Conferencing Guide 2015 by Ashville Media Group

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

CONFERENCING 2015 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

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2015

A DIFFERENT VIBE THE DEAN Accessibility Conference optimisation • Green Conferencing Environmentally friendly events Conference Technology The best in new ideas from 2014 • Online Promotion Making the most of social media • PLUS A comprehensive directory of Ireland’s best conferencing venues

26/02/2015 19:41

Aviva Stadium Where Ireland Does Business

Make Your Next Event Stand Out A purpose built conference and event venue which marries a spectacular event space with an award winning team to deliver outstanding results At Aviva Stadium we plan corporate meetings, car launches, exhibitions, award ceremonies and association conferences. Guests have dined amongst the newest vehicles in our Atrium and collected prizes on the impressive stage sets in the 1872 suite. Clients have created supermarket aisles in our President’s Suite and raced Formula 1 cars in the tunnel. Aviva Stadium’s Meeting and Events team create memorable corporate events with the added wow factor. The versatility and scale of the venue means we can accommodate an extensive range of events within our 50 event spaces.

I just want to say a big thank you to all of the staff at the Aviva Stadium for helping us ensure that the Intouch event last week ran brilliantly. The facilities were perfect for what we were trying to do coupled with efﬁcient an friendly service. The delegates commented particularly on the excellent quality of the food served over the three days so please pass our thanks to the catering team. Ciaran Budds, Diageo

An enormous thank you to the team at Aviva Stadium for your huge efforts in making our Gathering for Action Conference such a success. Your help with planning; at the walk through stage and throughout the execution of a very complex two day programme was invaluable. Yve O’Driscoll British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Call our sales team today and let Aviva Stadium make your next event stand out.

Phone: 01-238 2388 Email: sales@avivastadiumevents.ie www.avivastadiumevents.ie *Conf Cover 2015_V3_FINAL.indd 2

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Contents Conferencing 2015

CONTENTS 16

10 04A TO Z OF CONFERENCING 06BALANCING THE BOOKS Top tips and tricks.

Conferencing 2015 takes a look at some costs to be considered when planning your conference.

08PERFECT 10

Organising a conference? It doesn’t have to be a stressful task if you follow our top ten tips.

10EVENT MISTAKES

Ten common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

16UNIQUE VENUES

Choose a more unique location for your conference.

18ACADEMIC CONFERENCE

Planning an academic conference? The process is a little different from normal, and we’ve got some advice for you.

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64VENUE DIRECTORY

Your essential guide to Ireland’s top conferencing venues. Use our detailed listings to compare facilities at-aglance and find the location that best serves all of your conferencing needs.

23ACCESSIBILITY

42COVERING YOUR COSTS

45PUBLIC SPEAKING

We take a look at how you can best optimise your venue for everyone.

TURNING A NEW LEAF Conferencing 2015 offers some advice on how you can create an environmentally friendly event.

ONLINE PROMOTION With so many useful promotional tools for event organisers, there’s no excuse for not using them. We look at how best to utilise the web.

STORY 34COVER DUBLIN COMIC CON

This year Dublin Comic Con enters its third and biggest year yet. Louise Donnery caught up with the founders of the event to discuss how they plan to grow DCC in 2015.

How to attract event sponsorship.

Develop your public speaking skills and get rid of those fears of getting noticed.

49EVENT TECHNOLOGY

As the technology sector continues to grow and evolve, there are plenty of gadgets and innovations of which the events industry can take advantage.

55TEAM BUILDING

Conferencing 2015 explores a variety of alternative team building exercises.

58DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Some interesting events taking place in Ireland this year.

27/02/2015 15:23

Editor’s Letter Conferencing 2015

CONFERENCING

2015 EDITOR Conor Forrest CONTRIBUTORS Louise Donnery DESIGN Jennifer Reid ADVERT DESIGN Jennifer Reid Alan McArthur EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Mary Connaughton PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Nicole Ennis MANAGING DIRECTOR Diarmaid Lennon SALES DIRECTOR Paul Clemenson PUBLISHED BY Ashville Media Group Old Stone Building Blackhall Green Dublin 7 Tel: +353 (0) 1 432 2200 Fax: +353 (0) 1 676 6043 Web: www.ashville.com

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 2015. 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. © 2015

LETTER FROM

the Editor

Welcome to Conferencing 2015, the definitive guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland. Our latest edition is bursting at the seams with top tips and best practice for events and conferences of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got advice on how to seek out sponsorship, manage your budget, and how to avoid those public speaking nerves should you be required to speak. We also examine some common mistakes made by event planners and how you can avoid them. In addition, we look ahead to Dublin Comic Con 2015, an event that promises to be even bigger and better than its predecessor. In recent years, this comic-based event has grown from strength to strength, drawing thousands of attendees from around the country. As we all know, the venue is one of the most important considerations for any event planner — apart from ensuring you have allocated enough room for prospective delegates, an event’s location or ambience can say a lot about who you are as an organisation, and what attendees can expect. And, as always, Conferencing 2015 looks at the best ways to organise and conduct an event – our top ten tips, A-Z of Conferencing and some ideas on how to promote your event online. Technology continues to be a huge part of our everyday lives, and the same is true for event planners. Once again, we look at the latest in technological offerings for the events sector, from RFID chips to email marketing solutions. Finally, our unique 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 and conference needs. I hope you enjoy Conferencing 2015 and find something useful within these pages to help make your conference a success.

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

Conor Forrest Editor

CONFERENCING 2015 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

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2015 Image courtesy The Dean Hotel, Dublin.

26/02/2015 19:41

27/02/2015 10:36

CROKE pARK te lega e D Day te from p* p Ra

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With Croke park’s heritage and reputation, it’s no surprise that our conference and event centre offers visitors an unmatchable experience. With over 80 meeting rooms and 8 function suites, we’re one of Ireland’s leading event centres. Complimentary Car parking Great Value Rates Flexible Event Spaces The 4 star Croke park Hotel – City Hotel of the Year 2014 Award Winning Event Specialists to help you every step of the way

Book your next event at Croke park. Call us on 01 819 2300, email events@crokepark.ie Or visit crokepark.ie/conference-centre *Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Quote Conferencing 2015.

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19/01/2015 16:50 15:24 26/02/2015

A-Z of Conferencing Conferencing 2015

ACCOMMODATION It’s important to find the right venue for

BANQUET Whether you’re hosting a small or large conference, a dinner banquet is a great way to end things on a high note (a full stomach often generates

your event, particularly

happier memories). This will create ample opportunity for attendees to get

when you have delegates

visiting from abroad. There are lots of things to consider when choosing your venue, such as safety considerations, or size, but you should also keep accommodation in mind — whether in-house or nearby.

COACHING If any of your employees will have to speak at the event, it’s a great idea to find some suitable coaching for them. Even for the weakest orator, there are plenty of public speaking experts out there who can transform them into confident speakers.

DÉCOR Whatever impact you’re trying to create at your conference, it will be the venue which leaves a lasting impression – good or bad. There are loads of great venues spread right across Ireland from which you can choose, but make sure you set aside enough time to make sure you have picked the right

to know each other — networking is one of the most attractive parts of a conference for many people. A final event provides the ultimate setting in

AZ which people can do business.

Check out our list of tips and tricks to make your event that little bit more memorable.

to mention the needs of your clients too!

DELEGATE

If the task of organising a conference has

is well-known or an expert in their field — can go a long way to making a conference come alive. There are numerous speakers available in Ireland or the UK, available

through services like Speaker Solutions and Front Row.

fallen to you, and you’re not completely confident you can complete the task on your own, there’s no harm in hiring an event manager. At the very least you will have a second set of experienced eyes to ensure everything is planned down to the last little detail, meaning that there will be very few unexpected hiccoughs on the day. There are a number of agencies that offer this service.

FOOD

In our opinion, this goes without saying — sample the cuisine available at your chosen venue. It would be a disaster if you didn’t discover until the day of your conference arrives that the food on offer isn’t really up

E EMERGENCY FUNDS When you’re putting your budget together, it’s always a good idea to allow around ten per cent for those inevitable lastminute purchases.

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— particularly one who

ofCONFERENCING

one which represents you as an organiser, not

GUEST SPEAKER Having a guest speaker

to scratch. At least if you check beforehand, and the standard isn’t satisfactory, you can always hire in your own caterers. A wellfed attendee is a happy attendee!

26/02/2015 16:45

A-Z of Conferencing Conferencing 2015

INNOVATION There are many events which fade into the

JOURNEYS

background once completed, make sure your

Make sure you have appropriate

conference isn’t one of these. Consider team

transport arranged for your attendees

building activities outside of the norm, light entertainment or even branded goodie bags handed out at the end of the event. Anything which

— whether it’s buses, taxis, or flights. Disorganisation is something to be avoided, and there’s nothing worse than

makes your conference stand out (for the right

a lot of people waiting around your

reasons) is a great step. The recent Web Summit

venue, unsure of where to go. Don’t

springs to mind, innovations like night-time

forget – when it comes to the smaller

gatherings across social venues in Dublin really

events, a personal greeting and farewell

brought the experience to life.

KEEPSAKES Delegate gifts are a great option if you have the budget, and don’t

goes a long way.

LATECOMERS

Sometimes all the planning in the world still won’t prevent the odd minor bump in the

have to be overly expensive. Aim

road, particularly when you’re working on

for something they might actually use in future, like a branded pen,

a tightly timed schedule. When it comes to timing, make sure the conference is running slightly ahead of schedule, in case of any

or a sizeable USB pen drive with

unexpected delays.

some related materials

pre-loaded.

NAME TAGS It’s likely that most people won’t know

ability when trying to spread the message, both before and after your event. Draft press releases to be sent to different media outlets,

everyone in attendance, particularly

provide press passes for journalists to cover

when your conference is quite big.

your conference, and regularly post on social

Providing name tags is a great way

media to keep the public and your attendees

around this and allows delegates to introduce themselves, and to identify

staff members if they have any issues.

PHOTOGRAPHY Having a professional photographer at your event is a must-have these days, for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to provide high resolution images for members of the media, as well as a great-looking gallery for your website

MEDIA Make full use of the media to the best of your

aware of any news or relevant information.

ONLINE REGISTRATION If guests can register online, this will make a great difference to your event. Firstly it will give you, as the organiser, a much clearer idea of how many attendees to expect, as well as any specific needs they might have. Secondly, online registration will reduce the amount of queueing time, something everybody appreciates!

or promotional brochures. Secondly, allowing attendees to view and download photos of themselves and colleagues/friends will foster more of a connection to the event. Don’t forget to give your photographer a list of images you’d like captured, such as keynote speakers on stage.

X X MARKS THE SPOT If you’re in a large venue, things can get confusing quite quickly for your attendees, especially if there is a large number of stalls and information stands. Position venue maps at key locations, and ensure recognisable staff members are on hand to answer any navigational queries.

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26/02/2015 16:45

Balancing the Books Conferencing 2015

BALANCING the

BOOKS If the news is to be believed, there’s something of an economic recovery underway, although times still remain tough, and one of the biggest challenges for conference organisers remains getting the most out of each and every euro you spend. Conferencing 2015 takes a look at some of the costs which need to be considered.

lthough the benefits of holding

corporate rate and dedicated support

conferences have been proven,

that will allow clients to deliver a

sometimes the cost can deter

professional business experience to

clients from committing. The main aim for a conference or event, therefore,

their delegates.

must be to provide a quality service

KEEPING TO YOUR BUDGET

at an economical rate; one that will

Budgeting is an essential part of the

attract organisers and fight off the

planning process, and it’s important to

competition. Organisers need to keep

develop an effective budget at the very

an eye out for conference packages

beginning, which will help you keep on

that include accommodation, meals,

track. The challenge for a conference

transport to and from the hotel/venue,

organiser working from a tight budget

and perhaps a leisure activity.

is finding a venue that meets your

TAILOR-MADE PACKAGES

needs for a reasonable price, without compromising any aspect of your

It is important to understand the

plan. From the beginning it is vital

nature of the business and offer value-

that you know how much you have

for-money conferencing packages

available to spend on your event. You

with competitive prices and a top rate

need to determine which expenses will

service. From the time a guest arrives

be assumed by the client or sponsor

at the venue until the time they depart,

and by the attendees. Estimate how

outstanding hospitality needs to be

many people you expect to attend

provided discreetly and effectively

your conference and calculate your

by the hotel’s dedicated team. Event

overall expenditure by separating your

organisers should be offered a tailor-

variable and fixed

made conference package with no

costs.

hidden extra costs.

Remember to control

Hosting a conference in a city

your costs at every turn

centre location can also keep costs

and constantly keep an

lower for attendees as they are close to

eye on your finances

inexpensive public transport links, as

so you can ensure a

well as attracting delegates who wish to

successful conference

take in nearby amenities.

that is within your

Aim to offer a very competitive

006_Conferencing2015_BalancingBooks.indd 6

budget.

EXPECT THE BEST, BUT PLAN FOR THE WORST Budgets should include a contingency fund (about ten per cent) for unanticipated, last-minute expenses.

ADDING UP VARIABLE COSTS

These costs are calculated per person and so can change depending on conference attendance: Administration (postage or an online booking tool) Name badges, welcome packs, etc. Catering Entertainment Individual transportation Accommodation Prizes or gifts Miscellaneous (licences for music or written material, unforeseen costs)

FIXED COSTS

These expenses remain the same regardless of the number of attendees: Management fees and expenses such as meals, mileage, telephone, etc. Personnel Administration Insurance and legal Cost of site inspection visits Promotion/advertising Group accommodation Transportation (cars, buses, driver meals and gratuity, tolls and parking) Gratuities Audio-visual equipment, staging, etc. Contingency fund (to cover emergencies or unexpected purchases) Design and print Website design and hosting

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Perfect Ten Conferencing 2015

PERFECT

2 1 PLANNING

The sooner you start planning, the better. Providing ample time to plan will

help eliminate lots of

10 Organising a conference doesn’t always have to be a stressful task.

5 34 TECH GEAR

These days

a more successful,

LEAVE THEM IN THE LOOP

stress-free conference.

Keep interest high

Start with the date,

amongst your delegates

and ensure there are

by consistent circulation

ORGANISATION IS KEY

no other competing

of relevant information.

Following on from

visual equipment like

conferences on the

Send each attendee

step 2, compile

laptops, projectors,

Why are you

same day, otherwise

a detailed event brief

a delegate and

microphones and

organising this

you might be facing

with information on

guest list, send out

video cameras.

event, to share

a somewhat empty

dates and times, the

invitations well in

Don’t forget to book

information or

room! Allowing

venue, event timetable,

advance, arrange

these items well in

to sell a product,

time to prepare a

guest speakers, travel

for branding

advance, and confirm

etc.? It’s key to

great conference

and accommodation

information to be set

closer to the date.

know what you

also reflects well

arrangements, post-

up well in advance

You don’t want to

want to achieve,

on you and your

event entertainments

of the conference,

be running around

as well as who

organisation — poor

and any other additional

and ready name

in a panic at the last

your target

conferences leave a

activities you might have

tags and other

moment, searching

audience is.

poor impression.

planned.

printed materials.

for a microphone!

issues, and will ensure

MOTIVATION

008_Conferencing2015_PerfectTen.indd 8

the amount of

technology present at most conferences can be quite extensive,

especially with audio-

26/02/2015 16:51

Perfect Ten Conferencing 2015

6 78 SOLID OPEN

PRESS

We’ve covered this in

the tone for the rest of

KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

the conference (and

This one is probably

magazine, but once

if you open strong,

for the speakers in

again we highlight the

don’t forget to follow

particular — get to

power of the press,

through!). Capture

the point. Rambling

both online and print.

your delegates’

is never a good

If media attention is

attention with a

idea unless you’re a

an important driver

powerful audio-visual

grandparent sitting at

for your event’s

presentation, an image-

home beside the fire

led introduction, or

with a child on your

Your opening will set

other sections of the

9 VARIETY

10 SUM IT UP

For a company conference, sum

Keep your

up the actions

delegates on their

agreed upon after

success, draft press

toes and at peak

the event. For

releases, source

interest by mixing

other conferences,

a captivating guest

lap, then it’s endearing.

the main speeches,

things up a little.

why not consider

speaker. You don’t

The same applies to

book a corporate

Don’t make them

a delegate

have to bring out the

certain Sky Sports

photographer and

sit through four

feedback form?

jugglers but keep

pundits. Delegates

schedule your event

talks in a row,

These are great

things interesting,

will be quite thankful

for quiet media times;

break the time

for discovering

and brief. Monotony

that the information is

holding a major

up with team

what worked well

is a sure way to lose

presented clearly and

conference on the

building activities,

or not so well,

your guests’ attention,

in a concise way. Allow

same day as the World

entertainment,

and could make

and they won’t retain

for regular breaks and

Cup Final isn’t going to

meals and other

your next event

much or even any

time to absorb what

guarantee you top spot

networking

an even bigger

information.

they’re hearing.

in the day’s headlines.

opportunities.

success.

008_Conferencing2015_PerfectTen.indd 9

26/02/2015 16:51

Plan to Prepare Conferencing 2015

LESSONS

LEARNED

Planning an event is never an easy task, something any event professional will tell you in a heartbeat. From malfunctioning technology to disgruntled delegates and last minute budget upheavals, it only takes a few seconds to ruin your day. But, as they say, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We look at ten common event planning mistakes, and how you can avoid them. DELEGATE

MURPHY’S LAW

It can be hard to distribute

As many an event professional will

responsibility sometimes – after all

explain, Murphy’s Law is often an

you’ve seen and done it all, and the rest

undeniable inevitability – what can

of these people are a little too green

go wrong, will go wrong. But you

for your liking, and just don’t know

can work to negate this cosmic law

how you like things done. No matter

as much as possible. For example,

how capable you are, you’ll just get a

ensure a qualified professional

headache if you try to do it all yourself,

performs a risk assessment of

and you’ll likely forget something on

your venue and plan as early as

your list too. Flying solo is okay when

possible, thus catching any potential

organising a few drinks after work on

derailments long before the big day.

Friday, it’s a little different when it

Also, ensure you have an emergency

comes to a full blown conference. Even

toolkit with you on the day, with

Iron Man has the Avengers to back him

spare pens, paper, tape, chargers and

up when things go south.

rudimentary tools, just in case.

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Picking the right venue is one of the most important things when it comes to event planning. You want somewhere that provides a suitable backdrop for your conference, with all of the right facilities on hand.

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Plan to Prepare Conferencing 2015

VENUE MISCALCULATION

48 hours before your conference.

Picking the right venue is one of

All going well, things should still

the most important things when it comes to event planning. You want somewhere that provides a suitable backdrop for your conference, with all of the right facilities on hand. Even more important, you require somewhere with enough room. Imagine if you set a date, book the venue and then realise you’ve vastly underestimated or overestimated your audience size? Too many people packed into a space will mean that your delegates won’t enjoy the experience half as much. And there’s nothing more depressing than a halfempty hall – attendees aren’t going to leave with overly fond memories. Just make sure you have conducted enough research into your potential audience size.

SETTING UP

For conferences in busy urban locations, try and choose a venue close to a range of public transport options. For example, Dublin’s Convention Centre is close to railways, the Luas, taxi stands and a range of bus options.

proceed according to plan, but when you least expect it you could be faced with a forgotten piece of the puzzle, and only several hours to find a replacement.

STAKE OUT THE COMPETITION As mentioned elsewhere in this publication, you should choose a time of year when there’s relatively little else going on, in terms of political or sporting events etc. But don’t forget to keep an eye out for competing conferences which could steal your crowds. And, when booking your venue, ensure you have the place to yourself as much as possible – you don’t want your delegates’ attention being pulled elsewhere.

PARKING PLAN For conferences in busy urban locations, try and choose a venue close

On the day of your conference, you

to a range of public transport options.

don’t want guests walking into the venue while your team is still in the

delegate tasks as required. But you also

For example, Dublin’s Convention

middle of setting out tables and chairs,

need to make sure you’re handing the

Centre is close to railways, the

or hooking up the AV equipment.

job to the right person. If a member

Luas, taxi stands and a range of bus

Timing is important, and you want

of your team isn’t great at social

options. You’ll still likely get some

to maintain that professional veneer.

interactions, don’t make them stand

attendees who arrive in their own car,

Make sure the bulk of the work is

in the reception area ready to greet

so make sure you have some parking

done a day or two beforehand if

people – a recipe for disaster. Likewise,

arrangements sorted beforehand –

possible, leaving the next morning

your most outgoing personality is

whether this is on-site parking, or a

for you to arrive early and ensure the

probably wasted double checking that

list of nearby alternatives.

final touches are made.

the chairs are in the right positions.

REGISTRATION It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the

Know your team – their strengths and

FOLLOW UP

their weaknesses.

It doesn’t have to be anything major, but a quick email outlining your

registration desk, particularly if a

SOUND CHECK

host of delegates decide to arrive at

Make sure your audience can hear

the difference in their decision to

the same time. Make sure you have

your speakers. Having attended an

attend your next conference. Keep

assigned enough staff members to the

event in Dublin recently, there were a

track of their

registration desk, with more on hand

few awkward moments involving the

information –

to provide backup if required. If you

MC and a malfunctioning microphone,

names, numbers

can, make use of online registration

lending an unprofessional air to

and emails – and

tools like zkipster, a handy guest

proceedings. Avoid the embarrassment

continue to follow

list app which allows you to process

with comprehensive AV equipment

up during the

attendees much quicker.

coupled with several sound checks

year, laying the

prior to your conference.

groundwork for

ALLOCATION As mentioned above, you can’t do

CONFIRMATION

everything yourself, and you need to

Confirm with your vendors at least

010_Conferencing2015_CommonMistakes.indd 12

thanks to your delegates could make

an even bigger and better event next year.

DON’T FORGET Thank your guest and keynote speakers, advertisers, staff and any other attendees or staff – it costs nothing to generate some goodwill.

26/02/2015 16:52

locale: en

DBLNP-DBLNP-Logo-StandardSingleLine

DUBLIN - NORTHWOOD

● 204 STYLISH BEDROOMS AND SUITES ● CONFERENCE SPACE FOR UP TO 1,000 DELEGATES ● 25 MEETING ROOMS WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES ● COMPLIMENTARY WIFI THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS ● COURTESY COACH TO/FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT ● 15 MINUTES FROM DUBLIN CITY CENTRE ● EASY ACCESS FROM M50/M1 MOTORWAYS ● RESTAURANT, BAR AND COFFEE DOCK ● SECURE, MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK

For further information contact us on (01) 862 8888 E: info@crowneplazadublin.ie W: crowneplazadublin.ie Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Santry, Dublin 9

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Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

HIDDEN

LUXURY

The luxurious Druids Glen Resort, located just 30 minutes south of Dublin and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport, is set in 400 acres of rolling countryside, nestled between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea.

assist you in every aspect of your programme plan: from off-site dining options to a vast list of indoor and outdoor activities including cultural and heritage sightseeing,

ith both location and

you choose to dine in the newly

scenery as its primary

refurbished restaurant, the Pavilion

benefits, Druids Glen

Lounge overlooking the decking

golf and adventure afternoons.

Resort offers the best of both

area or in the cosy Thirteenth Bar.

worlds; a secluded venue to remove

Our new Executive Head Chef,

yourself from everyday distractions,

Malek Hamidouche, brings his

a location with an abundance of

Gallic flair and creativity to the

cultural hotspots on the doorstep,

menus where flavour, variety and

places of historical interest set

integrity are at the heart of his

amid spectacular landscapes and

dishes. We can also create a bespoke

Dublin’s cosmopolitan city centre

dining experience for your event

nearby to explore and enjoy.

to really wow your delegates and

BREATHTAKING LOCATION

clients for that special occasion.

Woodstock House, the Clubhouse at

REFURBISHMENT

DRUIDS GLEN RESORT PROVIDES YOU WITH: • Free Wi-Fi • 55” LED screens • iPad mirroring capability • Desktop connectivity • Full HD presentation capabilities

Druids Glen Golf Course, dates back

The Resort has recently undergone a

PLANNING

3 million refurbishment and offers

Our creative and dynamic Events

many lords, ladies, bishops and even

145 deluxe guest rooms and suites,

team will work with you from your

some famous musicians including

eight conference and banqueting

initial enquiry right through to the

Mike Oldfield, who recorded Tubular

suites, a spa and health club as well

execution of your successful event.

Bells II there. The breathtaking

as two championship golf courses,

If you are planning an exciting

rooftop terrace is ideal for drinks

to 1770 and has been the home to

Druids Glen and Druids Heath.

product launch, large conference or

receptions and overlooks Druids Glen

Whether you are planning a

celebration, the entire hotel can be

with views of the estate stretching

large conference or an executive

hired as ‘Exclusively Yours,’ offering

as far as the Irish Sea. Woodstock

meeting, choose from the elegant

complete privacy and a highly

House offers unique private dining

James Joyce ballroom or one of the

personalised service.

options for up to 80 guests.

seven executive meeting rooms,

When energising your team is on

all stylishly designed with comfort

the agenda, the six-acre site at

and flexibility in mind and with

Druids Acres is perfect for team

natural daylight and superb views.

building activities. The Druids

Dining is a delight whether

DruidsGleb_1C_CP_CONF_v2.indd 14

Glen Events team is on hand to

Druids Glen Resort – worlds away, yet right on Dublin’s doorstep.

CONTACT

information

T: 01287 0878 E: sales@druidsglenresort.com

26/02/2015 17:27

233878_1C_DRUIDSGLEN_JR_CONF.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

22/12/2014 16:54 12:23 26/02/2015

Unique Venues Conferencing 2015

SOME PLACE

A LITTLE

Different

As an event organiser, you want your conference to stand out from the crowd. This could mean anything from the technology you use during your event to an eclectic mix of guest speakers, or some truly different surroundings. We focus on the latter, and pick out some of the best and most unique Irish venues.

Surrounded by rolling fields, hills and

SHINING A LIGHT ON SMITHFIELD

beautiful woodland, Kippure Estate is

Located on Market Square in

found hiding in Co Wicklow, only a 40-

Smithfield, the newly-reopened

minute drive from Dublin’s city centre.

Lighthouse Cinema offers a city

Dating back to the 1700s, Kippure

centre venue with quite a bit of

Estate has a rich history; once owned

difference. From single screens to a

by the Moore family of Kilbride, it was

takeover of the entire cinema, the

extended to form a substantial hunting

staff at the Lighthouse are willing to

lodge, with a farm and Victorian

work to create a unique experience.

ATMOSPHERE AT THE ABBEY

gardens. In 1891 an Anglo-Irish family

The cinema has a number of screens

Ireland’s national theatre, the Abbey

assumed ownership of the estate before

and event spaces for hire, and can

Theatre was founded by W.B. Yeats

it was destroyed by fire in 1922, the

cater for screenings, exhibitions,

and Lady Augusta Gregory in 1904

year civil war broke out in Ireland.

launch parties, recitals and more.

and has since seen many thousands

HIDDEN RETREAT

Its current owners purchased the

of actors treading the famed boards.

restoring it to its former glory. You can

GIVE YOUR GUESTS A WARM GLOW

explore the grounds on foot, and see

Not too far from the Lighthouse

capacity of up to 492 people, while

old ruins, standing stones and, on three

Cinema you’ll discover the Old

the Peacock auditorium can hold

of the surrounding hills, Neolithic

Jameson Distillery. With a capacity

132 people. Both of these venues

passage tombs dating as far back as

for 25-300 guests, the backdrop

come with a handy break-out space.

5,000 years ago.

is certainly fantastic – the warm

Facilities include complimentary Wi-

glow from the copper pot stills and

Fi, car parking and a coffee deck.

Corporate’, Kippure Estate is also

sparkling chandeliers in JJs bar.

Considering its location right next

home to a number of activities which

Food can be cooked fresh on site and

to O’Connell Street, it really is in the

provide great team-building exercises –

there’s a wide menu

heart of the city. Also of interest are

from high rope challenges to thought-

available for all of

the Theatre’s creative workshops, led

provoking experiential learning

your delegates. The

activities. The team at Kippure can also

Distillery also offers

work with you at your office, nearby

a range of music

hotels or any other locations across

and entertainment

the country, with a host of information

packages for

found at www.teambuildingireland.com

evening events.

estate during the 1970s, and set about

Under the name ‘Kippure

016_Conferencing2015_UniqueVenues.indd 16

Providing a distinctly cultural vibe, the Abbey’s auditorium has a

SEE MORE Take a virtual tour on jamesonwhiskey.com

by Voice Director Andrea Ainsworth. The workshops offer personal and professional development skills focusing on voice projection, increasing confidence and physical presence, amongst others.

26/02/2015 16:53

Unique Venues Conferencing 2015

Clockwise from left: Chester Beatty Library. Photo: James Fennell; The Abbey Theatre; Kippure Estate; Old Jameson Distillery (Photo: Jameson Distillery).

of the Boyne. The night before the battle, it is said that William’s armies camped in the grounds of the castle. It was also the venue for the glamorous wedding celebrations of Augusta Mary Monica Bellingham who married the 4th Marqui of Bute, John CrichtonStuart. No expense was spared by the man who was one of the wealthiest in Britain at the time, which included a chartered steamer to ferry guests and a pipe band across the Irish sea for the wedding, while the wedding itself attracted the attention of the world’s media.

HISTORICAL BACKDROP

Bellingham Castle in Co Louth

BRING FOLK TO THE PARK

The Chester Beatty Library, referred to

offers privacy, luxury and a stunning

Tyrone’s Ulster American Folk Park is

by the Lonely Planet as one of the best

backdrop. Their conference facilities

an attraction which brings to life the

museums in all of Europe, provides

incorporate a library, reception rooms

historical story of Irish emigration,

a great experience for the visitor.

and a number of nooks and crannies

allowing visitors to undertake a journey

Within its exhibition spaces you’ll

suitable for breakout sessions. The site

spanning from the thatched cottages of

discover treasures like Biblical papyri

includes complimentary Wi-Fi, while

Ulster to a full scale emigrant ship and

dating from the second century AD to

AV requirements can be arranged

ending in log cabins on the American

medieval and Renaissance manuscripts

beforehand. The period rooms and

Frontier.

and Japanese scrolls from the

formal gardens on the banks of the

seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

River Glyde provide the perfect

for a conference or event; the Ship &

But it also doubles as a great setting

The museum also doubles as an

setting for photoshoots, and a team of

Dockside Gallery contains the emigrant

event venue, with facilities including

chefs will ensure your guests don’t go

ship replica but can also be used

the Atrium, suitable for evening

hungry.

for lectures and seminars, while the

The castle itself was once the

Education Suite – located in the heart

AV equipment; a board room with

ancestral home to the Bellingham

of the park – contains classrooms that

views over Dublin Castle; and the Roof

family from the seventeenth century

can be used for workshops or meetings

Garden, a beautiful and tranquil space

up until the 1950s. Built around

of between 15-40 delegates. In addition,

suitable for drinks receptions.

1660, it was occupied and burnt

the Seminar Room is home to a screen

to the ground by King James II

and data projector. The park offers

in revenge for Colonel Thomas

a special programme as a conference

Located mid-way between Dublin and

Bellingham acting as a guide for

highlight, including hospitality, tours,

Belfast, and close to the M1 motorway,

William of Orange before the Battle

demonstrations and traditional music.

events; a flexible lecture theatre with

BEAUTIFUL BELLINGHAM

016_Conferencing2015_UniqueVenues.indd 17

26/02/2015 16:53

Academic Conference Conferencing 2015

IT’S

ACADEMIC A

cademic conferences are

Academic events often aim to make

generally conferences for

a profit, which can then be used for

researchers who gather to

future events and activities. Offer

discuss their work, and provide an

different pricing arrangements for

important arena for the exchange

current students or those in unsalaried

of information within a particular

positions. Funding for academic

field. On the day, the conference is

ventures can be obtained from a variety

typically comprised of presentations,

of sources, such as the university itself,

each around 20-30 minutes each, and

publishers, academic organisations or

followed by time for discussion. One

businesses which are relevant in the

or more keynote speakers are usually

field.

involved, with more time allotted for

When issuing a call for submissions,

their speeches – perhaps an hour to

ensure the chosen topic is coherent

an hour-and-a-half. Other items on

enough to ensure all submissions will be

the timetable include smaller group

on-topic, but also broad enough that a

discussions, panel discussions and

wide range of papers will be submitted.

workshops.

You should also consider involving

Such conferences are generally

keynote speakers; ideally recognisable

organised by an academic society

individuals who have contributed

or group of researchers, with larger

significantly to their fields. A range of

conferences generally handled on their

speakers’ organisations exist for this

behalf by a professional organiser. They

purpose – try Global Speakers Bureau

are usually announced with a Call For

or the London Speaker Bureau. You

Papers or Call For Abstracts – sent to

can also put word out amongst the Irish

prospective presenters which requests

academic community. Make sure that

they submit a paper or abstract. This

you have a broad range of speakers

call will set out the main theme and

from different backgrounds and with

topics to be discussed, deadlines for

varying levels of experience – this

submission and any other relevant

makes it much more interesting.

details.

THE BEGINNING

When working on the programme, ensure that you know how many slots you will have available, and allow

As with any conference, initial planning

some time for presenters who run

and preparation is key to ensuring your

over the time limit. Once you receive

academic conference goes off without a

the abstracts and papers, confirm

hitch. Develop a budget based on your

acceptance/rejection immediately. Other

financial means, as this will have an

things to consider include start/end

impact on everything going forward.

times (be mindful of travel needs and

Ensure that registration fees will at least

times), and ensure there are enough

help you recoup your expenditure.

refreshment breaks to give participants

018_Conferencing2015_Academic.indd 18

Organising an academic conference can prove to be something of a different experience. Conferencing 2015 offers a few tips on budgeting, venues and organisation.

REMEMBER TO CONSIDER Start times, end times, travel needs, refreshments, accommodation, dietary requirements.

26/02/2015 17:09

Academic Conference Conferencing 2015

restaurants, bar and coffee

and presenters a breather. When it comes to accommodation, contact providers in the area and negotiate a special rate for your delegates. This reduces the cost for attendees, and avoids potential complexities if providing accommodation becomes part of the registration process. With regard to food, don’t forget to request any special dietary requirements. Choose regular food – that special Indian curry might provide some flair at dinner but could lead to some discomfort afterwards.

ON THE DAY If you’ve planned well in advance, everything should go relatively smoothly on the day. Keep an eye on time throughout, and provide a quick reminder when necessary. Ensure you have adequate help for delegates

As with any conference, initial planning and preparation is key to ensuring your academic conference goes off without a hitch. Develop a budget based on your financial means, as this will have an impact on everything going forward.

REMEMBER TO CONSIDER

shop, an accommodation office, guided tours of the Old Library, the Long Room and the Book of Kells, and a high standard of AV equipment. Moving to the west, NUI Galway provides a

Keep an IT professional at hand in case of any problems with projectors or computers.

great conference solution in Galway city. Its 260-acre campus is an ideal location for hosting events of any size, with picturesque grounds, modern technology and a great choice of accommodation and food. More than 15 tiered theatres can accommodate up to 360 delegates, a range of boardrooms and classrooms can host between 5 and 100 attendees, while fully equipped computer suites, free parking and free Wi-Fi sweeten the experience. The NUI Conference & Event Centre is also on

seeking programme information or

hand to provide support on facility

the location of various venues and facilities. You should also make sure

often hosts events and entertainment,

bookings, site visits, practical advice

there’s an IT professional on board –

an all-purpose venue which includes a

on conference arrangements, and

the last thing you need is a projector or

1,000 seat tiered theatre, an exhibition

assistance with financial and budget

computer which simply refuses to work.

space and two large adjoining rooms

matters.

Once the event is over, follow up

(not to mention the on-site café). The

within a few days via email, thanking

university’s main building incorporates

delegates for attending, and letting

five large theatres with a capacity

them know about future events,

of over 500, breakout rooms, large

or publications arising from the

exhibition areas and several restaurants

conference.

for your hungry delegates. As a

LOCATION, LOCATION

whole, the campus offers a pleasant experience with several grassy areas,

The best place to hold an academic

pleasing architecture and world-class

conference is in an academic setting

sports facilities.

– the facilities are already tailored

Back in the capital, Dublin’s Trinity

towards academic functions, and

College prides itself on a conference

Ireland’s third level institutions offer

service with excellent facilities, great

great venue options.

accommodation and good food. Set

The University of Limerick, for

on a campus spanning 40 acres, the

example, has three great conference/

college can cater for events ranging

event venues coupled with over 60

from 20 to 1,200 delegates. The Trinity

breakout rooms. The Kemmy Business

Conference Centre contains five lecture

School includes a theatre which

theatres, an exhibition space, and

can host up to 320 people seated,

varying sized exhibition rooms. The

eight breakout rooms as well as four

newer Hamilton Conference Centre

meeting rooms, on-site catering, an

offers an airy, modern venue with five

audiovisual service and dedicated event

theatres and three classrooms. Trinity’s

managers. The university’s Concert

facilities also include a professional

Hall is another great location which

banqueting department, campus

018_Conferencing2015_Academic.indd 19

COSTS TO REMEMBER MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY ALLOWED IN YOUR BUDGET FOR: • Room Hire • Out-of-hours staffing requirements • Lunches • Refreshment • Receptions • Stationery • Invited speakers (travel, accommodation, expenses) • Design (posters, conference brochures, notes, materials)

26/02/2015 16:55

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

THE FULL

PACKAGE Organise an event without the hassle, with the help of Eirebus.

elebrating 44 years of business in 2015, Eirebus is Dublin’s multi-award winning coach

operator and destination management company, with a fleet of 45 executive coaches, a full DMC division and scheduled services including Swords Express. In business, time management is of key importance, particularly when

Having professional and reliable travel partners can be the key to success for your conference or event. Eirebus are experts in conference and incentive travel in Ireland, offering executive coach hire and a full suite of destination management services in Ireland.

it comes to meetings and events. If you have a large number of delegates or staff members travelling to a

Year accolade at the Irish Logistics and

your event exceeds expectations.

conference or meeting, it’s imperative

Transport Awards in 2013 and 2014.

With 44 years’ experience in creating

that you secure reliable transport.

events with the ‘wow’ factor, Eirebus

This is what you get when you travel

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

with Eirebus, whose portfolio of clients

Having a professional and reliable

person seminar to a 1000+ delegate

includes internationally recognised

DMC partner can be the key to success

conference. Key differentiators include

blue chip companies.

for your conference or event. Eirebus

long-standing relationships with key

are experts in conference and incentive

suppliers to ensure a seamless process

45 deluxe coaches, ranging in size

travel, offering executive coach

and competitive rates.

from 16-53 seats; each of which is

hire and a full suite of destination

equipped with Wi-Fi, WC, DVD, AC,

management services in Ireland. They

operates its own fleet of luxury

PA system and reclining seats. Quality

provide all the expertise, creativity and

coaches, competitive transport rates are

is assured, and Eirebus invests annually

buying power that you need to ensure

passed on to conference and incentive

Their private hire range incorporates

DMC can cater for anything from a ten

In addition, as Eirebus owns and

in new, top of the range coaches, with

groups that travel with Eirebus DMC

an average vehicle age of three years.

and customers have access to both

In addition, the company is a long-

destination management and executive

standing member of Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) and the Dublin Convention Bureau (DCB), and is an ISO 9001:2008 quality approved company. The experience the company has gained over the course of four decades has also resulted in a number of prestigious awards including the Passenger Transport Company of the

Eirebus_1C_CP_CONF.indd 20

CONFERENCE SERVICES INCLUDE: • Accommodation services • Conference, meeting and exhibition space • Food and beverage management • Conference packs • Speaker liaison • AV equipment, sound and lighting • Entertainment programmes • Dinner and reception planning • Networking events • All transport services

coach hire, all under the one roof. Eirebus works with thousands of corporate and leisure clients across Ireland, the UK and internationally, and are committed to comfort, safety and exceptional service.

CONTACT

information

T: 01 824 2626 E: info@eirebus.ie W: www.eirebus.ie

26/02/2015 17:23

Corporate Coach Hire Specialists Eirebus is Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading coach operator, with over 43 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience providing quality transport solutions to corporate clients. We are experts in corporate and staff transport, with a fleet of 45 deluxe coaches and minibuses available for hire. +353 (0)1 8242626 info@eirebus.ie

What we offer: * Quality coaches at competitive rates * 45 coaches ranging in size from 16 - 53 seats * Average vehicle age of 3 years * Annual investment in new, top of the range coaches * Vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, WC, DVD, reclining seats and PA systems * Professional and discreet driver/guides * ISO 9001:2008 quality approved company * Full incentive/conference management service available

www.eirebus.ie

234515_1C_EIREBUS_JR_CONF.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

26/01/2015 16:55 09:27 26/02/2015

Book your meeting or conference today at the Royal Marine Hotel The Royal Marine Hotel has 14 dedicated meeting rooms, catering for delegates from 2 to 240. The Carlisle conference & banqueting centre is purpose built & can seat up to 750 delegates. Natural Daylight & High Ceilings • Complimentary Wi-Fi & Parking LCD Screens & Projectors • Versatile Facilities • 228 Bedrooms

ROYAL MARINE HOTEL, MARINE ROAD, DUN LAOGHAIRE, DUBLIN, IRELAND Call our dedicated team today on: T: +353 (0) 1 23000 30 E: events@royalmarine.ie | W: www.royalmarine.ie 235044_1C_ROYALMARINE_JR_CONF.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

11/02/2015 16:49 14:14 26/02/2015

Accessibility Conferencing 2015

EASE OF

ACCESS When choosing a venue for a conference, it is important to make sure that it is fully accessible to all, including those with physical disabilities. Conferencing 2015 looks at how you can best optimise your venue for everyone.

Welcome

aking an event accessible becomes an easier task if you begin planning with

this in mind, and continue to do so throughout the process rather than leaving accessibility measures until last. Understandably, before you host a conference choosing the location is vital, especially when there

THE HOTEL

are people who may have physical

Most overseas conferences last longer

disabilities that will require ease of

than one day, so staying in a hotel

access. For example, when planning

is usually expected. If attendees

an event you may think that hosting

are staying in a particular hotel it is

a conference in an exotic and distant

important that you, as the organiser,

location will make for a memorable

make sure the hotel can accommodate

experience. However, an organiser

everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Some questions to

must first examine and ask whether

ask when looking to book a hotel may

the venue will have easy access for all,

include: is the hotel compliant with

if there is accessible public transport

accessibility and safety regulations?

from the airport (or other likely

Even if the hotel claims to meet the

arrival points) to the hotel and how

appropriate standards, implementation

complex the journey is.

varies widely, so it is still valuable to

Depending on where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going,

ask more detailed questions and visit

accessibility for public transport can

the site in-person wherever possible.

vary, and in many locations, countries

Hotels in different countries can vary

have only moved towards greater

in accessibility standards so it would be

accessibility in the last number of

wise to see whether one country may be

years. This will require investigation

particularly lacking in this department.

online and through phone calls to

Also, is the hotel willing to reserve the

make sure that all your guests will

wheelchair-accessible rooms and rooms

have easy access to your hotel.

on the ground floor and near lifts for

023_Conferencing2015_Accessibility.indd 23

DOES YOUR VENUE HAVE? Easy access for all, accessible public transport, a route that is not too complex, compliancy with accessibility and safety regulations, and wheelchairaccessible rooms?

26/02/2015 16:57

Accessibility Conferencing 2015

will depend on the requests made

Most overseas conferences last longer than one day, so staying in a hotel is usually expected. If attendees are staying in a particular hotel it is important that you, as the organiser, make sure the hotel can accommodate everyone’s needs.

by attendees. For conferences where there will be attendees who sign in different sign languages, captioning can be used to accommodate everyone with a single service. It is very important to remember that some attendees may require helpers or assistants to accompany them at the conference for care giving and/ or language interpreting. These helpers should not have to pay the full conference fee. A suggested alternative is to have them pay for a ‘meal-only’ fee if they will be eating at the conference.

THE CONFERENCE So your guests have arrived and are all set up in the hotel; all that is left for you is to make sure the conference itself goes according to plan. Inevitably there will be food served at this conference which raises

conference attendees to book, or is

a number of precautionary measures

it wheelchair-accessible through the

to take before serving. What has

main entrance?

become clear over the last number of

BUDGETING

years is that food allergies and bowel disorders have increased, meaning

Budgeting for your conference

a greater number of people that

is an obvious factor to consider

may require particular diets, or who

when organising your event.

would have to avoid certain elements

However, depending on how many

of food altogether. It is helpful to

people are attending and live with

have a system (e.g. coloured stickers

a disability, you must take into

on conference badges) to identify

consideration whether your audio-

people who have requested special

visual presentations can be at least

meals, if these meals are served

seen or heard by every member

separately by hotel staff. Ask the hotel

of the audience. This will require

to provide labels on buffet dishes

you to take extra consideration of

listing ingredients or indicating

costs to your budget. Examples of

the presence of gluten/meat/dairy

what you might need to cover with

products/fish and make sure that

regard to people who are blind

non-sugar beverages

or deaf can include captioning

and healthy

and sign language translation,

snack options are

which can be expensive. Plan for

available.

approximately 1,000 per day in

With all of these

the budget to cover this service, in

tips taken into

case it is requested. Sign language

consideration, your

interpretation should include

conference should

coverage of breaks and social

be a great success in

events. The choice of whether to

providing a welcome

provide interpreters or captioning

for everyone.

023_Conferencing2015_Accessibility.indd 24

REMEMBER TO CONSIDER People with particular dietary requirements, food allergies and bowel disorders. Ask the venue to indicate the presence of potential allergens.

Budgeting for your conference is an obvious factor to consider when organising your event. However, depending on how many people are attending and live with a disability, you must take into consideration whether your audio-visual presentations can be at least seen or heard by every member of the audience.

26/02/2015 16:57

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THE SPENCER

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COOKING CLASSES | TEAMBUILDING | COCKTAIL MAKING CLASSES | OFFICE PARTIES WITH A DESIGNER TWIST

234342 The Morgan CF Guide 2015.indd 1

26/02/2015 19:23

Turning a New Leaf Conferencing 2015

TURNING A

NEW LEAF Environmental concerns are at the top of the agenda for a lot of organisations these days. We offer some advice on how you can create an environmentally friendly conference.

hen we think about what

within these hours to ensure that guests

goes into organising a

can avail of the free travel. Of course,

conference, we realise that

sometimes it is simply not feasible to

the logistics of bringing hundreds,

rely solely on public transport. In this

if not thousands, of people to one

case, examine the possibility and cost

location requires a variety of means of

of arranging a shuttle service from the

transport. With so much consideration

airport or a designated pickup point.

for people’s carbon footprint in the last

More research can even take it a step

number of years, conference organisers

further to determine whether the travel

can find ways of cutting down on

company you use is environmentally

unnecessary travel.

conscious and uses eco-friendly engines

When choosing a location with

including diesel/electric hybrids or

a green initiative in mind, look at

biodiesel, which reduce carbon emissions

whether the conference location is

significantly.

in an area with a number of links to public transport. That’s what makes the

EATING GREEN

CCD, for example, such a promising

If you ask anyone who would regularly

location for many large events — the

attend catered conferences, one of the

Luas, Dublin Bus, private bus operators

biggest wastages that occurs is that of

and the airport are all on the doorstep

food provided to guests and delegates.

(mostly). If a delegate arrives at the

In their document, A Guide to Running

airport, make sure to incentivise public

Green Meeting and Events, Fáilte Ireland

transport to the venue or hotel by

note that it may be difficult to create

stating that the purchase of the ticket

comprehensive environmental plans for

will give them free public transport for

every aspect of catering, but a general

the days on which the conference will

philosophy can be established in its place.

be held. It is also important in this case

One of the best solutions to sourcing a

to provide delegates with all the links

conference’s food can benefit not just the

necessary to plan their route, i.e. bus,

environment but also local businesses. By

tram and rail services.

sourcing food locally you can cut down

The obvious downside to relying

on carbon emissions required to source

on public transport for your delegates

food from afar, while also contributing

is that the times you can use it are

to the local economy during a time when

restricted to their working hours.

many businesses are still struggling to

Make sure that your conference works

survive, despite an apparent upturn in

026_Conferencing2015_GreenConferencing.indd 26

26/02/2015 16:58

Turning a New Leaf Conferencing 2015

Ireland’s economy. From a timing point of view, it also gives you the security of knowing your food is only a short distance away. Once it arrives, the next step is to ensure that all that comes in is not simply thrown in the rubbish bin at the end of the conference. Deciding what will be the right amount of food and drink per guest is difficult, as you don’t want to be seen as providing as little as possible. The best solution is to work with the catering company involved. They will have greater experience in knowing what is needed per guest. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with the catering company prior to the event to provide guest numbers to ensure their estimates for the food required is correct. When the food is being served, avoid using disposable items such as plastic cutlery, plates and glasses on which to serve food, as their

Lighting is a substantial user of electricity; care must be taken to design a lighting solution that minimises energy use without sacrificing the event’s needs. New technologies have provided the profession with more alternatives.

especially for speakers and

REMEBER TO CONSIDER

amplifiers (higher output using less energy). You should avoid older, less efficient systems.”

Print double-sided, use recycled paper and vegetable ink. Use recycled, biodegradable materials for folders, pens, folders and other branded materials.

wastage and unnecessary use. The same

SAY NO TO WASTE

goes for single-use items such as butter,

As anyone who attends a conference

jam and milk as, in many cases, they are

will tell you, keeping tabs on all the

disposable nature will only encourage

half-used or thrown away without care for the environment.

handouts, information sheets and solution that minimises the use of

documents can be a real struggle. It

energy without sacrificing the event’s

also contributes to a serious wastage

served, provide the option of a half-

needs. New technologies have provided

of paper. That is why it is advised, if

portion meal to guests who may have

the event lighting profession with

possible, to make use of the various

a smaller appetite than others, or who

an ever-expanding selection of low

technological advances of the past few

may have children with them. Too often,

energy lighting alternatives — LED

years to reduce the need for paper and

large platefuls of food are served and left

technologies, high efficiency automated

transfer the information onto other

uneaten without concern for the bulging

fixtures, HPL lamped PARs and

re-usable formats. “With information

waste bags that are left at the end of the

ellipsoidals, and HID (high intensity

technologies widely available, most of

conference.

discharge) lamped fixtures. With AV

the communication functions can be

equipment, it should be kept in mind

carried out electronically — promotional

that the brightest projector might not

emails, electronic invitations and

be the best solution for your event.

registration, information packs and

Lighting, air conditioning, projectors

It has been found that an increase

meeting documents can be provided

and computers all require significant

in contrast ratio will often serve as

on memory sticks, or available for

amounts of energy, which greatly

a effective replacement for sheer

online downloads. If printing is

impacts everybody’s carbon footprint

brightness. You should also note that

necessary — print double-sided, using

during the event. Fáilte Ireland

the lumen (a measure of brightness

recycled paper and vegetable ink.

advises: “In event lighting, working

output) ratings of a projector do not

Any branded materials, such as pens,

with a supplier that has expertise in

necessarily increase on a linear scale

folders, etc should be made of recycled,

the appropriate technologies to create

– 4,000 to 8,000 lumens does not

biodegradable and sustainably sourced

a superior design is essential to [the]

mean that the image will be twice as

materials.”

greening of the event. Lighting is a

bright. Many new sound technologies

substantial user of electricity and care

are available that are improved in

sustainable catering solutions, making

must be taken to design a lighting

efficiency, size and power requirements,

sure you have the number of delegates

Finally, when the meals are being

GIVING THE GREEN LIGHT FOR LIGHTING

026_Conferencing2015_GreenConferencing.indd 27

In a similar vein to organising

26/02/2015 16:58

Turning a New Leaf Conferencing 2015

in mind when deciding on how many

bit extra can mean your event can go a

information handouts or booklets

long way in helping fight the mentality

are required can significantly reduce

of wastage, and the environmentally

wastage. If there is a chance of numbers

unfriendly mindset that has existed in

varying on the day, it might be possible

businesses and event organisations for

to print on demand, however, this may

years. Promoting your conference or

be time-consuming and would add

event as an eco-friendly one can make

further strain on guests and staff who

your conference stand out from the

would be required to do the printing.

crowd and potentially sway the opinions

As with everything, spending that little

of your delegates.

When choosing a location with a green initiative in mind, look at whether the conference location is in an area with a number of links to public transport.

VENUE QUESTIONS IF YOU’RE CHOOSING A VENUE WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND, HERE ARE SEVERAL QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK TO HELP MAKE THAT DECISION, AS OUTLINED BY THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF): • Are there any staff members tasked with ensuring an environmentally-friendly operation? • Is the venue in partnership with any environmental organisations, such as the Green Hospitality Programme? • Are there any systems in place within the venue which source power from alternative options? • Are there any efforts in place to offset CO2 emissions? • Has the venue received an energy rating? • Have measures like water-saving shower heads and dual flush toilets been introduced? • Is the venue located near public transport hubs, thereby reducing your delegates’ reliance on fossil fuel transport? • Does the venue use locally-sourced or recycled materials where possible? • Are rooms naturally vented and lit?

026_Conferencing2015_GreenConferencing.indd 28

Supporting venues that have an

also begun an arboricultural programme

environmentally friendly outlook will

involving the planting of 2,000 hardwood

ensure their continued success, and

trees and an environmentally friendly

hopefully prompt other venues around

playground.

the country to follow their example. The

“Westport Woods Hotel has sustainable

Westport Woods Hotel in Co Mayo, for

management practices that include

example, prides itself on being Ireland’s

the conservation of water, energy,

greenest hotel, as recognised by the

communications, waste, design and the

Green Hospitality Award organisation,

use of local suppliers wherever possible.

and was also awarded Tripadvisor’s top

Its eco-labelling process is audited

international environmental award in

annually by Green Hospitality, which

its 2014 Greenleaders programme, for

benchmarks green performance KPIs

strides in reducing its carbon emissions

with like-minded hotels countrywide

by more than 65 per cent, increasing

and looks for continuous improvements

levels of energy conservation, waste

in staff training, documentation and

recycling, and social responsibility. The

green innovation strategies,” says Michael

hotel no longer uses oil for heating, and

Lennon, the hotel’s owner. “The process

also employs ‘Big Hanna’, an ultra-efficient

helps develop a business and customer-

composter that can take both cooked and

orientated culture throughout the hotel,

raw waste, meaning the hotel’s amount

ensuring continual improvements and

of waste heading for landfills has been

attention to detail from all its happy

reduced from 240 tonnes per year to just

colleagues. The atmosphere created is

35 tonnes. Other innovations include

very much conducive to conference and

sourcing local food where possible,

corporate occasions, as the hotel offers the

cutting out individual condiments and

flexibility to organisers to hold a variety of

instead buying in bulk, while they have

events in a carbon-neutral environment.”

26/02/2015 16:58

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

CITYWEST HOTEL,

meeting room configurations which cater to any amount of

CONFERENCE & EVENT CENTRE

delegates from two up to 4,100. A

Located just 25 minutes from Dublin’s city centre, Citywest Hotel looks forward to an exciting calendar of events in 2015.

areas of the hotel and conference

newly installed high speed Wi-Fi system which can accommodate up to 28,000 simultaneous users in all facilities is just another feature ensuring your event requirements are easily met.

ituated on 240 acres of stunning

LIVE SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS

parkland in Dublin, this

The 4,100 seater Convention

ACCESS AND TRANSPORT

unique and adaptable hotel,

Centre at Citywest offers 75,000 sq.

Getting to Citywest Hotel has

conference and event centre is just 25

ft. of ground floor exhibition space

never been easier. The hotel is now

minutes from both Dublin City and

combined with a further 39,000 sq.

accessible via the LUAS (light rail

Airport. Citywest Hotel welcomed

ft. spread over two upper levels.

network) which stops just a short

a variety of successful national and

There are 764 guest rooms, a state-

stroll from the hotel entrance. The

international conferences in 2014 such

of-the-art health and fitness club,

hotel offers 2,000 free car parking

as Disney on Ice, which ran for four

18-hole golf course and two on-site

spaces and is serviced by the N7

days and attracted 4,000 people to

restaurants.

dual carriageway, just minutes

the convention centre. The diversity offered by Ireland’s largest residential

SMALL MEETING & CONFERENCES

conferencing venue allows it to compete

There is an impressive range

on a worldwide stage and attract a

of conference suites available at

unique mix of events each year.

Citywest Hotel and a variety of

185 x 122.5 Conferance ad.pdf

23/01/2015

from the M50 orbital.

CONTACT

information

CATHY JOYCE T: 01 401 0520 E: sales@citywesthotel.com W: www.citywesthotel.com

17:25

Conference & Event Centre

Citywest Hotel, Conference & Event Centre, Dublin

The complete meeting, conference & event destination

Citywest Hotel, Conference & Event Centre is renowned for flexibility and versatility, hosting Ireland’s largest national and international congresses and exhibitions and welcoming over 160,000 visitors annually.

CMY

Our Conference facilities include: ● ● ● ● ●

Main auditorium – 4,100 delegates. 75,000 sq. ft. ground floor exhibition area. 39,000 sq. ft. exhibition centre over 3 floors. 764 guest rooms and suites. Catering 2,000 Gala dinner.

●

Tel: +353 87 6881089 Email: cjoyce@citywesthotel.com 234696_2L_CITYWEST_JR_CONF.indd 1

Citywest_2L_CP_CONF_V2.indd 29

34 multi-purpose meeting rooms. Wi-Fi access for 28,000 simultaneous users with 1GB upload and download speeds. Complimentary parking for more than 3,500 vehicles.

ACCESS Luas direct to the city centre from the entrance to the Hotel.

www.citywesthotel.com 29/01/2015 16:48

26/02/2015 19:34

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

THE HOST WITH

THE MOST! The CCD puts Ireland’s best foot forward.

and hospitality. The venue’s recycling rate also reached 98 per cent last year, an outstanding achievement, and one that’s largely unique to the conference industry. A very high level of technical and information and communications technology, has also been incorporated into the design of The CCD, and the venue is constantly updating this infrastructure to reflect the standards of a modern world-class convention centre. Recognising the changing needs of its visitors, most of whom now own more than one mobile device, The CCD recently upgraded its existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and now supports up to 12,000 devices across the venue.

AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION Dublin Airport, a mere 15-20 minute journey from The CCD, serves direct flights to the UK, US, Europe and the Middle East, making it highly accessible for delegates from all across the globe. The city also boasts over 19,000 competitively priced hotel rooms, all within a 10km radius of The CCD, while the European headquarters of many of the world’s top companies lie at its

doorstep. The CCD’s central location

hen The Convention

(2,500 delegates), and the European

also gives conference visitors the option

Centre Dublin (The CCD)

People’s Party Election Congress (2,200

of getting out and soaking up the culture

opened in September

delegates), as well as a diverse range

and hospitality of one of Europe’s most

2010, it put Ireland on the world stage

of corporate clients including Dell,

popular capital cities during their stay.

as an iconic and inspiring destination

Silicon Republic, Fujitsu, KPMG and

for hosting international conference

Hostelworld.com.

events. Just over four years later, the

While in the last six months of 2014,

A UNIQUE AND INSPIRATIONAL SETTING

venue has won 26 industry awards,

The CCD secured a remarkable 120

The CCD has not only generated

staged over 1,000 events, and hosted

events including 25 international

significant revenue for the Irish economy,

over one million total delegate days.

conferences spanning from 2015 to

but it has also put Ireland centre stage

2018. These 25 conferences range in

for hosting events that bring people from

size from 500 to 2,000 delegates and

all across the world together, providing

The CCD’s impressive client base, many

are forecast to generate over g30

an inspiring forum for ground-breaking

of which it can count as repeat clients,

million for the local economy.

developments in business, as well as

AN IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORD is testament to the impact the venue as a business tourism destination. Last

AN UNSURPASSED REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE

year the venue welcomed a range

With a customer satisfaction rate of

of high calibre events including the

over 98 per cent, The CCD boasts a full

One Young World Summit (2,000

suite of in-house services, and prides

delegates), the European Society for

itself on high levels of professionalism

Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID)

coupled with a sense of Irish warmth

has had on the popularity of Ireland

CCD_1C_CP_CONF.indd 30

medical and technological research and innovation. If you’re looking for a unique and inspirational setting for your next event, contact The CCD today.

CONTACT

information

ADRIENNE CLARKE Head of Conference Sales T: +353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

26/02/2015 18:05

Online Promotion Conferencing 2015

START SPREADING

the News

In the past, promoting a conference was an expensive affair which required you to send out press releases, go on traditional media and put up advertisements. Now, with the internet and social media readily available to companies, there’s no excuse for not using them. Conferencing 2015 looks at how best to utilise the web.

031_Conferencing2015_OnlinePromotion.indd 31

one of the go-to choices for people

epending on your online

looking to organise an event; whether

experience, the task

it be a small social gathering or

of launching a major

an international conference in a

conference can be quite daunting.

particular field, Facebook can get you

Given the scale of the Internet

access to thousands, if not millions,

and the millions upon millions of

of potential attendees worldwide.

pages which exist on it, you may ask

If you are part of a company or

yourself how you could make yours

organisation, you can use that

stand out from the competition and

Facebook page to notify clients or

get noticed?

other interested parties. Your desired

USE THE MOST POPULAR WEBSITES

end result should be that as many users as possible ‘share’ the event with other friends. If it is successful,

It may seem obvious, but using the

the popularity of your event can

big hitters of social media is the

take off in the same way as word-of-

best choice to make when deciding

mouth would have originally. Other

where to publicise a conference. With

suggestions include ‘tagging’ people

over one billion users, Facebook is

into a promotional image for the

26/02/2015 16:59

Online Promotion Conferencing 2015

conference. The logic behind this is that when you tag a person who is a friend of the page, that promotional image would appear on their page, whereas in many cases, they may be missed if people were not directly looking for them. Be wary that while this can often be one of the most effective means of promoting your conference, it can be quite time-consuming as it is rather hands-on in terms of replying to user requests and keeping your event at the forefront of their mind. Depending on the size of the conference and the team you have to organise with, it might be

If you are part of a company or organisation, you can use that Facebook page to notify clients or other interested parties. Your desired end result should be that as many users as possible ‘share’ the event with other friends. If it is successful, the popularity of your event can take off in the same way as word-ofmouth would have originally. USING SOCIAL MEDIA

a good idea to assign a social media representative, or assign the role to a press officer. If you can fit news updates into 140

LIVESTREAMING Most modern conference centres

characters or less, then Twitter is the

now have high-speed broadband in

perfect accompaniment to the more

their conference rooms. This gives

detailed Facebook. With the advent

conference organisers the ability to

of smartphones, Twitter is now often

not only bring news or snippets of

used by people as a reactionary device

information through Facebook and

to news and events. For example, if

Twitter, but to livestream the entire

you wish to announce a high profile

event in high-quality. One example

speaker at an upcoming conference,

is TED, one of the biggest science

promote a competition or share a

conferences in the world, which is

topic or piece of news of interest,

available for livestreaming through

Twitter can be great to get the message

its own webpage. However, many

fast to a number of people on the go.

companies or organisations

It is important that you use the hashtag

may not have the know-how or

function with the hope of ‘trending’

equipment to host livestreaming

on Twitter. If it is shared enough, you

on their own website. Two of the

might be able to gain new followers

most popular and widely-used

and therefore more potential

livestreaming websites include

attendees.

justin.tv and ustream.tv which

This can also include people who are

have thousands of users. These can

unable to attend your conference

be promoted through Facebook

in person. Many conferences now

and Twitter. All that is required

aim to include the Internet in the

during the conference is someone

discussions held in venues across the

to man the computer and keep the

world. Question and answer sessions

stream up and running, which is a

can now be conducted through Twitter,

relatively straightforward and non-

if a user sends a message to

intensive task.

the conference’s Twitter handle.

There are unlimited

It can also be wise to use image hosting

opportunities with the Internet

services like Imgur or Instagram

and social media for conferencing

to keep these far-flung followers in

in 2015, so make sure that you use

the loop with pictures of the latest

as many options as are available

developments or speakers at the

to you and your prospective

conference.

031_Conferencing2015_OnlinePromotion.indd 32

Share your event, tag people in promotional images, tweet your updates and always hashtag your event.

FOUR WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR CONFERENCE ONLINE • Give away tickets — we all love free stuff, and people can get very competitive. Contests can provide a rapid way by which you can generate buzz for your event, and you can also give away items of industry relevance. • Generate content — don’t just post news and videos to your Facebook page or event blog. Insightful posts can prove quite popular, on topics related to your industry. Why not interview select guest speakers in the run-up to your conference? • Spread the word — as mentioned above, create an event page on Facebook to host content and other useful information. Don’t neglect other social media outlets, however, like YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn. • Honed Hashtag — the right Twitter hashtag can get your event trending through user interaction, like the Make-aWish-Foundation’s #SFBatKid.

26/02/2015 16:59

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

CROWNE PLAZA L

ocated within 85 acres of mature

sporting events. Inca Coffee dock

parkland, close to Dublin Airport

serves a range of teas, coffees and

and only ten minutes via the Port

light snacks and is the perfect place

Tunnel to the City centre, Crowne Plaza

to meet with friends or colleagues.

Dublin-Northwood is the perfect venue

Guests dining in the hotel can avail

for both business and pleasure. The

of two hours free car parking.

hotel operates a complimentary shuttle

rooms capable of accommodating

and also offers a range of packages

up to 1,000 delegates, the hotel

for guests who wish to park their car

has gained a reputation for

at the hotel whilst they are abroad.

excellence in hosting both national and international conferences.

all equipped to the highest standard

The Redwood Suite is one of

including features such as air-

Dublin’s largest banqueting venues

conditioning, complimentary in-room

and all meeting rooms offer the

WiFi and American and European

latest audiovisual technology.

plug sockets. For added luxury and

The Sequoia Suite is the perfect

a little more privacy, guests may opt

venue for smaller family events

for rooms on the Club Floor which

such as birthdays, communions

includes a dedicated lounge area.

and anniversary parties.

Guests may also avail of the hotel’s

The hotel has won numerous

mini gym which is fully air-conditioned

prestigious awards over the years

as well as the Buiness Centre offering

including most recently, the EFQM

complimentary internet access.

Excellence Award, the Public Sector

Touzai Restaurant offers contemporary

Combining proximity to both Dublin Airport and Dublin City centre, the Crowne Plaza Dublin-Northwood is a great option for conferences and events of all shapes and sizes.

With 25 purpose-built conference

service to and from Dublin Airport

The hotel has 204 guest bedrooms

Magazine Conference Hotel Award,

cuisine in a relaxing setting. The

IHG Quality Excellence Award and

restaurant’s mouth-watering menu

AA 4 Star Award which is a true

mixes firm favourites with exotic delights

testament to the superb facilities and

and has captured the hearts of all

high levels of professional service.

CONTACT

information

EILEEN TIMMONS T: 01 862 8888 E: etimmons@crowneplazadublin.ie www.crowneplazadublin.ie

who seek a confident and competent service combined with exceptional food quality and presentation. Touzai has received several accolades, the most recent of which was the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence. The hotel’s bar, Cinnabar Red, offers a buzzing atmosphere and is the ideal place to enjoy lunch or an evening snack while enjoying the views over the surrounding lake and park. The bar

With 25 purpose-built conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 1,000 delegates, the hotel has gained a reputation for excellence in hosting both national and international conferences. The Redwood Suite is one of Dublin’s largest banqueting venues and all meeting rooms offer the latest audiovisual technology.

features big screens and shows all major

CrownePlaza_1C_CP_CONF_V2.indd 33

26/02/2015 17:52

Dublin Comic Con Conferencing 2015

COMICS ARE FOR LIFE

NOT JUST FOR KIDS Ireland has long been a place of mystery and intrigue, replete with tales of Fionn MacCumhaill, Cú Chulainn and the fairy folk. However, in recent years we have firmly entered into a more modern world of the mystical and the fantastic with the arrival of Ireland’s first comic convention. 2013 saw the beginning of Dublin Comic Con, whose organisers brought comic book fans, cosplayers, superheroes and myths and legends alike to our capital city. This year Comic Con enters its third and biggest year yet. Louise Donnery caught up with the founders of the event to discuss how they plan to grow Dublin Comic Con in 2015. WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?

to no interest in any of this, brought

can remember I would watch Aliens,

Limerick native Derek Cosgrave

us to see the original Batman movie

Star Wars and Predator and became

and Dublin man Karl Walsh did not

in 1989. I remember it vividly as it

hooked with all things sci-fi/fantasy

find their beginnings in the world of

was my first experience of the cinema.

and, combined with spending a lot of

superheroes and villains. Rather, they

As soon as the movie started I was in

my youth gaming and building models,

both fit the planning of Dublin Comic

awe of this masked crusader on the

it naturally branched into props and

Con (DCC) around their full-time jobs.

screen in front of me and I have been

costumes.”

Derek works in oil distribution, in his

hooked ever since.” Karl more recently

family-run business, and Karl works as

made the jump into the vast world

has a Comic Con at all, as Derek

a public servant. Derek nurtured his

of comics. “Reading comics has only

explains. “Myself and Karl have only

love of comics from a young age. “My

been very recent; I regret not getting

been friends a few years, and it was

interest in comics first came about at a

into [it] earlier but have always read

really only by chance that we ever

very early age: my Dad, who has little

sci-fi/fantasy books. As far back as I

met in the first place. Both of us are

034_Conferencing2015_Comic.indd 34

It is rather by chance that Dublin

27/02/2015 12:53

Dublin Comic Con Conferencing 2015

into collecting movie props, building

we say they’re a big deal!). Derek had

and detailed fancy dress) to see guest

costumes and going to large-scale

a very specific reason for choosing San

speakers and special guests such

conventions, so eventually our paths

Diego as his comic inspiration. “I had

as Ernie Hudson, who found fame

crossed on a Predator costuming group

travelled to San Diego Comic Con in

playing Winston in Ghostbusters, and

called ‘The Hunter’s Lair’, where we

2009 and witnessed the potential and

Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman in

became friends and eventually met up

scale of these events – it’s the biggest

the caped crusader’s popular animated

with other Irish fans of the movie. It

in the world. So we decided we would

series. A particularly exciting addition

became a regular thing to meet and

model our event on SDCC and offer

to the line-up was Ian Churchill,

suit up for charity and the different

a show that covered all genres from

who has worked professionally in the

promotional events we were asked to

movies and TV to gaming, cosplay,

comic book industry for 20 years. In

attend. Eventually a few of us sat down

special effects and everything in

addition to the panels, and for the

and decided we would have a crack

between. I feel it’s interesting and

more adventurous of comic fans, DCC

at starting up an event we ourselves

important for the average attendee to

offered fans interesting choices of

would like to go to as fans, as there was

not only meet the stars of these movies

activities. One activity in particular gave

nothing in Ireland at the time.”

and TV shows but to also see how they

many people the answer to the age old

are put together, how they are written

question: “Do you reckon you would

and produced and how special effects

survive a zombie apocalypse?” Armed,

Derek and Karl did not decide to

are done, and we try and cover all

(admittedly with NERF guns) it is up

blindly wade into the world of comic

those bases at our show.”

to you and another group of ‘survivors’

COMIC INSPIRATION conventions, but rather chose to base

to gather supplies and return safely to

their own event around the hugely

SOLID FOUNDATIONS

successful San Diego Comic Con

Dublin Comic Con 2014 brought

(SDCC), an event that began in 1970

around 7,000 fans of all things comic-

with 145 guests, and which recently saw

related to the National Show Centre

conscious alike, Derek and Karl also

its acclaim sky-rocket with over 130,000

in Swords, meaning the pair had their

organised most of their events to raise

attendees in 2014. This year, San Diego

work cut out for them to top DCC

much needed funds for charitable

Comic Con will be graced by such

‘13. The biggest attraction at DCC ‘13

organisations, including auctions that

guests as Kelly Sue DeConnick, writer

was Charlie Adlard, artist for popular

sold off some of the most desirable

of Marvel’s Captain Marvel series;

zombie comic The Walking Dead, which

comic collectables. Other events

Reginald Hudlin, producer of Django

has been adapted into a hugely popular

include a costume contest, guest

Unchained; and Carlos Ezquerra,

television series with the same name. In

photoshoots, retailers and exhibitors,

Spanish comic artist and co-creator

2014 they flocked in their thousands,

an exotic animal display, interactive

of Judge Dredd (if these names mean

dressed in impressive cosplay (which

sets, an Artists’ Alley and autograph

nothing to you, you can trust us when

is basically just amazingly intricate

opportunities with the special guests.

your camp, with the threat of lurking zombies never too far behind. Humanitarian and comic-

Far top left: Derek Cosgrave and Karl Walsh. All photos courtesy Dublin Comic Con.

034_Conferencing2015_Comic.indd 35

26/02/2015 17:36

Dublin Comic Con Conferencing 2015

2015 promises the return of DCC with

unheard of for an event like this,

more interactive sets, displays, original

especially one that’s new and unknown

props, guests and activities to keep

in this form. We will have our work cut

everyone from comic book enthusiasts

out this year as we have moved venue

and costumers to casual sci-fi fans

and doubled the capacity but I have

and families with young children

no doubt we can sell out this year’s

entertained. Karl has given me a sneak

show. We have already sold out all our

preview of what DCC ‘15 will offer. “We

Artists’ Alley slots which showcase new

have already sold out on artist tables so

and exciting artists from all over our

there will be a wide array of local artists

talented little island,” he says.

and international artists attending, as

Karl admits the Irish audience were

well as sculptors and retailers from

a little cautious to begin with. “There

all over Ireland and even the UK, so

was a lot of hesitation at the start,

there will be everything from packaged

people unsure that we could pull it

figures and prints to one-off sketches

off, as no other event like this sold

and sculpted masks and props from

out in its first show here, especially in

professional artists.”

such large numbers. But once people

THE HOME CROWD

attended they were shocked and the support since then has been amazing.

Derek is over the moon about the

From day one we have done our best

response from what is now a very eager

to help the homegrown talent, from

Irish audience. “The response has been

artists to game developers, as best

fantastic so far: two sold-out shows

we can and it can be seen that they

in our first two years is completely

appreciate that!”

WHAT DID THE PUBLIC HAVE TO SAY? “DCC was amazing. It is always great seeing the cosplayers and the huge effort they put into them. There are lots of diverse retail stalls for any interests from comics to toys to cards, even costume materials and just a great atmosphere with like-minded people given an opportunity to share their interests openly!”

– DEAN CONLON “I had an absolute blast...I haven’t missed a single day’s worth of the Con. Plenty of stuff going on and tons of awesome people to meet and chat with. Also, the comics are a lot cheaper than they would be in shops, which is a huge benefit and there’s a heck of a lot more of them too.”

– CIARÁN LAVERTY “It’s quite an experience...The staff there are amazingly awesome, lovely folk as well.With the folk that run it, you couldn’t ask for anyone better. Guests are always awesome...Always had a pleasure chatting to them.”

– GLENN WAY

034_Conferencing2015_Comic.indd 36

DUBLIN COMIC CON 2015 WITH ANY EVENT, YOU WANT TO GROW AND IMPROVE YEARON-YEAR. DUBLIN COMIC CON IS NO DIFFERENT, AND THRIVES ON BEING EVEN BIGGER AND BADDER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS. Derek and Karl moved the event from the National Show Centre in Swords to The Convention Centre Dublin in Dublin’s city centre, thereby doubling its capacity. So what are they going to do to capture our attention this year? “Every year it’s going to get harder to top the last show, but that’s our job now and the only way we can hope to grow is by giving more every year. That means more guests, bigger names, new sets, props, costumes, competitions and premieres. San Diego attracts over 130,000 people over four days in July every year, pumping millions and millions into the local economy. Why can’t we do that here in Dublin? There is no reason why not and we are going to try,” says Derek. When I asked the million dollar question concerning what the future holds for Dublin Comic Con, Derek was hopeful and enthusiastic in his response. “Hopefully we can talk again in five or six years time and we will still be doing this. That’s what we hope the future holds for Dublin Comic Con; we want to make this the best comic and pop culture event in Europe, an event that attracts people from all over the world year after year and we see no reason why not!” Dublin Comic Con will be held in The Convention Centre Dublin on August 8th and 9th. Ticket prices start from just €16.

26/02/2015 17:15

The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious venue for your corporate event

ity Hall is one of the most stylish venues in the city. Beautifully restored to its original architectural splendour, it provides an exclusive and discreet location for your corporate evening event. With capacity from intimate dinners for 50 in our atmospheric vaults, to spectacular drinks receptions for 400 in our magnificent Rotunda, it is the ideal venue for your most prestigious event.

For further details or to arrange to visit the venue contact us on T. 222 2204 or city.hall@dublincity.ie or log on to http://www.dublincity.ie/Pages/CityHall.aspx

234054_1C_DUBLINCITY_JR_CONF.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

08/01/2015 16:59 09:41 26/02/2015

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

CROKE PARK

UNMATCHED IN ALL IRELAND Croke Park provides an unrivalled experience to the highest standards.

ith its heritage and reputation for delivering world-class gatherings and events, Croke Park delivers a spectacular venue for those in search of a unique conferencing and event experience. The renowned venue provides free car parking, great value rates and four star accommodation at The Croke Park Hotel, City Hotel of the Year 2014. The venue is also renowned for its best-in-class sustainability credentials including zero waste to landfill! Croke Park can accommodate up to 800 delegates theatre-style and up to 350 classroom-style, with banqueting for up to 600 guests and receptions for up to 2,000. Suites offer natural daylight, complete with blackout facilities, ceiling-mounted multimedia projectors, three-phase power and lighting hanging points. Large foyer areas overlooking the pitch are ideal for drinks receptions, conference registration, exhibitions and refreshments. Flexible spaces are offered for major conferences, private dinners, awards ceremonies and even exams.

SUCCESS Croke Park boasts a string of international conference and event hosting successes. It recently hosted functions for the One World Summit and the UNESCO Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership. Other notable international events include the Interpol Conference and the Cluster Munitions Conference, said to be the largest and most historic conference ever hosted by the Irish government. The famous venue has also hosted state visits and welcomes foreign dignataries on an ongoing basis. Croke Park has attracted a slew of industry awards, is ISO20121 and OHSAS 18001 certified and is also a Green Awards winner. Extensive testimonials praise everything from the quality of conferencing facilities to the professionalism of staff and the catering. The high-tech requirements of today’s event organisers are ably met by a mix of in-house facilities and outside providers. These include web streaming and interactive voting systems.

“The expectation is that all the smaller areas come self-sufficient with projectors and screens,” said Sinead Heneghan, head of sales. “The larger conference areas are expected to be fully equipped but more of a blank canvas to build their own branded events. A recent comment from a regular described how they love how neutral our event space is, as the talking point should be the conference content.” Conference organisers can stage an event with a difference at Croke Park and take time out to add special extras like a stadium tour or the Etihad Skyline rooftop tour. Events can be organised to incorporate various aspects of the venue campus including the GAA Museum, the Players’ Lounge or the dressing rooms. Newly introduced for conference groups in 2014 were the unique Skydium tours – combining the stadium and roof top tours and these have proved very successful. Exciting investment plans for the year ahead are in the pipeline with spaces being enhanced and made even more flexible. The Croke Park team works with event organisers to design unique events for their clients and customers and the stadium complex allows creativity in putting these ideas together. Team building events can be staged in the warm-up areas. Delegates can network over a drinks reception in the Players’ Lounge or simply soak up the inspirational backdrop of any of one of the event suites.

CONTACT

information

CrokePark_1C_CP_CONF.indd 38

SINEAD HENEGHAN T: 01 819 2300 W: www.crokepark.ie/ conference-centre

27/02/2015 09:30

Let our Space Inspire You Chartered Accountants House on Pearse St, Dublin has been a hugely successful addition to Ireland’s conferencing and events infrastructure, and our facilities are now available to hire. Whatever you’re looking for, we have a space to suit your requirements. • Purpose-built, flexible venue for conferences, product launches and business events. • City centre location adjacent to Luas, DART and mainline train stations. • Video record your event using our internet streaming technology. For more information on Chartered Accountants House or to arrange a visit, email conferencing@charteredaccountants.ie or log on to www.charteredaccountantshouse.ie

234359_1C_CHARTERED_AMA_CONF.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

03/02/2015 17:01 14:35 26/02/2015

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

DRIVING INNOVATION

AT KILLASHEE K

The Killashee House Hotel is the perfect venue for all of your conference and event requirements, from meetings and product launches to conventions and seminars.

illashee House Hotel is set

spa, leisure club and ample space for

House, this space was formerly

amidst acres of historic and

team building activities, Killashee

the Nun’s Kitchen. Dating back

intriguing gardens, walk

delivers an efficient, confident &

to 1861, it has a wealth of history

ways and parkland, with magnificent

discreet conference with all the

and character. Carefully restored,

views over the Kildare countryside.

resources you would expect from

the Innovation Centre now offers

A hotel that is timeless, natural and

this beautiful country estate.

clients the latest technology and

elegant, it offers an environment

a diverse range of rooms to meet

where they understand space, fun

ALTERNATIVE OPTION

and food. From family time to fun

Companies are increasingly looking

time, meetings to events and the

for dynamically different spaces

gym to the spa, Killashee is the

to stimulate innovation. The

room, five break-out rooms, a

ideal place to relax and unwind.

Innovation Centre at Killashee is

brainstorming room, business centre,

From 2 to 600 delegates and

the perfect location to bring your

a central networking area and a

everything in between, there are

blue sky thinking to another level.

private courtyard. Key features

extensive meeting options to cater for

This brand new

every corporate need from team building to creative thinking. Spaces include one main plenary

include an abundance of natural

your specific needs. With 20 meeting

state of the art

daylight in all meeting rooms and

rooms, from traditional to contemporary,

Conference

direct access to the beautifully

syndicate space and breakouts, all with

Centre is the

manicured Fountain Gardens and

natural daylight, 100MB of Wi-Fi

perfect marriage

and meeting room technology.

of old and

The Brainstorming Room

new. Located

has been designed with

With 141 bedrooms, two restaurants, a traditional Irish pub, a stunning

in the Original

Emma’s Butterfly Garden.

creative thinking in mind. Covered entirely with ‘smart wall paint’, the room becomes a huge white board, allowing delegates to have an immersive creativity experience. All syndicate rooms have stateof-the-art equipment and acoustic wall panelling and 100MB of free Wi-Fi comes as standard throughout. Delegates can also make use of a fully equipped business centre and central networking area. So next time you need to space to work, think, network or create just contact us – we’d love to help.

CONTACT

information

Killashee_1C_CP_CONF_.indd 40

T: 045 879 277 E: sales@killasheehouse.com W: www.killasheehouse.com

26/02/2015 17:42

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

EXCEPTIONALOPTIONS The perfect solution for meeting, conference and training facilities.

n Irish-owned company,

along with complimentary flip

Carlton Hotel Dublin

charts, markers, stationary, water

Airport offers four star

and mints for all attendees come

luxury on the doorstep of Dublin

as standard when booking with

Airport and is conveniently

the Carlton Dublin Airport.

located just off the M1/ M50. Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Our dedicated conference and events team will tailor each meeting/

combines purpose-built rooms

event to your needs. Whether

filled with the latest equipment,

you are planning an executive

with facilities which can cater

meeting, a product launch or awards

for up to 250 banqueting guests

evening our team is on hand with

or up to 380 delegates at a

the skills and know-how to make

cocktail reception or launch.

sure your event is a success.

All of our meeting rooms offer natural light, complimentary, reliable high speed Wi-Fi with 50MB download speeds, and LCD projectors. Free car parking

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Your Meeting, Your Way.

CONTACT

information

DUBLIN AIRPORT: T: 00353 (0) 1 8667502 E: meetings@carlton.ie

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport combines purpose-built rooms filled with the latest equipment, with facilities which can cater for up to 250 banqueting guests or up to 380 delegates at a cocktail reception or launch.

20% OFF ROOM HIRE

Room Hire includes - LCD Projector, Screen, Wifi, Stationary, Water, Mints and Car Parking

Email: meetings@carlton.ie www.carlton.ie/dublinairport 233562_2L_CARLTON_JR_CON_V3.indd 1

CArlton_2L_CP_CONF.indd 41

26/02/2015 18:57

26/02/2015 19:32

Sponsorship Conferencing 2015

COVERING

Your COSTS

Revenue from event registration doesn’t always cover the gap, and money through sponsorship agreements can often be enough to cover the difference. Conferencing 2015 offers a few tips for attracting event sponsorship.

hether you’re organising

THE MEETING

campaigns, and their target audience,

a trade show, industry

At the first face-to-face meeting, many

and provide data which will highlight

conference or some

people make the mistake of viewing it as

the benefits of sponsoring your event.

other event, there’s a good chance

an opportunity for a sales pitch. Think

that in order to break even or turn

of it more as an initial conversation,

up with an updated generic proposal.

a profit, you’ll have to seek out one

where both parties are getting to know

Customised proposals which focus on

or more sponsors. However, that’s

one another, sussing each other out.

the sponsor benefits and highlight an

easier said than done.

Take the chance to discover more about

in-depth knowledge of the company and

the organisation, their aims and values,

their brand are appreciated; knowing

so you can fine tune your research and

what you’re talking about will impress

prepare an impressive sponsorship

them, and could make them more likely

Identify your audience and their

package. It’s also a great opportunity

to accept your offer.

spending habits, and create a list of

for that all-important first impression;

suitable businesses and organisations

you want to come across as professional,

of bundling everything into the

who could benefit from sponsoring

interesting, enthusiastic and with a

sponsorship package, and then make

the event. Research each potential

great deal of knowledge about their

for the door as fast as you can once they

candidate carefully, look for

company and what they stand for. In

sign on the dotted line. Ensure that the

previous sponsorships and company

particular, ensure you’re up-to-date with

packages don’t contain any terms or

sponsorship guidelines, and ensure

information on the targeted audience

conditions which could be detrimental

that they have a target audience, and

and prospective delegates, as potential

to your event. It might be difficult, but

brands, which will overlap with your

sponsors will be very interested in this.

walk away if they do.

event; giving both parties time to

PREPARE YOUR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Ensure that sponsor delegates are just

organise, and allow the sponsor time

Presuming the first meeting has

as well-looked after as your attendees

to adjust their budget if needs be.

been a success, and you’ve elicited a

and speakers. Assign a member of

Be proactive in your search – great

sponsorship proposal, the next step is to

staff to assist them during the event. If

sponsors aren’t going to simply show

prepare the sponsorship package, which

they have a good experience this time

up on your door with a smile and a

could include display logos around your

around, that may make them more

wad of cash. Delve into your contact

venue, distribution of free branded

likely to come on board in the future.

book, liaise with your clients, search

products, etc. Take a look at other

online networks like LinkedIn, and

events for ideas which are tried and

POST EVENT

find out who are the big names in

tested, and which will stand out from

When the dust settles, send a thank

your field. Then go after them.

the crowd.

you letter to all sponsors, alongside the

IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SPONSORSHIP

conference attendees. Make sure to begin at least six months before the

LinkedIn is a great way of finding

Before you approach your chosen

In addition, make sure you don’t show

However, don’t make the mistake

ON THE DAY

relevant facts and figures. A personal

out exactly who you need to be

company with a proposal, look into

touch is often remembered, which could

dealing with once you’ve identified

their history, goals, brand image and

come in handy if you return cap-in-

potential sponsor organisations.

any recent advertising/sponsorship

hand next year!

042_Conferencing2015_Sponsorship.indd 42

26/02/2015 17:01

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

MEMORABLE MEETINGS

AT THE WESTGROVE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE Boasting a superb rural location and yet close to Dublin City, the Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre offers everything an event planner requires.

ocated a mere 40 minutes from

individually appointed and are filled

Dublin in the picturesque town

with natural daylight, while each one

of Clane, Co Kildare the four

also provides blackout facilities and

ever indulgent Elemis products, is

star Westgrove Hotel and Conference

air conditioning. Each suite opens

an oasis of tranquillity and offers

Centre is the ideal location for your

onto bright spacious atria that are

the ultimate in relaxation, the

next event. The hotel is extremely

ideal for break outs and networking.

perfect place to unwind after your

accessible to all major routes and is

for depending on requirements. The hotel’s Spa Haven, using the

Organising a corporate or gala

meeting. Holding an event at the

situated just ten minutes from the M4/

evening is also made simple as the

Westgrove is made simple with the

Maynooth exit and the M7/Naas exit.

professional team of staff will cater

event’s team offering competitive

for all your needs and help you

and individualised packages.

Set on two floors and with state-ofthe-art AV equipment and Wi-Fi the

organise every detail from team

Westgrove offers a choice of stylish

building activities through to themed

conference suites varying in size.

events. Private dining for groups

Each of the conference suites are

from 20 up to 350 can be catered

CONTACT

information

CATHERINE KILLEEN T: 045 98 9900 E: ckilleen@westgrovehotel.com W: www.westgrovehotel.com

MEMORABLE MEETINGS Located just 40 minutes from Dublin 11 Meeting Rooms 96 Guest Rooms Conference capacity for 450 guests Natural daylight in all meeting rooms Onsite complimentary car parking Complimentary WiFi

045 989900 ● info@westgrovehotel.com ● www.westgrovehotel.com 233530 Westgrove Hotel CF.indd 1

Westgrove_2L_CP_CONF.indd 43

17/12/2014 11:06

26/02/2015 19:35

Cover Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

AEXPERIENCE DIFFERENT AT

The Dean Meet The Dean Hotel, Dublin, featured on our cover – a stylish contemporary offering that could provide your event with something a little more alternative.

THE BLUE ROOM

uxurious, dynamic, contemporary

layout variations on offer including

– these are all words that have

classroom style (42), theatre style (70)

been used to describe one of

and standing events (120). Staff can also

Dublin’s newest hotels, and one of the

break the room down into two rooms,

city’s great alternative venues for hosting

and it also comes with three projectors,

meetings and events, The Dean Hotel.

state-of-the-art AV equipment, a

Having heavily invested in emerging

mobile bar, varying menus and its own

Irish artists, the walls are packed with

dedicated kitchen and service team.

visual treats, from The Dean Bar on the ground floor to Sophie’s restaurant

Loft in The Penthouse, a 20-person

and bar on the roof, which offers a 270°

venue with a 4K curved smart TV, a

panoramic view of the city. Meanwhile

full kitchen, beer taps, cocktail bar, a

its 52 bedrooms contain suprises such

foosball table, a PS4, turntables and

as Marshall amps, Nespresso machines,

much more to keep your delegates

liquor-filled Smeg fridges, bathroom

entertained in between the serious work.

products from Grafton Barber, smart

For small events, brainstorming sessions,

TVs, Netflix and much more.

meetings that could benefit from a more

The first floor is where you’ll find Suitable for both formal and casual events. Capacities: Boardroom: 50 Classroom: 42 Theatre: 70 Standard events: 120

044_Conferencing2015_TheDean.indd 44

The hotel also hosts events in The

the Blue Room, a communal space that

relaxed atmosphere, showcases, video presentations and more, this is the place.

lends itself equally well to the hosting of formal events and some rocking parties. When set up boardroom-style it can take 50 people, with several seating

CONTACT

information

T: 01 607 8110 E: enquire@thedean.ie W: www.deanhoteldublin.ie

26/02/2015 17:29

Audience Interaction Conferencing 2015

GET RID OF THOSE PUBLIC SPEAKING

nerves REMEMBER TO

Act comfortable, maintain eye contact, smile, express emotion and avoid any fidgeting.

After a conference has concluded, you may find yourself interacting with other attendees, not merely for social reasons but for the purposes of networking. Toastmasters International are world leaders in developing public speaking skills, and have some useful advice for anyone fearful of getting noticed.

045_Conferencing2015_PublicSpeaking.indd 45

or a significant number of

a good impression,” said John Lau,

people, the thought of speaking

an entrepreneur and business owner

in a group setting is enough to

from Malaysia, and a past Toastmasters

send them into a blind panic, let alone

International President. “Identify

speaking on a podium. This can be a

ways you can connect with others in

considerable affliction for any person

a meaningful, honest exchange. Take

and can have a negative effect on

into account your actions, tone and

their ability to progress in business.

style, which play a role in how your

Toastmasters International have had

message is perceived.”

years of experience in promoting

Preparing for your conversation

the best in public speakers through

is a useful idea, if smooth flowing

their annual World Public-Speaking

conversations are not your forte.

Championships, but also in helping

According to Debra Fine, author of

people who struggle through life

The Fine Art of Small Talk Conversation:

with an inability to engage in public

Top Tips, there are several ways you

speaking.

can ensure your conversation flows

“Preparation is the key to making

smoothly:

26/02/2015 17:03

Audience Interaction Conferencing 2015

When preparing for public

dynamics of the conversation, and

of emotions, and can instantly

speaking, think of three or four

wait until a suitable lull to offer your

convey happiness, sadness, anger or

opinion.

fear. Avoid distracting mannerisms;

topics you can talk about, and include a number of similar questions to get others in your group talking. If you have met the person before, try and recall previous conversation topics,

anxiety from interacting in public

Choosing a moment to leave a

can often manifest itself in distracting

conversation can be tricky, people

habits which only serve to take away

will likely be offended if you simply

from the conversation, for example,

walk away mid-sentence. Have some

fidgeting or pulling at your hair.

topics prepared in advance which will

Your gestures and movements should

Be the first to say hello. For those

allow you to move gracefully from one

complement your conversation, not

dreaded situations where you’ve

conversation to another. Lines like

distract from it. Make your gestures

met the person before, but your brain

“Excuse me, I need to check on a client

convincing. Create the conditions

simply won’t remember their name,

over there” and “I need to get a seat

for gesturing rather than the gesture

offer yours first and shake hands to

before this speaker begins” are handy

itself, and suit the action to both the

ease the pressure (and hopefully they’ll

exit points.

words and the occasion. Make natural

things about them, interests etc.

reciprocate with their own name).

GET MOVING

In groups, pay attention during

The human body contains over 700

introductions, and recall the

muscles, yet when people who are

names for later conversations. Using a

apprehensive about speaking in public

person’s name is an acknowledgement

begin to talk, this number appears to

of their identity and presence, and

drastically shrink to about four. The

offers something of an ego massage.

fact is, our actions and our bodies

can speak louder than our words.

Use the event to your advantage as

Listeners judge you not just on what

a topic of conversation — whether

you say and what they hear, but also on

the venue itself, previous conferences,

what they see. With public speaking,

guest speakers and other related topics.

your body and your movements can

be quite an effective tool in placing

Some of us have a tendency to let

greater meaning and weight behind

our minds wander somewhat as

your words. Effective use during a

others talk, which can be dangerous.

conversation can also convey sincerity,

Focus on the person speaking, and

enthusiasm and earnestness to your

maintain eye contact to let them know

audience; people who look ill at ease

you are actively listening, and so you

will make others uncomfortable. Act

can provide feedback on what they are

confident and comfortable, even when

saying. Don’t glance around the room.

you are not. In terms of body language,

Have something interesting to offer to a conversation, on industry topics

there are a number of ways to get your message across. Maintain eye contact and don’t

or events. Try and avoid negative or

just gaze randomly across the

possibly controversial issues, however.

crowd; instead fix your attention on

individuals, attempting to create a

When someone offers you a business

bond with them by looking into their

card, smile and accept it. Always

eyes for five seconds. Smiling is a

take a moment to read it first before

form of non-verbal communication

stowing it away, showing the giver that

which has an important function in

it is valued.

society. In a conversational setting,

smiling can serve to decrease tension

When entering a conversation

and encourage the open flow of

already in progress, don’t simply

communication. Also, express emotion

butt in at the first available opportunity.

with your facial muscles as facial

Wait, take your time, observe the

expressions are a universal language

045_Conferencing2015_PublicSpeaking.indd 46

and spontaneous gesturing a habit.

SOCIAL FUNCTION TIPS FOLLOW THESE TECHNIQUES TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION AT OFFICE PARTIES OR ANY SOCIAL FUNCTION: • Plan your topics. Think of two to three topics you can discuss with anyone. • Keep it lighthearted. Avoid office gossip and controversial topics. Stay clear of topics related to sex, religion and politics. • Meet someone new. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to the CEO, or talk to someone new while waiting in the line for food. • Spark a conversation. Ask open-ended questions about the person you’re getting to know. • Listen attentively. Ask follow-up questions about the person or group you’re conversing with. Listen more than you talk. • Be gracious. If you’re recognised for your accomplishments, gracefully accept the praise, thank the host and acknowledge the manager and your team. • Introduce others. Be sure to introduce a newcomer to those you’re conversing with. • Consider cultural differences. Take into account figures of speech, how you present humour, and personal space. • Limit alcohol consumption. Know your drink limit or avoid alcohol altogether to keep your composure.

26/02/2015 17:03

A JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUES

• Centrally located, just one hour from Dublin • 15 Professionally Appointed Conference & Banqueting Suites • Capacities up to 800 Theatre Style & 500 for Banquets • Self Contained Exhibition Area • 143 Deluxe Bedrooms & Suites

• 30 Self Catering Lodges on the Resort • Award Winning Christy O’Connor designed 18 Hole Golf Course • Green Site Areas for Outdoor Activities • 500 Complimentary Parking Spaces

A TRANQUIL RESORT, THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR YOUR BUSINESS Contact: Sheena McCanny, Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Tullow, Co. Carlow T: 059 9180100 | E: smccanny@mountwolseley.ie | W: www.mountwolseley.ie 234493_2L_MOUNTWOLSELY_JR_CON_V2.indd 1

02/02/2015 17:07

event design & production for corporate events

SET DESIGN STAGING PIPE&DRAPE EVENT RENTAL FURNITURE Follow us on Facebook! Think Design Think Design. G3 Ballymount Drive, Walkinstown. Dublin 12. 014569100

hi@thinkdesign.ie

www.thinkdesign.ie

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

A SPECTACULAR

BACKDROP Having experienced a positive 2014, Aviva Stadium is poised for further success this year.

event management experience. Some have come from PCOs and DMCs, others from international hotel chains, but one thing unites them all – the passion to deliver the best events for each of our clients. With 27 awards to our name and growing, we are immensely proud of our dedicated in-house team who ensure that every event is run to the highest standards of service, delivery

ince opening in 2010 Aviva

association conference hosted in

and health and safety. Most recently

Stadium has forged an indelible

Dublin and a four day international

we took home the award for Best

mark on the event landscape

software association conference for 250

Purpose Designed Event Venue at

of Dublin and is now firmly one of

delegates. The range of events held

the 2014 Event Industry Awards.

the city’s most popular event venues.

at the venue further highlighted the

At Aviva Stadium we cater for

2014 was the most successful year for

versatility and flexibility of the spaces

car launches, large exhibitions, and

events at the stadium since it reopened

and also the value offered at the venue

award ceremonies with floating

and the team were proud to host

for a range of clients from different

stages. Guests have dined amongst

over 500 successful events ranging

sectors. The feedback received by

the newest vehicles in our Atrium and

from small corporate meetings to

the team about the food, service and

collected prizes on the impressive

large international conferences and

standards at the venue is impressive.

stage sets in the 1872 suite. We have

spectacular gala banquets. We also

“A huge thank you to the staff at

created supermarket aisles and sports

welcomed back some of our most

the Aviva Stadium for making our

changing rooms in our President’s

valued clients for whom Aviva Stadium

event work seamlessly yesterday.

Area and transformed Dublin into

has become their first choice as a venue

Both the food and the service were

Bollywood over the Christmas period

for their event annually, such as the

excellent. I look forward to conducting

of 2012. The versatility and scale of the

Irish Cancer Society for the National

more business with Aviva Stadium

venue means we can accommodate an

Conference on Cancer Survivorship

in the future,” said one attendee.

extensive range of events within our

and DMX Dublin with the Marketing Institute of Ireland.

STRENGTH

TEAM EFFORT

to welcoming you here in 2015.

Compass Group Ireland’s sports, leisure and hospitality team cater

2014 was particularly strong for the

for all events at the venue from

stadium in the IT and technology

sports fixtures and concerts to

sector, welcoming eight of the world’s

conferences and events as well as

top ten IT service companies to the

the management of all non match

Aviva for their events. The stadium

day sales and marketing functions.

also hosted major international events

50 event spaces, and we look forward

Aviva Stadium’s dedicated sales,

with a gala dinner for 1,000 guests

events and hospitality teams have a

who were attending an international

wealth of venue management and

2014 was particularly strong for the stadium in the IT and technology sector, welcoming eight of the world’s top ten IT service companies to the Aviva. CONTACT

information

Aviva_1C_CP_CONF.indd 48

LEAH GUNN T: 01 238 2365 E: leah.gunn @avivastadiumevents.ie W: www.avivastadiumevents.ie

26/02/2015 17:12

Technology Conferencing 2015

EVENT

TECHNOLOGY As technology continues to grow and evolve, with constant updates and innovations, every sector of business is feeling the benefits. The events industry is no different. These days, while the content and presentations at a conference are important, it’s all about the experience, and technology can play a part in wowing your delegates.

hether through subtle

dedicated event apps or event-specific

shifts or overt changes,

blogs, to name but a few. Social media

technologies that alter the relationship

the influence technology

in particular has been of influence,

between speakers and their audience.

has had on the events industry can be

providing for real-time reactions

For example, we’re seeing the

clearly seen. For example, delegates

through Facebook and Twitter,

development of apps or online options

have been given the opportunity

allowing delegates on the ground to

that allow audience members to submit

to become more engaged with the

share their experiences, and those who

questions to speakers on the podium,

conferences they attend, whether

can’t attend in person to participate

who can then filter through the influx

through the rising tide of social media,

from afar.

and choose the best questions.

049_Conferencing2015_ConferenceTech.indd 49

We’ve also seen the development of

26/02/2015 17:06

Technology Conferencing 2015

Entry Manager and At the Door, with

With that in mind, we take a look at some useful technologies developed or utilised in the last year.

APPLE’S IBEACONS iBeacon is an indoor positioning system developed by tech giant Apple, a technology we spoke about last year that has seen increased proliferation throughout 2014. Basically speaking, it uses Bluetooth technology to direct content to people’s smartphones when they pass within range of a certain area. This could be useful, for example, when passing by company booths at an event. Rather than chasing after customers with flyers, the information is beamed directly to their phones. In the US, the technology is gaining particular traction in the retail market, with McDonalds trialling the pushing of ads and information on special offers as you pass their locations. Barclays bank, meanwhile, is testing a service called Barclays Access, which uses the iBeacon tech to alert members of staff when a person with special accessibility needs enters the building.

iBeacon is an indoor positioning system developed by tech giant Apple, a technology we spoke about last year that has seen increased proliferation throughout 2014. Basically speaking, it uses Bluetooth technology to direct content to people’s smartphones when they pass within range of a certain area.

Early in 2014, mobile event

the addition of a few more. With this app, event organisers can process tickets, check-in attendees, accept payment for tickets or merchandise and also offer refunds or discounts, all via the one app. It also allows for tracking of sales and analytics insights. “Truly innovative companies look years ahead to predict the technology landscape and anticipate the needs of their customers,” said Eventbrite’s new VP of product, Laurent Sellier. “There are a lot of places it could go. We’re focused on venues right now.”

A MOMENT FOR MARKETING Israeli start-up Moment.me has launched a new email marketing tool that allows organisers to create professional marketing emails through an automated tool, importing contacts from their email account. The company has also launched a new service aimed specifically at conference and trade show organisers that allows them to add information on agendas, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors to their dedicated event websites. “Engagement,

application provider DoubleDutch

both before and after an event, is a

launched two new features that use

wristband contained an RFID chip

key part of any event marketing and

iBeacon and Bluetooth LE location-

that was connected to their credit or

outreach plan, and now

based mobile technology for iOS and

debit card. Organisers said it would

Moment.me users will be able to execute

Android. One new feature, Head

improve security, improve the festival

sophisticated marketing campaigns at

Count, tracks session attendance based

experience and also allow them to

the click of a button, without any coding

on attendee proximity, while Network

gather information about spending

knowledge whatsoever,” said Moment.

Nearby provides an easy way for

habits. It’s a handy technology for

me chairman and founder, Eilon Tirosh.

attendees to find out when interesting

events like this, as people don’t need

people are close by. “We believe

to worry about carrying a wallet, it

launched a service for event organisers

beacons are a gamechanger for live

reduces waiting times where people

that allows them to build free mobile

events,” said Lawrence Coburn, CEO

might otherwise be fumbling for cash,

mini sites for smartphones and tablets.

of DoubleDutch.

and allows businesses to cater to more

“Currently, all the online information

customers. RFID tags can be embedded

about an event is scattered across the

in a host of event products like badges,

various websites of the promoter, the

wristbands, nametags and more.

band, artist, or sports team, venue,

RFID On a similar note, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology

Earlier this year, the company also

and even on blogs and social media,”

has seen growing use in events in

NEON’S GLOW

2014, particularly in the US. Music

Neon is a new app from ticket seller

Moment.me uses smart aggregation to

festival Lollapalooza, for example,

Eventbrite, available for the iPad,

automatically bring all that information

went completely cashless in 2014,

iPhone and iPod Touch, with the

together in one place, allowing event

with festival-goers given the chance

aim of being a one-stop shop for

organisers, bands and teams to easily

to pay for everything via a smart

ticket sales for event organisers. It’s

create one mobile site for their event’s

wristband issued beforehand. Each

a combination of two previous apps,

participants.”

049_Conferencing2015_ConferenceTech.indd 50

said Tirosh. “With this new service,

26/02/2015 17:06

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

INNOVATION AT IRELAND’S

BEST HOTEL 2015 Castleknock Hotel have a new creative space on offer – the simple yet technologically advanced ‘Thinking Factory.’

ver the past 18 months hotels, particularly in Dublin, have been experiencing a return to growth, while investment is slowly beginning to trickle its way back in to the industry as occupancy levels increase and average rates begin to recover. Yet against a background of modern office suites with inhouse meeting facilities, hotels with conference and meeting room facilities are having to adapt to the changing business conditions with new innovations in order to stay one step ahead.

THE THINKING FACTORY One such innovation is The Thinking Factory, a brand new concept from Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, Dublin, which was recently awarded AA Irish Hotel of the Year 2014. They are promoting their creative space as the ‘ultimate meeting room combining modern technology with sheer simplicity’. Creative thinking is enhanced when people are comfortable and suitably relaxed yet stimulated and energised. The Thinking Factory has been specifically designed with this balance in mind. The rectangular room has an inner circular design that promotes creativity and removes the hierarchical top table structure that can often inhibit it. In fact they have removed the table altogether. Instead, contemporary designed side-tables are provided to comfortably place your notes, laptop or beverage with an ‘interactive island’ featuring five large display screens providing the centrepiece of the room. The room has a specific blend of neutral tones around the edges with a spectacular vibrant array of colour within the circle to inspire imagination. Ambient mood lighting also provides the opportunity to stimulate the mind

Castleknock_1C_CP_CONF.indd 51

which can be altered to soften the room where necessary to calm weary heads. The comfortable seating with views of the countryside will take you away from the everyday stresses of your typical office routine. The hotel recognises that home comforts such as air conditioning, a fully stocked fridge and a premium coffee machine are the bedrock of any inspirational meeting. They have a range of creative menu options available including a brain-food menu or you can opt for their naughty but nice comfort snacks if the situation requires it. The room includes several small breakout areas including a balcony with modern garden furniture, comfy couches complete with coffee tables and a snug breakfast bar with high stools.

TECH COMPLEMENT For meetings that require all the mod-cons, this room has all the technology you would expect such as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, BluRay DVD player and surround sound along with a number of impressive new features such as ClickShare technology. This allows several delegates to present

to the group in an engaging and interactive manner either in sequence or simultaneously through seven large television screens, five of which are located on the ‘interactive island’. An array of glass boards surround the room for some traditional brain-storming or you may decide to wirelessly connect an idea from your tablet or smartphone directly to all or a selected number of their screens. Of course the entire room IT set-up is controlled from a tablet which can be used at your discretion. The Thinking Factory is specifically designed for groups of up to 15 people although the room can cater for up to 30 people in a traditional theatre style setting. The room can also include a bar, suitable for evening events, product launches and promotions. The hotel has been making big waves in recent years winning over 30 awards since 2009 including AA Hotel of the Year 2014, and an AA Rosette for its food excellence and service at its Park Restaurant for six consecutive years.

CONTACT

information

T: (0)1 640 6300 E: events@chcc.ie W: www.castleknockhotel.com

26/02/2015 17:48

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

ALL-IN-ONE

AT THE SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL The Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf and Country Club is one of the most popular conference destinations in the country.

et in 300 acres of stunning

are 800 car parking spaces and a

minutes away from the hotel, a

gardens, lakes and woodlands,

helipad on-site also.

selection of team building activities

this complete resort is 90

The 18-hole championship golf

like laser, paintballing, hovercrafting,

minutes from Dublin and Belfast. The

course is ranked among the top

race buggies, etc are on our doorstep.

four star hotel includes 222 luxurious

parkland courses in the country and

Other activities available in the area

bedrooms, a world class spa, 18-hole

with a 9-hole par 3 academy course,

include fishing, canoeing/kayaking,

and nine-hole golf courses and a

driving range, pro shop and golf

water sports, hiking, bike hire, caves

selection of exquisite dining options.

professional on-site for lessons/clinics

and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel has nine purpose-built conference and banqueting suites, catering for everything from two to

– there is something for all levels of golfing abilities. Ciúin Spa offers the latest in beauty

1,200 delegates. A state-of-the-art

and spa therapies using Elemis and

conference centre, the Cranaghan

Spiezia product ranges. An exclusive

Suite offers up-to-date audio-visual and

hydrotherapy suite includes a herb

sound equipment. It has a separate

sauna, salt grotto and health showers.

entrance, a spacious reception area and

With ODD, Ireland’s largest

three adjoining meeting rooms. There

outdoor activity game park, only

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SlieveRussell_2L_CP_CONF.indd 52

The Slieve Russell Hotel is the perfect venue to host your conference, offering everything you need all in one complete resort!

CONTACT

information

ÓRLAITH JORDAN Sales & Marketing Manager T: 049 952 6444 W: www.slieverussell.ie

17/12/2014 11:36

26/02/2015 19:27

Technology Conferencing 2015

dispenses something for free. Though the company is based in Dayton, Ohio, these interesting machines are available worldwide.

CHECK FOR A PULSE Software giant Microsoft has released Bing Pulse 2.0, a technology that offers self-service audience polling and feedback via mobile devices. The system offers a dashboard in which organisers can enter the event’s name, date, expected audience size, the demographic information they want to receive and a URL for the public to access. During your event, attendees can visit the URL and offer their opinions, with real-time results available. “Bing Pulse 2.0 makes it easy for

TOUCH, ENGAGE

as helping event planners tailor content

businesses and other organisations to

FXP Touch is a new second screen

to the audience, which will achieve

set up and for consumers to participate.

platform from FreemanXP, aimed for

greater performance.”

Bing Pulse 2.0 beta features a highly

use by business delegates attending

flexible producer dashboard that

live events. It aims to maximise the

#FREEFOOD

value of general sessions, keynote

If your delegates are a little peckish but

experience by allowing them to easily

presentations, learning sessions and

haven’t got any change for the vending

set up, customise and control a Bing

panel discussions through engaging

machines, perhaps they could send out

Pulse. This includes allowing their

the audience with rich content,

a tweet using your event hashtag to pay

audience to provide real-time feedback

measuring the effectiveness of speakers

for that delicious-looking Snickers bar.

throughout the event, pushing poll

and sessions via direct feedback,

US firm Innovative Vending Solutions

questions to the audience at any time,

using analytics to improve for future

has a line of Twitter-activated vending

and customising the look-and-feel of

events, and amplifying your message

machines with a touch-screen interface

a Bing Pulse, including integration of

by allowing attendees to engage with

that prompts the customer to tweet

social media handles or hashtags, to

content even when the sessions are

to a dedicated Twitter handle using a

map back to their brand,” the company

finished. Content can be pushed to

specific hashtag. Once the consumer

says. “The producer also has the ability

devices in real time, available anywhere

sends the tweet, the machine dispenses

to immediately view results in easy-

with an internet connection. Features

the product. “Our Twitter-activated

to-digest graphics, and to share these

include presentation management,

vending machines can dispense any

results in real-time by displaying them

customisable or randomly generated

product, from snacks to t-shirts,” the

live on in-room or on-air screens,

event keys, email invitations, access

company says. “First we incorporate

integrating them into video feeds, and

anywhere and analytics. As quoted

a @handle and one #hashtag to

embedding them on their web site.

in C&IT Magazine Jane Baker,

dispense the product in order, until

Alternatively, organisers may choose

vice president of client services

the machine is emptied. Secondly, we

to analyse insights and share them

international, FreemanXP, said:

can incorporate an @handle, one main

later. Participants can vote from their

“There is a lot of demand for second

#hashtag, as well as a specific #hashtag

browser on a web-enabled device across

screen technology. Attendees are

for a specific product in the machine.”

various platforms.” With a simple click

Such has been the success of their

of their mouse by just tapping on their

always looking to share content and

puts the organiser in control of the

information during events through

Twitter vending machine that the

screen, audiences can let speakers

platforms such as social media to their

company has recently launched an

know if they agree or disagree, every

own outside networks. This can help

Instagram version — when guests

five seconds if they choose. Voting is

speakers extend the reach of their

post a photo to the social network

anonymous so participants’ privacy is

content beyond event attendees, as well

with the event’s hastag, the machine

protected.”

049_Conferencing2015_ConferenceTech.indd 53

26/02/2015 17:07

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE Lyrath Estate Hotel & Convention Centre is set amid 170 acres of mature parkland, just 1.2 kilometres from beautiful Kilkenny City.

meeting suites to facilitate your needs. Each meeting space offers natural daylight with black-out facilities, with an opening onto a terrace area. The Conference Centre itself is of outstanding design, and is consistently maintained to the highest standard. Location is key when planning an event and Lyrath Estate Hotel is in great proximity to all major cities and airports. Dublin is less than an hour away, connected by the M9 motorway,

yrath Estate Hotel fuses

Guests can also relax and unwind

Cork and Limerick are situated just an

stunning contemporary design

at our Oasis Spa, which includes a

hour-and-a-half away, while Galway is

with the elegance of its original

hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam

under two-and-a-half hours travel time.

room and an aromatherapy shower.

Our devoted conference and events

seventeenth century house, meeting and exceeding everything you would

The Kilkenny Convention

expect from a luxury hotel. The hotel

Centre at Lyrath Estate Hotel is

your needs and requirements. Whether

boasts 139 bedrooms â&#x20AC;&#x201D; comprising

the largest of its size in the south

it is a large exhibition, gala dinner,

deluxe and executive bedrooms,

east of the country, and is capable

corporate convention, product launch

luxury suites and a penthouse. Lyrath

of facilitating conferences of up to

or an executive meeting, our team

Estate Hotel also offers a range of

1,500 delegates, and includes its

will be there every step of the way.

restaurants and bars within the hotel,

own private entrance, reception

providing dishes from around the

desk and 500 complimentary car

world, while the unique Wine Cellar is

parking spaces. Whatever the business

a hideaway ideal for private gatherings.

occasion, choose from one of our ten

234981_4C_CELBRIDGE_AMA_CONF.indd 1

054.indd 54

team will tailor the experience to suit

CONTACT

information

SYLWIA STAUNTON Events Manager T: 056 770 5852 E: events@lyrath.com W: www.lyrath.com

20/02/2015 10:37

27/02/2015 14:38

BONDING WITH A DIFFERENCE Team building is a great way of getting work colleagues together in ways that they could never experience in the workplace. However, the tried and tested methods have become tried and stale as people look to find new and interesting ways to create a bonding experience. Conferencing 2015 looks to the interesting alternatives. Some of them may seem a little out there, but bear with us. You might even end up having some fun.

HUMANS VS ZOMBIES

Originally created by aptly-named college students Brad Sappington

Encourage communication, trust, negotiation, creative thinking and problemsolving skills among colleagues.

055_Conferencing2015_TeamBuilding.indd 55

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST For the more rugged or adventurous souls on your team, why not throw them into the wild with a few useful items, and leave them there for a few days? Participants with teambuilding.ie get a crash course in essential survival skills like building a shelter, lighting a fire, and catching and cooking their own food (warning: farmers don’t take too kindly to decreases in their herd numbers). They will also learn how to navigate, cross dangerous waterways, and tie life-saving knots, using new skills in complex scenarios which can be taken back to the workplace.

and Chris Weed in 2005 as a fun

GEOTEAMING

event for colleges and universities,

Everybody enjoys a good treasure

Humans vs Zombies has used the

hunt. With this generalisation in mind,

popularity of zombies in recent

geoteaming combines the adventure

years as a means of re-creating the

and excitement of treasure hunting

experience of ‘us vs them’ in a bid

with the precision of orienteering, with

to survive. The rules are relatively

a dash of hiking thrown in. Each team

straightforward. At the beginning

receives a basic kit consisting of a GPS

of the event, one person is assigned

device, a two-way radio and a map. You

the role of the zombie while the rest

will possibly have to bring your own

of the group are the humans. It is

sandwiches. Each team then creates

the role of the zombie to infect as

a waypoint by entering latitude and

many of the humans as possible until

longtitude coordinates into the GPS,

the last person, and they must wear

following the navigational arrow. Once

a headband at all times to indicate

the team arrives at the first landmark,

their status. As for the humans, it is

a member of the team takes a photo

up to them to escape and avoid the

of the item and from then on it turns

zombies at all costs. As more and

into a challenging team activity of hide-

more humans are infected and turn

and-seek to find the concealed treasure

to zombies, the odds become stacked

chest, which may or may not have

against the humans.

50,000 hidden inside (likely not). As

In a similar manner to paintball,

TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES

Team Building Conferencing 2015

the hunt continues, cohesion will form

by creating teams fighting for victory

between team members, each player

or survival, people who might not

developing an important skill-based

have otherwise interacted with each

role and contributing to the completion

other are faced with a win or lose

of a mentally and physically demanding

situation, or in this case, survival. On

course.

their website, Sappington and Weed have placed importance on

SPY GAMES

the universality and co-operative

Futuristic gadgets, hidden weaponry

aspects of the game with the

and decoders make up the spy’s basic

encouraging words: “Zombies

equipment, and now you can have

don’t discriminate by race, gender

the chance to try it out, all in the

or sexual preference/identity —

name of workplace cohesion. In the

they will eat you unless you work

UK, a company called Spy Games

together.” Words to live by.

will put together team building

26/02/2015 17:07

Team Building Conferencing 2015

exercises which allow you to step into

case any world domination tendencies

DJ DEMOCRACY

007’s shoes (presumably with the

should arise. This is a mission you may

Some of us like to think we could be the

instant ability to order a martini in

want to accept.

next person to make it big on X-Factor,

an impeccable thick Scottish accent).

despite the chances being somewhat

They’re based in Milton Keynes but

BLINDFOLD DRIVING

are available anywhere in the world if

Anyone who has tried walking a

you and your work colleagues can put

needed, offering a variety of packages

short distance with their eyes closed

together a DJ playlist that you think

for corporate team building. One

will know how uncomfortable an

defines your company brand or image.

interesting package in particular is

experience it is — you can’t see it,

DJ Democracy is an entertaining

called ‘The Diamond Heist’, which

but you know there’s a Lego block

new approach to team building that

offers “a role-playing criminal re-

somewhere out there, just waiting to

encourages democratic leadership,

enactment, during which the gangs

painfully disfigure your foot. With this

negotiation, conflict management skills,

will receive weapons training from our

in mind, imagine driving a car blind.

creative thinking and task assignment.

qualified instructors, including: sniper

Each team is assigned a 4x4 vehicle

As well as playing tracks that best fit

shooting, pistol draw skills and close

with one driver who is blindfolded,

your company culture, each team will

quarter machine work with automatic

while the rest of their team must

present a 60 second ‘party manifesto’

rifles and pump action shotguns. If

guide the driver through an obstacle

(no underlying communist tones) that

the bullets run out we will teach you

course prepared beforehand. To add

conveys the themes of the conference

some cheeky hand-to-hand combat

further complication, the team guiding

and brings alive shared values.

techniques and if all else fails, some

the driver can’t use basic direction

axe throwing! After a corrupt planning

commands such as left, right, straight

digital listening posts with thousands

phase, some of their newly learned

ahead etc, but must find alternative

of tunes available. Professional DJs

skills will be put into action for the

means of directing. We would suggest

and technicians will be on hand

adrenalin-fuelled raid!”

using the Force (if sufficiently trained).

with expert advice and props will be

astronomical. Fear not, however, as

The teams will choose their tracks at

The event uses a variety of replica

This offers a fantastic chance

provided to ensure the party goes

weapons, airsoft and high-powered air

for team-building as the driver is

with a swing. Part problem-solving

rifles. There is little physical demand,

totally reliant on their team’s trust,

exercise, part rave, DJ Democracy will

although they guarantee there will be

communication and precision of

appeal to all participants whatever

high adrenaline levels. Participants are

commands. Xtreme.ie is one website

their backgrounds or musical tastes.

divided into gangs with each group

that offers Irish companies a chance

Anybody interested in hosting a DJ

having a member of staff to help drive

to avail of this unique and terrifying

Democracy team building exercise can

the getaway car, and supervise them in

challenge.

visit teambuilding.ie for more details.

055_Conferencing2015_TeamBuilding.indd 56

26/02/2015 17:07

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

A RARE DESTINATION The River Lee Hotel offers the ideal location for meetings in Cork. ur experienced meeting

ECO-FRIENDLY VENUE

and events team are

We take our eco-credentials very

very familiar with the

seriously and have been voted

discerning needs of corporate

Best Eco Hotel in Ireland 2014.

clients. We offer a range of eight

This is also reflected in our

dedicated meeting rooms that are

unique dining options, all sourced

situated on the first floor and can

from local food producers.

accommodate up to 120 attendees.

We provide a varied selection

All include state-of-the-art AV

of options including working

equipment with our compliments,

lunches, healthy breaks, and

and provide natural daylight with

finger food or hot fork buffets.

outdoor terrace access.

We take our eco-credentials very seriously and have been voted Best Eco Hotel in Ireland 2014.

The Weir Rooms located on

Further enhancements in 2014

the ground floor include our bar,

have seen the provision of free Wi-

bistro and riverside terrace as well

Fi of 200MB – the largest bandwidth

as private dining space for up to

of any city centre hotel in Cork.

70 people. This has direct access

Car parking is also provided for all

to Cork’s newest entertaining

delegates on a complimentary basis.

space – Terrace on The Weir.

CONTACT

information

JANICE CASEY Meetings & Events Executive T: 021 4937723 E: Janice_casey@doylecollection.com W: www.doylecollection.com/riverlee

Ideal Venue for Innovation, Motivation & Relaxation The River Lee Hotel winner of Best Eco Hotel Ireland - Gold Medal Awards 2014. – 182 air conditioned bedrooms – 8 Dedicated Meeting Rooms 1-150 Delegates – A Dedicated Business Centre Co-Ordinator Western Road, Cork, Ireland

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RiverLee_2L_CP_CONF.indd 57

– Complimentary WIFI – Complimentary Car parking – Fully Equipped Gym and Day Spa.

Tel: +353 (0)21 4252700

doylecollection.com/riverlee

riverlee@doylecollection.com

12/01/2015 16:48

27/02/2015 09:34

Events Conferencing 2015

EVENTS

Galore

Photo: Flickr/Eskling.

Conferencing 2015 takes a look at some of the major events happening right across Ireland in 2015.

PHOENIX RISING DATE: 06 November 2014 – 29 March 2015 LOCATION: Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin City FURTHER INFORMATION: www.hughlane.ie

number of artists including Stephen

international programme known as

Brandes, Mary-Ruth Walsh and Mark

‘The Great Silk Road’, which aims to

Clare, reflecting on the city’s urban

facilitate similar dialogue and mutual

environment.

understanding in the modern era.

SILK ROAD FILM FESTIVAL 2015 DATE: 18 – 22 March 2015 LOCATION: Across Dublin City FURTHER INFORMATION: www.silkroadfilmfestival.com

The Silk Road Film Festival aims to be one small part of this endeavour, and welcomes film submissions from countries which were once part of the ancient trade route. The festival will include screenings, premières, exhibitions, discussion groups, guest

The Silk Road was a criss-cross of trade

speakers, free courses and workshops.

Running until March 2015, the

paths through Central Asia for almost

Phoenix Rising exhibition has been

two thousand years, covering China,

described as an exploration of civic

Afghanistan, Iran, the region around

ideals through art, a reference to

the eastern Mediterranean and into

CLARE GARDEN FESTIVAL DATE: 26 April 2015 LOCATION: Ennis Showgrounds,

Dublin’s Civic Exhibition of 1914

Europe. Commodities like ivory, spices,

Ennis, Co Clare

which sought to present the city as a

animals, religion and philosophies

FURTHER INFORMATION:

phoenix rising from the ashes during

all travelled along these roads,

www.claregardenfestival.com

a period of turmoil, inspired by the

which facilitated the development

work of Patrick Geddes, a Scottish

of diplomatic relations and dialogue

The popular Clare Garden Festival

biologist, sociologist and planner. The

between civilisations. In more recent

is once again being held at the Ennis

exhibition will feature work from a

times, UNESCO has established an

showgrounds on the last Sunday in

058_Conferencing2015_Events.indd 58

27/02/2015 14:57

skling.

Events Conferencing 2015

April, beginning at 11am. Visitors can avail of talks and demonstrations by experts in the field of gardening and horticulture, with a large-scale garden and food fair featuring more than 60 stalls, guaranteed to draw a crowd. Whether you dabble in greenery or have a fully fledged enthusiasm, there’s bound to be something of interest, including talks on garden design, vegetable production, advanced techniques, children’s entertainment and various outdoor attractions.

FATHER TED FESTIVAL DATE: 1 – 3 May 2015 LOCATION: Kilfenora, Co Clare FURTHER INFORMATION: www.tedtours.com

Killary Harbour. Photo: Holger Leue.

TRIATHY 2015 DATE: 30 May 2015 LOCATION: Athy, Co Kildare FURTHER INFORMATION: www.triathy.com

A festival filled with all things Father

dress contest and a lovely girls contest

Ted, there’s plenty of entertainment

followed by even more music and

during the day for all the family, and

dancing until late. Finally, on the

a chance to kick back and enjoy some

Sunday, there’ll be more bus tours

adult-only night time craic. Have tea

to Inis Oirr and the wreck of the

in the the Father Ted parochial house

stream trawler MV Plassey, live music,

TriAthy is an annual triathlon held

on the Friday, with a quiz, karaoke

a chance to experience the Golden

in the small Co Kildare town of Athy,

and music late into the night. Saturday

Cleric awards, finishing off with ceili

along the banks of the River Barrow,

will see bus tours, games with Sister

dancing lessons with Sister Geraldine,

welcoming first timers and veterans

Attracta, a priests and nuns fancy

and some live music.

alike. One of the highlights of the summer’s sporting calendar, the event attracts over 2,000 triathletes each year; local, national and international. With four different levels, depending on your competence, TriAthy first takes in a swim in the River Barrow, before athletes progress to their bikes, travelling through beautiful, quiet countryside, finishing with a heartpumping run to the finish line by the riverbank, near the town’s old courthouse.

ÉIGSE 2015 DATE: 29 May – 7 June 2015 LOCATION: Carlow FURTHER INFORMATION: www.carlowartsfestival.com A ten-day, action-packed arts festival taking place during the summer Burren winterage. Photo: Carsten Krieger.

058_Conferencing2015_Events.indd 59

months, Éigse returns in 2015, taking over a number of venues and streets

26/02/2015 17:31

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

CITYHALL Ensure your event is one to be remembered, by choosing a memorable location.

or a truly historic event, a truly

century partitions, allowing visitors

historic setting is a must. The

to appreciate for the first time since

Rotunda in Dublin’s City Hall

1852 the proportions of the Cooley

is such a location. An outstanding

original and the wonderful natural

example of Georgian architecture, it

light which plays around the internal

was created by Thomas Cooley, who

columns. The Portland stone fabric of

beat the illustrious James Gandon in

the building has been carefully cleaned

the design competition. The building

and restored using stone sourced

was completed by 1779, a time of

from the same quarry in Dorset which

unprecedented wealth and power for

supplied the original builders of the

the city.

Royal Exchange. The dome, one of the

With its spacious gold leaf

most striking features of the Rotunda,

embellished dome, the Rotunda, the

was completely refurbished and

first green dome to be built in Dublin,

embellished with gold leaf and the fine

is supported by twelve columns,

stone staircases, both of which were

surrounded by an ambulatory, where

damaged as a result of subsidence,

merchants would have strolled around

were reinstated to their original

discussing the matters of the day. A

design. The restored City Hall was re-

number of other features have been

opened to the public on 6 September

added over the years including a series

2000 to widespread acclaim.

of murals and a stunning marble floor. Over the years City Hall has been home

HIRE

to many momentous events, from

The Rotunda is available for hire

Daniel O’Connell’s first speech in 1800

for breakfasts or in the evenings for

to the garrison of Irish rebels who took

select corporate occasions, and the

the building in 1916.

exhibition area is available for smaller

RESTORATION

receptions. Clients may also request to visit the multimedia exhibition

In 1998, Dublin City Council embarked

located in the vaults which traces the

upon an ambitious programme of

evolution of Ireland’s capital city, from

restoration with the aim of returning

its foundation in Viking times into the

City Hall to its former glory, and its

vibrant city of today. This spectacular

original Georgian configuration. This

Georgian neo-classical building could

programme was influenced by three

also be the perfect exclusive and

main considerations: its enhancement

elegant venue for your civil ceremony.

as a pre-eminent building of civic,

Guidelines on the use of this listed

historic and architectural significance;

building are accessible online or by

the reflection of its importance as the

contacting City Hall directly.

meeting place of Dublin City Council; and the realisation of its potential as a major cultural and tourist attraction. The Rotunda has been opened

CONTACT

information

TEL: 01 222 2204 EMAIL: cityhall@dublincity.ie WEB: www.dublincity.ie/ dublincityhall

up with the removal of nineteenth

DublinCityHall_1C_CP_CONF.indd 60

27/02/2015 15:21

Events Conferencing 2015

Above and left: Gaelforce West.

throughout the town and county

Feeling a little historical, and perhaps

by the Derby race itself on Saturday.

of Carlow in the sunny southeast.

energetic to boot? This year’s

Sunday, then, is family day at the

Founded in 1979, ‘Éigse’ is the Irish

Waterford Viking Marathon takes place

Curragh racecourse, with plenty of

for ‘poetry gathering’, but it has come

in the heart of the south east, in the

exciting races and lots of free events

to represent a much broader spectrum

historic city of Waterford, which was

on offer for all the family to enjoy.

of artistic endeavour. In 2015, the

founded by the Vikings in 914AD. With

Other highlights from the weekend

festival will celebrate its 36th birthday.

a route approved by Athletics Ireland,

include the Derby Music Village

Highlights from this year’s event will

the marathon begins in the heart of

featuring live bands, DJs and a

include the closure of Carlow town’s

the city’s Viking Triangle, and leads

celebrity MC, the Most Stylish Lady

Tullow street to facilitate three days

you through historic streets before

competition, and the Derby Food

of street theatre, busking, fireworks

leaving the city behind, and making

Paddock, chock full of delicious

and food trails. The programme of

for the seaside town of Tramore,

food outlets.

events also includes several stage

finishing among family and friends

productions, including a production of

at the Regional Sports Centre. It’s

Dancing at Lughnasa, accompanied by

quite the unique event, with music,

Romanian violinist, Andreea Bouris,

entertainment and a number of

and Puss-in-Boots, courtesy of UK

Vikings along the route, and food and

children’s theatre company Lingo.

refreshments afterwards. If you finish

The main anchor exhibition, Éigse

the race, you’ll get a goodie bag, medal

Annual Open Submission, exhibits

and t-shirt. Or, if your legs refuse to go

work from emerging and established

anywhere, you can just cheer from the

artists at Carlow’s VISUAL centre. The

sidelines. We won’t judge.

nearby village of Borris will also play the part of Éigse host, with the Festival of Writing and Ideas presenting more than 60 speakers over the first weekend in June, including PJ Harvey, Ian

150TH IRISH DERBY DATE: 26 – 28 June 2015 LOCATION: Curragh, Co Kildare FURTHER INFORMATION: www.curragh.ie

McEwan and Lisa Hannigan.

WATERFORD VIKING MARATHON 2015 DATE: 27 June 2015 LOCATION: Waterford City FURTHER INFORMATION: www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com

058_Conferencing2015_Events.indd 61

Kildare is the home of horseracing in Ireland, and no better location for the 150th Irish Derby, an event which promises to be a quite spectacular celebration of racing, food, fashion and music. The Derby Festival kicks off on the Friday with a live concert, followed

Kilkenny City. Photo: Roger Kinkead.

26/02/2015 17:31

Events Conferencing 2015

BRAY AIR DISPLAY DATE: 19 July 2015 LOCATION: Bray, Co Wicklow FURTHER INFORMATION:

GAELFORCE WEST DATE: 15 August 2015 LOCATION: Connemara/Westport FURTHER INFORMATION:

Irish music. It also provides a platform

www.brayairdisplay.com

www.gaelforceevents.com

includes night time and lunch time

Bray Air Display is Ireland’s

Running for ten years, Gaelforce

a session on a local mountain. Not

largest free air show, returning to

West is a unique Irish adventure

one to be missed if you’re musically

the seashore of Bray for 2015. A

race held in the west of Ireland, for

inclined.

family-friendly event, it attracted

those searching for something with

88,000 spectators last year, with

a little twist. A linear course begins

similar numbers expected to

on Glassilaun beach at dawn, ending

attend in 2015. Supported by the

in Westport, 67km away. That might

Irish Aviation Authority, the show

sound relatively simple, but it’s what’s

YOUGHALOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR DATE: 23 – 25 October 2015 LOCATION: Youghal, Co Cork FURTHER INFORMATION:

is quickly becoming one of the

inbetween that makes it exciting. The

www.youghal4all.com

biggest of its kind across Europe.

race includes trail running, cycling,

Last year’s event saw a three hour

kayaking across Killary Fjord and a

For three days in October, the beautiful

display featuring demonstrations

climb on Croagh Patrick, across terrain

and historic town of Youghal becomes a

from Aer Lingus, the Black Knights

encompassing boglands, mountain

haunted place, as witches and wizards,

Defence Forces parachute team,

scree, roads and water.

ghosts and zombies, and all manner

for up-and-coming national and international musicians to showcase their talents. The programme of events concerts, and outdoor events including

a 1942 Boeing Stearman used to

speed of 450mph, and the country’s

DINGLE TRADFEST 2015 DATE: 10 – 13 September 2015 LOCATION: Dingle, Co Kerry FURTHER INFORMATION:

sole civilian aerobatic team, Aer

www.dingletradfest.com

train US cadets during WWII, the subsonic Miss Demeanour Hawker Hunter jet, with a top

Dynamics, individually know as

of unearthly creatures take to the streets. The town centre is transformed into a haunted centre complete with “graveyards, witches’ corners, ghoulish knights and their torture machines.” There’s also a great Spooktacular parade through the streets, and you

the ‘Flying Farmer’ and the ‘Flying

A great annual event in the depths of

shouldn’t miss the ghost tours which

Dentist’. This year’s showing is

scenic Co Kerry, the Dingle Tradfest is

combine a mixture of grisly history and

bound to thrill.

a festival which celebrates all forms of

gruesome legends.

BURREN WINTERAGE WEEKEND DATE: 23 – 25 October 2015 LOCATION: Burren, Co Clare FURTHER INFORMATION: www.burrenwinterage.com Farming is a huge part of life in Co Clare’s spectacular Burren region, with many unique pastoral traditions handed down through the generations. Why not join the Burren community this October and discover the history and heritage of the region, complete with lots of enjoyable events. The event highlights the farming heritage of the Burren region, and the significance of farming in relation to culture, heritage and the unique landscape. Events over the weekend include a sustainable farming conference, an open farm day, a food fair with plenty of local Photo: Brian Morrison.

058_Conferencing2015_Events.indd 62

treats, fundraising walks, a fancy dress

26/02/2015 17:31

Events Conferencing 2015

place in venues throughout Cork City, the capital of Ireland’s Rebel County. Well over 1,000 musicians take part each year, with over 70 performances in venues across the city; the vast majority of these free-of-charge. The festival also includes workshops and guest appearances from jazz stars and educators. Jazz hands at the ready.

KILKENOMICS ECONOMICS FESTIVAL DATE: 5 – 9 November 2015 LOCATION: Various venues, Kilkenny City FURTHER INFORMATION: www.kilkenomics.com It might sound like a boring way to spend your time, but Kilkenomics is an economics event with something of a twist. That’s because it brings Dingle town. Photo Reinhard Pantke.

scavenger hunt for the younger participants (or perhaps the young at heart), finishing with the Winterage cattle drive. Winterage is a tradition amongst

GUINNESS JAZZ FESTIVAL DATE: 23 – 25 October 2015 LOCATION: Cork City FURTHER INFORMATION: www.guinnessjazzfestival.com

together a collection of economists, financial commentators and analysts, and stand up comedians – “comedy with a pint and a point,” according to the UK’s Sunday Times. Topics include events in Russia, the latest Irish housing bubble, sport and Game of Thrones, with an informal format meaning that audiences are welcome to

Burren farmers which has been held for hundreds of years, marking the

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is an

participate. It’s fun, informative and an

end of summer by herding their

internationally renowned and attended

opportunity to, as the BBC put it, have

cattle into ‘winterage’ pastures

musical extravaganza which takes

a laugh “despite the gloom”.

where the animals graze through the winter. It’s believed that early farmers found the warmth of the limestone combined with plenty of grazing opportunities to be a great, low cost wintering alternative. It’s also an important factor in the survival of the Burren’s famed flora and fauna. As Dr Brendan Dunford from landscape charity Burrenbeo Trust says: “The practice of Winterage is not only unique and intriguing, it’s a big part of the reason why we have so many monuments, flowers and stories here in the Burren today. Witnessing the cattle browsing on the herb-rich winterage pastures, drinking from the calcium-rich springs or enjoying the ‘dry-lie’ of the limestone captures the very essence of this ‘fertile rock’.”

058_Conferencing2015_Events.indd 63

Cork Jazz. Photo John Sheehan.

26/02/2015 17:32

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

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: 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: AUDIO-VISUAL 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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 64

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

+353 (0) 1 238 2388 +353 (0) 1 238 2333 sales@avivastadiumevents.ie

+353 (0)1 637 9300 +353 (0)1 667 4381 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, adjacent to Lansdowne Road DART station Located beside a variety of hotels and accommodation options in Ballsbridge Up to 1,100 delegates

4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, three minutes walk from DART rail link, ten mintues walk to city centre and IFSC 400

Full bar license and entertainment facilities

Raglan’s Restaurant with simple good food, friendly staff and comfortable surroundings The Dubliner Pub with daily menu and live music at the weekends

N/A

No leisure centre on-site but health centre is 5 minutes walk from the hotel

In close proximity

Elm Park Golf Club nearby

Tour of Aviva Stadium – follow in the footsteps of your heroes and take a look behind the scenes

Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, Trinity College, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, hiking, fishing

900 theatre style, 1100 dining 3 Julie O' Sullivan, +353 (0) 1 238 2365 julie.osullivan@avivastadiumevents.ie

1,000 3 Philip Downes pdownes@ballsbridgehotel.com

3 3 (space specific) 3 (space specific) 3

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3 On request

On request 3 On request 3

On request On request On request 3

26/02/2015 19:10

Venue Profile Conferencing 2015

IRELAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR LAKESHORE CONFERENCE VENUE Situated on the shores of Blessington Lakes, Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort boasts picture postcard views, outstanding cuisine, a championship course and state of the art conference facilities.

hether it’s a conference for

adapting to our client’s requirements. We

packages starting from F99 per person.

320 people or a strategy

can tailor-make any package to suit your

Or, for something extra special, why

day for your senior

needs and will ensure prompt, efficient

not use the event area in our Manor

management, the purpose-built, flexible

delivery. The real test of a successful

House where your party can enjoy the

spaces for meetings and events at

event is the reaction of the participants

luxury of the magnificently restored

Tulfarris cater for all your conferencing

and glowing testimonials re-assure the

18th century manor suites, drawing

needs. The chic interiors are decorated

dedicated conference team that customer

rooms, private dining room and library.

in cool, neutral tones and the chandeliers

service is always a priority at Tulfarris.

add a sense of understated elegance, but

But it doesn’t have to be all work;

dinner options are all available in our

it’s the incredible views from the floor

beyond the boardroom Tulfarris offers

gastronomically renowned Lime Tree

to ceiling windows that will truly wow

an inspiring choice of activities, from

Restaurant where you will be met with

your guests. The latest A.V. and internet

barbecues on the terrace to team

unparalleled hospitality. Only 25 minutes

connectivity equipment; individual

building activities on the lawns or the

from the M50 and within easy reach of

climate control; ergonomic furniture;

lakes, not to mention one of Ireland’s

Dublin Airport, our idyllic setting is just

flawless service; delicious food and a

premier parkland golf courses.

waiting to host your corporate event.

stunning setting combine with meticulous planning to deliver your perfect event. With six versatile conference rooms, we at Tulfarris pride ourselves on

Unlimited refreshment, lunch and

The bonus of having an elegant 4-star hotel ensures your staff or clients can recharge and relax after a full day of meetings, with 24 hour delegate

CONTACT

information

T: (045) 867 600 E: banq@tulfarris.com W: www.tulfarrishotel.com

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort provides one of the most impressive and well located conference centres in the country. Our purpose built and flexible spaces are ideal for all types of meetings and events. Whether it is a conference for 320 people, staff incentive or training, or a strategy day for your senior management we can cater for it all. • Within easy reach of Dublin and Dublin Airport • Daily Delegate Packages start from k29 per person • 24 Hour Delegate Package based on 2 sharing a Deluxe Twin Room start from k99 per person

Contact our professional and experienced team to find out about our wide array of tailored delegate packages.

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow. Tel: +353 (0) 45 867 600 Email:banq@tulfarris.com www.tulfarrishotel.com

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27/02/2015 15:20

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Breaffy House Resort

The Beacon Hotel

Camden Court Hotel

Venue Directory ADDRESS:

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

DINING FACILITIES:

My Thai Restaurant with an open kitchen serving Asian dishes with a twist

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

The Crystal Bar- described as “A Slice of Miami in Dublin Southside.” Ideal spot to try speciality cocktails & sample craft beer Gym studio – complimentary water & towels are provided

Mulberry Restaurant - Breaffy House Hotel & Legends, Restaurant Breaffy Woods Hotel - Open daily Mulberry Bar, Breaffy House Hotel & Woods Bar, Breaffy Woods Hotel

4HHHH Located next to ‘Harcourt’ Luas Line in Dublin City Centre. Aircoach & Dublin bus ‘16’ service to Dublin Airport 251 Modern Guestrooms with Smart TV’s as standard and free high-speed Wi-Fi 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. Live music every weekend. Gymnasium, 16 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with Beauty Clinic salon Close proximity to main Dublin golf courses

TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS:

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

Close to Dundrum Town Centre prestigious shoppping area and the famous Leopardstown Racecourse

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

40 On request Leila Ryan meetings@thebeacon.com

2,500 3 Brenda Clarke, +353 (0) 94 9044105 Brenda.clarke@breaffyhouseresort.com

Maximum 250 persons in Theatre Style 3 Sandra Egan, +353 (0) 1 428 3930 segan@camdencourthotel.ie

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 7 Flipchart, Markers, Pens, Paper

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

7 7 7 3 7

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 7 3

On request 3 On request – additional cost applies 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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 66

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses

Short walk to St Stephens Green, Dublin’s premier shopping district and Trinity College

26/02/2015 16:33

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Carton House

Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Old Airport Road, Cloughran, Co. Dublin

+353 (0)1 505 2000

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club

Castlemartyr Resort

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 6384 events@chcc.ie

www.cartonhouse.com

www.carlton.ie

www.castleknockhotel.com

www.castlemartyrresort.ie

4HHHH (proximity to transport links, etc.): 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and City Centre 165

4HHHH 1 km from Dublin Airport, complimentary Shuttle Bus service

5HHHHH 30 minutes from Cork City, 10 minutes from Midleton

Two restaurants

Kitty Hawks Bistro or private dining rooms available on request

Two bars

Kitty Hawks Bar & Bistro located on the ground floor

4HHHH AA Irish Hotel of the Year 2014, located 15 minutes from Dublin city, 25 minutes from Airport, & with links to train stations 138 including 20 executive rooms and four suites Two restaurants, The Brasserie and the AA Rosette award-winning Park Restaurant Two public bars, the open plan Fionn Uisce bar and the Lime Tree cocktail bar

The Carton Spa and Leisure centre offers 7 luxurious treatment rooms, a relaxation room and fully equipped gym Two championship golf courses on site

Gymnasium

Full leisure centre, gym and day spa

N/A

Spa, tennis, fishing and walking trails. Our on-site team building company Xtreme.ie offer a variety of activities.

Corporate Entertainment arranged on request

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

Full Leisure Centre including pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Fully equipped gym 18 hole inland links golf course on site

3 3 +353 (0)1 651 7710 scostello@cartonhouse.com

3 3 Gianina Bengescu, +353 (0) 1 866 7500 meetings@carlton.ie

500 15 conference and meeting rooms Gael Cooke Allen events@chcc.ie

300 delegates 7 3 +353 21 421 9012 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 organized

3 3 7 3 7 Wi-Fi

3 3 3 3 3 Wi-Fi

3 3 3 3 7

3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi 3 3

3 7 7 3

3 On request 7 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3

3 7 7 3

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 67

250

+353 21 421 9000 +353 21 421 9059 info@castlemartyrresort.ie

103 Fine Dining – Bell Tower, Casual Italian Franchini’s, All day dining Knights Bar & Golf Club House and Room Service Bar – Knights Bar weekend entertainment

Pony & Trap ride on- site, Walk Earl and Countess on Resort dogs, play games on the lawn

26/02/2015 16:33

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Citywest Hotel, Conference & Event Centre

The Convention Centre Dublin

Croke Park Conference Centre

Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

Saggart, Co. Dublin

Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1

Jones’s Road, Dublin 3

+353 (0) 1 401 0500 +353 (0) 1 458 8756 sales@citywesthotel.com

+353 (0) 1 856 0000 N/A sales@theccd.ie

+353 (0) 1 819 2300 +353 (0) 1 819 2313 events@crokepark.ie

www.citywesthotel.com

www.theccd.ie

www.crokepark.ie

4HHHH 25 minutes from Dublin City and Airport. Luas connection to Dublin. Direct Access to national motorways 764 Guest Rooms & Suites

N/A 20 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 faclities for up to 3,000 guests

4HHHH 1km from city centre, 7km from Dublin Airport, 15 minutes to DART and Luas and five minutes to bus and rail stops 232 bedrooms at the 4* Croke Park Hotel

Gala Dining for up to 2,000 guests. 2 on-site restaurants

Private dining facilities with superior food and beverage offering. Onsite Café at the GAA Museum Bars, function and reception rooms throughout the venue

3 Lounges

Facilites on-site, as well as a host of bars and restaurants nearby in the city centre

Full gym, fitness studio & 20m indoor pool

N/A

Stadium Tours available from the GAA Museum

GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)

18 Hole Christy O’Connor Jnr. designed Championship Golf Course

There are many golf courses close to Dublin city centre

Portmarnock, Clontarf, Royal Dublin

ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Kildare Shopping Village

Dublin city centre with its major tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shops and top hotels within walking distance

The GAA Museum located onsite is open year round for museum, and stadium & Etihad Skyline rooftop tours

4,100 seated 3 Cathy Joyce, +353 87 6881089 cjoyce@citywesthotel.com

8-8,000

8-2,200 3 Sinead Heneghan, +353 (0) 1 819 2301 events@crokepark.ie

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 Latest technology in AV and lighting

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 28,000 users

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 12,000 devices

3 3 3 3 Free WiFi On request Plasmas throughout

3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3

3 Full dedicated business services centre On request 3

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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 68

Adrienne Clarke, +353 (0) 1 856 0000 sales@theccd.ie

27/02/2015 14:14

Step into a warm family friendly 3*hotel in Dublin, offering 270 newly refurbished bedrooms ranging from double to large family rooms to suit all your needs, 8 conference rooms and 40 boardrooms with our ballroom catering for 750 delegates, theatre style. Enjoy a meal in Sorrel’s Restaurant and enjoy the ambiance in our Bar. All guests have complimentary car parking and use of our Leisure Centre which has a fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool & separate kids pool. In addition, complimentary Wi-Fi & broadband is provided for all of our guests. We are ideally located in Newlands Cross, just off the N7 Dublin to Cork/ Limerick motorway (kingswood exit), a 10 minute drive from N4 Sligo/ Galway motorway, 20kms from Dublin International Airport and 15kms into Dublin City Centre. Tel: 01 4593 406 • Email: sales@greenislehotel.com Web: www.greenislehotel.com 234023_2L_GREENISLE_JR_CON.indd 1

19/12/2014 11:00

Your Perfect Business Setting Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Carton House on Dublin’s doorstep is the natural choice when it comes to business. Nestled in 1100 acres of stunning parkland, yet just 30 minutes drive from Dublin City and Dublin Airport. This historic estate offers 14 unique event spaces for five to five hundred guests and with 165 rooms designed for total relaxation, two gourmet restaurants, tennis courts, luxurious spa & leisure facilities and two championship golf courses, we can strike just the right balance between business and pleasure.

CARTON HOUSE, MAYNOOTH, CO KILDARE, IRELAND Tel: +353 (0)1 505 2000, Email: meetingsandevents@cartonhouse.com www.cartonhouse.com

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26/02/2015 18:13

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood

Druids Glen Resort

Dublin City Hall

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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 70

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

+353 (0) 1 287 0800 +353 (0) 1 287 0848 sales@druidsglenresort.com

+353 (0) 1 222 2204 +353 (0) 222 2620 Cityhall@dublincity.ie

www.crowneplazadublin.ie

www.druidsglenresort.com

www.dublincity.ie/dublincityhall

4HHHH Close to Dublin Airport and minutes from Junction 4 off the M50

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

Druids Brasserie, 13th Bar & Pavilion Lounge, Outdoor decking for BBQ, Private dining rooms, Golf Clubhouse 13th Bar, Pavilion Lounge, James Joyce Ballroom, Golf clubhouse

Café on Site/External Catering

Onsite Gym

18m indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, Spa

Close to Markievicz Leisure Centre

Nearby

Two championship golf courses on-site – Druids Glen & Druids Heath

Close to many courses including Sillogue Golf Course & St Anne’s Golf Course

5 miles from Dublin city centre, less than 10 minute drive to Croke Park, Butler’s Chocolate Factory and Go-Karting

Greystones & Kilcoole beaches, Horse-riding, Kilruddery House, Powerscourt Estate, Mount Usher Garden, Space for outdoor activities

Walking distance to all city attractions including the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral, shopping districts & City Parks

1,000 Theatre style 3 Judith Graham, +353 (0) 1 862 8808 jgraham@crowneplazadublin.ie

400 Theatre style 3 Damien Nolan, +353 (0) 1 287 0809 damien.nolan@druidsglenresort.com

200 Conference style

3 3 3 On request

3 3 3 3

3 7 7 7

3 On request 3 (Executive Boardroom) 3 On request

3 3 On request 3 Free Wifi

7 7 7 3 Free Wi-Fi on site plus Broadband 7

3 On request On request 3

On request On request On request 3

7 7 7 3

204 Touzai Restaurant

Cinnabar Red

External Catering

Cityhall@dublincity.ie

26/02/2015 19:10

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Finnstown Country House Hotel

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

The Gibson Hotel

The Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel

Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Killiney, Co. Dublin

The Point Village, Dublin 1

Newlands Cross, Nass Road, Dublin 22

+353 (0) 1 601 0700 +353 (0) 1 628 1088 info@finnstown-hotel.ie

+353 (0) 1 230 5400 +353 (0) 1 230 5430 Alicia.Traynor@fitzpatricks.com

+353 (0) 1 681 5053 +353 (0) 1 681 5051 events@thegibsonhotel.ie

+353 (0) 1 4123700 +353 (0) 1 459 5828 info@greenislehotel.com

www.finnstown.com

www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

www.thegibsonhotel.ie

www.greenislehotel.com

3HHH 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport

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

3HHH No. 69 bus stops outside the hotel and goes to and from Dublin city centre. Red Luas Line approx 15 minute walk 270

Good food does not have to be fussy, at Coda Eatery we let the ingredients speak for themselves Hemidemisemiquaver Bar – located on the 3rd floor, our bar is open yet intimate, chic yet earthy Gym – 15 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, 24/7 access for residents and TVs on each piece of equipment Carton House

A range of dining options available such as carvery, bistro & main restaurant

Team building activities available on request, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre close to the hotel

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

Walking distance from The Convention Centre Dublin. It is also located beside the O2 and Aviva Stadium

Walking distance to Corkagh Park with playground, pet farm, fishing lakes. Short distance to Dublin Zoo & Tayto Park

Up to 300 11 meeting rooms Tristan Jacob tjacob@finnstown-hotel.ie

600 theatre in Prince Regent 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 Stephanie Hughes

750 delegates 3 Sales & Marketing Team

3 3 3 3

3 3 7 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 3 Complimentary throughout 3

3 3 3 3 3 7

3 3 7 3 3 Some service would be an additional cost

3 3 3 3

7 7 7 3

105 The Peacock Restaurant, the Wood Quay Bar and the Cellar Bar The Wood Quay Bar, the Cellar Bar and the Library Suite Swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath, tennis court Six championship golf courses nearby

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 71

Live music in the main bar every Friday & Saturday Fully equipped gym, swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna & steam room Newlands Golf or Grange Castle golf course close by

26/02/2015 16:34

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

The Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club

The Hunt Museum

Killashee House Hotel

Venue Directory ADDRESS: TEL: FAX: EMAIL: WEB: STAR RATING: LOCATION: (proximity to transport links, etc) NO. OF BEDROOMS: DINING FACILITIES:

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City +353 (0) 61 490 084 N/A marketing@huntmuseum.com

Straffan Co. Kildare

Killashee, Naas, Co. Kildare

+353 (0) 1 601 7200 +353 (0) 1 601 7298 sales@kclub.ie

+353 (0)45 879277 +353 (0)45 879266 sales@killasheehouse.com

www.huntmuseum.com

www.kclub.ie

www.killasheehouse.com

4HHHH Situated at the centre of Limerick City. 15 mins walk from Colbert Station. 30 mins drive from Shannon Airport. N/A

5HHHHH 40 Minutes from Dublin city centre

4HHHH 40mins from Dublin Airport,40mins from Dublin City Centre, 2 km from Naas Town. Direct access to all motorways. 141 Guest Rooms & Suites

Newly renovated café seats 70, Captains’ Room seats 55, library seats 17

The River Room Restaurant, Legends Restaurant and K Thai

Full Licence, The Hunt Café open daily. Garden facilities for alfresco lunch and Marquee Events.

The Vintage Crop Bar, Legends Bar & The Smurfit Bar

ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 72

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 & a Traditional Irish Pub

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

Full gym, 25m swimming pool, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, Hair Salon & Hydro-therapy Pool Numerous options close by

The Hunt Collection, year round programme of Museum Events and exhibitions. Close to Limerick attractions.

Horse Riding, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Falconry, Bike rides, Kildare National Stud Kildare Village Shopping

Ample space for Team Building on-site, walkways, gardens and Off Road Driving Centre.

Up to 70 7 Naomi O'Nolan marketing@huntmuseum.com

500 Theatre Style 3 Susie Hopkins-Burke

Up to 600 delegates 3 Laura Prior, +353 (0)45 879277 sales@killasheehouse.com

3 3 3 3 Additional requirements on request.

3 3 3 3 Natural Daylight in all rooms

3 3 3 3

3 3 On request 3 3

3 3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3 On request Complimentary WIFI

3 3 7 3

3 3 On request 3

3 3 3 On request

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)

136 Bedrooms Plus 12 Courtyard Suites

N/A

26/02/2015 16:34

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa

The Killeshin Hotel

Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Lough Eske, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

+353 (0) 57 86 31200 +353 (0) 57 86 31205 events@the killeshin.com

Lyrath Estate Hotel & Convention Centre

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Malahide, Co. Dublin

+353 (0) 74 972 5100 +353 (0) 74 972 3762 meetings.lougheske@solishotels.com

Dublin Road (now Paulstown Road R712), Co. Kilkenny +353 (0) 56 776 0088 +353 (0) 56 776 0089 events@lyrath.com

www.thekilleshin.com

www.solislougheskecastle.com

www.lyrath.com

www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

4HHHH Exit16 off M7/M9, railway station 3km from hotel, won 7th place in Ireland’s Greenest Hotel certified by the GHA 87

5HHHHH 1 hour 40 mins drive to Ireland West Airport, 2 hours drive to Belfast airports, 3 hours drive from Dublin Airport 96 Guestrooms including 16 Suites and a 2 bedroom Presidential Suite Cedar’s Grill Restaurant and The Gallery Bar

5HHHHH One hour to Dublin Airport, 1.5 hours to Cork Airport, 30 minutes to Waterford Airport. Five minutes to train and bus 139

N/A 10 minutes from Dublin Airport, only 13KM from Dublin City Centre. Supported by bus & rail N/A

Yindees Oriental Thai restaurant, La Perla fine dining restaurant, Tupper’s Bar & Terrace Tuppers Bar & Terrace, The Wine Cellar, The X Bar

Catering for up to 120 guests in Gardens & 36 guests in Great Hall

Cedar Bistro and Cedar Bar

+353 (0) 1 8169538 N/A reservations@shannonheritage.com

Cedar Bar serving hot food from 12.30pm daily, Sky Sports available

The Gallery Bar and the Oak Bar. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday

Zest leisure centre with a fully equipped gymnasium, 20m deck level pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi 8 courses within 30km, nearest course 10km

17m swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, gymnasium, Oasis Spa

N/A

Mount Juliet, Gowran Golf Club and Kilkenny Golf Club all nearby

Nearby

Emo House & Gardens, Slievebloom Mountains

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

350 3 Pauline Barry, +353 (0) 57 86 31213 events@thekilleshin.com

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

50 7 Joanne Pollard +353 (0) 1 866 6784

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request Natural daylight in all meeting rooms

3 3 3 7

3 3 On request 3 On request

3 3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3 On request Built-in screens and projectors

3 3 7 3 7

3 Limited, photocopying etc. 7 3

3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3

7 7 7 3

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 73

Yes ( outside catering company)

Kilkenny Castle, Food & Craft Trails, Smithwicks Brewery, Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile

26/02/2015 16:35

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Conference & Events Venue

The Mansion House

The Morgan Hotel

Mount Wolseley Resort & Spa

Venue Directory ADDRESS:

Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Temple Bar, 10 Fleet Street, Dublin 2

Tullow, Co. Carlow

+353 (0) 1 634 4628 N/A enquiries@mansionhouse.ie

+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.themorgan.com

www.mountwolseley.ie

N/A Dawson Street, Dublin City Centre. Car park, taxi rank and all public transport routes N/A

4HHHH Excellent city centre transport links and close to the IFSC, the primary business district 121

4HHHH Just over an hour’s drive from Dublin city and Rosslare Harbour, three hours from Cork and two hours from Belfast 143

FIRE Restaurant & Lounge can cater for up to 280 guests. Catering partner for larger events - With Taste Full bar in the venue plus stunning new ground floor Lounge overlooking The Lord Mayor’s Garden N/A

Browse the tapas menu in the funky Morgan Bar

Fredericks award winning AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, and a number of private dining rooms available Cocktail bar area, Morrissey Bar, Aaron Lounge and The Wolseley Bar in the golf club State-of-the-art leisure centre with fully equipped gymnasium

N/A

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses

18 hole championship golf course designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr.

St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle

A short stroll to Grafton Street, Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare and to many of Dublin’s theatres

Team building activities on-site, historial gardens and walks

650 theatre style 3 Caroline Hutchinson, +353 (0) 16344628 events@mansionhouse.ie

70 On request Leila Ryan meetings@themorgan.com

900 theatre, 450 banquet Part of the hotel Sheena McCanny, Resort Sales Manager smccanny@mountwolseley.ie

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:

3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available

On request On request On request On request

In main conference room 3 3 On request Portable sound system available

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:

3 3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available

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

On request On request On request 3

On request 3 On request 3

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:

SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 74

The Morgan Bar is a chic and stylish cocktail bar with a drinks list featuring the best mojitos in Dublin N/A

26/02/2015 16:35

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel

Palmerstown House Estate

Pillo Hotel Ashbourne

Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Fenian Street, Dublin 2

Johnstown, Co. Kildare

The Rath, Ashbourne, County Meath

Town Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

+353 (0) 1 607 3700 +353 (0) 1 661 5663 events.dublin@ocallaghanhotels.com

+353 (0) 45 906 901 N/A info@palmerstownhouse.com

353+ (0) 1 835 6800 353+ (0) 1 835 6801 info@pillohotelashbourne.com

+353 (0) 57 867 8588 +353 (0) 57 867 1999 info@theheritagehotel.com

www.ocallaghanhotels.com

www.palmerstownhouse.com

www.pillohotelashbourne.com

www.theheritagehotel.com

4HHHH Within walking distance of Pearse Street train station, Luas, Grafton Street and Temple Bar areas 102

N/A 20 minutes from Dublin, located off junction 8 (Johnstown Naas) on M7

4HHHH 20km from Dublin Airport, 25km from Dublin City Centre, 12km from M50 (exit 5), 18km from M1 (Drogheda South exit) 148

4HHHH Portlaoise town centre location, two minutes off the M7 motorway, 5 minute walk from Portlaoise Train Station 110

Extensive bar menu served all day until 10pm

Sansorino Restaurant, Empery Bar & Bistro

Grill 21 Restaurant and Red Bar/Lounge

2 restaurants and 1 bar serving food, private dining for up to 300 guests

Bar

Empery Bar & Bistro

Red Bar/Lounge and Karaoke Room

The Charter Bar, which is the hotels residents’ bar

Fitness centre

Archery, Clay Pidgeon Shooting, Falconry

22m pool, full gymnasium, sauna, steam room and spa

Local golf courses within a 30-minute drive

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, Aviva Stadium, Trinity College, 02 Arena, Grand Canal Theatre

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)

Slieve Bloom mountains, fishing, horseriding

400 theatre N/A 3 events.dublin@ocallaghanhotels.com

180 3 Marian Coughlan events@palmerstownhouse.ie

Minium 2 pax, Maximum 650 pax 3 Ciara Conlan ciara.conlan@pillohotelashbourne.com

550 3 Sandra Brennan/Carol Dempsey sales@theheritagehotel.com

3 3 3 3

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

3 3 3 7

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

3 3 7 3 7

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

On request 7 7 3

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 75

Close to the hotel is a wide choice of golf courses for all levels of golfers

26/02/2015 16:36

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

RDS

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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 76

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

+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

www.powerscourthotel.com

www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin

www.rds.ie

5HHHHH Located in picturesque Enniskerry village, 30 minutes from Dublin city, 40 minutes from Dublin Airport 200

4HHHH 5 minute walk to Grafton Street and Stephens Green. Only 20km from airport

Sika Restaurant, Sugarloaf Lounge & McGills traditional Irish Pub

Our onsite restaurant opens for dinner daily from 18.00h â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22.00h

N/A Over 15 local buses, DART within walking distance, 25 minutes from Dublin Airport via port tunnel, on Aircoach route Part of the RDS Conference Village, 2,000 bedrooms within walking distance Catering for up to 5,000 people

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 20metre Swarovski Crytal-lit swimming pool. Two championship golf courses on the Estate

Our SURE bar is open all day for lunch right through until standard closing hours

Yes

Complimentary use of energie Fitness gym which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel Nearest golf club is 5km away

N/A

Fishing, archery, 4x4 off roading, horse riding, Powerscourt House & Gardens, Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens

We are only steps away from St. Patricks Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christchurch and St. Stephens Green

The RDS is a short distance from Grafton Street, Sandymount Strand and is home to Leinster rugby

450 3 Lisa Ferrick, +353 (0) 1 274 8888 lisa.ferrick@powerscourthotel.com

400 pax 3 Edel Mooney, +353 (0) 1 898 2934 edel.mooney@radissonblu.com

2-6,500 7 Adrienne Hughes, +353 (0) 1 240 7236 adrienneh@rds.ie

3 3 3 3 AV menu upon request

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request

On request On request On request On request On request Complimentary Wifi

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wifi

3 On request On request 3 On request

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 3

3 3 On request 3

150

There are a number of champion golf courses a short distance from the RDS

26/02/2015 16:35

Available Follow Us

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27/02/2015 10:24

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Residence

The River Lee Hotel

Royal Marine 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:

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 78

41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Western Road, Cork

Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

+353 (0) 1 662 0000 N/A info@residence.ie

+353 (0) 21 425 2700 +353 (0) 21 427 4477 riverlee@doylecollection.com

+353 (0) 1 230 0030 +353 (0) 1 271 2511 events@royalmarine.ie

www.residence.ie

www.doylecollection.com/riverlee

www.royalmarine.ie

N/A St. Stephen’s Green is a hub for all intercity transportation including DART, Luas and bus N/A

4HHHH City centre location, 8km from airport

4HHHH One-minute walk to DART station and serviced by many bus routes

182

228

Restaurant FortyOne is our awardwinning restaurant while the Lounge & Terrace serves a casual menu We have four bars and a variety of live music acts at the weekend

Weir Bistro 150-seater venue, Weir Room private dining 60 guests

Dún Restaurant and Hardy’s Bar

Weir Bar

Hardy’s Bar

N/A

Fully-equipped gym, 18m swimming pool and day spa

The Pier Health Club and sansana SPA

We organise member golf outings to some of the country’s best courses

In close proximity to many golf courses

Dún Laoghaire Golf Club and in proximity to other local golf courses

We are steps away from many galleries, museums, theatres and the National Concert Hall

English market, University College Cork, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Midleton Distillery, Cork City Goal, Blarney Castle

Dún Laoghaire pier, shopping, walking, trekking, watersports, Shackleton Exhibition, James Joyce Tower and more

3 7 Eli Dalva, +353 (0) 1 662 0000 elid@residence.ie

150 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

3 3 3 3 Conference phone; iPads

On request 3 3 3 1 flip chart

3 3 3 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 On request 3 On request

3 3 3 3 3

3 3 7 7

On request 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3

26/02/2015 16:36

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club

Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Thomand Park

Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan

Pearse Road, Sligo

Cratloe Road, Limerick

+353 (0) 49 952 6444 +353 (0) 49 952 6444 enquiries@slieverussell.ie

+353 (0) 71 919 0400 +353 (0) 71 916 9556 sligo@leehotels.com

+353 (0) 61 421 100 +353 (0) 61 421 101 events@thomondpark.ie

Blessington Lakes. Blessington, County Wicklow +353 (0) 45 867 600 +353 (0) 45 867 601 banq@tulfarris.com

www.slieverussell.ie

www.sligoparkhotel.com

www.thomondpark.ie

www.tulfarrishotel.com

4HHHH 90 minutes from Belfast and Dublin via M1 or M3 Motorways

4HHHH 2.6km from Sligo Train Station, 3.4km from 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 74

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

Carvery Lunch, Evening Bar Menu, Evening Restaurant Menu

A modern and multi-functional venue with suites of varying sizes

All suites feature natural lighting and private bars

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

N/A

12km from Strandhill Golf, 10.5km from Rosses Point Golf

A variety of golf courses in close vicinity

Marbel Arch Caves, Florence Court House, Global Geopark, Tullydermott Falls, canoe centre

Rosses Point, Strandhill, Hazelwood, Doony Rock, Slish Wood, Carrowmore Tombs, Benbulben Mountain

Thomond Park Stadium and museum tour, King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral 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

2-1,200 delegates 3 Sales Office, +353 (0) 49 952 6444 sales@slieverussell.ie

3 7 Sales Office, Sligo Park Hotel +353 (0) 71 919 0405

800 3 suites and 20 executive boxes Angela Foley, +353 (0) 614 2129 angelafoley@thomondpark.ie

3 3 Lillian Mahon lmahon@tulfarris.com

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3

3 7 7 3 7

3 3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3 3

On request On request 7 3

7 7 7 3

3 7 7 3

222

Conf Guide 2015_Directory_MINUS4.indd 79

N/A

From 2 to 250, private dining in Hotel or Manor house plus Banqueting Centre can host up to 250 The Elm Bar is a perfect casual entertainment venue plus the Banqueting Centre hosts up to 250 delegates Treatment and Massage Rooms and Therapist on-site

27/02/2015 11:00

Venue Directory Conferencing 2015

Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre

The Westbury Hotel

Wood Quay Venue

Venue Directory ADDRESS:

Grafton Street, Dublin 2

Clane, Naas, Co. Kildare

+353 (0)1 679 1122 +353 (0)1 679 7078 Westbury@doylecollection.com

+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.doylecollection.com/westbury

www.westgrovehotel.com

N/A

5HHHHH City Centre; 12km from Dublin Airport; 3km from Heuston Station

N/A N/A

205

4HHHH 10 Minutes drive from M4/Maynooth exit and the M7/Naas exit. 10 minutes drive to Sallins Train Station 96

Wilde – The Restaurant, Balfes, The Gallery, The Marble Bar

Assaggio Restaurant & the Oak Bar private dining options also available

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Balfes, The Marble Bar

The Oak Bar Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night

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Fitness Suite

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Centrally located on Grafton Street, within walking distance of Trinity College & St Stephen’s Green

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 & many more

Maximum of 200 delegates 3 3 +353 (0)1 646 3387 Westbury_events@doylecollection.com

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:

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER:

3 7 7 3 7

Staff member can assist with in-house AV 7 7 3

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:

SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:

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Aviva Stadium Where Ireland Does Business

Call our sales team today and let Aviva Stadium make your next event stand out.

Phone: 01-238 2388 Email: sales@avivastadiumevents.ie www.avivastadiumevents.ie *Conf Cover 2015_V3_FINAL.indd 2

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12/01/201519:40 09:59 26/02/2015

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

CONFERENCING 2015 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

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2015

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