.thomondpark.ie
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22
Team Building Conferencing 2018
BUILDING
A TEAM
Team building is a great way of getting people together in ways that they might never experience otherwise. These days people often look to find new and more interesting ways to create a bonding experience – Conferencing 2018 takes a look at some of the options.
BLINDFOLD DRIVING PROVIDER: TODD’S LEAP LOCATION: TYRONE DURATION: 45 MINUTES Anyone who has tried walking a short distance with their eyes closed will know how uncomfortable an experience it is – you can’t see it, but you know there’s a Lego block somewhere out there, just waiting to painfully disfigure your foot. With this in mind, imagine the difficulty in driving a car blind. At Todd’s Leap, each driving team gets a turn behind the wheel of the company’s Land Rover. The driver is blindfolded, while the passengers have to guide the driver through the obstacle course prepared beforehand. Can you trust your friends or colleagues to take you safely around the course, or will you wind up upside down? This offers a fantastic chance for team building as the driver is totally reliant on their team’s trust, communication and
Photo: Rob Durston
precision of commands. Nevertheless, we would still suggest using the Force if possible.
022_Conferencing2018_Teambuilding.indd 22
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Team Building Conferencing 2018
23
READY, STEADY, COOK PROVIDER: BALLYKNOCKEN HOUSE & COOKERY SCHOOL LOCATION: ASHFORD, CO WICKLOW For a team building exercise from which you might learn something useful for everyday life, head down to Wicklow’s Ballyknocken House & Cookery School for some hands-on learning experience. With tailor-made activities on offer from Catherine Fulvio and her team of experienced tutors, your delegates could learn a few tips and tricks in cookery classes, take part in competitive cook-offs, or improve their culinary knife skills. Menus are seasonal and international, ranging from traditional Irish to Spanish tapas. And if you can’t reach them, they’ll come to you, thanks to their mobile cookery demonstration unit. Visitors can also take part in various outdoor challenges such as archery, falconry, sheep herding and clay shooting on the 280-acre farm. “The goal of team building programmes at Ballyknocken is to reward and motivate staff while increasing bonding at all levels by using challenging and interactive activities as tools for teaching valuable communication and problem-solving skills, thereby creating an environment that fosters creativity and healthy risk-taking which can be taken back into the
MACGYVER CHALLENGE
workplace,” they note.
PROVIDER: KIPPURE CORPORATE LOCATION: BLESSINGTON, CO. WICKLOW DURATION: CHOICE BETWEEN A HALF-DAY, A FULL-DAY OR MULTI-DAY EVENT.
Photo: Design Partners
Fans of the 1980s show MacGyver will remember the innumerable times the titular character was forced to use his ingenuity and inventiveness to engineer solutions to seemingly hopeless problems – including the use of candlesticks, microphone cord and a rubber mat to create a defibrillator. It’s in this spirit that Kippure Corporate has developed the MacGyver Challenge, which sees teams working against the clock to complete physical, mental and multitasking activities through co-ordinated teamwork, using their intelligence, speed and
WIND POWER
strength where needed. Taking place across woodland, grassland
PROVIDER: DYNAMICEVENTS.IE LOCATION: NATIONWIDE DURATION: 2 HOURS
and river valleys on Kippure
Looking to break the ice among a group of strangers with a thought-provoking
Estate’s 240 acres of land,
activity? How about allowing them to put their heads together and design a wind-
the challenge promotes trust,
powered lifting device? Developing and encouraging strategic thinking, teamwork
motivation and support among
and ingenuity, teams battle against the clock to construct a winning design that
team members and allows them
can lift a weight 1m off the ground using wind power. Participants are divided
to find hidden strengths and
into groups and are given 50 minutes to develop a ‘wind propelled or induced
boost confidence. Groups of up
apparatus’ using the provided parts. Next, they must complete a number of team
to 400 people can take part in
games to earn the funds to pay for the construction, followed by testing using wind
the exercise, which usually runs
generated by a leaf blower. One prototype is chosen from each team – the winning
outside but can be customised to
team must lift the weight but must also have managed their budget effectively.
involve some activities indoors.
022_Conferencing2018_Teambuilding.indd 23
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24
Team Building Conferencing 2018
JAIL BREAK PROVIDER: WWW.ADVENTURE.IE LOCATION: WICKLOW HISTORIC GAOL AND CORK HISTORIC GAOL DURATION: 2.5 HOURS. Remember how good Prison Break was (for the first season, at least)? You don’t have to cover yourself in architectural tattoos and plan a bank job to get the same experience – Adventure.ie gives you the opportunity to escape from a real gaol. Each team is provided with a challenge book providing information on a three-pronged mission. Teams Jail Break
must first find the location of a series of photos and answer the relevant questions. Next, they have to solve a
DA VINCI CODE CHALLENGE
THE RIGHT NOTES
PROVIDER: TEAMBUILD.IE LOCATION: INDOORS (NATIONWIDE) DURATION: 2-3 HOURS
PROVIDER: ORANGEWORKS.IE LOCATION: INDOORS DURATION: 30 MINUTES – 2 HOURS
around prison to discover the answer to
Based on the best-selling book by Dan
According to experts, playing music
winners being those who collect the
Brown (and the resultant film starring
has a number of benefits for our
most keys, rewarded by a well-earned
Tom Hanks and a magnificent hair-
health, including increased memory
bottle of champagne.
do), TeamBuild.ie’s Da Vinci Code
capacity, boosted team skills,
Challenge is a test of teamwork,
increased coordination and plenty
critical thinking and communication.
more besides. Enter Crescendo,
FLAT OUT
A more colourful treasure hunt than
a team-building exercise from
most, participants are provided with
Orangeworks.ie, which involves
a map – paper or digital – and must
delegates coming together to
PROVIDER: ORANGEWORKS.IE LOCATION: INDOORS/OUTDOORS DURATION: 1.5-3 HOURS
solve clues and puzzles at historical
provide an orchestral performance.
Innovation is a huge part of Formula
and religious sites as they race to solve
Experienced tutors will provide an
1 – the slightest improvements to these
the ultimate mystery (which may or
introductory lesson to the violin or
incredible machines can result in a key
may not involve the final location
viola, and will then guide delegates
competitive edge. But you don’t have to
of the Holy Grail). Fans will also be
through a composition. Crescendo
be a qualified engineer to take part in
delighted to discover the use of the
could be used as a useful interlude
Flat Out Formula One by
cryptex throughout the challenges.
during your conference, reducing
Orangeworks.ie, which sees participants
It’s not an easy task and those who
stress, sparking creativity and
build and race a life-size Formula One
complete the challenge can rightly
enhancing a positive outlook among
car. Detailed instructions are provided
feel a sense of achievement, while
attendees – just the combination you
in order to transform flat-pack materials
it’s a great way for visitors to explore
want for your event. You might also
into a racing machine, much in the
Ireland’s cities and major towns. Move
want to invest in a box of earplugs
same way you would put together an
over Robert Langdon.
for this one!
IKEA bookcase, albeit less complicated.
number of clues that will lead them the riddle. Finally, teams must complete a number of fun challenges, with the
I’M ON A TEAM BUILDING DAY…GET ME OUT OF HERE! PROVIDER: PEAK DISCOVERY CORPORATE LOCATION: DUBLIN AND BELFAST Inspired by the hit reality television show I’m a Celebrity...Get me out of here!, this interesting exercise involves teams competing against one another in challenges to collect as many gold stars as they can. Challenges include the aptly named Sensory Tent – team members are blindfolded and must follow their teammates’ directions to retrieve 10 gold stars from inside five mystery boxes. It’s not just a fun distraction – to win, teams will have to work together effectively to solve problems, build team camaraderie and communicate effectively. Unfortunately, the winner won’t get to meet Ant and Dec.
022_Conferencing2018_Teambuilding.indd 24
06/04/2018 09:45
MEMORABLE MEETINGS Located just 40 minutes from Dublin 7 Meeting Rooms 96 Guest Rooms Conference capacity for 450 guests Natural daylight in all meeting rooms Onsite complimentary car parking Complimentary WiFi
045 989900 â—? info@westgrovehotel.com â—? www.westgrovehotel.com 244151_2L_Westgrove Hotel_JM_Conference guide.indd 1
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my gift to the world Together, we can continue to create a future that is fair for everyone. And make a world without poverty our legacy. For more information contact OXFAM Ireland Tel: (01) 672 7662 Email: friends@oxfamireland.org Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a world-wide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. Charitable co. limited by guarantee. Reg. No. 284292, CHY5988
www.oxfamireland.org/legacy
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Taking a Break Conferencing 2018
taking a break Conference meeting breaks are often the same – delegates leave the main areas to drink coffee, grab a quick snack and chat with other delegates about the previous session. If you’d like to liven your meetings up and provide a more enjoyable experience, we’ve got a few tips for you.
R
egardless of how interesting or informative your
either a violin or viola and teaches them the basics of their
conference is, sometimes you just need a break. Instead
instrument and how to play a specific composition. At the end
of simply sending your delegates out for coffee and
of the lesson, both instrument groups will come together to
biscuits, why not go for something more imaginative?
Fitness Get out and about. A recent conference we attended, for example,
(hopefully) make some beautiful music. Or, you could simply hire a singer or musician – a classical pianist could provide your event with a nice touch of sophistication.
was held in the heart of Luxembourg, a short walk from the city
Funny Bones
centre and a number of interesting historical and architectural
What better way for your delegates to relax and unwind than a bit
sights. Taking the time to stroll around the local environment gives
of laughter? Medical research shows that laughter has a host of
your delegates a chance to stretch their legs, and maybe even enjoy
benefits, including increased release of endorphins (which make
a little sightseeing. According to research published in the British
you feel good) and muscle relaxation. Enlist one of Ireland’s many
Medical Journal, exercise can provide a boost to concentration levels,
great stand-up comics to provide a little light-hearted relief.
mood and memory.
Music
Local Food Particularly if your conference has attracted international
Get your delegates involved with an interesting idea – spending
delegates, it might be an interesting opportunity for them
an hour training to play together in a string orchestra! Catalyst
to experience the local cuisine. Take half an hour from the
Ireland’s Crescendo programme provides your delegates with
conference programme and bring in a local chef to showcase the
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Taking a Break Conferencing 2018
27
best of the local fare. According to BBC Good Food, foods that can
for example, found that mindfulness meditation can improve
boost brain power include wholegrains, blueberries, oily
health by reducing stress, while others have found that it has some
fish, tomatoes and sage – so try and find a recipe that
success as a cure for insomnia, though that mightn’t be required
includes as many as possible!
if one of your speakers isn’t a huge hit with the crowd.
Get ready to cook
Brainstorm
Tasting food is great, but what if your attendees enjoy getting flour on their hands? Ideal for longer breaks in your conference schedule,
Divide your attendees into small groups and provide them with a problem they must solve within a certain timeframe, or a business idea to develop into a
consider employing the likes of Neven
working plan within a certain time limit. Tailor
Maguire or Donal Skeehan to
the idea to your event and attendees. Somebody
show your delegates how to cook their own tasty treats.
Meditation Meditation might seem a little too new age-y for some, but there are some scientific indications that it can be good for your health. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon,
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should be appointed to lead each session and encourage and allow every member of the group to share their thoughts and provide input. It’s best to have a wide variety of people in each group – delegates from the same organisation or country might naturally gravitate towards one another. Diversity can be inspirational!
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Conference Layout Conferencing 2018
Making the most of your venue Conference organisers are tasked with creating an environment that will allow delegates to maximise their experience. A practical and comfortable setting with a carefully chosen layout is an important factor to the success of a conference, and there are six key formats to consider.
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Conference Layout Conferencing 2018
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Theatre Style
Boardroom Style
A set-up involving chairs facing the front
A boardroom layout, where delegates are
of the room, theatre style is an ideal layout
seated around a square or round table facing
for conferences consisting mainly of short
one another, is just right for facilitating
plenary sessions with breakout sessions
conversation and creating an intimate
throughout the day. It is particularly
setting. Typically used for smaller meetings,
conducive to large groups as you won’t need
this format can also be used for break-out
to allow space for tables.
sessions to break up the monotony of the
Banquet Style
main plenary room.
Banquet style consists of round tables of
Hollow Square
eight to ten delegates evenly dispersed
This layout is created by arranging six to
throughout the room and is used for group
eight-foot trestle tables in a square. Chairs
events such as dinners, galas and activity-
are placed around the outside of the tables
based plenary sessions. When utilising
with the centre of the square remaining
this layout for an awards ceremony or a
open. The space created between the
meal, be mindful to leave spacious aisles to
delegates allows for a more formal approach
accommodate the traffic. A banquet style set-
to the boardroom style.
up with less than 40 delegates can feel empty, especially if the room is large. A boardroom
Crescent Round
style or hollow square style may be more
In this set-up, delegates’ chairs are arranged
appropriate in this instance.
in a semi-circle for working lunches or
Classroom Style
presentations. If you are hosting a long session in this layout, you may want to
The perfect choice when note-taking is
consider lecture chairs so that delegates are
required, classroom style seats delegates on
not taking notes on their laps. Ideal for 20 to
one side of a table facing the front of the
25 delegates, and for larger groups you can
room. Microphones can be placed on these
create crescent rows.
tables at larger conferences where speakers are expected to engage with the audience. Lecture chairs can be used to provide a classroom layout where space is limited. Blocked sight lines can be an issue for delegates seated at the back of this arrangement. Combat this by using platforms to create stadium-style seating, or by placing TV screens around the room.
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When utilising this layout for an awards ceremony or a meal, be mindful to leave spacious aisles to accommodate the traffic.
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Venue Profile Conferencing 2018
The All-Star EXPERIENCE
Discover one of the world’s most versatile and unique venues at the beating heart of Irish sport and culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
● Multi award-winning events team ● 5 mins from city centre with free parking ● Connectivity for up to 40k devices ● Awarded Best Purpose Built Venue (2017)
A
n iconic Dublin landmark, Croke Park is located in the heart of Dublin city, a 15-minute drive from top transatlantic hub Dublin Airport and five minutes from the city centre. The venue is easily accessible from the M50 and the Port Tunnel and offers 600 free car parking spaces. Croke Park confidently delivers highdensity, high-quality connectivity to events with large delegate numbers or bandwidth-hungry streaming media. You can host even the most techintensive event with the assurance of a high-performance internal backbone to guarantee reliability. This ultra-fast HD WiFi infrastructure can support more than 27,000 people or 40,000 devices simultaneously – a first for Irish venues. Croke Park offers meeting and event planners a total event solution in a
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sustainable venue that includes catering, AV, entertainment, event tech, unique time out activities and four-star hotel accommodation at The Croke Park. With 110 meeting and event spaces, the venue can cater for a board meeting for 10 or a reception for 2,000 and the campus combines more unique attractions, tour and time out options than any other venue, including the Ericsson Skyline, rooftop abseil and stadium tours. Success and recognition has followed – in 2017 Croke Park was ranked the Best Stadium Venue in the United Kingdom and Ireland by UK magazine C&IT along with industry accolades at the Event Industry Awards – Best InHouse Events Team for the second year in a row and Best Purpose Built Venue. The team designed and hosted the first European Event of the Future attracting
over 350 delegates and experts around the evolution of meetings and events and what the future holds. A hugely successful season of private and shared Christmas Party nights was the icing on the cake to finish the year. Croke Park is a recognised trailblazer in sustainability best practice. It was the first stadium to obtain certification to the international Environmental Standard ISO 14001:2015 and the ISO 20121 for Sustainable Event Management Systems and has maintained 0 per cent waste to landfill for the last four consecutive years. No two events are alike at Croke Park and the flexible spaces feature over 5,000 square metres of event space including a range of meeting rooms right up to the All-Star Suites. The Hogan Suite is the flagship event space accommodating up to 2,000 for a reception or 800 for a theatre-style conference. It is brimming with high-tech features including motorised trussing and dramatic LED lighting with natural daylight pouring through its 6m floor to ceiling windows. Its luxury foyer overlooks the hallowed playing ground below and bespoke pieces of Irish art evoke the history of the stadium, making the foyer a dramatic setting for receptions, registration, exhibitions or refreshment breaks. Catering is central to the Croke Park offering and customised menus are designed to complement every occasion and the full range of dietary requirements. They feature emerging superfoods, healthy indulgences and genuine farm to fork practices. Popular menus include their Working Lunch menu and new concepts include Stadium Street Food and Healthy Options which feature nutritional information. Flexible and adaptable spaces, customisable catering, and stand out features such as HD WiFi, four-star on-site accommodation and time out activities – we’ve got everything you need right here.
CONTACT
information
T: 01 819 2300 E: e vents@crokepark.ie W: c rokepark.ie/meetings-events Social media: @CrokeParkEvents
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Event Swag Conferencing 2018
EVENT
GOODIES
31
demographic and consider including retro sweets or locally produced products that won’t expire too soon.
Go digital Sometimes, carrying around a physical bag can be a little awkward. A virtual goody bag eliminates any such issues – you could email each attendee a variety of freebies or gift codes for certain websites, books, apps, etc.
Experience local life Offering an experience rather than an item in your goody bag can make much more of an impression, particularly if you’re in a large city. You could include a voucher for a local attraction like a tourist site, an amusement park or a bus tour. Downtime is important too!
Conferencing 2018 takes a look at some ideas for event goody bags that your attendees might actually want.
O
The green road Although climate change has an apparently growing number of detractors (including certain politicians),
ne of the easiest ways of
magnifier, a nifty little device that
many people are also recognising
providing your attendees
projects a smartphone’s display onto
the need to become environmentally
with lasting mementos of an
a larger screen, making it easier to
conscious. Taking an environmentally
event is a goody bag. Often these can
watch videos. It’s the perfect gift for
friendly approach to your goody bag
be relatively standard – branded items
attendees travelling to your event,
can be good for your image. Ensure
like pens, USBs, t-shirts and so on. But,
particularly over long distances.
the bag itself is recyclable and reusable,
in order to make a lasting impression,
Screen magnifiers are cheap and can
as well as the items inside. You could
you need to get a little more creative.
be used with any smartphone.
also include a miniature grow-yourown plant kit to really encourage your
Smartphone accessories
Nostalgia trips
Most, if not all, of your attendees will
Part of the attraction behind goody
ensure your event springs to mind every
own a smart device. So why not take
bags is a sense of nostalgia – some
time they water it.
that into account? Given that people
of us might remember departing a
will spend quite a bit of time on their
friend’s birthday party clutching a
phone, taking pictures and videos,
small plastic bag filled with sweets or
tweeting or checking emails etc., provide
small toys. So why not try and rekindle
a portable power bank so they don’t
that childhood joy? Adult colouring
have to compromise on their phone
books might sound a little suspect
usage! It could also be something that
but they’ve proven a big hit over the
• Earphones in a branded case
they use on a regular basis rather than
last year or two, offering a chance to
• Umbrellas
simply tossing it in the trash. Just make
relax and de-stress. Sweets can also
• Seasonal items
sure they are pre-charged. You could
be well-received – make sure you
• Unique food items
also consider a smartphone screen
cater the confectionery to your age
• Sturdy coffee mugs/flasks
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environmentally friendly image and
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
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Cover Story Conferencing 2018
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Cover Story Conferencing 2018
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The Gap of Dunloe, Kerry, is a favourite spot for incentive travellers. Photo: Tourism Ireland
The team behind Meet in Ireland is doing stellar work in attracting conferences, meetings and incentive travel to Ireland, generating millions for the national economy. Conor Forrest spoke with Business Tourism Manager Ciara Gallagher to learn more about their work, resources, and vision for the future.
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Cover Story Conferencing 2018
B
usiness tourism is undoubtedly big business for Ireland. In 2016 alone, its value to the country was a not
inconsequential €715 million. As part of a new 10-year roadmap developed by Fáilte Ireland, the aim is to grow this figure to €1.2 billion by 2028, a growth rate of 55 per cent. “[They are] hefty targets,” explains Ciara Gallagher, Business Tourism Manager with Meet in Ireland. “We’ve been having a look at everything, both in terms of our challenge with that and obviously where our opportunities lie in order to achieve those ambitious targets.” Meet in Ireland is one of the driving forces behind this sector – Ireland’s official business tourism brand combines the resources of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland in a bid to promote the entire island as
L-R from top: A corporate event at Cork City Gaol, one of the country’s more unusual venues. Photo: Simon Crowe. Adare Manor’s ballroom. Guinness Storehouse. Photo: iStock
a world-class business tourism destination. Simply put, their job is to grow the number of international conferences, corporate meetings
convention bureaux who can provide greater local knowledge and insights for particular
and incentive travel groups coming to Ireland,
areas, not to mention marketing materials, video content, presentation templates and a variety
focusing mainly on the early stages of trying to
of other materials designed to boost the potential success of a bid proposal. Financial supports
win an event. Quite a large amount of research
are also available to reduce the costs associated with the bidding process – site inspections
is done beforehand, identifying various
(travel and accommodation for up to three key decision-makers), marketing funding, overseas
international events that travel around the
travel and more. And, when the business has been won, Meet in Ireland’s Programme
world, narrowing the list to those that are open
Enhancement Fund provides an opportunity to thank the decision-makers, such as sponsoring
for bidding, checking the next available year,
a welcome reception or entertainment at a gala dinner.
and ensuring that Ireland meets all of the
The bidding process, however, is one that can often take years, particularly for association
relevant criteria. Then it’s a matter of finding
conferences – when we spoke the team had just signed off on financial support for a conference
a local contact (a member of the Irish arm
taking place in 2024, and Gallagher notes that an association conference can take five years from
affiliated with the international organisation)
the beginning of the process to when it actually arrives in the country. There are no guarantees,
and motivating them to bid for the event. That’s
and a proposal can make it through the initial stages, reach the shortlist as a potential host, but
not always an easy process – bid documentation
sometimes it just doesn’t happen. On the other hand, corporate meetings and incentive travel
has to be prepared, presentations must often
groups have a much shorter lead time and a less complicated bid process. But, as with the association
be made (sometimes overseas), and inspections
conferences, once you get the decision-makers into the country the chances of winning their
by decision-makers facilitated.
business are very high.
“Quite often when they’re members of these
“We’ve got a really high success rate – we tend to convert about 80 per cent of those that we
various different associations, it’s not
actually get into the country on a site inspection,” says Gallagher. “I suppose our job is two-fold.
necessarily their day job,” says Gallagher. “So
One – we’re actively out there seeking new business opportunities. And then secondly, we also
to take on the organisation of a very big
provide financial support to try and help our industry with those pieces of business when we get
international conference can, as you could
the opportunity to pitch for them.”
imagine, be hugely daunting.” That’s where the full suite of Meet in
Why Ireland?
Ireland’s resources comes into play. Practical
One aspect that helps attract conferences or other events to these shores is Ireland’s broad appeal
supports include access to a conference
as a destination, something Meet in Ireland promotes at every opportunity. The scenery and tourist
ambassador programme that acts as a guide
potential is undoubtedly a factor, though moreso in relation to incentive travel. The US is one of
throughout the bidding process, working with
the strongest markets in this regard, with visitors tending to stay in the country for five to six nights.
a variety of Meet in Ireland partners
“Quite often we’d be able to sell them a two-centre option,” says Gallagher. “Most of them
including destination management companies
will want to see the capital city – this is the only chance they’re actually getting to come to the
and professional conference organisers. The
country so we do perhaps a Dublin and Kerry or a Dublin and Shannon. That type of mix
team provides connections with the regional
works really well. They are looking for what, in their mindset, is traditionally Irish, down to the
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Cover Story Conferencing 2018
35
trip on the jaunting cars in the Gap of Dunloe.
Challenges ahead
It’s about making it special, it’s not about
The Meet in Ireland team has had a number of considerable wins in recent months –
[doing] something that a normal leisure
take the Confidential Dublin conference, which welcomed 90 people across three days
traveller can do. When we do something like
in March, while NCC 2018 takes place in Dublin in June of this year (320 people over
an incentive trip it has to have a really big
two days). But there are challenges on the road ahead. Political and economic uncertainty
‘wow’ element. One of my colleagues has an
in the international marketplace has led to some concern – Brexit is very much on the
incentive travel group coming to Ireland in
mind. Closer to home, accommodation capacity is proving troublesome. While the
April and they’re doing a full five-star hotel
number of hotel rooms is set to rise in 2018 and beyond, when any conferences or
buy-out – it’s a really high-end event.”
corporate meetings of significant scale arrive they have to be split across a range of
But for conferences and corporate meetings,
hotels, which isn’t always suitable.
the team focuses on much more beyond the
“Luckily enough there are an awful lot more bedrooms coming on-stream over the
green fields, such as highlighting the country’s
next couple of years, which is fantastic. But at the same time it’s not going to solve that
various clusters of industry. For example, we’re
problem of attracting really significantly large events... It’s something we need now,”
home to some of the world’s top tech companies,
says Gallagher. “[There is] the difficulty of having a lack of greenfield sites in the city
something that would be hugely appealing to
centre in order to deliver something like that, and then the planning restrictions in terms
a tech conference searching for local sponsorship
of height levels around the hotels in the city centre is also a challenge.”
and a guaranteed local audience. Gallagher
Sit-down banqueting options can also prove difficult, particularly for larger groups.
notes that focusing on Ireland’s sectoral
Gallagher notes that while the likes of the CCD or the RDS can host large events, there’s
strengths is becoming increasingly important,
a distinct lack of off-site wow venues of scale.
with Meet in Ireland preparing to launch a
“It’s the one thing that has to be a very memorable event. We’re competing with the
research project across hubs in Dublin, Cork,
likes of Vienna and Paris where they have all of their magnificent palaces where they
Kerry, Limerick and Galway in a bid to discover
host these big gala dinner events. Whilst we have lots of fabulous venues across Ireland,
more about their individual competencies.
we lack in having venues that offer large-scale sit-down options,” she says. “We’re working
“It’s about promoting Ireland and the
very closely with industry to make sure that we’re constantly improving our Ireland
various knowledge hubs within the country
offering, making sure that we are competitive and that we’re offering good value. The
that will actually attract conferences,” she says.
other thing then is around regional access in terms of growth potential for the regions
“Most people would think we’re out there
– that is a tricky one. It’s not that there isn’t the access there but when you’re talking to
selling the lush green fields and the wild rugged
international meeting planners it’s the lack of awareness of access. So when the perception
landscape – and obviously we do. But you
is there that it’s a difficult place to get to, perception is reality as far as they’re concerned.
actually need much more than that in order
It’s about overcoming that and constantly being out there meeting the international
to win the conferences.”
meeting planners and letting them know that Ireland is actually a very easy place to get
A relationship with IDA Ireland has
to. Even just the size of the island, the fact that you can get from east to west in two-
developed over the years, most recently in the
and-a-half hours, they just don’t get that. Even the two centre options, the fact that you
form of a Canadian company that is looking
can do a Kerry and Dublin or a Shannon and Dublin over a five or six-day period.
to establish a branch here and is sending 650
They’re blown away by that.”
delegates to Ireland for an annual sales meeting
If Fáilte Ireland’s target of €1.2bn worth of business tourism every year is to be realised
in October – a chance to sample what Ireland
by 2028, there’s a lot of work to do. Alongside constantly researching new opportunities,
is all about. It’s a potentially important source
Meet in Ireland is keen to spread the word about what they can do to help the MICE
of business for Meet in Ireland as, through its
industry. So, for meetings and events planners look for help and advice in bringing an
work in attracting foreign direct investment,
international event, meeting or incentive travel group to these shores, what’s the first step?
the IDA comes into contact with a variety of
“Come to ourselves as the first port of call. And make sure [people] come as early as
businesses ranging from SMEs to multinationals
possible to ensure that they can avail of all the practical and financial supports that we
working in a broad range of sectors. “We’d love
have available to them,” says Gallagher. “Not to be afraid – we are here to hold their
to work closer with the IDA in terms of securing
hand every step of the way and make sure that they will absolutely deliver a wow
those type of events that also meet their strategic
experience. I suppose the strength of the whole Team Ireland approach is really important,
needs, focusing very much on the sectors that
that everybody is here to make sure that their event is 100 per cent successful.”
they’re trying to attract to Ireland,” says Gallagher. “It’s giving these people an opportunity to sample what it’s like to get their
Planner’s Toolkit
toe in the door without any final commitment
Meet in Ireland offers a handy toolkit for meetings and events organisers:
but it also gives them an opportunity to sample
• Brand guidelines • Planner presentations • Access maps • Infographics • Free image gallery
what it’s like to do business in Ireland.”
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Academic Conference Conferencing 2018
IT’S
ACADEMIC
Organising an academic conference can prove to be something of a different experience. Conferencing 2018 offers a few tips on budgeting, venues and organisation.
A
cademic conferences are generally
with a Call For Papers or Call For Abstracts
conferences for researchers who
– an item sent to prospective presenters that
gather to discuss their work, and
requests they submit a paper or abstract.
provide an important arena for the exchange
This call will set out the main theme
of information within a particular field. On
and topics to be discussed, deadlines for
the day, the conference is typically comprised
submission and any other relevant details.
of presentations, around 20-30 minutes each, followed by time for discussion. One or
The Beginning
more keynote speakers are usually involved,
As with any conference, initial planning
with more time allotted for their speeches
and preparation is key to ensuring your
– perhaps an hour to an hour-and-a-half.
academic conference goes off without a
Other items on the timetable include smaller
hitch. Develop a budget based on your
group discussions, panel discussions and
financial means, as this will have an impact
various workshops.
on everything going forward. Ensure that
Such conferences are generally organised
036_Conferencing2018_Academic Conference.indd 36
registration fees will at least help you recoup
by an academic society or group of
your expenditure. Academic events often aim
researchers, with larger conferences often
to make a profit, which can then be used for
handled on their behalf by a professional
future events and activities. Offer different
organiser. They are generally announced
pricing arrangements for current students
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Academic Conference Conferencing 2018
37
or those in unsalaried positions. Funding for
board – the last thing you need is a projector
and good food. Set on a campus spanning
academic ventures can be obtained from
or computer that simply refuses to work.
40 acres, the college can cater for events
a variety of sources, such as the institution
Once the event is over, follow up within
ranging from 20 to 2,000 delegates. The
itself, publishers, academic organisations or
a few days via email, thanking delegates
Trinity Conference Centre contains seven
businesses that are relevant in the field.
for attending and letting them know about
lecture theatres, two exhibition spaces, and
future events or publications arising from
varying sized exhibition rooms. The newer
the conference.
Hamilton Conference Centre offers an airy,
When issuing a call for submissions, ensure the chosen topic is coherent enough to ensure all submissions will be on-topic,
modern venue with five theatres and three
but also broad enough that a wide range
classrooms. Additional spaces include the
of papers will be submitted. You should
Examination Hall, The Museum Building
also consider involving keynote speakers, ideally recognisable individuals who have contributed significantly to their fields. A range of speakers’ organisations exist for this purpose – try Global Speakers Bureau or the London Speaker Bureau. You can also put word out among the Irish academic community. Make sure that you have a broad range of speakers from different backgrounds
Develop a budget based on your financial means, as this will have an impact on everything going forward.
and The Atrium. Trinity’s facilities include a professional banqueting department, campus restaurants, bar and coffee shop, an accommodation office, guided tours of the Old Library, the Long Room and the Book of Kells, as well as a high standard of AV equipment. Moving to the west, NUI Galway provides a great conference solution in Galway city.
and with varying levels of experience – this
Its 260-acre campus is an ideal location for
makes it much more interesting.
hosting events of any size, with picturesque
When working on the programme, ensure
grounds, modern technology and a great
that you know how many slots you will have
Location, Location
available and allow some time for presenters
The best place to hold an academic
Bailey Allen Hall seats in excess of 1,000
who run over the time limit. Once you
conference is in an academic setting – the
delegates, more than 15 tiered theatres can
receive the abstracts and papers, confirm
facilities are already tailored towards
accommodate up to 360 delegates, a range of
acceptance or rejection immediately. Other
academic functions, and Ireland’s third level
boardrooms and classrooms can host between
things to consider include start or end times
institutions offer great venue options.
5 and 100 attendees, while fully equipped
(be mindful of travel needs and times), and
The University of Limerick, for example,
choice of accommodation and food. The
computer suites, free parking and free Wi-Fi
ensure there are enough refreshment breaks
has three great conference or event venues
sweeten the experience. A team from NUI
to give participants and presenters a breather.
coupled with over 60 breakout rooms. The
Galway is also on hand to provide support for
Kemmy Business School includes a theatre
facility bookings, site visits, practical advice on
contact providers in the area and negotiate a
that can host up to 320 people seated, eight
conference arrangements, and assistance with
special rate for your delegates. This reduces
breakout rooms, as well as four meeting
financial and budget matters.
the cost for attendees and avoids potential
rooms, on-site catering, an audiovisual
complexities if providing accommodation
service and an exhibition area in the foyer.
becomes part of the registration process.
The university’s Concert Hall is another
With regard to food, don’t forget to request
useful location that often hosts events and
Costs to consider
any special dietary requirements. Choose
entertainment, an all-purpose venue that
Make sure you have enough money allowed
regular food – that special Indian curry
includes a 1,000-seat tiered theatre, an
in your budget for:
might provide some flair at dinner but could
exhibition space and two large adjoining
lead to some discomfort afterwards.
rooms (not to mention the on-site café). The
• Room hire
university’s main building incorporates five
• Out-of hours staffing requirements
large theatres with a capacity of over 500,
• Lunches
If you’ve planned well in advance, everything
breakout rooms, large exhibition areas and
• Refreshments
should go relatively smoothly on the day.
several restaurants for your hungry delegates.
• Receptions
Keep an eye on time throughout and provide
As a whole, the campus offers a pleasant
• Stationery
a quick reminder when necessary. Ensure
experience with several grassy areas, pleasing
• Invited speakers (travel, accommodation,
you have adequate help for delegates seeking
architecture and world-class sports facilities.
When it comes to accommodation,
On the Day
programme information or the location of
Back in the capital, Dublin’s Trinity
various venues and facilities. You should
College prides itself on a conference service
also make sure there’s an IT professional on
with excellent facilities, great accommodation
036_Conferencing2018_Academic Conference.indd 37
Good luck!
expenses) • Design (posters, conference brochures, notes, materials)
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Unique Venues Conferencing 2018
Venues
Twıst WITH A
STEP INTO THE PAST Built in the 1820s, Ballyfin is a lavish Edwardian mansion located in County Laois. The estate is often described as though it belongs in the pages of a Jane Austen novel and was once home to the prominent Coote family. This rather opulent venue was designed by famed Irish architects Sir Richard and William Morrison. After being used as a school for several years following the departure of the Coote family, the establishment re-opened in 2011 as a five-star luxury location. With only 20 rooms on a 614-acre estate, this retreat is devoted to intimate events. While every furnishing and detail of the rich décor impresses with traditional decadence, Ballyfin is tagged as a modern corporate location fully equipped with all contemporary amenities and capabilities.
Looking for a venue with a difference? Conferencing 2018 picks out some of the more unusual conference and meeting locations around the country.
The success or failure of any event can depend on your choice of venue. If you’ve been tasked with assembling a memorable conference or corporate retreat this year, remember, the stagnant boredom that can often come with monotone boardrooms will only generate an equally stale mood with your audience. Don’t be afraid to get creative – take advantage of the diverse range of unique venues that Ireland has to offer.
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Unique Venues Conferencing 2018
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DELPHI RESORT, LEENANE, CO GALWAY Your next event doesn’t have to be in a sprawling urban centre – rural environments can have a soothing effect, allowing people to get in touch with nature and experience the quieter and more relaxed side of life. Take the Delphi Resort in Co Galway. Alongside accommodation in the four-star hotel, the resort combines a tranquil location with professional facilities for events of up to 70 people. They’ve also got a more intimate setting in the nearby Aasleagh Lodge for up to 30 people, a Victorian cottage with en-suite bedrooms, adjacent self-catering cottages and fantastic views over Killary Fjord and the Delphi valley. And there’s plenty on hand to keep your delegates entertained. Kayaking, surfing, canoeing, paddle boarding, tower climbing, mountain biking and archery are just some of the diverse activities available at the adventure centre or, for a more relaxing experience, try their luxury spa.
THE SOUND OF SUCCESS Ballyfin
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GUINNESS STOREHOUSE One of Dublin’s top attractions, the Guinness Storehouse is ideally located close to both Luas and train stations, as well as a number of bus services, putting its accessibility on par with its historical reverence. If you’re attracting foreign attendees you’ll find it hard to find a better location that will leave them in utter amazement. Take your delegates on a tour through the many levels of this celebrated building and they’ll get a glimpse of a fascinating chapter in Irish history. When you’re finished exploring the mysteries of this legendary stout, the event facilities won’t fail to impress, accommodating from 10-2,000 guests throughout the building for intimate gatherings or large-scale functions. And you can enjoy a tipple of the black stuff in the heart of its home!
Typically host to large concerts or small operas, the National Concert Hall is adept at adjusting to accommodate the needs of any party or corporate event. The former university campus, once considered home by historical figures such as James Joyce during his studies, attracts audiences in their thousands each year. The Main Auditorium has a capacity of 1,200 people, with the Carolan and John Field rooms offering different options depending on your needs. This venue is fully equipped with AV equipment, an onsite technician, parking and natural daylight for all conference rooms.
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Unique Venues Conferencing 2018
LOW TECH, HIGH QUALITY Located close to Lough Ennell in Westmeath, Mount Druid is a pioneer in boutique camping, perfectly designed for any corporate retreat wanting to reconnect with nature – minus the rough stuff. This unusual tech-light location will easily make for a memorable event just off the M6 motorway. The flair of rustic charm this site exudes extends to the picturesque accommodation, which includes a selection of cottages, yurts and shepherd huts. The parkland atmosphere will allow your conference group to distance themselves from outside distractions and focus on the business at hand. Three full-time gardeners work year-round to provide fresh, organic produce for the kitchen, with lamb reared on-farm and other tasty treats sourced locally. The grounds themselves offer an abundance of team building exercises and activities to entertain and delight during free hours away from the technology race.
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PRIVATE PARADISE When you arrive at Ballinacurra House, Kinsale, you’ll discover a simple motto – privacy is paramount. While other venues pose the risk of running into business rivals, at this location the grounds will be exclusive to your own party. Experienced in dealing with the needs of corporate clients, their staff will ensure that every transaction and discussion is handled with competence and discretion. With a speciality in corporate events, this isolated establishment will allow you to deviate from the often stale boardroom environment. Ballinacurra House pride themselves on their ability to accommodate the needs of their clients and offer a bespoke service for each event they host.
TAKE THEM TO CHURCH Indulge in a Gothic dining experience in the oldest working structure in Ireland’s capital, situated at Christ Church Cathedral. Founded in 1030 and rebuilt in 1172, predominantly under the watchful eye of Norman baron the Earl of Pembroke (also known as Strongbow), the surrounding ruins and crypt of Strongbow and his supposed relations will certainly make any event hosted here one to remember.
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Unique Venues Conferencing 2018
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TITANIC BELFAST, TITANIC QUARTER, BELFAST Located in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter where the infamous ocean liner was constructed, Titanic Belfast (featured on our front cover) commemorates the lives of those who worked in Belfast’s shipyards, the ill-fated journey of the Titanic, and the 1,517 souls who lost their lives when it sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in April 1912. It also provides a fantastic backdrop for your next event, with a number of event spaces located across the grounds. The Titanic Suites are located on the top floor of the building, with views over the slipways and Belfast Lough and capacity for between 50 and 1,500 people. The decor was chosen to reflect the interior of the RMS Titanic, including a replica of the famous grand staircase. For larger events, the Titanic Exhibition Centre offers a flexible venue complete with reception space, café, washrooms and office space for event organisers. Having played host to numerous exhibitions over the years, the centre can cater for up to 3,000 guests. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, the SS Nomadic – Titanic’s ‘little sister’ and White Star Line’s last remaining vessel – has been restored to its former glory. With room for up to 200 and kitchen facilities on board, guests can enjoy the unique experience of a ship with a glamorous past, having ferried famous passengers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin and Richard Burton across the globe.
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THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS Located between Fitzwilliam Square and The National Concert Hall, No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place is the pinnacle of elegance in Dublin city. If you want a venue that commands discretion with an air of Victorian sophistication then No. 25 will provide you with the location and quality services required to impress any client or business associate. Perhaps better known as a private dining venue, each of their event spaces features floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light, making this venue ideal for intimate workshops, launches or networking events.
A DAY IN THE PARK Croke Park stadium is widely considered as the heart of sport and culture in Ireland and is located just ten minutes from Dublin Airport and a convenient five minutes from the city centre. In your spare time you can visit the famed GAA museum or tour the Etihad Skyline rooftop before you lay your head at the fourstar luxury hotel located on-site. Eight large suites and more than 90 meeting rooms overlook the historic pitch; the Hogan Suite can cater for up to 2,000 people and features floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline. Other highlights include up to 600 free parking spaces, over 5,000 square metres of event space, free Wi-Fi and on-site catering. Perfect for sports fans!
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Technology Conferencing 2018
within a certain area to add photos to a stream. Push notifications can also be used to prompt people to share their event photos.
TECHNOLOGY
Photo Butler’s platform makes it possible for organisers to add photo sharing capabilities to existing applications on both iOS and Android. The tool helps organisations to learn more about their audience, capture authentic experiences, and manage and monetise photo content.
VENUE DIAGNOSIS Launched late in 2017 in Europe, VeDi is described as the world’s first online diagnostics tool for venues. VeDi’s interface
We take a look at some interesting meetings and events technology you could use in 2018.
MEETINGS ON THE GO
costs,” said Matthieu Beucher,
French company Klaxoon offers a
Klaxoon CEO. “Work is undergoing
digital platform that allows people to
a revolution of a similar scale to that
work “intelligently” as part of a team
triggered by the launch of PCs a
and enjoy more efficient meetings.
few decades ago. Finding solutions
Its suite of tools has recently been
to collaborate more efficiently is
augmented by MeetingBoard, its
becoming a priority. As a major player
response to what it has identified as an
in this revolution, Klaxoon is able to
increasing demand for meeting spaces
team up with businesses who are also
that are affordable and easy to set up
changing the future of work through
with tools to ensure that everybody
their high-tech products or innovative
can participate.
services. Those partnerships make it
MeetingBoard is a large touchscreen
rates and allow organisers of any kind
anywhere from the reception to your
to turn their meetings or events into
break room, and works with any
cutting-edge smart meetings where
browsers or devices. It’s powered
creativity, information sharing and
by the Klaxoon Box and comes
decision-making is boosted.”
of collaborative meeting apps ready
COLLABORATIVE PHOTOS
to roll. Klaxoon has teamed up with
Photo Butler, a real-time photo sharing
major consumer electronics providers
platform, has announced the addition
in developing the MeetingBoard for a
of public photo streams to its service.
powerful and easy-to-use solution.
It’s good news for event planners, with
“We want to allow our customers to
growth, identify news ways you can promote your venue, provides management reporting and insights,
Photo: Danny Stevens
Klaxoon’s MeetingBoard.
attendees able to view and interact with
use our tools without any constraints
their event’s photostream – geofencing
due to location, facilities or hardware
can be employed to only allow people
042_Conferencing2018_Technology.indd 42
makes recommendations for business
possible to offer extremely competitive
smart device that can be set up
complete with the company’s suite
VeDi evaluates your venue and
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Technology Conferencing 2018
answered at any hour of the day,
and benchmarks your venue against competitors around the globe. Produced by the UK-based Sequoia Partnership, it’s a cost-effective version of the larger scale Venue Diagnostic. Input was given by venue and event professionals in terms of strengths, weaknesses and areas of development in a venue. Users can visit myvedi. com and complete a series of questions across five sections, with a personalised report generated featuring recommendations for improvement. “Say hello to your one-stop, venue analysis platform, and goodbye to expensive venue consulting,” the company says. “VeDi is the world’s
43
For those worried about privacy in the digital age, Zenus says that strict security protocols are in place. Images are fully encrypted and anonymised.
whether about meeting schedules, venue directions, and more. Sciensio’s Concierge EventBot is one of these nifty tools, designed for use at noisy events by communicating via messaging services. The chatbot, powered by artificial intelligence, uses a conversational tone to match the event and can be personalised depending on who is asking a question. Attendees can also request human assistance, while push notifications keep them updated on issues such as sessions filling up. Interactions are logged for analysis, with metrics available for messaging
first online venue diagnostic providing
channels, topics, requests for human
a cost-effective solution for venues
assistance and more.
looking to analyse and control their business strategy. A comprehensive
face recognition, while self check-
SMALL VENUES SORTED
tool exploring five critical areas of
in options are also available for
Bizly has been described as Airbnb
your venue operations, VeDi identifies
attendees. The software works with
for event venues, allowing event
innovative ways to make the venue
any device that features a camera.
planners to search for and book small
work harder for you.”
Devices can also be connected to
event spaces in hotels. Currently
printers to produce badges on-site.
available for those across the US,
Not only does it speed up the check-
Bizly offers a curated network of
Based in Houston, Texas, Zenus
in process, but event staff can greet
venues, ease of booking, insights
employs cloud-based facial recognition
attendees by name as they arrive,
and information about each venue,
software to speed up the check-
providing a more personal touch.
and a simple registration process
WHAT’S IN A FACE?
in process. Currently, dedicated lines or devices are in place for
For those worried about privacy in
attendees, centralise logistics and
security protocols are in place. Images
coordinate the necessary details. The
are fully encrypted and anonymised,
tool is free to use, with paid upgrades
and are deleted as soon as the face
offering further features.
geometries are extracted. “We are a leading provider of face
“The hospitality industry is at a critical point as it wrestles with the
recognition software. Our cloud-
impact of Airbnb and the rise in
based service can search a database
home sharing for business travel,”
of faces within a blink of an eye and
said Ron Shah, Bizly founder and
it can be seamlessly integrated into
CEO. “It’s abundantly clear that
any application,” the company states.
the industry’s next big growth
“Our goal is to eradicate tickets and
opportunity is corporate groups and
make waiting in line a distant memory
small meetings. Bizly delivers small
of the past. We firmly believe that
meetings revenue by seamlessly
convenience and security do not have
connecting hotels and restaurants
to compromise privacy.”
with the employees across an
GET CHATTING
042_Conferencing2018_Technology.indd 43
that allows you to send invites to
the digital age, Zenus says that strict
organisation that drive small meeting demand – a flow of business that
Chatbots are a handy way to ensure
these venues can’t easily generate on
your delegates’ questions are
their own.”
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Trends Conferencing 2018
Tracking the The meetings and events industry is in constant flux, impacted by factors such as changing budgets, consumer demands, and technology. Conferencing 2018 takes a look at some of the trends we’re likely to see this year.
Meet in Europe
meetings and senior leadership and
over the last year or so. The planning
Meeting sizes across Europe are predicted
board meetings predicted to decrease by
process should include a risk assessment,
to remain broadly the same, although we
less than 1 per cent.”
evacuation plans, a bespoke security
could see a decrease in the number of
checklist, access plans for emergency
days per meeting, according to American
Stay mindful
Express Meeting & Events’ 2018 Global
According to a number of industry
knowledge of all emergency exists, as well
Meetings and Events Forecast. A slight
experts, we will see a greater emphasis
as contingencies in the event of an issue.
increase is predicted for training meetings
on wellbeing and wellness. As event
Questions should also be asked of the
and product launches, while the overall
management software provider eventtia
venue and its staff, such as who is
spend for meetings isn’t expected to
notes, “Enhancing the attendee
responsible for certain aspects of security,
‘fluctuate significantly’. And, while large
experience is not limited strictly to
what training staff members have
cities should still be the main location for
activities and meeting content. It also
received, and whether local emergency
meetings going forward, the popularity
includes contributing to attendee
services such as the fire brigade or gardaí
of second-tier cities is on the rise.
wellness, and increasing numbers of
are aware of the venue’s layout.
services, crowd management and a
“When we break out regional numbers
companies and their meeting owners are
“As in all regions, survey respondents
to look at specific survey countries and
looking to appeal to attendee wellbeing
in Europe identify attendee safety and
meeting types, we see much greater
throughout meetings and events.”
security as important considerations in
variation in activity levels. In more than
Examples include organic food choices,
location selection,” the American Express
half of the countries surveyed,
outdoor activities that encourage
report noted. “While questions of political
respondents expect more product
mindfulness, and meditation.
and economic change and emergencies
launches in 2018, as well as increases in
do arise throughout the region, one
training meetings,” the report stated.
Security First
“When looking at Europe as a whole, the
Safety is an increasingly important option
professionals in suggesting that ‘safety is
number of attendees is expected to
when it comes to planning an event and
a top priority for all meetings and events
remain flat in 2018, with sales and
choosing a venue, given the number of
stakeholders, as is accessibility in terms
marketing meetings, internal team
incidents that occurred across Europe
of easy airlift and transportation’.”
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meeting planner joins other meetings
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Trends Conferencing 2018
Face recognition: Photo: Alexander Baxevanis/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
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The Quiet Man pub in Cong, Co Mayo. Cong plays host to the annual CongRegation event. Photo: Tourism Ireland
Digital security should also be
CongRegation in the village of Cong,
Take Ireland’s Digital Media Awards
considered – you don’t want to find your
Co Mayo or health conferences in
last November, which featured a fun
files locked or infected, accompanied by
Dublin’s Liberty Hall. Ireland has a
‘80s theme and were co-hosted by
a ransom request. Consult with a
number of interesting venues ranging
comedy dance duo Lords of Strut –
cybersecurity expert to make sure you’re
from castles to sports stadiums, a great
previous editions have also been held
as prepared as possible.
way to entice your attendees to come
in a large circus tent, undoubtedly a
and discover more. Bonus points if the
memorable choice.
venue complements or enhances the
“By coordinating energising group
Apple’s iPhone X caused a stir in the tech
theme or focus of your event. For some
activities to facilitate connections, or
community and beyond thanks to its Face
ideas on Ireland’s unique meetings and
incorporating the scenic outdoors to create
ID system, a nifty innovation that allows
events venues, check out our feature
a memorable event, planners are using
the user to unlock their phone simply by
on page 38.
distinctive experiences to ensure the
Face recognition
looking at it. And there are opportunities
success of their meetings and create a
for event planners too. Facial recognition
Experience delivered
could replace the traditional event
Many event planners want to produce
feedback form – you can get a much better
an event that delegates will remember
feel for what an attendee is thinking, as
long after it has concluded, something
Incoming intelligence
happiness, sadness, boredom, excitement
that is often achieved through
The development of artificial intelligence
and much more is often clearly displayed
memorable experiences. Examples
is progressing at a rapid pace, and many
on our faces. Facial recognition could also
could include more interactive speakers
of us now have a form of AI in our pockets
prove useful as a security measure, more
who engage with their audience,
or homes – Siri, Amazon’s Alexa or
than security personnel on the ground or
breakout sessions during which
Microsoft Cortana. For the meetings and
regular video surveillance, as well as
attendees have an opportunity to work
events industry, AI is set to become the
improving check-in times.
together on related issues or topics and
‘next big thing’ in the coming years. The
build connections, cooking classes with
possibilities are endless, such as a virtual
Stand apart
lasting impact for their attendees,” writes Ryan Galvin from Plan Your Meetings.
a local chef, or sightseeing tours
assistant who can answer delegate
A growing demand has seen event
organised in the locality. Always try these
queries, a tool to match attendees with
planners increasingly search for unique
activities out beforehand if you can to
much greater accuracy based on, for
venues in order to distinguish their event
ensure they’ll be worthwhile.
example, their LinkedIn accounts, or
from the competition and surprise and
Or you could be imaginative with
engage their delegates – such as
the theme or design of your event.
045_Conferencing2018_Trends_DPS.indd 45
anticipating logistical needs based on certain patterns.
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46
Profile Conferencing 2018
Photo: Paul Sherwood
EVENTS AT Conferencing 2018 sat down with Ashville Media Group’s Events Department to discuss their varied event portfolio, recent successes, and some tips for event management.
Q: What is the core mission of the Ashville Media Group
Q: Can you tell us about the drive and experience of the
Events department?
Events team?
A: Our main focus is the creation of business events and
A: We’re a very driven and passionate events division
awards, and unique customer engagement for our brands – to recognise excellence within business and to showcase products and services in Ireland. We create unique events which we own – we’re not like a regular event management company, which we believe is our biggest selling point. Our events allow brands to connect with their target audience across business and consumer sectors. Our events are self-funded and our team is constantly looking for new opportunities to develop high-quality events. With our awards ceremonies, many reflect Ashville Media Group publications while others are developed for unique audiences that we have identified in niche markets. We aim to deliver top-class events across a range of industries including hospitality, business, and maternity, recognising the cream of the crop in each sector. For us, being transparent, honest and fair within our awards and being seen as credible is very important. Our conferences, then, are mainly based around business and law, hosted by leading industry experts, an avenue of business which continues to grow.
046_Conferencing2017_Ashville Events.indd 46
The team really loves taking an event from concept through to reality, rolling out themes and creating activations for clients.
with a focus on excellence, as the quality of our events impacts on attendance and sponsorship. The team really loves taking an event from concept through to reality, rolling out themes and creating activations for clients. Events people are generally very driven and multi-tasking – they might be dealing one day with the Maternity and Infant Awards in the consumer market, and the next with the InBUSINESS Recognition Awards where they’re working with senior executives and CEOs. Our team is quite diverse, with each member bringing their own unique skill-set. We’re always working, a great deal of which is completed in the background, so being a self-starter is a key attribute required for success. Q: Can you give me some examples of recent successes? A: The Blog Awards has been very successful since our first year in 2015 and in 2016 we upped the ante by holding the event in a circus tent – a really unique experience which generated strong, positive feedback. We had over 500 bloggers in the room which created very strong sponsorship interactions, and it really
03/05/2018 09:16
Profile Conferencing 2018
47
reflected the brand of our headline sponsor Littlewoods Ireland, who are really excited and happy about the partnership. Last year’s event was another great success, reaching a wide audience across print, online and social media, including almost 20 million impressions on Twitter with #VbyVeryBloggies17 trending as the Sky Bar of the Year Awards.
number one hashtag in Ireland. The Digital Media Awards has also been a great success, with both attendance and entry figures rising while other digital events are falling off within the industry. Over the last four years, the number of people attending the Digital Media Awards has doubled. Four years ago it was 400, now it’s nearly 800. This year’s awards were attended by more than 700 of Ireland’s digital industry. Another long-term success for us is the Law Awards, now in its eighth year. That was our creation from concept and has an average attendance of 600 in the Clayton Hotel. Where there was nothing before, it has now become a staple in the legal calendar. Q: Have you spotted any rising industry trends of late?
DMA Awards 2017.
Photo: Paul Sherwood
A: We think the biggest thing is that marketing managers are getting smarter. They are quantifying sponsorships, making sure they’re getting the most value out of their
over the course of the event. We always provide our
money. They’re being smarter around activations and
finalists and our winners with all the collateral they need
people experiencing their brands – it’s not just a case of throwing logos around. They want active and not passive sponsorship opportunities. They want to engage person-to-person. We think there’s an increase in spend across things like attendance at events. That means companies are spending more money, they’re bringing in more corporate hospitality, they’re treating their staff more. Overall that’s a really positive sign within the industry, as people are seeing the real value of events, and they’re willing to make the investment. Q: How does your team continue to push boundaries? A: We push boundaries through the development of activations and creating experiences. Every event we work on has a unique theme. We’re creating experiences for people – we don’t want attendees to simply come in and sit down, we want people to engage with the event, to have a very good sense of what the event is doing, why they’re there. Pre and post activation is very important, using avenues like Instagram and Twitter. We employ a dedicated focus on digital and ensure that the conversation is bigger than inside the room, that we’re thinking of the wider audience. The Blog Awards last year had a digital reach of 24 million
048_Conferencing2017_Ashville Events.indd 47
Over the last four years, the number of people attending the Digital Media Awards has doubled. Four years ago it was 400, now it’s nearly 800.
to digitally promote and push the awards themselves. Q: Can you share your top tips for event management? A: First of all, start as early as you can. Say thank you to everybody you work with – you never know when you might need them to do something last minute. Stay connected and follow up with your clients, keep them aware of the results. Make sure you tell your sponsors and partners of the success of the event. Be smart when using suppliers – never be afraid to question a cost on an invoice. Always get three quotes. For example, we recently got three quotes for an item: one supplier was hiring the item from another supplier and including a 20 per cent mark-up in the quote. Finally, aim for the wow factor and always try to overdeliver. Even when you’re creating a proposal or you’re pitching to a client, always try and overdeliver on what they ask. If they ask for four-star, give them three-star and five-star, because you never know what their budgets are. Q: How can people get in touch? A: For all events queries, you can contact the Events Department at events@ashvillemediagroup.com or phone 00 353 1 432 2200 (option 3).
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Events Conferencing 2018
SeaFest. Photo: Andrew Downes/xposure
EventsGalore Conferencing 2018 takes a look at some of the major events happening right across Ireland throughout the year.
Punchestown Festival
Jobs Expo Dublin
DATE: 24 – 28 April 2018
DATE: 28 April 2018
LOCATION: Punchestown, Co Kildare
LOCATION: Croke Park, Dublin
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.punchestown.com
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.jobsexpo.ie
A combination of fantastic sporting
Ireland’s leading employment and jobs fair
action, live entertainment, family fun
returns to Croke Park this April, having
DATE: 22 April 2018
and top notch food and drink, the
welcomed more than 70 job-seekers to fairs in
LOCATION: Marlay Park, Dublin
atmosphere at Punchestown Festival is
Dublin, Cork and Galway since 2012. The
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.sumorun.ie
unique. One of the highlights of
event matches jobseekers with employers from
Ireland’s sporting and social calendar,
all sectors, as well as a Seminar Zone with a
One of Ireland’s most unique fun runs,
the quality of the racing on offer is
variety of speakers and free professional
participants in the Sumo Run follow a
unrivalled, with 12 Grade 1 contests to
development advice at the Career Clinic.
gentle 5K track around Rathfarnham’s
enjoy. If you’re coming with the family,
Marlay Park while dressed in an inflatable
Saturday is Festival Family Day, the
The James Connolly Festival
sumo suit. Available for all ages and levels of
second biggest day of the week with
DATE: 9 – 13 May 2018
ability, everyone who takes part gets to keep
plenty to enjoy ranging from pony rides
LOCATION: The New Theatre, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
their sumo suit!
to bouncy castles.
FURTHER INFORMATION: jamesconnollyfestival.com
Sumo Run Ireland 5K
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Events Conferencing 2018
49
Now in its fourth year, the James Connolly
The Spartan Race
part. With four races and varying levels of
festival plays host to a variety of cultural
DATE: 27 May
intensity, the race begins in the Barrow,
and political events, featuring music,
LOCATION: Punchestown Racecourse,
followed by a run through the heritage
theatre, poetry, films, art, debates and talks.
Naas, Co Kildare
town and a cycle along the beautiful
Last year commemorated the centenary of
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.spartanrace.com
surrounding country roads.
Festival recalls 150 years since the birth of
The world-famous Spartan Race takes place
Taste of Dublin
the man himself in Edinburgh.
in Ireland for the first time this year at
DATE: 14 – 17 June
Punchestown Racecourse. The one-day
LOCATION: Iveagh Gardens
event is a test of fitness and endurance, with
FURTHER INFORMATION:
a variety of race classes available on the day.
dublin.tastefestivals.com
the October Revolution – this year the
International Literature Festival DATE: 19 – 27 May LOCATION: Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
Bloom in the Park
Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens will host four
DATE: 31 May – 4 June 2018
days of food, drink and entertainment this
Described as the country’s most successful
LOCATION: Phoenix Park, Dublin
summer in Dublin city centre from June
literary event, the International Literature
FURTHER INFORMATION: bloominthepark.com
14th to 17th. Featuring some of Ireland’s
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.ilfdublin.com
Festival takes place in Dublin’s Smock Alley
best food and top chefs from around the
and gathers the finest writes in the world in
Bloom in the Park is Ireland’s largest garden
country, this year’s theme is ‘Food Lovers
a celebration of the best of Irish and
event, taking place over the June Bank
Playground’ with a wide variety of
international talent. The festival includes
Holiday weekend. Fun for all the family,
restaurants, producers, bars and exhibitors
readings, debates, workshops, performance,
there’s plenty to do and see around
displaying their creations and talents. Keep
screenings and much more, featuring new
gardening, cooking, growing food, catering
an eye out for culinary talks, wine tasting
faces and household names alike.
and entertainment for all ages.
and live entertainment.
Fastnet Film Festival DATE: 23 – 27 May LOCATION: Schull, Co Cork
Litfest 2016. Photo: Joleen Cronin
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.fastnetfilmfestival.com Screening short films from around the world and acting as a platform for information sharing between industry professionals and filmmakers, the Fastnet Film Festival is an independent festival spread across the village hall, shops, pubs, restaurants, and galleries (as well as the sides of buildings) in the scenic coastal town of Schull.
Kilkenny Roots Festival. Photo: Anthony Griffin Photography
Guinness Pro 14
Photo: Allen Kiely
DATE: 26 May 2018 LOCATION: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
TriAthy 2018 DATE: 2 June 2018
Rugby’s top teams collide at the inaugural
LOCATION: Athy, Co Kildare
Guinness Pro 14 final in May this year,
FURTHER INFORMATION: triathy.ie
hosted by the Aviva Stadium. The tournament was recently expanded to
Starting on the banks of the River Barrow
include two South African teams and last
in Athy, Co Kildare, TriAthy is an intensive
year’s final saw Scarlets triumph over
competition that has seen the likes of
Munster on a scoreline of 46 to 22. Who
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former
will make it to the top of the pile for 2018?
Formula One champion Jenson Button take
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Events Conferencing 2018
Groove Festival, Bray. Photo: Lucy Mulvihill
Seafest
Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race and the
plenty of family-friendly activities, and a
DATE: 29 June – 1 July 2018
second longest race in the Royal Ocean
stunning fireworks display on Buncrana’s
LOCATION: Galway city
Racing Club calendar, the Volvo Round
Shore Front in what will be a spectacular
FURTHER INFORMATION: seafest.ie
Ireland Yacht Race is held biennially and has
end to the festival.
a reputation for being one of the most An increasingly popular summer festival,
challenging offshore races in the world.
Groove Festival
attracting more than 100,000 visitors to
Admission is free to watch entrants from
DATE: 7 – 8 July 2018
Galway Harbour in 2017, Galway’s Seafest
around the globe try to accumulate the most
LOCATION: Kilruddery House & Gardens, Bray,
offers the chance for visitors of all ages to
points across 2016, 2018 and 2020 in a bid to
Co Wicklow.
discover more about our ocean, including
win a brand new Volvo V40.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.groovefestival.ie
the creatures that dwell beneath the
Buncrana Music Festival
A music festival for all the family,
surface. It’s a weekend of fun and free
DATE: 4 – 8 July 2018
Groove takes place in the idyllic setting
events for all – enjoy seafood cookery
LOCATION: Buncrana, Co Donegal
of Killruddery House & Gardens in
how we explore the depths, shipwrecks, and
demonstrations, tours of ocean-going vessels, marine life exhibits and much more.
Bray. Sponsored by Energia, it returns Coinciding with the arrival of the 2018 Irish
for what is set to be its biggest year let
Open in Ballyliffin Golf Club, Buncrana’s
– think acts like Fun Lovin’ Criminals,
Music Festival is a five-day event packed with
The Riptide Movement and Something
DATE: 30 June – 7 July 2018
the best of up-and-coming young Irish talent
Happens, alongside the best in food,
LOCATION: Wicklow Sailing Club
performing live on the main stage. That’s
new comedy, talk zones and a new area
FURTHER INFORMATION: roundireland.ie
complemented by great food and drink,
for junior festivalgoers.
Volvo Round Ireland Yacht Race
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Events Conferencing 2018
Longitude
Rose of Tralee festival brings women of Irish
Ironman 70.3
DATE: 13 – 15 July 2018
descent from around the world to Tralee in a
DATE: 19 August 2018
LOCATION: Marlay Park, Dublin
celebration of Ireland’s culture. Alongside
LOCATION: Scotsman’s Bay, Dún Laoghaire
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.longitude.ie
the competition, there’s street entertainment,
FURTHER INFORMATION: eu.ironman.com
51
live concerts, carnival, theatre, markets, An unmissable music festival in the heart of the summer, Longitude features some of the
fireworks and much more.
The competition heats up in Dún Laoghaire this August with the arrival of Ironman 70.3.
best acts from around the world over three
The Little Festival at the Big House
days. This year’s festival will see the likes of
DATE: 18 – 19 August 2018
70.3 miles starting in Sandycove – a 1.2 mile
Solange, Travis Scott, Diplo, Khalid and
LOCATION: Wells House and Garden, Co Wexford
swim, 56 mile cycle, finishing with a 13.1 mile
many more descend on Marlay Park.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.visitwexford.ie/
race on foot. Not for the faint of heart.
The challenging sprint, cycle and swim covers
events
Galway International Arts Festival
Electric Picnic
DATE: 16 – 29 July 2018
Wexford’s The Little Festival at the Big
DATE: 31 August – 02 September 2018
LOCATION: Black Box Theatre, Galway
House is a fun day out for all the family,
LOCATION: Stradbally, Co Laois
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.giaf.ie
packed with food, entertainment and family
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.electricpicnic.ie
fun including circus acts, comedy, puppet 2018 marks 40 years of the Galway
making, face painting and more! Entry is just
An unofficial end to the summer, Electric
International Arts Festival, which gets better
€10 per car and visitors can enjoy all of the
Picnic offers three days of escapism in a
every year. If you’re thinking of tagging
regular activities on offer too, such as the
field in Co Laois. Thousands will
along this year, watch out for Caribou (in
animal farm, adventure playground, terrace
undoubtedly brave the elements once more
their only Irish gig of 2018), Walking on
gardens, house tours and lots more.
this August to see acts including Kendrick
Cars, Kodaline, The Stunning and Gavin James, not to mention poetry, interviews and plays across the two weeks – the Irish National Opera will present a new production of Orfeo ed Euridice.
Galway International Arts Festival. Photo: Andrew Downes
Dublin Horse Show DATE: 8 – 12 August 2018 LOCATION: RDS, Dublin FURTHER INFORMATION: dublinhorseshow.com The Dublin Horse Show is the ultimate day out for lovers of all things equine, with 1,500 horses and ponies competing in more than 130 competitions and classes across five days in the RDS. And there’s more than just the horses – Ladies’ Day for those with an eye for fashion, an entertainment programme for the younger generations, opportunities for dining and shopping, and a vibrant social scene. Don’t forget to take in the RDS Craft Awards or wander through the RDS Library Exhibition.
Rose of Tralee International Festival DATE: 17 – 21 August 2018 LOCATION: Tralee, Co Kerry FURTHER INFORMATION: www.roseoftralee.ie One of the country’s longest-running festivals, celebrating 59 years in 2018, the
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Events Conferencing 2018
local, national and international cinema across ten days in the city. Look out for award-winning films, cinema classics and new discoveries, as well as programmes for families, schools and mental health.
Winterval DATE: November – December 2018 (TBD) LOCATION: Waterford city FURTHER INFORMATION: winterval.ie An annual celebration of the Christmas season for all ages, Winterval is always packed with seasonal events and activities in a variety of heritage sites around Waterford city. Think Christmas parades, live entertainment, youth theatre, ice-skating and plenty more besides.
New Year’s Eve Festival DATE: 31 December 2018 – 1 January 2019 LOCATION: Custom House, Dublin city FURTHER INFORMATION: nyfdublin.com Broadcast live on RTÉ, Dublin’s annual New Year’s Eve Festival is usually worth the heavy crowds around the city centre, counting the
Cork Film Festival Photo: Jed Niezgoda International Literature Festival Dublin
country into the New Year. Featuring some of Ireland’s greatest talents live on stage, it’s a great way to usher in the new year.
Lamar, Massive Attack, and NERD. And,
Wexford Spiegeltent Festival
when you’re not enjoying the tunes, there’s
DATE: 12 – 28 October 2018
plenty of comedy, food, craft workshops,
LOCATION: Ferrybank South, Co Wexford
discussion, poetry and even circus acts to
FURTHER INFORMATION: wexfordspiegeltent.com
Punchestown. Photo: Patrick McCann
occupy your time.
National Ploughing Championships
Wexford’s Spiegeltent Festival has grown to become one of Ireland’s biggest multi-genre
DATE: 18 – 21 September 2018
festivals, featuring contemporary music,
LOCATION: Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly
comedy, theatre, film, classical music,
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.npa.ie
burlesque and more. Highlights over the years have included Bell X1, Tommy
People from around the country (and not just
Tiernan, Damien Dempsey and Jason Byrne
farmers) will descend on Tullamore this
– expect big things for this year’s line-up.
September for Ireland’s largest farming and rural affairs event – the National Ploughing
Cork Film Festival
Championships. It’s not just about ploughing
DATE: 9 – 18 November 2018
as there are plenty of food, crafts, machinery
LOCATION: Cork city
and other stands to peruse during your visit,
FURTHER INFORMATION: corkfilmfest.org
not to mention baking competitions, demonstrations, sheepdog trials and more.
One of Cork’s most significant and popular
Don’t forget your wellies.
annual events, Cork Film Festival celebrates
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Venue Profile Conferencing 2018
SOPHISTICATED SERVICE
Recent investment in the Red Cow Moran Hotel has bolstered the venue’s innovative and impressive meetings and events facilities.
T
he Red Cow Moran Hotel has undergone significant investment in recent years, further enhancing one of Ireland’s top event venues. Built from the ground up almost 20 years ago by renowned hotelier and businessman Tom Moran, the Red Cow Moran Hotel has been run by the Moran family ever since. What makes the Red Cow Moran Hotel stand out from the crowd is its customer care. As a family owned and operated business with over 40
years’ experience in the hospitality industry, the management team takes great personal pride in delivering a consistently high standard of service to its guests. The Red Cow Moran Hotel is recognised as a national and international landmark. Situated at the Red Cow intersection, which is the gateway to Ireland’s provinces, it is one of Dublin’s most accessible and conveniently located 4-star hotels, making it the ideal base for business and leisure. Recently the Red Cow Moran Hotel started a new chapter in its illustrious career with a significant investment and a sophisticated new look, completing a seven-storey extension and upgrade of its product and services. The hotel now boasts 275 executive-style bedrooms, a choice of bars and restaurants including a brand new Link Lounge with coffee dock
and wine bar, Tom’s Table Restaurant, a new fitness suite, courtyard garden and 21 unique event spaces.
CHOICES The hotel is superbly equipped to cater for a range of meetings and events, from smaller intimate brainstorms to larger events, gala dinners and conferences. The facilities include two dedicated executive floors and a series of exceptionally comfortable meeting rooms with two innovative Think Tank spaces. One of these, the Ayrshire Suite, has a marvellous ping pong table as a centrepiece, surrounded by bespoke benches. The second, the Jersey Suite, has a floor to ceiling whiteboard with tiered upholstered seating and casual floor cushions – both novel and ingenious settings in which to get the creative juices flowing. The 14 new event spaces – each named after a different breed of cattle, such as Charolais, Angus, Dexter and Friesian – feature high-speed wireless internet access, screen sharing technology, large LCD screens of up to 97 inches, are fully air conditioned with natural daylight, and have access to the hotel’s courtyard garden. Each meeting room has a single playful touch – one cowhide chair added in the same spirit of fun as the look-out cow facing in the opposite direction to the rest of the herd as part of the display behind reception. The Red Cow Moran Hotel can cater for a wide array of meetings and events, including board meetings, training sessions, seminars, workshops, conventions, conferences, exhibitions and gala banquets. The hotel can facilitate up to 800 delegates in one space and, combined with 275 bedrooms, choice of areas for breakouts and servicing refreshments and ample on-site car parking, the venue is one of Dublin’s ideal meeting and event hotels, perfectly located for travelling delegates.
CONTACT
information
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SUZANNE MULVEY E: s mulvey@moranhotels.com W: w ww.redcowmoranhotel.com
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Aviva Stadium
Ballsbridge Hotel
Venue Directory Find the perfect venue in no time by scanning through our comprehensive guide to the best of conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland.
ADDRESS:
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
+353 (0) 1 238 2388 N/A sales@avivastadiumevents.ie
+353 (0)1 637 9300 +353 (0)1 908 1561 events@ballsbridgehotel.com
www.avivastadiumevents.ie
www.ballsbridgehotel.com
UEFA Elite Stadium Aviva Stadium is in the heart of Dublin, 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and adjacent to Lansdowne Road DART station There are a range of international hotel chains and boutique hotels in the vicinity Over 40 unusual and unique spaces available for private dining up to 3,500 guests Full bar license and entertainment options available
4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, 3 minute walk from DART rail link, 15-20 minute walk to city centre and IFSC 400
N/A
Reduced rate at Gym Plus Ballsbridge, 5 minute walk from the hotel
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)
There are a range of golf courses in close proximity
Range of clubs nearby, preferential rates available on request
ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
A full stadium tour is available; your guests can walk in the steps of legends in this unique and engaging tour. Corporate discounts available
Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, Trinity College, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, Aviva Stadium, RDS, Croke Park
TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc.) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:
850 delegates theatre style, 600 guests banquet style, 400 delegates classroom style
3 Leanne Humphreys lhumphreys@ballsbridgehotel.com
AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:
3 (space specific, additional on request) 3 (space specific, additional on request) 3 (space specific, additional on request) Available on request Available on request
On request On request On request On request
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO-CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:
3 (space specific, additional on request) Available on request Available on request WiFi connection upgraded to 1000Mb+ Available on request Available on request
On request On request On request 3 On request
Available on request Available on request Available on request 3
On request On request On request 3
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory.indd 54
1000 theatre style, 1200 seated dinner 3 Leah Gunn, +353 (0) 1 238 2388 leah.gunn@avivastadiumevents.ie
Raglan’s Restaurant offers a great selection of fresh Irish cuisine using only the finest seasonal ingredients For a casual lunch or dinner, The Dubliner Pub offers a fantastic selection of fresh seasonal food in a relaxed atmosphere
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15:36 30/04/2018 15:37
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
The Beacon Hotel
Breaffy House Resort
Camden Court Hotel
Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby) ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:
Beacon Court, Sandyford Business Region, Dublin 18 +353 1 291 5000 +353 1 291 5005 meetings@thebeacon.com
Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Camden Street, Dublin 2
+353 (0) 94 902 2033 +353 (0) 94 22 276 info@breaffyhouseresort.com
+353 (0) 1 475 9666 +353 (0) 1 475 9677 sales@camdencourthotel.ie
www.thebeacon.com
www.breaffyhouseresort.com
www.camdencourthotel.com
4HHHH Just off M50 motorway, serviced by Luas to Dublin city centre and near Dundrum Town Centre and Leopardstown 88
3HHH 5 minute drive from the town of Castlebar. Regular train & bus services. Ireland West Airport 20 minute drive 260, including 8 beautifully appointed suites Mulberry Restaurant - Breaffy House Hotel & Legends, Restaurant Breaffy Woods Hotel - Open daily Healy Mac’s Bar (craft beer and live music each weekend), Breaffy House Hotel & Woods Bar, Breaffy Woods Hotel Breaffy Spa established since 2001, Breaffy Leisure Club, one of the most popular in Castlebar region Selection of Links and parkland golf courses within 20 mile radius of Resort, Westport, Claremorris, Castlebar From Lough Corrib to Killala Bay, Mayo boasts attractions such as stunning scenery, fishing, golf courses & beaches
4HHHH Next to ‘Harcourt’ Luas line. Aircoach, Dublin bus (16) and Airlink Express 757 (right outside hotel) to Dublin Airport 249 modern guestrooms plus 2 suites
2,500 3 Brenda Clarke, +353 (0) 94 9044105 Brenda.clarke@breaffyhouseresort.com
Maximum 250 persons in theatre style 3 Denise Corboy, +353 (0) 1 428 3921 dcorboy@camdencourthotel.ie
My Thai Restaurant serves Asian Fusion dishes for lunch and dinner. Bar and lobby menu is available daily at The Crystal Bar The Crystal Bar is modern and contemporary, serving lunch and dinner daily. DJs on Friday and Saturday nights Gym studio – complimentary water & towels are provided Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses Close to Dundrum Town Centre prestigious shoppping area and the famous Leopardstown Racecourse
40 On request meetings@thebeacon.com
The popular ‘Iveagh Restaurant’ and ‘C Central Bar & Bistro’ for extensive International menu choices Full extensive bar facility with craft beers, cocktail’s and delicious food menu. Gymnasium, 16 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with beauty salon Close proximity to main Dublin golf courses Short walk to St Stephens Green, Dublin’s premier shopping district and Trinity College
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:
On request On request On request On request
3 3 3 On request State of the art equipment
3 3 3 On request State of the art equipment
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:
On request On request On request 3 On request
3 On request On request 3 On request
3 On request On request 3 On request Dedicated high-speed conference Wi-Fi
On request On request On request 3
3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential 3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential On request 3
On request 3 On request – additional cost applies 3
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 56
05/07/2018 11:56
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Carton House
Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Old Airport Road, Cloughran, Co. Dublin
+353 (0)1 505 2000
57
Castlemartyr Resort
Castleknock Hotel
Castlemartyr, Co. Cork
reservations@cartonhouse.com
+353 (0) 1 866 7500 +353 (0) 1 862 3114 meetings@carlton.ie
Porterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 +353 (0) 1 640 6300 +353 (0) 1 640 6378 events@castleknockhotel.ie
www.cartonhouse.com
www.carltondublinairport.com
www.castleknockhotel.com
www.castlemartyrresort.ie
4HHHH 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and City Centre with links to train stations
4HHHH Just off M1/M50. 5 minutes from Dublin Airport with 24 hour shuttle bus. Well serviced bus route to/from city centre Recently refurbished; 118 bedrooms including 8 suites Kitty Hawks Bistro or private dining rooms available on request
4HHHH AA Irish Hotel of the Year 2014, located 15 minutes from Dublin city, 25 minutes from Airport, & with links to train stations 190 bedrooms including 26 executive rooms, 4 luxury suites and 3 junior suites Two restaurants, Earth & Vine Restaurant and 22 Bar & Restaurant
5HHHHH 30 minutes from Cork City, Cork Airport and 10 minutes from Midleton
Kitty Hawks Bar & Bistro located on the ground floor
Two public bars, 22 Bar and The Lime Tree bar
The Carton Spa and Leisure Centre offers 7 luxurious treatment rooms, relaxation room, gym, 18m pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room Two 18-hole championship golf courses
Fitness Suite
ESPA spa, Leisure centre – fully equipped gym, 20 metre pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub 18 hole inland links golf course, designed by Ron Kirby
All on-site – spa, tennis, fishing, walking trails, team-building and the Kildare Art Gallery
Corporate entertainment arranged on request
Elemis Spa, Leisure centre – Fully equipped gym, 18 metre pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi Castleknock Golf Club on-site. Luttrellstown and Westmanstown Golf Clubs a 5 minute drive from the hotel The Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo, Guinness Storehouse, National Aquatic Centre, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin city centre
500 On request +353 (0)1 651 7710 scostello@cartonhouse.com
13 conference and meeting rooms 3 Lisa Hensel, +353 (0) 1 866 7500 meetings@carlton.ie
500 15 conference and meeting rooms Audrey Devlin, 01 640 6377 events@castleknockhotel.ie
300 delegates 7 3 +353 21 421 9000 sales@castlemartyrresort.ie
3 3 3 3
3 3 3 3 Free car parking for delegates
3 3 3 3
3 3 3 7 Additional equipment can be organised
3 On request On request 3 On request Wi-Fi
3 3 3 3 3 Wi-Fi
3 3 3 3 7
3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi 3 3
3 On request On request 3
3 On request 7 3 On request 3
3 3 7 3
3 7 7 3
165 including 18 luxury period bedrooms in the Main House Three restaurants – the award-winning Linden Tree, the Kitchen Bar and the Coach House Two bars – the Coach House and the Lobby Bar
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 57
Within close proximity to numerous, top class, golf courses
+353 21 421 9000 info@castlemartyrresort.ie
103; 50 self catering lodges Bell Tower Restaurant, Franchini’s Italian, Afternoon tea, Knights Bar and The Pod Club House Bar – Knights Bar
Team building, Pony & trap, Horse & carriage rides, Lawn games, Woodland walks, Jameson Distillery tours
05/07/2018 11:57
58
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Citywest Hotel & Convention Centre
The Convention Centre Dublin
Croke Park Meetings & Events
Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS:
Saggart, Co. Dublin
Jones’ Road, Dublin 3
+353 (0) 1 401 0500 +353 (0) 1 458 8756 sales@citywesthotel.com
Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 +353 (0) 1 856 0000 N/A sales@theccd.ie
www.citywesthotel.com
www.theccd.ie
crokepark.ie/meetings-events
4HHHH 25 minutes to Dublin City and Airport. Direct access to all major road networks and Luas routes. 2,000 free parking spaces 764 Guest Rooms & Suites
N/A 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, close to Dublin Ferry Port, excellent access to road, bus and Luas routes Within walking distance of Dublin’s 20,000 hotel bedrooms Banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests
N/A 15 minutes from Dublin Airport and 5 minutes from the city centre. Easily accessible from the M50 and Port Tunnel The Croke Park – 4* hotel with 232 bedrooms located right next door Private dining facilities and customisable menus focusing on quality Irish produce. Blackthorn Café in the GAA Museum Multiple bar, function and reception facilities throughout the venue
+353 (0) 1 819 2300 +353 (0) 1 819 2313 events@crokepark.ie
DINING FACILITIES:
Three on-site restaurants for casual dining and banqueting facilities for 1,600
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:
Range of bars and reception areas on-site
Facilites on-site, as well as a host of bars and restaurants nearby in the city centre.
Health & leisure club on-site with 20m heated swimming pool and fully equipped gym Par 70 Championship golf course designed by the late Christy O’Connor Jnr Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Kildare Shopping Village
N/A
Fully equipped fitness centre at The Croke Park hotel
There are many golf courses close to Dublin city centre
Dublin has a number of outstanding golf courses with Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and St. Anne’s nearby Unrivalled number of attractions on-site, including the GAA Museum, Stadium and Ericsson Skyline tours.
4,100 seated 3 Emer Sweeney +353 (0) 87 911 0099 sales@citywesthotel.com
8-8,000 Adrienne Clarke, +353 (0) 1 856 0000 sales@theccd.ie
8-2,000 8 large suites and over 90 meeting rooms Sinéad Heneghan, +353 (0) 1 819 2301 events@crokepark.ie
3 3 3 3 State-of-the-art AV system
3 3 3 3 Latest technology in AV and lighting
3 3 3 3 High-spec AV and lighting
3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 28,000 devices
3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 22,000 devices
3 3 3 3 Free HD WiFi for up to 40,000 devices On request 280 screen IPTV and signage system
AV partner on-site On request On request 3
3 On request On request 3
3 AV partner on-site Full dedicated business centre On request 3
LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby) ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER: TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER: SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 58
Dublin city centre with its major tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shops and top hotels within walking distance.
05/07/2018 11:57
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Dublin City Hall
59
Finnstown Castle Hotel
Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Santry, Dublin 9 +353 (0) 1 862 8888 +353 (0) 1 862 8800 events@crowneplazadublin.ie
Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow
Dame Street, Dublin 2
Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin
+353 (0) 1 287 0800 +353 (0) 1 287 0848 sales@druidsglenresort.com
+353 (0) 1 222 2918 N/A Cityhall@dublincity.ie
+353 (0) 1 601 0700 +353 (0) 1 628 1088 sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com
www.crowneplazadublin.ie
www.druidsglenresort.com
www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall
www.finnstowncastlehotel.com
4HHHH Close to Dublin Airport and minutes from Junction 4 off the M50, set in 85 acres of parkland with 350 car parking spaces onsite 209
5HHHHH Located just 30 minutes south of Dublin and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport, set in 400 acres of rolling countryside. 145
N/A City Centre, close to Luas, Dublin Bus Routes 13, 49, 77A, 123 & 151, 5min walk from Tara Street Train/DART station. N/A
4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport
Touzai Restaurant
Hugo’s Restaurant, Garden Rooms and Bar, Sycamore Lounge, Outdoor decking (BBQ), Private dining rooms, Golf clubhouse Garden Rooms and Bar, James Joyce Ballroom, Golf clubhouse
Café on Site/External catering
The Peacock Restaurant, the Wood Quay Bar and Jim’s Cellar Bar
External catering
The Wood Quay Bar, Jim’s Cellar Bar and the Library Suite
Onsite Gym
18m indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, spa
Close to Markievicz Leisure Centre
Swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath, tennis court
Nearby
Two championship golf courses on-site – Druids Glen & Druids Heath
Close to many courses including Sillogue Golf Course & St Anne’s Golf Course
Six championship golf courses nearby
5 miles from Dublin city centre, less than 10 minute drive to Croke Park, Butler’s Chocolate Factory and Go-Karting
Glendalough, Killruddery House, Powerscourt Estate, Mount Usher Gardens, Ballyknocken House and Druids Acres on-site for outdoor activities
Walking distance to all city attractions including the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral, shopping districts & city parks
Team building activities available on request, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre close to the hotel
200 conference style
Cinnabar Red
96
400 Theatre style 3 Barbara Dunne, +353 (0) 1 287 0809 barbara.dunne@druidsglenresort.com
Karen Bannon, +353 (0) 1 222 2925 Cityhall@dublincity.ie
Up to 300 9 meeting rooms Sales Team sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com
3 3 3 On request
3 3 3 On request
3 7 7 7
3 3 3 3
3 On request 3 (Executive Boardroom) 3 On request
3 3 On request 3 Complimentary Wifi On request
7 7 7 3 Free Wi-Fi on site plus Broadband 7
3 3 7 3 7
3 On request On request 3
On request On request On request 3
7 7 7 3
3 3 3 3
1,000 Theatre style 3 Judith Graham, +353 (0) 1 862 8808 jgraham@crowneplazadublin.ie
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 59
02/05/2018 09:55
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Dublin City Hall
59
Finnstown Castle Hotel
Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Santry, Dublin 9 +353 (0) 1 862 8888 +353 (0) 1 862 8800 events@crowneplazadublin.ie
Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow
Dame Street, Dublin 2
Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin
+353 (0) 1 287 0800 +353 (0) 1 287 0848 sales@druidsglenresort.com
+353 (0) 1 222 2918 N/A Cityhall@dublincity.ie
+353 (0) 1 601 0700 +353 (0) 1 628 1088 sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com
www.crowneplazadublin.ie
www.druidsglenresort.com
www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall
www.finnstowncastlehotel.com
4HHHH Close to Dublin Airport and minutes from Junction 4 off the M50, set in 85 acres of parkland with 350 car parking spaces onsite 209
5HHHHH Located just 30 minutes south of Dublin and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport, set in 400 acres of rolling countryside. 145
N/A City Centre, close to Luas, Dublin Bus Routes 13, 49, 77A, 123 & 151, 5min walk from Tara Street Train/DART station. N/A
4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport
Touzai Restaurant
Hugo’s Restaurant, Garden Rooms and Bar, Sycamore Lounge, Outdoor decking (BBQ), Private dining rooms, Golf clubhouse Garden Rooms and Bar, James Joyce Ballroom, Golf clubhouse
Café on Site/External catering
The Peacock Restaurant, the Wood Quay Bar and Jim’s Cellar Bar
External catering
The Wood Quay Bar, Jim’s Cellar Bar and the Library Suite
Onsite Gym
18m indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, spa
Close to Markievicz Leisure Centre
Swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath, tennis court
Nearby
Two championship golf courses on-site – Druids Glen & Druids Heath
Close to many courses including Sillogue Golf Course & St Anne’s Golf Course
Six championship golf courses nearby
5 miles from Dublin city centre, less than 10 minute drive to Croke Park, Butler’s Chocolate Factory and Go-Karting
Glendalough, Killruddery House, Powerscourt Estate, Mount Usher Gardens, Ballyknocken House and Druids Acres on-site for outdoor activities
Walking distance to all city attractions including the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral, shopping districts & city parks
Team building activities available on request, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre close to the hotel
1,000 Theatre style 3 Judith Graham, +353 (0) 1 862 8808 jgraham@crowneplazadublin.ie
400 Theatre style 3 Barbara Dunne, +353 (0) 1 287 0809 barbara.dunne@druidsglenresort.com
200 conference style Karen Bannon, +353 (0) 1 222 2925 Cityhall@dublincity.ie
Up to 300 9 meeting rooms Sales Team sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com
3 3 3 On request
3 3 3 On request
3 7 7 7
3 3 3 3
3 On request 3 (Executive Boardroom) 3 On request
3 3 On request 3 Complimentary Wifi On request
7 7 7 3 Free Wi-Fi on site plus Broadband 7
3 3 7 3 7
3 On request On request 3
On request On request On request 3
7 7 7 3
3 3 3 3
Cinnabar Red
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96
03/05/2018 09:12
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
the gibson hotel
The Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel
Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby) ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER: TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER: SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 60
Killiney, Co. Dublin
The Point Square, Dublin 1
Newlands Cross, Nass Road, Dublin 22
+353 (0) 1 230 5400 +353 (0) 1 230 5430 Alicia.Traynor@fitzpatricks.com
+353 (0) 1 681 5054 +353 (0) 1 681 5051 events@thegibsonhotel.ie
+353 (0) 1 4123700 +353 (0) 1 459 3406 info@greenislehotel.com
www.fitzpatrickcastle.com
www.thegibsonhotel.ie
www.greenislehotel.com
4HHHH 14km from Dublin city centre and 28km from Dublin Airport. Aircoach service to and from the hotel hourly 113
4HHHH Direct from Dublin Airport in 15 minutes via Dublin’s Port Tunnel. Luas line on doorstep of the hotel 252
4HHHH No. 69 bus stops outside the hotel and goes to and from Dublin city centre. Red Luas Line approx 15 minute walk 270
Two award-winning restaurants, the contemporary Dungeon Bar & Grill and PJs, offering traditional fine dining The Library Bar or refurbished Dungeon Bar. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights Fully-equipped leisure centre, including 20m swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room Several golf courses nearby, including Druid’s Glen and Powerscourt Golf Course Golf, Leopardstown Racecourse, hill walking, sailing in Dún Laoghaire Marina, Dalkey Village, Dundrum Town Centre
coda eatery – looking for a taster? Head to coda eatery, where we let the ingredients speak for themselves hemidemisemiquaver bar – contemporary Asian landscaping meets neon. What’s not to love about it! Gym – 15 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, 24/7 access for residents and TVs on each piece of equipment Clontarf Golf Club
A range of dining options available such as carvery, bistro and main restaurant
8 minute walk to The Convention Centre Dublin. It is also located beside the 3Arena and Aviva Dublin
Walking distance to Corkagh Park with playground, pet farm. Short distance to Dublin Zoo & Tayto Park
600 theatre style in Prince Regent Suite, 400 in Albert & Behan Suite 9 rooms in dedicated centre, 12 total Alicia Traynor, +353 (0) 1 230 5460 Alicia.Traynor@fitzpatricks.com
300 delegates and 6 break-out rooms 7 On-site assistance on request Grainne Coyle events1@thegibsonhotel.ie
750 delegates 3 Sales & Marketing Team
3 3 3 3
3 3 3 On request
3 3 3 3
3 3 3 Complimentary throughout 3
3 On request On request 3 On request 7
3 3 On request 3 Free high speed Wi-Fi on site 3 Some service would be an additional cost
3 3 3 3
On request On request On request 3
On request On request 7 3
Live music in the main bar on Friday and Saturday Fully equipped gym, swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna and steam room Newlands Golf or Grange Castle golf course close by
02/05/2018 09:55
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
The K Club
Killashee Hotel Spa & Leisure
The Killeshin Hotel & Leisure Club, Portlaoise
61
Limerick Strand Hotel
Straffan Co. Kildare
Killashee, Naas, Co. Kildare
Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Ennis Road, Limerick, Ireland
+353 (0) 1 601 7200 +353 (0) 1 601 7298 sales@kclub.ie
+353 (0)45 879277 +353 (0)45 879266 sales@killasheehotel.com
+353 (0) 57 86 31200 +353 (0) 57 86 31205 events@the killeshin.com
+353 (0) 61 421800 +353 (0) 61 421866 events@strandlimerick.ie
www.kclub.ie
www.killasheehotel.com
www.thekilleshin.com
www.strandlimerick.ie
5HHHHH 40 Minutes from Dublin city centre
The Byerley Turk Restaurant, Legends Restaurant and K Thai. Gala dining available in Legacy Suite for up to 320 The Vintage Crop Bar, Legends Bar & The Smurfit Bar
Gala dining for up to 600 delegates in Main Ballroom. 3 additional private dining rooms from 20-100 guests Main Restaurant, casual dining in the Bistro and a traditional Irish pub
4HHHH Exit16 off M7/M9, railway station 3km from hotel, won 7th place in Ireland’s Greenest Hotel certified by the GHA 88 including 15 executive rooms and 2 suites Cedar Bistro and Cedar Bar (Fully refurbished)
4HHHH City centre, 20km from Shannon Airport, 10 minute walk from train station
140 Bedrooms
4HHHH 40mins from Dublin Airport, 40mins from Dublin City Centre, 2 km from Naas Town. Direct access to all motorways. 141 guest rooms and suites
The Terrace Bar
The K Spa, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Outdoor Hot-Tub, Tennis Courts Two Championship Golf Courses on site – Home to the Ryder Cup 2006 and the 2016 Irish Open Horse Riding, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Falconry, Bike rides, Kildare National Stud, Kildare Village Shopping
Full gym, 25m swimming pool, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, hair salon and hydro-therapy pool Numerous options close by
Cedar Bar (fully refurbished) serving hot food from 12.30pm daily, Sky Sports available Zest leisure centre with a fully equipped gymnasium, 20m deck level pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi 8 courses within 30km, nearest course 10km
Ample space for team building on-site, walkways, gardens and off road driving centre.
Emo House & Gardens, Slievebloom Mountains, Kildare Village. Free secure car parking.
Located in the heart of Limerick city, walking distance to shopping district, King John’s Castle and Thomond Park stadium
500 Theatre Style 3 Ciara Farrell sales@kclub.ie
Up to 600 delegates 3 Orla McCabe, +353 (0)45 879277 sales@killasheehotel.com
350 3 Pauline Barry, +353 (0) 57 86 31213 events@thekilleshin.com
2-600 3 3 +353 (0) 61 421800 events@strandlimerick.ie
3 3 3 3 Natural daylight in all rooms
3 3 3 3 Natural daylight in all rooms
3 3 3 3 Natural daylight in 12, secondary daylight in 3 rooms.
3 3 3 7 Stage, podium
3 3 3 3 3
3 On request On request 3 On request Complimentary WIFI
3 3 On request 3 On request
3 7 7 3 High speed 200Mb connection 7
3 3 On request 3
3 3 On request 3
3 Limited, photocopying etc. 7 3
Staff member can assist with in-house AV On request 7 3
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 61
184 The River Restaurant and The Terrace Bar
Energize Health Club, 20m pool, sauna, jacuzzi and fully equipped gym Golf course 10km from the hotel
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Venue Directory Lough Eske, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
Paulstown Road, Kilkenny R95 F685
Malahide, Co. Dublin
TEL: FAX: EMAIL:
+353 (0) 74 972 5100 +353 (0) 74 972 3762 meetings.lougheske@solishotels.com
+353 (0) 56 776 0088 +353 (0) 56 776 0089 events@lyrath.com
+353 (0) 1 8169538 N/A reservations@shannonheritage.com
WEB:
www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle/
www.lyrath.com
www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:
The Gallery Bar and the Oak Bar. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday
N/A 1 hour to Dublin Airport, 1.5 hours to Cork Airport, 30 minutes to Waterford Airport. 5 minutes to train and bus 139 guestrooms with a collection of deluxe, executive rooms and suites Yew Restaurant, The Grill & Bar, The Wine Cellar, Tupper’s Bar, The Atrium, BBQ area. Gala dining available for up to 850 guests Tuppers Bar & The Terrace, The Grill & Bar, The Wine Cellar
N/A 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, only 13KM from Dublin City Centre. Supported by bus and rail N/A
DINING FACILITIES:
5HHHHH Drive: 1 hour to City of Derry Airport, 1 hour 40 mins to Knock Airport, 2 hours to Belfast airports, 3 hours to Dublin Airport 96 guestrooms including 16 suites and a 2 bedroom Presidential Suite Cedar’s Restaurant and The Gallery Bar
LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
17m swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, gymnasium, award winning Oasis Spa with Thermal suite Kilkenny Golf Club, Gowran Golf Club and Callan Golf Club all nearby
N/A
ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Award Winning Spa Solis, Thermal Suite, 17m pool and fully equipped state of the art gym Donegal Golf Club, an 18 links Championship Course 10 minutes drive from the Castle A full range of on-site/off-site activities list available on request
Onsite: Falconry, archery & fishing, 170 acres for team building. Offsite: Kilkenny Castle, Smithwick’s Brewery Tour. Full list on request
Malahide coastal village is 5 minutes’ walk, Irish Centre for Cycling, sailing and coastal walks
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:
400 theatre 3 Sinead McGowan, +353 (0) 74 974 3130 sinead.mcgowan@solishotels.com
1,500 theatre 3 Sylwia Staunton, +353 (0) 56 770 5852 events@lyrath.com
80 theatre-style 7 Nicola Reynolds, +353 (0) 1 866 6793 reynoldsn@shannonheritage.com
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:
3 3 3 3
3 3 3 On request Natural daylight in all meeting rooms
3 3 3 7 Natural daylight in all rooms - garden view
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:
3 3 3 3 3
3 On request On request 3 On request Built-in screens and projectors
3 3 7 3 7
3 3 3 3
On request On request On request 3
7 7 7 3
ADDRESS:
STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS:
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 62
Max. 42 guests for private dining in the Great Hall, 120 in the Visitor Centre Project Room and up to 500 in the gardens with marquees Yes (outside catering company)
Portmarnock Golf Links - approximately 4.5km
05/07/2018 11:59
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
The Conference & Events Venue
Midlands Park Hotel
The Morgan Hotel
63
Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Town Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Temple Bar, 10 Fleet Street, Dublin 2
Tullow, Co. Carlow
+353 (0) 1 634 4628 N/A Events@mansionhouse.ie
+353 (0) 57 867 8588 +353 (0) 57 867 1999 info@theheritagehotel.com
+353 (0) 1 643 7000 +353 (0) 1 643 7060 meetings@themorgan.com
+353 (0) 59 918 0100 +353 (0) 59 915 2123 info@mountwolseley.ie
www.mansionhouse.ie
www.theheritagehotel.com
www.themorgan.com
www.mountwolseley.ie
N/A Dawson Street, Dublin City Centre. Public car park, taxi rank and all public transport routes N/A
4HHHH Town centre, Beside train station, 2 minutes off M7, 45 min to Dublin, 1h 15min to Cork and Limerick, 1h 50min to Galway 115 newly renovated bedrooms and 5 new executive suites Award-winning Kellys Steakhouse, Triog Restaurant, Charter Bar for carvery & bar food, private dining for 25 to 350 guests Charter Bar, Maryborough and O’More function suites
4HHHH Westmoreland Street is 5 minutes’ walk away. Aircoach runs from O’Connell Street, Connolly Station 20 minutes’ walk 168
4HHHH Just over an hour’s drive from Dublin city, 30 min from Kilkenny, 1 hr from Waterford, 3 hrs from Cork and 2 hrs from Belfast 143
The hotel restaurant menu showcases the best of Dublin dining using the freshest of produce from local suppliers. This newly renovated iconic location features a selection of classic and sophisticated cocktails, Irish beers and ales N/A
Fredericks Award Winning Restaurant – up to 300 delegates for conference lunch. Private dining rooms also available Cocktail bar area, Snug Bar, Aaron Lounge and The Wolseley Bar in the golf club State-of-the-art leisure centre with fully equipped gymnasium
Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses
18 hole championship golf course designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr.
Can cater for private dining events from 4 to 550 guests, including breakfast seminars, lunches and gala dinners Full bar facilities available in the Round Room, The Glass Room Suites and The Lounge which overlooks The Lord Mayor’s Garden N/A
N/A
Modern leisure club and Jules Spa, full gymnasium, fitness suite, weights room, 22m pool, sauna, steam room & jacuzzi A wide choice of golf courses close to the hotel for all level golfers
Located in the heart of Dublin on Dawson Street, minutes from St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and Dublin Castle
Slieve Bloom Mountains, Emo Court, Rock of Dunamaise, choice of gardens & heritage sites, Odeon Cinema, Kildare Village Outlet
A short stroll to Grafton Street, Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare and to many of Dublin’s theatres
Team building activities on site. Hotel close to Rathwood and Altamont Gardens
650 theatre style 3 Dominika Zemberyova, +353 (0)1 634 4628 Events@mansionhouse.ie
2-550 delegates, 13 meeting rooms 3 Sandra Brennan, Conference Manager conference@midlandsparkhotel.com info@midlandsparkhotel.com
40 Within the hotel Jennifer McKenna meetings@themorgan.com
800 theatre style, 500 banquet style Part of the hotel Sheena McCanny, Resort Sales Manager sales@mountwolseley.ie
3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available
3 3 3 On request Built-in projectors/TVs in all meeting rooms
On request On request On request On request
In main conference room 3 3 On request Portable sound system available
3 3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available
3 On request On request WiFi access throughout the hotel On request
On request On request On request 3 On request
3 3 On request Complimentary Wi-Fi in meeting rooms 7
3 3 3 On request 3
3 3 On request 3 Conference centre on the ground floor
On request On request On request 3
On request On request On request 3
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Palmerstown House Estate
The Alex
Pillo Hotel Ashbourne
Venue Directory Fenian Street, Dublin 2
Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare
The Rath, Ashbourne, County Meath
+353 (0) 1 607 3500 N/A events.dublin@ocallaghanhotels.com
+353 (0) 45 906 901 +353 (0) 45 906 922 events@palmerstownhouse.ie
+353 (0) 1 835 0800 N/A info@pillohotelashbourne.com
www.thealexdublin.ie
www.palmerstownhouse..ie
www.pillohotelashbourne.com
4HHHH Located in the Georgian Quarter, minutes from Grafton Street and nearby bus/rail/tram links. 20 minute transfer from Dublin Airport 103
N/A Ideally located 15 minutes from Dublin. Exit 8 off M7. Free car parking
4HHHH 20km from Dublin Airport, 25km from Dublin City Centre, 12km from M50 (exit 5), 18km from M1 (Drogheda South exit) 148
Casual all-day dining
Manor House, Empery Bar & Bistro, Morrell Restaurant and Amato Suite. Private dining in the Morrell, Amato & High Chap suites Empery Bar & Bistro
Can cater for up to 350 guests (private dining), including lunches, private dinners and gala dinners Newly refurbished Time Bar & Restaurant on the ground floor.
Off road driving, Archery, Clay pigeon shooting, Falconry, Team building facilities On site – 18 hole championship course
Modern gymnasium, 16m pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy area. Jule spa on site Ashbourne Golf Course is 5km away
National Gallery, History Museum, National Library, Trinity College, Three Arena, Grand Canal Theatre, Aviva Stadium, Croke Park
Kildare Shopping Village, Johnstown Garden Centre, Japanese Gardens, The Irish National Stud
Tayto Park (4km), Puddenhill (12km), Newgrange (20km), Slane Castle (18km), Dublin City (25km) Trim Castle (22km)
400 theatre N/A 3 events.dublin@ocallaghanhotels.com
250 3 Events events@palmerstownhouse.ie
Minium 2 pax, Maximum 650 pax 3 Francesca Fennell francesca@pillohotelashbourne.com
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:
3 3 3 On request
3 3 3 3 Helicopter landing
3 In-built sound system 3 10ft screen, 6ft screen first floor 3 On request from our AV supplier
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:
3 On request On request 3 7
3 3 3 3 3
3 On request from our AV supplier On request from our AV supplier 3 On request from our AV supplier
On request On request On request 3
3 3 7 Can be arranged by prior appointment 3
On request from our AV supplier 7 7 3
ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:
Bar
LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
Access to central gym located at sister hotel a 2-minute walk away
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)
Local golf courses within a 30-minute drive
ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 64
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05/07/2018 12:01
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin
RDS Venue
65
The Spencer Hotel
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow +353 (0) 1 274 8888 +353 (0) 1 274 9999 sales@powerscourthotel.com
Golden Lane, Dublin 8
Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Excise Walk, IFSC, Dublin 1
+353 (0) 1 898 2900 +353 (0) 1 898 2909 info.royal.dublin@radissonblu.com
+353 (0) 1 668 0866 +353 (0) 1 660 4014 sales@rds.ie
+353 (0) 1 433 8800 +353 (0) 1 433 8811 info@thespencerhotel.com
www.powerscourthotel.com
www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-dublin
www.rds.ie
www.thespencerhotel.com
5HHHHH Located in picturesque Enniskerry village, 30 minutes from Dublin city, 40 minutes from Dublin Airport 194
4HHHH 5 minute walk to Grafton Street and Stephens Green. Only 12km from Dublin Airport 150
4HHHH Mayor Square Luas stop behind hotel, Connolly station 5 minutes’ walk, 747 Airlink from Airport to Hotel (Stop 7397) 169 contemporary rooms and suites
Sika Restaurant, Sugarloaf Lounge & McGills traditional Irish pub
V’nV Restaurant opens for dinner from 18.00h – 21.00h
McGills, a traditional Irish pub catering for up to 120pax in the heart of the hotel facilities A state-of-the-art fitness suite and the luxurious ESPA featuring a 20-metre Swarovski Crytal-lit swimming pool. Two championship golf courses on the Estate
SURE bar serves lunch from 12 noon till 14.30h, a full bar menu commences at 14.30h until 23.00h Complimentary access to Iveagh Fitness Club on Bride Rd with full gym and pool; less than 5-minute walk from the hotel Nearest golf club is 5km away
N/A Within walking distance of the city centre, serviced by local/national/airport bus routes. Close to Sandymount/Lansdowne DART The RDS Conference Village works in collaboration to provide over 1,500 bedrooms within walking distance Private dining facilities for 40 - 5,000 people Yes
Fishing, archery, 4x4 off roading, horse riding, Powerscourt House & Gardens, Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens
Ideally located nestled between St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Christchurch. St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are only a short stroll away
450 3 Lisa Ferrick, +353 (0) 1 274 8888 lisa.ferrick@powerscourthotel.com
N/A
There are a number of champion golf courses a short distance from the RDS
East Restaurant serves Asian Fusion lunch and dinner daily. Lobby lounge menu available from The Spencer Cocktail Bar The modern and luxurious Spencer Cocktail Bar, renowned for innovative flavours and concepts. DJs Thursday, Friday & Saturday The Spencer Health Club is a fully equipped health club with an 18m indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi Close proximity to many golf courses
Close to city centre, Grafton Street, Sandymount Strand. The RDS is also home to Leinster Rugby and the Dublin Horse Show
O’Connell Street, Trinity College, 3Arena and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre are located within walking distance
400 pax 3 Philip Downes, +353 (0) 1 898 2904 philip.downes@radissonblu.com
12,000 delegate capacity; 10 conference/ exhibition halls, 15 breakout rooms 7 Katie Browne, +353 (0) 1 668 0866 KatieB@rds.ie
8 meeting rooms, max 155 (theatre) 7 Clare Coyle, +353 (0) 1 433 8844 meetings@thespencerhotel.com
3 3 3 3 AV menu upon request
3 3 3 3 AV menu upon request
3 3 3 On request On-site AV partners: Ion Solutions
Available in all meeting rooms Available in all meeting rooms Available in all meeting rooms Available on request 1 flip chart
On request On request On request On request On request Complimentary Wifi
3 3 On request 3 On request Complimentary Wifi
3 On request On request 3 On request Free indoor Wifi, superfast 4G
VGA or HDMI Available on request Available on request 3 Complimentary Available on request N/A
On request On request On request On request
On request 3 On request 3
3 3 On request 3
On request 3 On request 3
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Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
The River Lee
Royal Marine Hotel
Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club
Venue Directory ADDRESS:
Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
+353 (0) 21 425 2700 +353 (0) 21 427 4477 riverlee@doylecollection.com
Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin A96 K063 +353 (0) 1 230 0030 +353 (0) 1 271 2511 events@royalmarine.ie
www.doylecollection.com/riverlee
www.royalmarine.ie
www.slieverussell.ie
4HHHH City centre location, 8km from airport
4HHHH One-minute walk to DART station and serviced by many bus routes
4HHHH 90 minutes from Belfast and Dublin via M1 or M3 Motorways
182
228
222
Weir Room 120-seater venue, Weir Room private dining 60 guests
Dún Restaurant, Bay Lounge and Hardy’s Bar
Bar on the Weir
Hardy’s Bar with live music on Saturday nights
Conall Cearnach Restaurant looks out over the hotel’s gardens. The Setanta offers exquisite European cuisine The Kells Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks before dinner
Fully-equipped gym, 18m swimming pool and day spa
The Pier Health Club and sansanaSPA
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)
In close proximity to many golf courses
Dún Laoghaire Golf Club and in proximity to other local golf courses
Fitness Suite, 20-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna & smoothie bar. On-site Ciúin spa and wellness facilities On-site 18-hole championship course and 9-hole par-3 academy course
ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
English Market, University College Cork, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Midleton Distillery, Cork City Goal, Blarney Castle
Dún Laoghaire pier, shopping, walking, trekking, watersports, James Joyce Tower and more
Marbel Arch Caves, Florence Court House, Global Geopark, Tullydermott Falls, canoe centre
110 delegates theatre 8 meeting rooms Janice Casey, +353 (0) 21 493 7723 janice_casey@doylecollection.com
750 3 Sales Office, +353 (0)1 271 2514 events@royalmarine.ie
2-1,200 delegates 3 Sales Office, +353 (0) 49 952 6444 sales@slieverussell.ie
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TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER: TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER: SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 66
Western Road, Cork
+353 (0) 49 952 6444 +353 (0) 49 952 6444 enquiries@slieverussell.ie
02/05/2018 09:59
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club
Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
Thomond Park
67
The Westbury
Grafton Street, Dublin 2
+353 (0) 61 421 129 +353 (0) 61 421 100 events@thomondpark.ie
Blessington Lakes. Blessington, County Wicklow +353 (0) 45 867 600 +353 (0) 45 867 601 banq@tulfarris.com
www.sligoparkhotel.com
www.thomondpark.ie
www.tulfarrishotel.com
www.doylecollection.com/westbury
4HHHH 3.6km from Sligo Train Station and Sligo Bus Station, 51.8km from Ireland West Airport Knock 137
N/A Close to the M7, Limerick train station and Shannon Airport
4HHHH Follow the N81 past Blessington and turn left at Poulaphuca and left again into Tulfarris 80
5HHHHH City Centre; 12km from Dublin Airport; 3km from Heuston Station
Carvery Lunch, Evening Bar Menu, Evening Restaurant Menu
A modern and multi-functional venue with suites of varying sizes
Wilde, Balfes, The Gallery, The Sidecar
3
All suites feature natural lighting and private bars
3
N/A
From 2 to 250, private dining in Hotel or Manor house plus Banqueting Centre can host up to 250 The Elk Bar is a perfect casual entertainment venue plus the Banqueting Centre hosts up to 250 delegates Treatment and massage rooms, and therapist on-site
12km from Strandhill Golf, 10.5km from Rosses Point Golf
A variety of golf courses in close vicinity
7
Golf (Links courses), Adventure Sligo, Wild Atlantic Way for team building, watersports and beautiful scenery
Thomond Park Stadium & museum tour, King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, Bunratty Castle and The Bishop’s Palace
18 hole championship course set across 3 peninsulas of the Lakes plus driving range and short game facilities Team building, archery, hiking, kayaking. Russborough House & Punchestown Race Track 10 minutes drive
3 7 Sligo Park Hotel +353 (0) 71 919 0400
800 5 suites and 17 executive boxes Angela Foley, +353 (0) 61 421 129 angelafoley@thomondpark.ie
3 3 Christina Connolly sales@tulfarris.com
Maximum of 200 delegates 3 3 +353 (0)1 646 3387 Westbury_events@doylecollection.com
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Staff member can assist with in-house AV 7 7 3
Pearse Road, Sligo
Cratloe Road, Limerick
+353 (0) 71 919 0400 +353 (0) 71 916 9556 sligo@leehotels.com
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 67
N/A
+353 (0)1 679 1122 +353 (0)1 679 7078 Westbury@doylecollection.com
205
Balfes, The Sidecar
Fitness Suite
Centrally located on Grafton Street, within walking distance of Trinity College & St Stephen’s Green
05/07/2018 12:01
68
Venue Directory Conferencing 2018
Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre
Wood Quay Venue
Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:
Clane, Naas, Co. Kildare +353 (0) 45 98 9900 +353 (0) 45 98 9911 sales@westgrovehotel.com
Dublin City Council, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 +353 (0) 1 222 2857 +353 (0) 1 222 3329 woodquayvenue@dublincity.ie
www.westgrovehotel.com
N/A
4HHHH 10 minutes drive from M4/Maynooth exit and the M7/Naas exit. 10 minutes drive to Sallins train station 96
N/A City Centre; close to public transport and public car parks
Assaggio Restaurant & the Oak Bar private dining options also available
A list of recommended caterers is available, or you may choose your own caterer N/A
N/A
BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:
The Oak Bar - Live entertainment every Saturday night
LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:
Award winning leisure club, 20m swimming pool, fitness suites, fitness classes, steam room & jacuzzi Nearby Golf Courses include Millicent, The K Club, Carton, Palmerstown Stud & Killeen Irish National Stud, Punchestown, The Curragh, Naas Racecourse, Kildare Village, Mondello Park and many more
N/A
2 – 450 delegates theatre style 3 Catherine Killeen, +353 (0) 45 98 9904 ckilleen@westgrovehotel.com
120 theatre style. Other layouts possible 3 Ailish McCarthy +353 (0) 1 222 2857
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:
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TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:
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3
Staff member can assist with in-house AV 7 7 3
Staff member can assist with in-house AV 7 7 3
GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby) ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:
056_Conf Guide 2018_Directory_NEW.indd 68
N/A
Centrally located within walking distance of the city centre, the original City wall is in situ
3 7
05/07/2018 12:02
Ireland’s Premier Event & Conference Venue • 16,500m2 of conference & event space
• Free parking for 2,000+ cars
• 29 flexible meeting rooms with advanced AV system
• Conveniently located close to all major road networks
• 764 well appointed guest bedrooms
Call Our Sales Team Now on 01 401 0518 citywesthotel.com
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T: +353 1 401 0500 E: info@citywesthotel.com
26/02/2018 14:59 10:23 30/04/2018
COME AND SEE THE transformed Red Cow Moran Hotel Still the same excellent location & 4 star service…we just got bigger & better!
UNBEATABLE FACILITIES • • • • • •
275 Executive Style Guestrooms 21 Spaces – capacity for up to 800 Theatre 2 Think Tank Rooms New Courtyard Garden Screen Sharing Technology Floor to Ceiling White Board
• • • • • •
Tom’s Table Restaurant State of the art Fitness Suite High Speed Broadband LCD Screens (largest is 97 inches wide) Ample car parking Direct link to city centre – Red Luas line
T: 01 4593650 | E: info@moranhotels.com | Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin 22 YX80 www.redcowmoranhotel.com
RED COW MORAN HOTEL 110278 RCMH Ad.indd 1 244061_1C_Red Cow_JM_Conference.indd 1 Untitled-4 1 Conferencing
22/01/2018 15:00 10:41 22/01/2018 16:08 30/04/2018