Conferencing 2017 by Ashville Media Group

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

2017

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE

• Event Sponsorship • Green Conferencing • • Alternative Venues • Understanding the Unconference • Venue Directory • 000_Conferencing 2017_Cover.indd 1

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Contents Conferencing 2017

CONTENTS 16

64 DIRECTORY

Your essential guide to Ireland’s top conferencing venues. From audio-visual services to entertainment options, this comprehensive directory covers it all. Use our detailed listings to compare facilities at a glance and find the location that best serves all of your conference needs.

26 04 A-Z OF CONFERENCING

23 ACCESS FOR ALL

41Q&A: FERDI ROBERTS

08 PERFECT TEN

26 OPT FOR UNIQUE 31 SECURING SPONSORSHIP

44 FORGING BONDS

EVENT GOODIES

46 GOING GREEN

COVER STORY: TACKLING TECH

UNDERSTANDING THE UNCONFERENCE

Top tips to consider as you begin to plan your next event.

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

10 12

THE LIGHTER SIDE Conferencing 2017 offers several less than traditional ideas to keep your delegates engaged.

COMMON EVENT MISTAKES We look at ten common event planning mistakes, and how you can avoid them.

14 BALANCING THE BOOKS 16 ONLINE PROMOTION

Conferencing 2017 looks at how you can best optimise your venue for everyone.

A look at Ireland’s more unique venues.

Top tips on how to secure sponsorship for your next event.

Keeping your costs on track.

Make the most of online resources to promote your event.

SPEAKER SEARCH We discuss the various types of speakers you might employ at your event, and where you can find them.

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We take a look at some of the more original goodie bag items available.

In the aftermath of Dublin Tech Summit, Conor Forrest discovers more about the challenges of pulling together such a broad event.

Eoin Kennedy, founder of the CongRegation unconference in Co Mayo, explains how this increasingly popular event format could be the way forward.

GamerCon founder Ferdi Roberts speaks about bringing GamerCon to life in Dublin this year, and offers his advice for event management professionals.

Conferencing 2017 looks to some interesting team building alternatives.

Tips on making your next event more environmentally friendly.

51TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Tiernan Cannon examines some of the latest emerging technologies that could shape and alter events and conferences of the future.

56EVENTS AT ASHVILLE

We catch up with Ashville Media Group’s Events department.

58 WHAT’S ON IN 2017?

Some interesting festivals and events held across the country throughout the year.

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Editor’s Letter Conferencing 2017

CONFERENCING 2017 EDITOR Conor Forrest

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS Tiernan Cannon

PHOTOGRAPHY istock, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Titanic Belfast, Thomond Park, Barberstown Castle, Dublin Tech Summit, CongRegation, GamerCon, Seek, Oculus VR, LISNR EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Mary Connaughton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jane Matthews PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Nicole Ennis MANAGING DIRECTOR Gerry Tynan SALES DIRECTOR Paul Clemenson CHAIRMAN Diarmaid Lennon PUBLISHED BY Ashville Media Group 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 2017. 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. © 2017

As always, we bring you the latest tips, tricks and advice to make your next event stand out from the crowd. We offer some guidance on online event promotion, ideas for top notch goodie bags, and how you can make your next event more environmentally friendly. We’ve also got some ideas on accessibility, several tips to balance your budget, and an A-Z of all things conferencing to get you started on the right track. In this edition’s cover story, in the aftermath of the successful Dublin Tech Summit, we discover more about the challenges in pulling together this wide-ranging technology event, which focused on a number of topics including business and marketing, fashion and financial technology. We’ve also got a Q&A with GamerCon founder Ferdi Roberts, who speaks about bringing this new convention to life in Dublin, and offers his advice for event management professionals. These days, many events try to stand out from the crowd to draw in delegates – booking well known speakers, making use of technology, or offering interesting activities outside of the main event schedule. But what about the venue itself? We take a look at several unique venues from Belfast to Ballymaloe, and how these locations could help give your event a muchneeded boost. We’ve also got some advice on how to secure event sponsorship, how the unconference might well be the way forward, and the technology trends which look set to change the face of the event management industry. Finally, our comprehensive Venue Directory provides detailed listings covering contact information, rating, location and 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 for 2017.

CONFERENCING

I hope you enjoy   and find something useful within these pages to help make your next conference or event a real success.

Conor Forrest

Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

2017

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE

Editor

• Event Sponsorship • Green Conferencing • • Alternative Venues • Understanding the Unconference • Venue Directory • 000_Conferencing 2017_Cover.indd 1

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Theatre/Gerry O’Leary

ADVERT DESIGN Jennifer Reid Alan McArthur

Welcome to  , your definitive guide to all matters relating to conferencing, event management and corporate hospitality in Ireland.

Cover credit: Bord Gais Energy

DESIGN Jane Matthews Alan McArthur

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A-Z of Event Management Conferencing 2017

AOF

to EVENT MANAGEMENT

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

ACCOMMODATION

BUDGET

It’s important to find the right venue for your event, particularly 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 inhouse or nearby.

One of the first things you’ll need to do during the planning process is figure out exactly what funds you have at your disposal, as this will have an impact on everything going forward. Take into account both variable (e.g. transportation or name badges) and fixed (insurance or advertising) costs when preparing your budget. If you’re running a little low on funds, consider seeking out event sponsorship, or check if you qualify for Meet in Ireland’s financial support scheme.

COACHING

DELEGATE

EMERGENCY FUNDS

FOLLOW UP

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.

If the task of organising a conference has fallen to you, and you’re not completely confident that you can handle the burden on your own, consider employing the services of an event manager. A second pair of eyes will ensure that everything is planned down to the minute detail, hopefully reducing the amount of unexpected hiccoughs on the day. A number of Irish companies offer this service.

When you’re putting your budget together, it’s always a good idea to allow around ten per cent for those inevitable last minute purchases. This could include equipment failing on the day of the event − it can happen!

Don’t let the event be your last communication with your attendees. Use social media or your website/blog to post photos and memories from the event and encourage those who attended to share their experiences. You could send out a survey to catalogue the overall experience, or upload photos to Flickr or Instagram.

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A-Z of Event Management Conferencing 2017

GUEST SPEAKER

JOURNEYS

KEEPSAKES

Having a guest speaker − particularly one who 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 Speakers, with a range of recognisable names including Bob Geldof, Norah Casey and Gráinne Seoige.

Make sure you have appropriate transport arranged for your attendees – whether it’s buses, taxis, or flights. Disorganisation is something to be avoided, and there’s nothing worse than a lot of people waiting around your venue, unsure of where to go. Don’t forget – when it comes to smaller events, a personal greeting and farewell goes a long way.

Delegate gifts are a great option if you have the budget, and they don’t have to be overly expensive. Aim for something they might actually use in future, like a sizeable USB pen drive with some related materials preloaded, or a travel charger. For more ideas, see our feature on pg 32.

I INNOVATION There are plenty run of the mill conferences and events, so make sure that yours doesn’t simply fade into the background. There are a number of ways you can develop an event to remember – incorporate (interesting) team building activities, hire a comedian to break up some heavy content, or give out branded goodie bags at the end of the event. The Web Summit was a good example of this in recent years, introducing a social aspect to the three-day event including night-time gatherings across social venues in Dublin.

LESSONS LEARNED

MEDIA

When the dust has settled, take the time to reflect on your event. Did everything go as planned? How did you handle any hiccoughs along the way? Could anything have been done better? Were the attendees happy with their experiences? Learning from any mistakes or problems could benefit your next event immensely.

Make full use of the media to the best of your ability when marketing your event, both before and after. Draft press releases to be sent to different media outlets, provide press passes for journalists to cover your conference, and regularly post on social media to keep the public and your attendees aware of any news or relevant information.

O 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!

PLAN

SOCIAL MEDIA

X MARKS THE SPOT

Take a leaf from Hannibal Smith’s book and create an airtight plan that accounts for things going wrong. A minute-byminute plan of your event can help you to prepare for every eventuality, and could highlight any potential pitfalls before or on the day.

Social media is a great way to get the word out about your event beforehand, and to give the world an insight into what’s happening on the day. Create profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ as part of your social media strategy, and encourage your attendees to get involved on the different platforms.

Large venues in particular can prove confusing, particularly if there are a number of rooms, stalls and information stands. Provide your attendees with a map of the premises as part of their information pack – highlight where the main events will take place, information stands, dining areas and toilets! You could also ensure that easily recognisable staff members are on hand to answer any queries.

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Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

THE FULL

PACKAGE

Looking for corporate coach hire or destination management services? Then look no further than Eirebus.

DMC partner can be the key to success for your conference or event. Experts in conference and incentive travel in Ireland, the Eirebus destination management division provides corporate, incentive and leisure travel programmes in Ireland. It provides all the expertise, creativity and buying power that you need to ensure your event exceeds expectations. With 46 years’ experience in creating events

Tour Operators Association (ITOA)

with the ‘wow’ factor, Eirebus DMC

and the Dublin Convention Bureau

can cater for anything from a ten

(DCB), and is proud to be an ISO

person seminar to a 1,000+ delegate

9001:2008 quality approved company.

conference. Key differentiators

The experience the company has

include long-standing relationships with major suppliers to ensure a

elebrating 46 years in business,

seamless process and competitive

Eirebus is Dublin’s multi-

rates.

award winning coach operator,

offering a fleet of 50 executive coaches and a destination management division alongside scheduled services including Swords Express. In business, time management is of key importance, particularly when it comes to meetings and events. If you have a large number of delegates or staff members travelling to a conference or meeting, it’s imperative that you secure reliable transport. This is what you get when you travel with Eirebus, whose portfolio of clients includes internationally recognised blue chip companies. The company’s fleet include 50 deluxe coaches ranging in size from 16-53 seats.

Having a professional and reliable DMC partner can be the key to success for your conference or event. As experts in conference and incentive travel in Ireland, the Eirebus destination management division provides corporate, incentive and leisure travel programmes in Ireland.

Luxury coaches are equipped with Wi-Fi, USB ports, WC, DVD, AC, PA system, tables and reclining seats. Quality is assured, and Eirebus

gained over the course of four decades

invests annually in new, top of the range

has also resulted in a number of

coaches. Brand new executive mini

prestigious awards including the

and midi coaches have been purchased

Passenger Transport Company of the

in 2016 along with six large Mercedes

Year accolade at the Irish Logistics and

coaches in the same year. This year,

Transport Awards in 2013, 2014 and

Eirebus will add a new fleet of 2017

again in 2015 for its Swords Express

registration coaches from the luxury

operation, highlighting the quality of

German brand to its fleet.

service on offer at Eirebus.

Eirebus is a long-standing member of the Coach Tourism & Transport

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

Council of Ireland (CTTC), the Irish

Having a professional and reliable

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In addition, as Eirebus owns and operates its own fleet of luxury coaches, competitive transport rates are passed on to conference and incentive groups that travel with Eirebus DMC, and customers have access to both destination management and executive coach hire, all under the one roof. Eirebus works with thousands of corporate and leisure clients across Ireland, the UK and internationally, and is committed to comfort, safety and exceptional service.

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

CONTACT

information

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

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Eirebus is your corporate coach hire partner in Dublin. With 46 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in executive travel, we are experts in corporate, event and staff transport. WHAT WE OFFER: deluxe coaches ranging in size 50 from 16 to 53 seats. High spec Mercedes and Volvo coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, USB ports, DVD, reclining seats, WC and air conditioning Annual investment in new, top of the range coaches Conference and incentive management services Professional, discreet drivers

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Perfect Ten Conferencing 2017

Perfect Ten Organising a conference doesn’t always have to be a stressful task. Follow these ten steps to make life a little easier.

Simplicity This one is particularly relevant for speakers – get to the point. Rambling is never a good idea unless you’re a grandparent sitting at home beside the fire with a child on your lap; then it’s endearing. Delegates will be quite thankful that the information is presented clearly and in a concise way. Allow for regular breaks and time to absorb what they’re hearing.

12 4

Motivation Why are you organising this event? Is it to share information, provide education or to sell a product? Knowing what you want to achieve is key to developing a solid plan. Figuring out your target audience is also important – information concerning your audience profile can play a huge role when seeking event sponsorship, while likely attendance figures will impact on your budget and items such as the choice of venue or entertainment.

Planning The sooner you start planning, the better. Providing ample time to plan will help eliminate lots of issues, and will ensure a more successful, stress-free event. Start with the date, and ensure there are no other competing conferences on the same day, otherwise you might be facing a somewhat empty room! Allowing time to prepare a great event also reflects well on you and your organisation − poorly organised events will likely leave a poor impression.

Leave them in the loop Keep interest high among your delegates by consistent circulation of relevant information. Send each attendee a detailed event brief with information on dates and times, the venue, event timetable, guest speakers, travel and accommodation arrangements, post event entertainment and any other additional activities you might have planned. These days there are plenty of avenues through which you can share information – regular post, social media, your event website or via email marketing.

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Perfect Ten Conferencing 2017

Organisation is key Following on from step two, compile a delegate and guest list, send out invitations with plenty of time to spare, arrange for branding information to be set up well in advance of the conference, and ready name tags and other printed materials. If the scope of your event is quite extensive, and you’re working on your own, consider enlisting the help of an event management specialist to share the burden.

Strong Open Your opening will set the tone for the rest of the event and, if you open strong, don’t forget to follow through! You don’t have to bring out the jugglers, but keep things interesting – capture your delegates’ attention with a powerful audiovisual presentation, an image-led introduction, or a captivating guest speaker. Brevity is advised as monotony is a sure way to lose your guests’ attention, and they won’t retain much, or even any, information.

Press The power of the press is not to be underestimated, both online and print. If media attention is an important driver for your event’s success, draft press releases, source the main speeches, book a corporate photographer and schedule your event for quiet media times; holding a major conference on the same day as the World Cup Final isn’t going to guarantee you top spot in the day’s headlines.

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56 8 9 1

Tech Gear These days the amount of technology present at most conferences can be quite extensive – audiovisual equipment like laptops, projectors, microphones and video cameras are all standard. Don’t forget to book these items well in advance, and confirm closer to the date. You don’t want to be running around in a panic at the last moment, searching for a spare microphone!

Variety Keep your delegates on their toes and at peak interest by mixing things up a little. Don’t make them sit through four talks in a row; break the time up with team building activities, entertainment, meals and other networking opportunities.

Sum it Up For a conference or event organised for a client, sum up the actions agreed upon after the event. For other conferences, why not consider a delegate feedback form? These are great for discovering what worked well or not so well, and could make your next event an even bigger success.

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Unique Ideas Conferencing 2017

The

LIGHTER SIDE

INTERESTING IDEAS UNIQUE VENUE

One way to pique interest is by hosting your event in a memorable location, such as Dublin Castle or the Royal Hospital Kilmainham (left). For more ideas on Ireland’s unique venues, see our feature on pg 26.

CRAYONS AT THE READY

Photo: Barry Moore

Adult colouring books have gained popularity over the past year or two as a method of stress relief, and can also produce a more relaxed environment conducive to idea generation. Invest in a few copies and set up a colouring workshop at your next event.

Conferences don’t have to be wholly conventional to succeed – sometimes adding a dash of flavour could be the difference between a straightforward event and one which gets your attendees really engaged. Conferencing 2017 offers several less than traditional ideas to keep your delegates involved and make your conference a talking point.

GRAFFITI BOARD

Set up a large whiteboard as a creative space where attendees can share ideas, messages and event experiences. You could also use it to post speaker schedules and bios, and any other relevant event information.

So why not introduce a comedy night to your next event? It’s a great way to get your attendees laughing and networking in a more informal setting. The choice is endless, from

ost conferences tend to be

or potential clients. For some,

Oliver Callan and Neil Delamere to

relatively formal affairs,

approaching total strangers can be

Maeve Higgins and Dara O Briain.

with straightforward

quite difficult. One way to make it

agendas, speakers and content.

easier, and to ensure your attendees

LOCAL TOUR

But, if you’re looking to boost guest

get to know one another, is to hold

If your attendees are coming to

engagement and participation,

speed networking sessions. You

your event location from abroad

you should consider taking a less

could ask delegates to select two or

or even around the country, you

conventional approach, including the

three topics of interest when they

could organise a sightseeing trip to

use of entertainers and unexpected

break up your conference content. A

activities, to provide an experience

and time slot for those with similar

walking tour of Dublin could take in

your attendees will be talking about

interests to introduce themselves

O’Connell Street, Stephen’s Green,

for weeks.

and discuss a particular topic for a

Dublin Castle and the National

set amount of time.

Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street,

MEET AND GREET

all easily accessible on foot in the city

Networking is an important part of

SPLITTING SIDES

centre. Or, for a business conference,

any conference. Many people will

Ireland is well known for its sense

why not arrange a visit to local

attend an event to develop their

of humour, and we’ve got quite

businesses to tour their facilities and

personal or professional contact book

a few comedians working the

discover more about their challenges

– discover mentors, business partners

circuit both here and in the UK.

and opportunities?

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CAPACITY FOR 1,000 HUMANS 2,000 ANDROIDS Being well-connected is more important in business than ever before. So the next time you plan a conference that takes people away from their desks, be sure they can stay in touch. Delegates at Crowne Plaza have access to 400mg WiFi – enough for all 1,000 guests to use two devices each – simultaneously. And the good connections don’t end there. At Crowne Plaza Northwood you are a stone’s throw from the M1, M3, M50 and Dublin Airport. It’s all just part of the efficiency and convenience you’ll find at North Dublin’s largest conference facility.

Find out more at www.crowneplazadublin.ie

Northwood Park, Santry, Dublin 9 T. +353 1 862 8888 E. cschmelter@crowneplazadublin.ie

DUBLIN-NORTHWOOD

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Lessons Learned Conferencing 2017

Common

Event Management

MISTAKES 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.

VENUE MISCALCULATION

leave with overly fond memories. Just

Picking the right venue is one of

make sure you have conducted enough

the most important things when it

research into your potential audience

comes to event planning. You want

size, including unexpected numbers.

somewhere that provides a suitable backdrop for your conference, with

SETTING UP

all of the right facilities on hand.

On the day of your conference, you

Even more important, you require

don’t want guests walking into the

somewhere with enough room.

venue while your team is still in the

Imagine if you set a date, book the

middle of setting out tables and chairs,

venue and then realise you’ve vastly

or hooking up the AV equipment.

underestimated or overestimated

Timing is important, and you want

your audience size? Too many people

to maintain that professional veneer.

packed into a space will mean that

Make sure the bulk of the work is done

your delegates won’t enjoy the

a day or two beforehand if possible,

experience half as much. And there’s

leaving the next morning for you

nothing more depressing than a half

to arrive early and ensure the final

empty hall – attendees aren’t going to

touches are made.

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For conferences in busy urban locations, try and choose a venue close to a range of public transport options.

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Lessons Learned Conferencing 2017

Ensure a qualified professional performs a risk assessment of your venue and plan as early as possible, thus catching any potential derailments long before the big day.

STAKE OUT THE COMPETITION

DELEGATE

ALLOCATION

It can be hard to distribute

As mentioned above, you can’t do

responsibility sometimes – after all,

everything yourself, and you need to

you’ve seen and done it all, and the

delegate tasks as required. But you also

rest of these people are a little too

need to make sure you’re handing the

green for your liking and just don’t

job to the right person. If a member

know how you like things done. No

of your team isn’t great at social

matter how capable you are, you’ll

interactions, don’t make them stand in

get a headache if you try to do it

the reception area ready to greet people

all yourself, and you’ll likely forget

– a recipe for disaster. Likewise, your

something on your list too. Flying

most outgoing personality is probably

solo is okay when organising a few

wasted double checking that the

drinks after work on Friday; it’s a little

chairs are in the right positions. Know

different when it comes to a full blown

your team – their strengths and their

conference. Even Iron Man has the

weaknesses.

Avengers to back him up when things go south.

CONFIRMATION

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

Confirm with your vendors at least

to your delegates could make the

48 hours before your conference. All

difference in their decision to attend

going well, things should still proceed

your next conference. Keep track of

according to plan, but when you least

their information – names, addresses,

expect it you could be faced with a

phone numbers and emails – and

forgotten piece of the puzzle, and only

continue to follow up during the year,

several hours to find a replacement.

laying the groundwork for an even bigger and better event next year.

As mentioned elsewhere in this

SOUND CHECK

publication, you should choose a time

Make sure your audience can hear

MURPHY’S LAW

of year when there’s relatively little

your speakers. We attended an event

As many an event professional will

else going on, in terms of political or

in Dublin recently with more than a

explain, Murphy’s Law is often an

sporting events etc. But don’t forget

few awkward moments involving the

undeniable inevitability – what can

to keep an eye out for competing

MC and a malfunctioning microphone,

go wrong, will go wrong. But you

conferences or conventions which could

lending an unprofessional air to

can work to negate this cosmic law as

steal your crowds. And, when booking

proceedings. Avoid the embarrassment

much as possible. For example, ensure

your venue, ensure you have the place

with comprehensive AV equipment

a qualified professional performs a

to yourself as much as possible – you

coupled with several sound checks

risk assessment of your venue and

don’t want your delegates’ attention

prior to your conference.

plan as early as possible, thus catching

being pulled elsewhere.

any potential derailments long before the big day. Also, ensure you have an

REGISTRATION

PARKING PLAN For conferences in busy urban

emergency toolkit with you on the day,

It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the

locations, try and choose a venue

with spare pens, paper, tape, chargers

registration desk, particularly if a

close to a range of public transport

and rudimentary tools, just in case.

host of delegates decide to arrive at

options. For example, Dublin’s

the same time. Make sure you have

Convention Centre is close to railways,

assigned enough staff members to the

the Luas, taxi stands and a range of

registration desk, with more on hand to

bus routes. You’ll still likely get some

provide backup if required. If you can,

attendees who arrive in their own car,

make use of online registration tools like

so make sure you have some parking

zkipster, a handy guest list app which

arrangements sorted beforehand –

allows you to process attendees much

whether this is on-site parking, or a list

quicker and efficiently.

of nearby alternatives.

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DON’T FORGET Thank your guest and keynote speakers, advertisers, delegates and staff members– it costs nothing to generate some goodwill.

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Conference Costs Conferencing 2017

Counting the If the news is to be believed, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is recovering from years of hardship, though times still remain tough for many, and one of the biggest challenges for conference and exhibition organisers remains getting the most out of each and every euro you spend. Conferencing 2017 takes a look at how you can keep your costs on track.

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COSTS lthough the benefits of

KEEPING TO YOUR BUDGET

holding conferences and

Budgeting is an essential part of the

exhibitions have been proven,

planning process, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to

sometimes the cost can deter clients

develop an effective budget at the very

from committing. The main aim

beginning, which will help you keep on

for a conference, therefore, must

track. The challenge for a conference

be to provide a quality service at

organiser working from a tight budget

an economical rate; one that will

is finding a venue that meets your

attract organisers and fight off the

needs for a reasonable price, without

competition. Organisers need to keep

compromising any aspect of your plan.

an eye out for conference packages

From the beginning it is vital that you

that include accommodation, meals,

know how much you have available

transport to and from the hotel/venue,

to spend on your event. You need

and perhaps a leisure activity.

to determine which expenses will be

20/03/2017 11:48

Conference Costs Conferencing 2017

assumed by the client or sponsor

which are available for free. Google

and by the attendees. Estimate how

Sheets is another free alternative,

many people you expect to attend

which can be updated simultaneously

your conference and calculate your

by a number of people anywhere in

overall expenditure by separating

the world, as long as you’ve given

your variable and fixed costs. Expect

them permission to edit the document.

the best, but plan for the worst –

Alternatively, you could opt for paid

budgets should include a contingency

tools which usually come as part of an

fund (about ten per cent) for

overall event management software

unanticipated, last-minute expenses,

package – like Azavista or Cvent’s event

like additional transportation

management platform.

requirements or broken equipment.

BUDGET REVIEW

TAILOR MADE PACKAGES

When the conference or exhibition

It is important to understand the

is over and the dust has settled, sit

nature of the business and offer

down with your team and review your

value for money conferencing

budget and expenditure. Did any

packages with competitive prices

items come in below or above what you

and a top rate service – keeping

had anticipated? Did any unforeseen

the costs down for your delegates

events trigger the use of your

is important in attracting greater

contingency fund? Are there any areas

numbers. From the time a guest

that didn’t perform as well as expected

arrives at the venue until the time

and therefore could be cut going

they depart, outstanding hospitality

forward? A comprehensive review of

needs to be provided discreetly and

your costs can inform future events

effectively by the hotel’s dedicated

and, if organised on behalf of a client,

team. Event organisers should be

can demonstrate your ability to deliver

offered a tailor-made conference

the event within budget. Remember

package with no hidden extra costs.

to control your costs at every turn

Hosting a conference in a city centre

and constantly keep an eye on your

location can also keep costs lower

finances so you can ensure a successful

for attendees as they are close to

conference that is within your budget.

Hosting a conference in a city centre location can also keep costs lower for attendees as they are close to inexpensive public transport links, as well as attracting delegates who wish to take in nearby amenities.

inexpensive public transport links, as well as attracting delegates who wish to take in nearby amenities. Aim to offer a very competitive corporate rate and dedicated support that will allow clients to deliver a professional business experience to their delegates.

TECH TIPS In order to keep track of your budget as the planning progresses, the old reliable is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft Office has a number of handy Excel budget templates – search templates.office. com for ‘Event budget’. If you haven’t got the funds for the official Office suite, you could always opt for

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

OpenOffice or LibreOffice, both of

014_Conferencing2017_Balancing books_V2.indd 15

20/03/2017 11:48

Online Promotion Conferencing 2017

Spread the Gone are the days when promoting a conference merely involved distributing press releases and taking out advertising in print media. With the explosion of social media avenues, which companies can use for free or with little outlay, there’s no excuse for not spreading the word to wider audiences than ever before. Conferencing 2017 looks at how best to utilise social media to promote your next event.

016_Conferencing2017_Online promotion.indd 16

WORD D

best choice to make when deciding where to publicise a conference. With over 1.5 billion users, Facebook is one of the go-to avenues for people looking to organise an event; whether it’s a small social gathering or an international conference in a particular

epending on your online

field, Facebook can get you access to

experience, the task of

thousands, if not millions, of potential

launching and promoting

attendees worldwide. If you are part of

a conference or event can be quite

a company or organisation, you can use

daunting. Given the scale of the

that Facebook page to notify clients or

Internet and the millions upon millions

other interested parties. Your desired

of pages which exist on it, you may

end result should be that as many users

ask yourself how you can make yours

as possible ‘share’ the event with other

stand out from the competition and get

friends. If it is successful, the popularity

noticed. Given the right approach, it is

of your event can take off in the same

possible to do just that.

way as word-of-mouth would have originally. Other suggestions include

SOCIAL GURU

‘tagging’ people in a promotional image

It may seem obvious, but using the

for the conference. The logic behind

big hitters of social media is the

this is that when you tag a person who

20/03/2017 11:50

Online Promotion Conferencing 2017

advent of the smartphone, Twitter is often used by people as a reactionary

FOUR WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR CONFERENCE ONLINE

device to news and events. For

■ GIVE AWAY TICKETS – We all love free stuff, and people can get very competitive. Competitions can provide a rapid way by which you can generate buzz for your event, and you can also give away items of industry relevance or from your sponsors. ■ 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, or speak with leading figures in a particular field? ■ SPREAD THE WORD – As mentioned, create an event page on Facebook to host content and other useful information. Don’t neglect other social media outlets however, like YouTube, Instagram, Google+ and LinkedIn. ■ HONED HASHTAG — The right Twitter hashtag can get your event trending through user interaction.

conference, promote a competition

example, if you wish to announce a high profile speaker at an upcoming or share a topic or piece of news of interest, Twitter can be great to get the message out fast to a number of people on the go. It is important that you use the hashtag function with the hope of ‘trending’ on Twitter. If it is shared enough, you might be able to gain new followers and therefore more potential attendees. This can also include people who are unable to attend your conference in person. Many conferences now aim to include the Internet in the discussions held in venues across the world. Question and answer sessions can be conducted through Twitter, if a user sends a message to the conference’s Twitter handle. It can also be wise to use image hosting services like Flickr, Imgur or Instagram to keep these far-flung followers in the loop with

is a friend of the page, that promotional

pictures of the latest developments or

image would appear on their page,

speakers at the conference.

whereas in many cases it may be missed

Be wary that while this can often

if people were not directly looking for it.

be one of the most effective means of

If you can fit news updates into

With over 1.5 billion users, Facebook is one of the goto avenues for people looking to organise an event; whether it’s a small social gathering or an international conference in a particular field, Facebook can get you access to thousands, if not millions, of potential attendees worldwide.

promoting your conference, it can be

140 characters or less, then Twitter is

quite time-consuming as it is rather

the perfect accompaniment to a more

hands-on in terms of replying to user

detailed Facebook page. Since the

requests and keeping your event at the

forefront of their mind. Depending on the size of the conference and the team you have, it might be a good idea to hire a social media representative, or assign the role to a

LIVESTREAMING

Most modern conference centres now have high-speed broadband in their conference rooms. This gives event organisers the ability to not only broadcast news or snippets of information through Facebook and Twitter, but to livestream the entire event in high-quality. One example is TED, one of the biggest science conferences in the world, which is available for livestreaming through its own webpage. However, many companies or organisations may not have the know-how or equipment to host livestreaming on their own website. Two of the most popular and widely-used livestreaming websites include Twitch.tv and ustream.tv which have thousands of users. These can be promoted through Facebook and Twitter. All that is required during the conference is someone to man the computer and keep the stream up and running, which is a relatively straightforward and nonintensive task. There are unlimited opportunities with the Internet and social media for conferencing in 2017, so make sure that you use as many options as are available to you and your prospective conference.

press officer. If you’re new to the digital marketing game, and your budget won’t allow you to hire someone to look after it, there are plenty of online resources in this department. The Digital Garage (digitalgarageie.withgoogle.com), for example, provides lessons on 23 topics including managing your social media presence, advertising on social media, and the do’s and don’ts of the various social media channels. Good luck!

016_Conferencing2017_Online promotion.indd 17

20/03/2017 11:50

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Ashville Iceburg Advert.indd 1

20/03/2017 16:07

Conference Speakers Conferencing 2017

SPEAKER SEARCH We discuss the various types of speakers you might employ at your event, and where you can find them.

here are plenty of ways in

one of the most important talks, as

at least relatively well known within

which event organisers can

the keynote address will set the tone

the field, and one who can energise

ensure an event that will be

for the rest of your event. Generally

the crowd and get your delegates

well attended and remembered – a

speaking the cost of employing a

excited about what’s to come. Perhaps

central location, an interesting venue

keynote speaker will be the most

you could develop a shortlist of

and memorable entertainment,

expensive, so be sure to leave room

potential speakers, and then discuss

among others. Speakers can also play

in your budget for speakers for the

with your team as to who might be

a large role in attracting delegates –

remainder of your event.

best, or compare notes with other

well known or experienced speakers

When you’re choosing a keynote

colleagues in the field. Once you’ve

will be able to impart relevant and

speaker there are a number of things

chosen a strong keynote speaker, and

impactful information, adding value

to consider. Someone who is an expert

confirmed their attendance, be sure to

for your paying delegates. So what

in their field is an attractive choice,

include their name on all marketing

type of speakers should you be

but you should be sure that they can

materials and communications with

looking for, and where exactly can you

also hold the audience’s attention,

potential and confirmed attendees.

find them?

and are capable of transmitting concepts in simple terms and within a

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

SPONSOR

relatively short space of time. Ideally

Depending on who your sponsor is,

The keynote speaker will deliver

you should choose a figure who is

they may wish to say a few words.

019_Conferencing2017_Speakers.indd 19

20/03/2017 11:51

Conference Speakers Conferencing 2017

Hopefully it’ll be a thoughtful

their points, encourage audience

contribution to the topic at hand,

participation, has researched the

rather than a blatant advertising pitch!

topics beforehand and can pose

For example, an event technology

relevant questions, and will move

sponsor could be approached to

the discussion along effectively with

give a talk on the benefits of using

regard to time constraints.

technology within the industry (and

Sufficient time should also be spent

of course the benefits of their own

in preparing your panel. The first

product). Relevant information

step is to pick a theme, which will

provides added value for your

then inform your choice of panellists.

delegates, while the chance to speak

Ideally these will also be experts

in front of attendees could make

within their field, or be directly

a sponsorship package even more

impacted by the topic or issue up for

attractive. Make sure you have a

discussion. For example, for a panel

chance to review the topic beforehand.

discussion focusing on Brexit, you might invite a member of government,

MODERATION IS KEY

an entrepreneur who will be affected

If you’re including a panel

by the move, a financial journalist, and

discussion(s) as part of your event,

a professor of economic research.

choosing a strong and active moderator will help ensure its

THE BEST OF THE REST

success, one who will allow time for

A wide variety of speakers from

the panellists to discuss and make

different backgrounds – government, business, education, etc. – will ensure

If you are hosting a panel discussion focusing on Brexit, you might invite a member of government, an entrepreneur who will be affected by the move, a financial journalist, and a professor of economic research.

that your delegates get the most out of their ticket. Interesting names speaking about interesting topics

KEEPING SPEAKERS HAPPY HANDBOOK

Provide a handbook prior to the event detailing the audience profile, conference goals, schedule and any other relevant information.

UPDATES

Maintain steady communication in the weeks leading up to the event, keeping them abreast of any changes and answering any questions they might have.

ACCOMMODATION

House your speakers close to the event and organise transport to and from the venue. This will allow them to concentrate on their job rather than worrying about traffic and getting there on time!

SUPPORT

Have tech support on site in case there are any technical hitches with their equipment.

019_Conferencing2017_Speakers.indd 20

will draw the crowd to each talk, and could be the difference between a

Or, if you’re organising a medical

potential attendee purchasing a ticket

conference, you could get in touch

or looking elsewhere. For example,

with groups such as the Irish Medical

the recent Dublin Tech Summit,

Organisation, the Irish Medical

which focused on a variety of topics

Devices Association or the Institute

within technology and innovation,

of Public Health in Ireland. Speaker

hosted a number of speakers from

bureaus are also a great way to find

an array of backgrounds – Bruce

someone to speak on virtually any

Daisley, EMEA Vice President, Twitter;

topic you can think of, or well known

Jimmy Chamberlin, co-founder

figures to provide an alternative or

and drummer with The Smashing

comedic view. For example, Personally

Pumpkins and Mike Butcher, editor at

Speaking Bureau – based in Ranelagh

TechCrunch.

– allows you to search for speakers by topic. For a conference catering for

SPEAKER SOURCE

entrepreneurs you might seek out

There are plenty of methods you can

David McWilliams or Norah Williams

use to find a good speaker – these

as your keynote speaker; if you’re

can depend on the type of conference

looking for a capable moderator

or event you are organising. For

you might consider Matt Cooper or

example, when organising an

Stephen Kinsella. There are plenty

academic conference you could

of businesses that provide this service

contact various universities to see if

in Ireland, including Personally

any relevant staff members might

Speaking Bureau, Speaker Solutions

be willing and available to speak.

and Front Row Speakers.

20/03/2017 11:51

A Jewel in the Crown of Conference & Event Venues • Voted Best Conference & Hotel Venue • 15 Professionally Appointed Conference & Banqueting Suites • Capacities up to 800 Theatre Style & 500 Banquet Style • Self Contained Exhibition Area • 143 Deluxe Bedrooms & Suites • 20 Lodges on the Resort for overflow capacity • Tatler Spa of the Year & Extensive Leisure Club • Award Winning Christy O’Connor designed 18 Hole Golf Course • Green Site Areas for Outdoor Activities • 500 Complimentary Car Parking Spaces

241705_1C_Mount Wolseley_CG.indd 1

An ideal location, less than one hour from Dublin T: 05991 80100 | E: sales@mountwolseley.ie W: www.mountwolseley.ie

20/03/2017 15:50

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

DEDICATED TO EVENTS The four star Carlton Hotel and Gardens Blanchardstown offers a perfect blend of accessibility, ambience and creativity.

spaces, expert translation services, event security, team building facilities, shuttle services, complimentary entertainment planning and much more. Should your delegates wish to unwind, there are a number of local amenities within five minutes of the hotel, including Hollystown championship golf course, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, and the National Sports

Campus, while its close proximity to

ocated in Fingal, just 15

and seminars of all types and sizes.

Dublin city centre opens up vibrant

minutes from Dublin

Each event will be organised by an

opportunities for theatre trips,

International Airport,

experienced, dedicated meeting and

museums, concerts and the buzzing

and 20 minutes from Dublin

event manager. The tasteful, neutral

nightlife for which Dublin is famous.

city centre, the four star Carlton

décor and stylish settings of the

Hotel Blanchardstown is the

hotel’s meeting spaces create fresh

highly experienced teams at the

perfect venue for meetings, events

places to meet, think and inspire.

Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown are

Alongside 155 luxurious and

ready to take excellent care of you

spacious guestrooms and suites,

and your guests, and to deliver an

750 delegates, each of the hotel’s

free parking for up to 600 cars, and

event you are sure to remember.

11 magnificent meeting rooms

accessible meetings and events spaces

vary in size and are perfect for

on the ground floor, the hotel boasts

board meetings, training sessions,

free high speed WiFi, high spec audio

award ceremonies, presentations

visual equipment, dedicated check-in

and conferences in Dublin. With facilities to cater for up to

Carlton_2L_CP_CONF.indd 22

The friendly, professional and

CONTACT

information

T: 01 827 5644 E: meetings.blanch@carlton.ie E: sales@carlton.ie W: carltonhotelblanchardstown.com

21/03/2017 09:57

Accessibility Conferencing 2017

ACCESS ALL

AREAS M

aking an event accessible

for all, if there is accessible public

becomes an easier task if

transport from the airport (or other

you begin planning with

likely arrival points) to the hotel,

this in mind, and continue to do so

and how complex the journey is.

throughout the process rather than

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

leaving accessibility measures until

going, accessibility for public

last. Understandably, before you host

transport can vary, though many

a conference choosing the location

countries have only moved towards

is vital, especially when there are

greater accessibility in the last

people who may have physical

number of years. This will require

disabilities that will require ease of

investigation online, through

access. For example, when planning

phone calls and in person to

an event you may think that hosting

make sure that all your guests will

an event in an exotic and distant

have easy access to your hotel.

When choosing a venue for a meeting or event, it is important to make sure that it is fully accessible to all, including those with physical disabilities. Conferencing 2017 looks at how you can best optimise your venue for everyone.

location will make for a memorable experience. However, an organiser

THE HOTEL

must first examine and ask whether

Most overseas conferences last

the venue will have easy access

longer than one day, so staying

023_Conferencing2017_Accessibility.indd 23

20/03/2017 11:53

Accessibility Conferencing 2017

whether to provide interpreters

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 everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Questions to ask when looking to book a hotel could include whether the hotel is compliant with accessibility and safety regulations. Even if the hotel claims to meet the appropriate standards, implementation varies widely, so it is still valuable to ask more detailed questions and visit the site in-person wherever possible. Hotels in different countries can vary in accessibility standards so it would be wise to see whether one country may be particularly lacking in this department. Also, is the hotel willing to reserve the wheelchairaccessible rooms and rooms on the ground floor and near lifts for conference attendees to book, or is it wheelchair-accessible

An organiser must first examine and ask whether the venue will have easy access for all, if there is accessible public transport from the airport (or other likely arrival points) to the hotel, and how complex the journey is.

through the main entrance?

or captioning will depend on the requests made 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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;meal-onlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 to do is to make sure the conference itself goes according to plan. Inevitably there will be food served at this conference which raises a number of precautionary measures to take before serving.

BUDGETING

What has become clear over the last number of years is that food

Budgeting for your conference is an obvious factor to consider

However, depending on how

allergies and bowel disorders have

when organising the event.

many people are attending

increased, meaning a greater

and live with a disability, you

number of people that may require

must take into consideration

particular diets, or who would

whether your audiovisual

have to avoid certain elements

presentations can be at least seen

of food altogether. It is helpful

or heard by every member of

to have a system (e.g. coloured

the audience. This will require

stickers on conference badges) to

you to take extra consideration

identify people who have requested

of costs in your budget.

special meals, if these meals are

TOP TIPS DOES YOUR VENUE HAVE...

Easy access for all, accessible public transport, a route that is not too complex, compliance with accessibility and safety regulations, and wheelchair accessible rooms?

REMEMBER TO CONSIDER...

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

023_Conferencing2017_Accessibility.indd 24

Examples of what you might

served separately by hotel staff.

need to cover with regard to people

Ask the hotel to provide labels on

who are blind or deaf can include

buffet dishes listing ingredients or

captioning and sign language

indicating the presence of gluten/

translation, which can be expensive.

meat/dairy products/fish and make

Plan for approximately c1,000

sure that non-sugar beverages and

per day in the budget to cover

healthy snack options are available.

this service, in case it is requested.

With all of these tips taken into

Sign language interpretation

consideration, your conference

should include coverage of breaks

should be a great success in

and social events. The choice of

providing a welcome for everyone.

20/03/2017 11:53

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

SHOW YOU MEAN

BUSINESS

meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 80 people and a conference room that holds up to 350 delegates. This hotel offers a dedicated conference desk and team to ensure that all of your delegatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs are catered for

BY WHERE YOU DO BUSINESS

during your conference in Cork.

Business Park in close proximity to

such as a digital TV stream, and

Cork Airport, Cork city centre and

dedicated high speed Wi-Fi. Couple

Corkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial areas, with easy access

this with the accessible location and

to all major routes leading into and out

business environment and the Cork

of Cork city, making it a simple task for

International Hotel is guaranteed to be

your delegates to reach the venue from

the perfect venue for your meetings,

national and international destinations.

events or conferences in Cork.

Located directly across from Cork International Airport, the Cork International Hotel will ensure you have a first class event.

he Cork International Hotel, located adjacent to Cork

QUALITY FACILITIES

Airport, is the perfect location

The Cork International Hotel

for meetings, events and for holding a

conference and meeting rooms can

conference in Cork. Cork International

accommodate from 2 to 350 delegates,

Hotel is located in the Cork Airport

with eight dedicated training and

Cork Airport Hotel_2L_CP_CONF.indd 25

Each of the unique meeting rooms and conference rooms enjoy natural daylight and offer the latest technology,

CONTACT

information

SAMANTHA STEWART Conference and Banqueting Manager T: 021 454 9889 E: sstewart@corkinternationalhotel.com W: www.corkinternationalhotel.com

21/03/2017 14:39

Unique Venues Conferencing 2017

TITANIC BELFAST, TITANIC QUARTER, BELFAST Located in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, where the infamous ocean liner was constructed, Titanic Belfast commemorates the lives of those who worked in Belfast’s shipyards, the ill-fated journey of the Titanic, and the 1,517 souls who lost their lives when it sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in April 1912. It also provides a fascinating backdrop for your next event, with a number of event spaces located across the grounds. The Titanic Suites are housed on the top floor of the building, with views over the slipways and Belfast Lough, and capacity for between 50 and 1,500 people. The decor within the suites was

OPT FOR

UNIQUE

Beyond the traditional venues, Ireland has plenty of unique options on offer if you delve a little deeper. Conferencing 2017 picks out some of the top alternative conference and event venues from around the country.

026_Conferencing2017_Alternative venues_V2.indd 26

chosen to reflect the interiors of the RMS Titanic, including a replica of the famous grand staircase. For larger events, the Titanic Exhibition Centre offers a flexible venue complete with reception space, café, washrooms and office space for event organisers. Having played host to numerous exhibitions over the years, the centre can cater for up to 3,000 guests. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, the SS Nomadic – Titanic’s ‘little sister’ and White Star Line’s last remaining vessel – has been restored to its former glory. With space for up to 200 people and kitchen facilities on board, guests can enjoy the unique experience of a ship with a glamorous past, having tendered famous passengers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin and Richard Burton across the globe.

20/03/2017 11:57

Unique Venues Conferencing 2017

Photos: Paul Sherwood Photography

ROYAL HOSPITAL KILMAINHAM, MILITARY ROAD, DUBLIN 8 The Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK) is one of Dublin’s more unique locations. A landmark within the city, the building was constructed in 1680, with Les Invalides in Paris providing inspiration for its design. Housing patients throughout the centuries, the building fell into disrepair until a four-year renovation programme was approved by Taoiseach Charles Haughey in 1980, at a cost of £3 million. Today the RHK, which sits on 48 acres of beautiful formal gardens, is home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), and plays host to a number of prestigious events throughout the year, including the 2004 and 2013 EU Presidency events for the Irish government and the annual National Commemoration Day. Standout attributes include nearby transport links (close to Hueston Station and Dublin city centre), parking for 400, complimentary 20Mb WiFi, free access to the IMMA and, of course, the opportunity to host an event in the country’s oldest classical building.

AIRFIELD ESTATE, DUNDRUM, DUBLIN 14 A charitable organisation which was established by the Overend family in 1974, Airfield Estate houses a 38-acre working farm, café, gardens and heritage experience, giving visitors the chance to learn more about food, farming and nature. Airfield attempts to inspire people to connect with the land, and most of the food served is produced on the farm only a stone’s throw away. The estate also offers a unique setting for groups of all sizes to take part in corporate events, guided tours, team building activities and more. Despite its rural atmosphere, the estate is just a short walk from the LUAS station at Balally, a five minute walk to Dundrum village, and is easily accessed from the M50.

026_Conferencing2017_Alternative venues_V2.indd 27

20/03/2017 11:57

Unique Venues Conferencing 2017

THOMOND PARK, LIMERICK CITY The home of Munster Rugby, this hallowed turf has played host to throughout the decades,

BARBERSTOWN CASTLE, CO KILDARE

including the famous

Like the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the private and peaceful Barberstown

Munster triumph over

Castle in Co Kildare offers a historical backdrop to your next event. Built in

the All-Blacks in 1978,

the 13th century to protect the local village of Barberstown from attack, the

the only team to beat

castle also has close links within nearby Straffan – a tunnel from the church

the New Zealanders

in Straffan to the castle was unearthed during renovations in 1996. With 37

during their tour of the

owners since 1288, Barberstown Castle opened as a guesthouse in 1971, and

northern hemisphere.

was transformed into a four star hotel and member of Ireland’s Blue Book by

It also provides an

the current owner, Ken Healy. Alongside 55 bedrooms, 200 parking spaces,

impressive backdrop

high speed broadband and 10 acres of landscaped gardens (which are ideal

to events ranging

for team building or other outdoor activities), you can sate your appetite

from conferences and

with fine dining at the Barton Rooms Restaurant, or at a medieval banquet

meetings to gala dinners

complete with Irish mead, a feast fit for a king and a performance which

and parties. Thomond

tells the unique history of the castle through traditional song, music and

Park’s conference centre

storytelling. Located just 25 minutes from Dublin city centre and five minutes

facilities incorporate

from the M4 and M7, the castle also provides a unique conference experience,

five state of the art

with four dedicated meeting

flexible suites, workshop

spaces catering for up to 250

facilities and the latest in

delegates and overlooking the

audiovisual technology.

castle gardens – The Garden

The Thomond Suite

Suite, The Barton Suite, The

is perhaps the most

Edward Smith Suite and the

impressive, with

Medieval

Banqueting

panoramic views of

(with

private

the stadium and the

area, gardens, courtyard and

pitch, alongside space

conservatory). Your attendees

for registration and

will

reception areas.

royalty.

many magical moments

026_Conferencing2017_Alternative venues_V2.indd 28

undoubtedly

Hall

reception

feel

20/03/2017 11:57

Unique Venues Conferencing 2017

DELPHI RESORT, LEENANE, CO GALWAY Your next event doesn’t have to be in a sprawling urban centre – rural environments can have a soothing effect, allowing people to get in touch with nature and experience the quieter side of life. Take Delphi Resort in Co Galway. Alongside accommodation in the four star hotel, the resort combines a tranquil location with professional facilities for events of up to 70 people. They’ve also got a more intimate setting in the nearby Aasleagh Lodge for up to 30 people, a Victorian cottage with en-suite bedrooms, adjacent self catering cottages and fantastic views over Killary Fjord and the Delphi valley. And there’s plenty on hand to keep your delegates entertained. Kayaking, surfing, canoeing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, mountain biking and archery are just some of the diverse activities available at the adventure centre or, for a more Photo: Elizabeth Toher Photgraphy

relaxing experience, try the luxury spa.

Photo: Joleen Cronin

BALLYMALOE GRAINSTORE, SHANAGARRY, CO CORK Ballymaloe House is well known as one of the homes of fine dining in Ireland, incorporating the Ballymaloe Cookery School run by celebrity chef Darina Allen. The latest addition is Ballymaloe Grainstore, a 17th century farm building which was recently converted into a multi-purpose split level venue for meetings, seminars, conferences, shows and exhibitions. The venue can cater for up to 300 people and includes all the modern facilities you might expect including a bar, hydraulic stage, state of the art PA and projection systems, 20Mb WiFi (capable of being boosted to 100Mb), smaller meeting rooms and plenty of parking. from Ballymaloe Country House Hotel, finding a bed for the night shouldn’t be a difficult task.

026_Conferencing2017_Alternative venues_V2.indd 29

Photo: John Allen

And, as it is just a few yards

20/03/2017 11:57

Ideal Venue for Innovation, Motivation & Relaxation • 182 air conditioned bedrooms • 8 Dedicated Meeting Rooms 1-110 Delegates • A Dedicated Business Centre Co-Ordinator • Complimentary WIFI • Complimentary Car parking • Fully Equipped Gym & Day Spa

T +353 21 425 2700 W doylecollection.com/cork Western Road, Cork, T12 X2AH, Ireland

my gift to the world Together, we can continue to create a future that is fair for everyone. And make a world without poverty our legacy. For more information contact OXFAM Ireland Tel: (01) 672 7662 Email: friends@oxfamireland.org Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a world-wide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. Charitable co. limited by guarantee. Reg. No. 284292, CHY5988

www.oxfamireland.org/legacy

Carlton_2L_CP_CONF.indd 30

20/03/2017 16:47

Event Sponsorship Conferencing 2017

Attracting Event

SPONSORSHIP Revenue from event registration doesn’t always cover funding gaps, and securing sponsorship could mean the difference between a good and great event. Conferencing 2017 gives the lowdown on attracting event sponsorship.

egardless of the conference or

research and prepare an impressive

event you’re organising, chances

sponsorship package. It’s also a great

are that in order to break even

opportunity for that all-important first

or make a profit, you’ll need to secure

impression; you want to come across as

event sponsorship. The right sponsor

professional, interesting, enthusiastic,

can bring benefits such as enhanced

and with a great deal of knowledge

credibility when you partner with a

about their company and what they

well known and respected brand.

stand for. Ensure that you’re up-todate with information on the targeted

MARKET RESEARCH Identify your audience and their

audience and prospective delegates. them more likely to accept your offer.

suitable businesses and organisations

PREPARE YOUR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

of bundling everything into the

who could benefit from sponsoring the

Once you’ve elicited a sponsorship

sponsorship package, and then make

event. Look for previous sponsorships

proposal, the next step is to prepare

for the door as fast as you can once

and sponsorship guidelines, and ensure

the sponsorship package, which

they sign on the dotted line. Ensure

that they have a target audience (and

could include display logos around

that the final package doesn’t contain

brands) that will overlap with your

your venue, distribution of free

any terms or conditions which could

conference attendees. Your initial

branded products, etc. Take a

be detrimental to your event.

contact should be an introduction

look at other events for ideas.

spending habits, and create a list of

through email, then place a follow up

Before you approach your chosen

However, don’t make the mistake

ON THE DAY

call. You could consider including a

company with a proposal, look into

Ensure that sponsor delegates are

brief, one-page proposal in these early

their history, goals, brand image,

well-looked after at the event. Assign

communications. Once an interest in

any recent advertising/sponsorship

a member of staff to assist them − if

sponsorship has been established, you

campaigns and their target audience,

they have a good experience this time

can arrange a meeting in person.

and provide data which will highlight

around, that may make them more

the benefits of sponsoring your event.

likely to come on board in the future.

FIRST MEETING

In addition, make sure you don’t show

Many people make the mistake of

up with an updated generic proposal.

POST EVENT

viewing the first face-to-face meeting as

Customised proposals which focus on

When the dust settles, send a thank

an opportunity for a sales pitch. Think

the sponsor benefits and highlight an

you letter to all sponsors, alongside

of it more as an initial conversation.

in-depth knowledge of the company

the relevant facts and figures. A

Take the chance to discover more

and their brand are appreciated;

personal touch is often remembered,

about the organisation, their aims

knowing what you’re talking about

which could come in handy if you

and values, so you can fine tune your

will impress them, and could make

return cap in hand next year!

031_Conferencing2017_Sponsorship_V2.indd 31

20/03/2017 11:58

Goodie Bags Conferencing 2017

EVENT

GOODIES

colouring books, for example, are a big hit these days. They de-stress and relax, and allow people to achieve a sense of mindfulness that might otherwise be missing from a corporate conference or event. Sweets, of course, are an obvious inclusion to a goodie bag, but a little thought can allow your event to stand out. Cater the confectionery to the expected age demographic of the attendees, including retro sweets that are no longer commonplace, but which the attendees are bound to recognise from their younger days.

GO GREEN In spite of certain loud voices around the world who claim that global warming is a hoax, more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious. The perception that a company is environmentally aware might prove to be a major positive these days, so providing a goodie bag that reinforces this image is a good way to

Conferencing 2017 takes a look at some of the more original goodie bag items that an event organiser might want to include.

start. The bag itself might be recyclable – or at the very least reusable. If you provide a stylish bag that attendees won’t immediately throw away, then

Goodie bags are an effective means of

smartphone screen magnifier, which

they might continue to use it in their

providing attendees with a memento

projects the display of a smartphone

daily lives. As for the goodies within,

of your event. These days, however,

onto a bigger screen, thus making it

keep the reusable trend going with

it’s necessary to get creative if a

easier to watch videos and films. This

a reusable water bottle or canteen.

lasting impression is to be made.

is perfect for those attendees that will

To really encourage your company’s

embark on long train or plane journeys

environmentally-friendly image, give

SMARTPHONE ACCESSORIES

to return home after the event. They

out a miniature grow-your-own kit. If

The vast majority of event attendees

are cheap and applicable to any owner

you provide them with a kit that allows

nowadays will have a smartphone on

of a smartphone today, which currently

them to grow a plant that requires a

their person, so why not distribute

stands at around two billion people.

degree of care, then your company

goodie bags that reflect that? Attendees

or event may spring to mind every

will spend much of their day on their

NOSTALGIA TRIPS

smartphones – whether it’s taking

Let’s face it. Goodie bags are so effective

pictures and videos, tweeting, or

because they draw upon a sense of

checking emails – and by lunchtime,

nostalgia that lies within us all, due to

their batteries might just be on the

the childhood memories we possess of

way to being drained. If, however,

leaving birthday parties with little bags of

your company provides a portable

colour and wonder in our hands. Sweets,

travel charger, then attendees might

cake, toys – these remain the things we’d

• Earphones in a branded case

make it to the end of the day without

like to see in our goodie bags, but the

compromising on their phone usage,

rules of adulthood prevent us from ever

• Umbrellas

and thank you for it! Another little

admitting it. The solution, however, is

gadget that could go down a treat is a

to put a grown-up spin on things. Adult

032_Conferencing2017_Goodie bags.indd 32

time they fetch the watering can.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

• Seasonal items • Unique food items

20/03/2017 11:59

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

ALL-IN-ONE

AT THE SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL

With an exclusive hydrotherapy suite including herb sauna, salt grotto and health showers, you can also work out in the fully equipped gym or chill in the 20m pool. The Slieve Russell Hotel is the perfect venue to host your

Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf and Country Club is one of the most popular conference destinations in the country.

catering for everything from two to 1,200

conference, offering everything you

delegates. The state of the art conference

need all in one complete resort!

centre, the Cranaghan Suite, offers up to date audio-visual and sound equipment. It has a separate entrance, a spacious

et in 300 acres of stunning

reception area and three adjoining

gardens, lakes and woodlands

meeting rooms. There are 800 car

with the beautiful backdrop of the

parking spaces and a helipad on site also.

Slieve Rushen mountain, Slieve Russell

The 18-hole championship golf course

Hotel, Golf and Country Club is less than

is ranked amongst the top parkland

two hours from Dublin and Belfast. The

courses in the country and with a 9-hole

four star hotel includes 222 luxurious

par 3 academy course, driving range,

bedrooms, including 20 suites and two

pro shop and golf professional on site

presidential suites, a world class spa,

for lessons/clinics, there is something

18-hole and 9-hole golf courses and a

for all levels of golfing abilities.

selection of exquisite dining options. The hotel has nine purpose built conference and banqueting suites,

CiĂşin Spa offers the latest in beauty and spa therapies using Elemis and Spiezia product ranges.

CONTACT

information

DENISE MAES Sales & Marketing Manager T: 049 952 5071 E: denise.maes@slieverussell.ie

The perfect environment to conduct business.

Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan T: 049 9526444 www.slieverussell.ie

SlieveRussell_2L_CP_CONF.indd 33

20/03/2017 15:53

Cover Story Conferencing 2017

SCALING THE

Following the departure of Web Summit to Lisbon, a gap in the tech conference market opened to those with the vision and commitment to follow through. Dublin Tech Summit is one of those events vying to fill the void, and its first event has left organiser Noelle O’Reilly thirsty for more.

Take, for example, Dublin Tech Summit (DTS), which held its first ever event in Dublin’s Convention

the difference,” she told Today FM’s Sunday Business Show. Though this is its first year, DTS

Centre in February. The two-day

has certainly set down a marker

event is one of a number which

with a diverse and impressive line-

rganising a conference

have sought to fill the void left

up, including The Huffington Post

or event with a narrow

by Web Summit, which departed

CEO Jared Grusd, PayPal’s Louise

focus can be a much

Dublin in favour of Lisbon in

Phelan and one of the creative

easier task when compared to

2016 citing better infrastructure

forces behind Pixar, Matthew

a more wide-ranging one. A

and increased hotel space in the

Luhn. In total, 66 per cent of

medical conference that focuses

Portuguese city. However, while

attendees came from overseas

solely on cystic fibrosis has a

DTS may have benefited from that

to an event self-referenced as an

clearly defined scope, whose

sudden gap, event CEO Noelle

opportunity to cement Dublin’s

speakers will approach the same

O’Reilly noted that it is by no

position as Europe’s tech capital,

topic from different angles, and

means a carbon copy. “There were

and to showcase to the world what

whose attendees wish to know

strong foundations there, of course

the city – and the country – has

about that specific subject. On

there were. Someone needed to

to offer. “I think with a first year

the other end of the spectrum,

bring an international conference

conference, it’s always a challenge

a technology conference can

to the city. We have a perfect

establishing a name and making

include attendees, speakers

city for growing technology,

your mark. We chose to focus on

and exhibitors on myriad

and for networking. Someone

curating a world-class speaker

topics from nanotechnology

had to do it, it just happened to

line-up, and I think the high-

to social networking, with

be me. It doesn’t mean that we

calibre programme really caught

attendees coming from far and

had to be the exact same, and I

members of the tech community’s

wide for numerous reasons.

think anyone who was there felt

attention,” says O’Reilly.

034_Conferencing2017_Cover Story.indd 34

22/03/2017 14:59

Cover Story Conferencing 2017

ORGANISATION

and perhaps to strike a little

Given the fact that virtually every

inspiration. Among the attractions

individual and business across the

at the event was Robothespian,

globe is affected to some degree

a life-sized humanoid robot that

by technology, the organising team

is designed for human interaction.

strived to include a plethora of

Fully interactive, multilingual and

speakers on topics which cover

user-friendly, RoboThespian took

a range of sectors and issues –

part in a panel titled ‘Rise of the

O’Reilly researched similar events

Robots’, and offered individual

like South by Southwest (SXSW)

insights and expertise to attendees

and the Consumer Electronics

across the two days. Efforts were

Show (CES) for inspiration. The

also made to make the event much

team itself is an example of how

more diverse in terms of those

you can organise a large and

who attended. DTS provided

successful event with only a small

over a400,000 worth of tickets

number of people. Comprising

to under-represented groups

just two people in the early part

within the tech industry, including

of the organisational process, it

women and students. “I think

gradually grew to incorporate

what’s special about DTS is that

several others, with a number of

the event appeals to a wide variety

volunteers in blue t-shirts on hand

of groups in the tech community.

on the day to ensure everything

Attendees experienced

ran smoothly. That was due at least

explorations on the themes of

in part to finances – the summit

medtech, fintech, fashion, the

thus far has been self-funded.

Internet of Things, business,

“The team have been

so there was a wide range of topics

We’re a small team of 12 and

covered,” says O’Reilly. Women

so it was very much all hands

and students were also allowed

on deck to create an event for

and encouraged to apply for a

10,000 attendees. To see how it

significantly discounted ticket up

all came together was incredible

until the week before the event, in

for us. Their excitement and

a bid to boost their attendance. Following the trend of

why DTS was a success,” O’Reilly

individual event apps, Dublin Tech

explains. “Our own team are a

Summit also launched an app to

group of people with incredibly

allow attendees to network with

diverse interests and I think

their peers, to keep abreast of the

that diversity is reflected in the

conference schedule, companies

line-up. As a result, there’s a

and start-ups exhibiting at the

good mixture across all areas of

event, alongside an interactive

tech. Every person and business

map of the conference. Though

is affected by technology and

you will have to dedicate some of

innovation and we wanted to

your budget to the development

reflect that. We focused on

of a bespoke app for your

forward-thinking individuals and

event, there’s no doubting the

topics that will be trends in 2017.”

benefits – attendees can access

Delegates were given the

information offline if necessary,

chance to experience some of

it’s an environmentally friendly

the latest developments in tech,

method of distributing materials,

to see where others are going

you can incorporate links to

034_Conferencing2017_Cover Story.indd 35

Given the fact that virtually every individual and business across the globe is affected to some degree by technology, the organising team strived to include a plethora of speakers on topics which cover a range of sectors and issues.

marketing, creative and big data,

monumental in this entire process.

belief in what we were creating is

Noelle O’Reilly

21/03/2017 14:40

Cover Story Conferencing 2017

name and benefit from their financial support, experience, and connections within their specific avenue of business. Dublin Tech Summit is no different, with Fáilte Ireland and eir Business joining as the event’s founding partners. “DTS provides the perfect RoboThespian and creator Will Jackson

platform to attract global thought leaders and influencers and that is why eir Business is delighted to partner with the event as a

Clearly the public has responded, with around 9,800 people attending across the two days, including a strong cohort of director-level or higher individuals.

your social media or blog to

founding partner. We want to

drive engagement, and you can

connect global investors with

push and update conference

new ventures, leaders, founders

content in real-time. There’s also

and influencers, and help build

an opportunity to recoup any

relationships across the two-

development costs by including

day event,” said Bill Archer,

in-app branding or materials as

eir Business MD. “DTS has the

part of a sponsorship package.

potential to shape technology

“DTS at its core is about

across the world and showcase

simplicity. We wanted

Dublin as a global technology

to make our attendees’

hub and we are genuinely excited

experience here as simple,

to play an active part in that.”

straightforward and enjoyable as possible,” says O’Reilly.

It’s a sentiment echoed by O’Reilly, who noted the summit’s potential impact on

034_Conferencing2017_Cover Story.indd 36

PARTNERSHIPS

the Irish tech landscape. “Events

As with many conferences,

like DTS, by inviting the best

seeking event sponsors and

and brightest from different

partners is crucial to its continued

areas of technology, showcase

existence and success – events can

the bright and capable tech

take advantage of a well-known

workforce we have, as well as

20/03/2017 12:03

Cover Story Conferencing 2017

FINDING YOUR MOJO

Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk spoke at DTS

the diverse and growing start-

GROWTH

up landscape that’s present

Clearly the public has responded

in Dublin,” she says. “I think

to the level of effort put into

events like ours are key in

DTS, with around 10,000

ensuring the development

people attending across the

of the tech community; it

two days, including a strong

provides an opportunity for

cohort of director-level or higher

people to meet and connect and

individuals from companies like

reaffirms the vibrant community

Google, Microsoft, Facebook

that’s present in the city.

and Intel. The team behind

The summit’s second partner,

DTS certainly aims to capitalise

Fáilte Ireland, is another good

on this early success, with

example of how an event can

O’Reilly indicating plans to

partner with an organisation

improve year on year, with the

to their mutual benefit. While

possibility of introducing smaller

Dublin Tech Summit secured

events between what looks set

backing from a well-known

to become an annual event.

brand, Fáilte Ireland was given

The mood is certainly – and

the opportunity to create what

unsurprisingly – optimistic.

it called “a strong calling card

“To have those numbers and

for Ireland as a business tourism

to receive the feedback that we

event destination”. The package

have has been incredible for a

included promotional branding,

first year event,” she explains.

exhibition space and speaking

“We wanted to give attendees an

opportunities over the two days.

event that they gain something of

“We see events such as the

value from, be that a connection,

Tech Summit as an incredibly

an opportunity or a lesson. We’re

important opportunity to

looking to provide a platform for

showcase Ireland’s ability to

members of the tech community

deliver excellent conference

to not just learn about the

events to a global audience,”

latest developments, but create

said Head of Business Tourism

relationships, discover insights

Ciara Gallagher, speaking

and be inspired in whatever

before the summit in February.

they set out to achieve.”

034_Conferencing2017_Cover Story.indd 37

RTÉ’s MojoCon is another Irish event with technology at its core, organised by RTÉ Head of Innovation Glen Mulcahy, who has pioneered the use of smartphones for content creation, training journalists across Ireland, Europe, the Middle East and the US. The event aims to showcase the wealth and breadth of the work by individuals, companies, broadcasters and media organisations across the globe in exploring the potential for high quality content creation and consumption through smart devices. The event is run on a not-for-profit basis, and is designed to be self-funded through ticket sales and sponsorship. Though based in Dublin for the past two years, in 2017 the conference will be held in Galway at the Radisson Blu Hotel, featuring speakers including Samantha Barry, executive producer for social and emerging media at CNN Worldwide and Sarah Hill, an awardwinning storyteller and CEO for VR native media company StoryUP. Following positive feedback from delegates who have attended previous events, this year MojoCon has added an extra day to allow for additional discussion on topics including mobile journalism and mobile photography, workshops with industry experts and fringe events such as exhibitions and pub crawls. This year will also see the option of a specially chartered ‘Mojotrain’ from Dublin to Galway, with 12 mojo trainers on board (four per carriage) who will be delivering tips on photography and video during the journey. “In a short time, RTÉ Mojocon has established itself as a major technology conference on the international events calendar and the fact that we have added an extra day in response to delegate demand demonstrates how popular the conference has become,” said Mulcahy. “Not only do we have broad appeal by attracting top industry storytellers and hosting engaging and informative workshops, but we really look after our delegates. This creates a supportive environment that allows us to learn from each other and I’m sure that the intimate surroundings and unique charm of Galway will help make this year’s conference another great success.”

22/03/2017 15:20

Unconference Conferencing 2017

Understanding THE

UNCONFERENCE

Organising an unconference can prove to be something of a different experience. Conferencing 2017 speaks with CongRegation founder Eoin Kennedy, and offers a few tips on getting to grips with the unconference concept.

PEOPLE POWER Engaged collaboration is a driving force in the unconference – people pick up on one another’s points, propelling the discussion forward. In Kennedy’s version of the unconference, everybody contributes. Tickets are earned by way of submitting a blog post on your chosen

he unconference, for

an unconference with a theme, and

topic, uploaded online so that your peers

those of you who may be

whose delegates have prepared topics

can review the content beforehand.

unfamiliar with the term, is

for discussion on the day, though a

This creates a level playing field for all

a less traditional take on the usual

set agenda will not be in place. There

involved – everyone has earned their way

conference format. Around as a

are no keynote speakers, no panel

into CongRegation, from the CEO to the

concept since the late 1980s, the

discussions on stage, and offer an

account manager. Given that everybody

unconference allows participants to

atmosphere that is much less formal and

is presenting, attention and engagement

take control, to contribute much more

more open.

levels tend to be higher – it’s easier to

to the programme and to meet with

“Typically what makes an

raise your hand or contribute to a topic

like-minded people from a variety of

unconference different is that the

in a hub of 12 people compared to a

backgrounds. The unconference is

agenda is created by the attendees.

large conference room with a speaker

perhaps best described as an event that

Anyone can initiate a discussion, they

on a raised platform and surrounded

can take place at any point on a diverse

generally have open spaces rather than

by hundreds of people. And, with ten-

spectrum. At one extreme you might

a single speaker at the top of a room

minute slots for speakers, they tend to

have an event where delegates show up

with people sitting down,” explains Eoin

get to the nub of the topic much faster

with no prescribed agenda or theme,

Kennedy, founder and organiser of

than in traditional speaker-audience

and they construct what happens next.

CongRegation, an unconference held in

interactions. “In an unconference

On the other end, you might have

the village of Cong, Co Mayo every year.

format, it’s more about people who are like-minded, who are all contributing. It’s not waiting for one person to guide everything,” Kennedy adds. Whether you put any semblance of format or not on your unconference is entirely your choice. However, if you choose an overarching theme – like innovation or the future – you leave it open enough to attract a wide range of attendees, which creates increased opportunity for diverse discussion and an opportunity to network with people you would not ordinarily meet. “You have interdisciplinary integration – once you have a common theme you can bring people from diverse backgrounds,” says Kennedy. “That’s what I saw last year –

CongRegation huddle

038_Conferencing2017_Unconference.indd 38

we had physiotherapists, psychologists, politicians, academics, business

20/03/2017 12:09

Unconference Conferencing 2017

engaging long after the dust has settled. Choosing the right venue is also a key consideration for any unconference. If you’re using the idea of smaller hubs then you don’t require larger conference centres and halls, which can be a little constraining for creativity. Shift the venue to a more intimate setting – CongRegation makes use of hotels, bookstores and cafes throughout Cong.

UNCONFERENCING IN IRELAND Though the format hasn’t quite taken Ireland by storm, there are a number of events which utilise the concept of open spaces and audience collaboration.

An interesting venue in a different location can spark curiosity. “To walk away from a city location to a rural location is a really big thing for people. People’s mindsets are automatically Eoin Kennedy

different because of that,” says Kennedy. “You need to have spaces that are open to allowing you to use them. Cong,

consultants, business owners, farmers.

for a village that has a tiny population

They were all galvanised around

footprint, has three good quality coffee

one theme. You have this incredible

shops, two craft stores, a bookstore.

integration between completely different

There are other towns around Ireland

sectors, which is very hard in the

that have similar infrastructure, but

traditional format.”

they’re just not thinking about it. You need to collaborate with all of

CHALLENGES

these people, which means going

Organising an unconference is not

to each business owner individually

without its challenges. Logistically

and working out how you’re going to

speaking they can be difficult to organise

use their space. Even for traditional

– in the absence of a prepublished

conferences, finding somewhere new

schedule with prescribed time slots for

adds to the reasons why people will go.”

people and presentations, the possibility for chaos is much greater. Given the fact that the unconference

There’s clearly an interest in the unconference format in Ireland. CongRegation’s continued success is

steers clear of many of the things that

testament to this – those who travelled

make up the traditional conference,

to Cong for the last iteration praised

seeking out sponsorship can also be a

the diversity of participants, the

more difficult task. Kennedy explains

variety of topics, and the chance to

that potential sponsors can be put off by

express a personal view that is difficult

the lower numbers that typically attend

to find elsewhere. Offering greater

an unconference. CongRegation attracts

opportunities for collaboration, idea-

an average of 120 people every year,

sharing, networking and the chance

compared to the tens of thousands who

to really take something away from

attend the Web Summit (at least when

an event make the unconference an

it was in Dublin). He advises promoting

interesting proposition. “You can search

the digital footprint of your event –

for every bit of knowledge today – you

CongRegation’s digital reach has been

can find it if you search hard enough,”

expanded not just through its website

says Kennedy. “But placing that

and social media, but also through

knowledge in context is much harder.

the publication of an ebook after each

They’re exhausting days, but people

event, ensuring that attendees are still

leave really energised.”

038_Conferencing2017_Unconference.indd 39

CONGREGATION: Looking forward to its fifth event in 2017, CongRegation is a threeday technology festival that welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds for intense discussion and dialogue. Entry is earned via a submission posted on the website before the event, which uses social venues and huddles to foster discussion and connections. SPACEUP: Ireland’s first space unconference features sessions which are planned on the spot. A blank session grid is presented at the start of the event, and fills up as participants post their discussion ideas. Sessions can take several different formats, including round table discussion and a presentation followed by a Q&A. TEACHMEET: An organised but informal event, Teachmeets involve speakers presenting on any aspect of education in either two or five minute blocks. Held in various locations around the country, attendees are encouraged to participate, though it is not a requirement for attendance.

20/03/2017 12:09

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

On Hallowed

and unique appeal for any event. Another unique experience available for guests is the stadium tour and

GROUND

museum visit. The tour takes visitors to places usually only accessible to players and officials. The stadium tour and museum experience is offered as an additional option for all events held at

The conferencing and banqueting facilities at Thomond Park offer a unique experience for your next event.

he redeveloped Thomond Park

banquets. The state-of-the-art event

opened in October 2008; this

suites can be adapted to suit any type of

legendary venue has received

corporate event, with top class audio-visual

widespread acclaim and recognition

facilities, free car parking and free Wi-Fi

as a conferencing and banqueting

throughout. The spacious Thomond Suite

centre of the highest standard. The

can facilitate banquet style dining for up

stadium incorporates an entire level in

to 500 guests and up to 800 for theatre

the east stand dedicated to hospitality

style conference events. This unique suite

and conferencing facilities. The multi-

features glass facades that provide natural

functional design can cater for all types

daylight with panoramic views of the

of requirements from business meetings

famous stadium and hallowed Thomond

and seminars to large-scale conferences,

Park pitch, and the amazing views of the

product launches, exhibitions and gala

wonderful grounds deliver an additional

the stadium, providing a unique once in a lifetime experience for customers.

CONTACT

information

To make an enquiry contact: T: 061 421 100 E: events@thomondpark.ie W: www.thomondpark.ie

WHEN COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING

CONFERENCES l SEMINARS l CORPORATE EVENTS

TO BOOK YOUR EVENT Call: 061 421100 Email: events@thomondpark.ie Visit: www.thomondpark.ie

237820_2L_THOMOND_CG.indd 1

THOMONDPARK_2L_CP_CONF.indd 40

09/12/2015 12:13

20/03/2017 15:54

Q&A Conferencing 2017

GAME Ferdi Roberts, founder and organiser of GamerCon, which was launched in 2017, discusses the development of the convention and his tips for event management.

Q: How did the idea for GamerCon

I had seen various shows come

to Ireland. I took him to a number

come about?

and go, and among the things that

of shows here in Ireland, and

A: I spent most of my life working for

caught my interest were gaming

they just weren’t up to very much

corporate software companies – it

conferences. I attended a number

– they were underinvested and

varied from companies like Yahoo to

of those over the years; some of

quite small scale. Having sold my

Cisco. I spent most of my professional

them were consumer focused,

business to an Irish business and

life in London (about 16/17 years) and

some were business focused. But

moved back home, I had to work

then I started a consulting business. I

the consumer shows were hugely

with them for a while as part of

moved with that to Dallas for about 4/5

popular and very well attended.

the deal. When I was planning

years and then spent three years in

It opened my eyes to the various

to wrap up with them, I looked

Silicon Valley.

aspects of gaming. I wasn’t a

at what my next venture would

massive gamer, but I had always

be. Having seen the size and scale

so I was commuting back and forth

loved playing the retro titles. As

of those gaming conventions

from Silicon Valley – every six weeks

my son got a little older – he’s 13

in the US, I just thought there

or so I would come back for a couple

now – he started playing Minecraft

is an opportunity here.

of weeks. That meant I had a lot of

and then moved from that into

spare time while I was there. My

console and PC gaming. That

Q: Why choose Ireland and the

apartment is right next to the San

was an opportunity for him and

Convention Centre Dublin?

Jose Convention Centre, which is a

me to spend time together.

A: Ireland for me was an

My family still lived here in Ireland,

huge conference centre in the Valley.

041_Conferencing2017_Game On.indd 41

As time went on I moved back

obvious choice to start because

20/03/2017 12:13

Q&A Conferencing 2017

it is massively underserved. But it’s also a good test bed for a concept which I’m looking to bring to other European cities. It’s small enough that you can control everything from the marketing of the event to understanding the community and the response. I’m looking at Ireland almost as a test bed environment for a much larger pan-European – in other

initiative that I have in mind.

words you

As a first time event I thought it was

haven’t put the

important that we show people that

effort in, not

we are investing in the event. There were cheaper venues, perhaps less prestigious, but I think the concern

just the choice

Ferdi Roberts

of venue, but the website, the

might have been that it would look underinvested. It was a criticism of

on board, getting the

mine of some of the other shows,

corporate sponsorship

that they looked like they were being

deals in place. I won’t say it

you’re undertaking – it’s going

done cheaply. What I had seen in

was easy but it was relatively

to show in the numbers for

the States was that the most popular

straightforward. My first point

registration and sales. When

shows were those that were properly

of call was GameStop simply

people look at our site and they

invested in, had corporate backing,

because they have such a large

see companies like GameStop or

had corporate sponsorship, and were

presence here in Ireland. Their

Microsoft or Sony – people who

in a great venue. I wanted to replicate

customers are the customers that

are big in the gaming scene –

that, and the Convention Centre is

we want. Getting them onboard

subconsciously it checks the box.

a great looking building; from an

meant that it was easier to have

infrastructure perspective they have

conversations, like Microsoft with

Q: Do you hope this will become

got great technical infrastructure

Xbox and Sony with PlayStation

a successful annual event?

which is really important for this

and so on. It became much easier

A: We’d like this to be on gamers’

type of event. The network capability

then, once we had a couple of

calendars as the number one event

that they have, the IT team they

key sponsors onboard, to get the

to go to. From a standing start

have on staff – simple things.

next tier of sponsors onboard.

we’ll have 20,000 people over the

Q: Have you faced any challenges

Q: Based on your experience in

the event. Our intention is to

in organising the event?

organising GamerCon, do you have

improve on it year after year, to

A: One of the challenges is a quality

any advice for event organisers?

give people a reason to come back

problem to have – our demand is

A: My experience is that

and give gamers in particular a

very high, which is great. At the

underinvestment shows in the

social environment to interact in.

same time it did mean trying to

event itself. I have run a good

A lot of gaming is in the online

determine how much space we

number of large scale events

world as opposed to the offline

needed, and having the flexibility

before, but they weren’t on this

world. I think that part of the

to increase. The challenges were

scale. We invested in the event, we

reason it has been so well received

really trying to anticipate how much

invested heavily. I think for most

with gamers is that it gives them

space we needed and whether or

of the events it shows if you have

that opportunity to meet people

not we would have the ability to

underinvested. You might get

that they play with online, meet

expand the space that we had.

away with it pre event, but I think

YouTubers that they watch, share

most people can figure it out fairly

time with like-minded individuals.

challenges of running an event – the

quickly, particularly consumers. If

It’s the social aspect that you just

jigsaw pieces of getting the vendors

it looks like a cheaply done event

don’t get when you’re in the game.

marketing materials, the promotional activities

course of the two days attending

Otherwise it was all of the standard

041_Conferencing2017_Game On.indd 42

20/03/2017 12:13

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

Meeting

EXCELLENCE

The Kilkenny Convention Centre at Lyrath Estate is a modern, purpose built conference venue and convention centre in Ireland’s south east.

and Lyrath Estate is in great proximity to all major cities and airports. Dublin is less than an hour away and, connected by the M9 motorway, Cork and Limerick are just 90 minutes away, while Galway is under two and a half hours’ travel time. Lyrath Estate boasts 139 guestrooms comprising deluxe, executive bedrooms,

occasions. Whatever the business

luxury suites and a magnificent

occasion, choose from one of our ten

penthouse. Offering a range of

meeting suites to facilitate your needs.

restaurants and bars within the hotel,

Every meeting space within the

wedding and conference facilities, a

Kilkenny Convention Centre offers

leisure centre with pool and the award

natural daylight with black out facilities

winning Oasis Spa, and beautiful grounds

and in addition, each meeting room

for team building events or simply a walk! Situated in Kilkenny, Lyrath Estate

he Kilkenny Convention Centre

opens out onto a terrace area. The

at Lyrath Estate is a purpose-

Convention Centre itself is an outstanding

is centred at the heart of a stunning

built convention centre with

design and maintained to the highest

17th century manor house, which has

its own entrance, reception and pre-

standard. The spacious pre-assembly area

been impeccably restored. Only 70

conference area, 420 complimentary

is ideal for networking opportunities.

minutes from Dublin Airport, it is the

car parking spaces and the capacity

Our devoted conference and events team

perfect venue to host your meeting.

to cater for over 1,500 delegates.

will tailor the experience to suit your

Whether it’s an exhibition, gala dinner,

needs and requirements. From large

convention or award ceremony, Kilkenny

exhibitions to product launches, our

Convention Centre at Lyrath Estate

team will be there every step of the way.

is the perfect venue for all business

Lyrath Estate_2L_CP_CONF.indd 43

CONTACT

information

E: events@lyrath.com W: www.lyrath.com FB/T/IG: LyrathEstate

Location is key when planning an event

21/03/2017 14:45

Team Building Conferencing 2017

FORGING

Have you got what it takes to catch the killer?

BONDS

Team building is a great way of getting people together in ways that they might never experience otherwise. However, the tried and tested methods have become tired and stale as people look to find new and interesting ways to create a bonding experience. Tiernan Cannon looks to some interesting alternatives.

SPORTS DAY

BODA BORG

Think back to your childhood. Do

As team building exercises go, Boda

you remember the joy, excitement

Borg at Lough Key, Co Roscommon

and occasional sense of glory of the

might just rank among the most

school sports day? Can you recall that

fun. In teams of three to five people,

moment when you had almost entirely

groups enter the indoor, two-storey

resigned yourself to second place, when

complex and find themselves in a

suddenly the only person in front of

long hallway faced with a number of

you gets caught up in the sack wrapped

doors, colour-coded based on their

around their legs, collapsing awkwardly

level of difficulty. Behind each door

in a heap to the ground, allowing you

is a room with a second locked door

to hop gracefully past and over the

at the end. The teams enter the room

finish line to the adoring cheers of the

and are locked in there for a period of

onlooking crowd? The school sports day

time. In order to progress to the next

is an Irish institution, and it is an event

room, they must overcome a physical

worth experiencing again. If you’re

obstacle, solve a puzzle or, more often

considering organising a sports day for

than not, achieve both before the time

but one that is particularly apt for a

your next event, put the focus on more

limit has elapsed. If they succeed, they

business conference is the Dragon’s

team-based activities. Delegates will have

can progress to the next stage and

Den Experience. Teams are provided

to work together to figure out the most

continue to the end of that particular

with some information from which

efficient movements in the three-legged

task, whereupon they will be awarded

they must devise a coherent sales and

race, or as they haul one another up

with a stamp. If, however, they do not

marketing plan, financial analysis and a

for the wheelbarrow race. Depending

succeed, they must exit the room to

polished presentation. As in the actual

on the length of your conference and

start again, or attempt somewhere

show, participants will be forced to

the time available, you could also

else. Some tasks are more physical

get creative if they are to convince the

organise competitions for team sports,

than others, some require more brain

Dragons to part with their precious cash

such as a five aside soccer tournament.

power, but all of them require the

and invest in their team’s idea. I’m in.

Perhaps even add an extra element

cooperation of all team members.

of competitiveness into proceedings

The group with the most stamps at

ART ATTACK

by organising a medal ceremony for

the end of the day wins. Game on.

Do you remember the children’s

each event, hopefully encouraging

show Art Attack? The CITV favourite,

teams to work hard together in order

DRAGON’S DEN

to realise their childhood dreams

The folk over at TeamBuild.ie run

host Neil Buchanan, demonstrating

of standing atop the podium.

countless team building exercises,

for his young viewers how to create a

044_Conferencing2017_Teambuilding.indd 44

featuring the red jumper-wearing

20/03/2017 12:17

Team Building Conferencing 2017

lucky enough to have experienced Art Attack in their childhood.

BLIND DRAWING SESSIONS Speaking of art − in order to hone their communication skills, have your delegates undertake a blind drawing session. Split workers into groups and blindfold one member of the group. The rest of the team is given an image of a simple object or shape and must convey to the blindfolded member how to draw the picture, without ever revealing what the image is. This will encourage patient and creative communication between the group. The team simply cannot talk over one another all at once, lest they confuse their blindfolded colleague, so they’ll be forced to work together to realise their artistic endeavour.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Have you ever looked in the mirror and fancied yourself as a bit of a Horatio Caine? Have you ever been faced by a mystery and responded to it through a series of snappy one-liners, slowly edging your way through the case, picking up Boda Borg. Photo: Brian Farrell

increasingly telling clues along the way? If this in anyway rings true, then perhaps you could incorporate CreativeEvents.ie’s Crime Scene

variety of artistic wonders? Following

into a gigantic, coherent piece – one

Investigation performance in

his demonstrations, a talking

that could only be truly appreciated

your next event. The interactive

bust known simply as ‘The Head’

when looking down upon it from a

experience sees a “dastardly murder”

would recap the host’s instructions,

height. Red Zebra Event Management

take place within the chosen venue,

ensuring that the audience couldn’t

runs an exercise in which teams

and teams of CSIs (crime scene

possibly make any mistakes in their

work either on one large canvas or

investigators) must attempt to solve

attempts to replicate the masterpiece.

a series of adjoining canvasses in

the mystery. Three actors play a

If you haven’t seen this seminal

order to create a true work of genius,

number of characters, with whom

show, there’s an opportunity to catch

reminiscent of Big Art. The exercise

the participating teams must engage.

up on what you’ve missed and take

remains rooted to the working

The actors will guide the new CSIs

part in one of the most popular

world as teams are encouraged to

in tracking down and interrogating

segments – Big Art – wherein host

create a work that illustrates key

witnesses, deciphering clues,

Buchanan would throw a variety

organisational messages, future

collecting forensic evidence, solving

of everyday objects on the ground,

visions and important goals. The

puzzles and presenting the case to

seemingly at random (of course, this

task is an exercise in teamwork,

the chief inspector. CSI: Miami and

man didn’t do random), and slowly

awareness and creativity, but also

CSI: New York have had their time.

but surely the objects would combine

tickles a sense of nostalgia in those

2017 is the year of CSI: Mullingar.

044_Conferencing2017_Teambuilding.indd 45

20/03/2017 12:17

Green Conferencing Conferencing 2017

GOING GREEN 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.

experience for your next conference?

the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD), for example, such a promising location

TRAVEL LIGHT

for many large events – the Luas,

When we think about what goes into

Dublin Bus, private bus operators and

organising a conference, we realise that

the airport are all on the doorstep

the logistics of bringing hundreds, if

(mostly). If a delegate arrives at the

not thousands, of people to one location

airport, make sure to incentivise public

any businesses and people

requires a variety of means of transport.

transport to the venue or hotel by

today are placing an

With so much consideration for people’s

arranging that the purchase of the ticket

increased emphasis on

carbon footprint in recent years,

will give them free public transport

sustainability, whether to compete

conference organisers can find ways of

for the days on which the conference

more effectively with competitors,

cutting down on unnecessary travel.

will be held. It is also important in

attract new customers or to reduce

When choosing a location with

this case to provide delegates with

their carbon footprint for the benefit

a green initiative in mind, look at

all the links necessary to plan their

of the planet. Event organisers

whether the conference location is

route, i.e. bus, tram and rail services.

should be following the same trend

in an area with a number of links to

The obvious downside to relying

– but how can you introduce a green

public transport. That’s what makes

on public transport for your delegates

046_Conferencing2017_Green Conference_V2.indd 46

20/03/2017 12:20

Green Conferencing Conferencing 2017

EATING GREEN If you ask anyone who would regularly

DON’T FORGET

attend catered conferences, one of the biggest wastages that occurs is that of food provided to guests and delegates. In A Guide to Running Green Meeting

and Events, Fáilte Ireland notes that it

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

may be difficult to create comprehensive environmental plans for every aspect of catering, but a general philosophy can be established in its place. One

food is only a short distance away. Once it arrives, the next step is to

of the best solutions to sourcing a

ensure that all that comes in is not

conference’s food can benefit not

simply thrown in the rubbish bin at the

just the environment but also local

end of the conference. Deciding what

businesses. By sourcing food locally

will be the right amount of food and

you can cut down on carbon emissions

drink per guest is difficult, as you don’t

required to source food from afar, while

want to be seen to be providing as little

also contributing to the local economy

as possible. The best solution is to work

during a time when many businesses

with the catering company involved.

are still struggling to survive, despite an

They will have greater experience in

apparent upturn in Ireland’s economy.

knowing what is needed per guest.

From a timing point of view, it also

Make sure that you keep in regular

gives you the security of knowing your

contact with the catering company prior to the event to provide guest numbers, which will ensure their estimates for the food required is correct. When the food is being served, avoid using

is that the times you can use it are restricted to their working hours. Make sure that your conference works within these hours to ensure that guests can avail of the free travel. Of course, sometimes it is simply not feasible to rely solely on public transport. In this case, examine the possibility and cost of arranging a shuttle service from the airport or a designated pick up point. More research can even take it a step further to determine whether the travel company you use is environmentally conscious and uses eco-friendly engines including diesel/

When the food is being served, avoid using disposable items such as plastic cutlery, plates and glasses on which to serve food, as their disposable nature will only encourage wastage and unnecessary use.

disposable items such as plastic cutlery, plates and glasses on which to serve food, as their disposable nature will only encourage wastage and unnecessary use. The same goes for single-use items such as butter, jam and milk as, in many cases, they are half-used or thrown away without care for the environment. Take the Convention Centre Dublin, for example, which prides itself on being an environmentally-friendly venue. The CCD uses 100 per cent recycled napkins and wooden stir sticks, while their disposable coffee cups are used as solid recovered fuel. Finally, when the meals are being served, provide the option of a half portion meal to guests who may have a smaller appetite than others, or who have children with them. Too often, large platefuls of food are served and left uneaten without concern

electric hybrids or biodiesel, which

for the bulging waste bags that are

reduce carbon emissions significantly.

left at the end of the conference.

046_Conferencing2017_Green Conference_V2.indd 47

20/03/2017 12:20

Green Conferencing Conferencing 2017

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?

event. It has been found that an increase

looks for continuous improvements in

in contrast ratio will often serve as an

staff training, documentation and green

effective replacement for sheer brightness.

innovation strategies,” says Michael

You should also note that the lumen (a

Lennon, the hotel’s owner. “The process

measure of brightness output) ratings of a

helps develop a business and customer

projector do not necessarily increase on a

orientated culture throughout the hotel,

linear scale – 4,000 to 8,000 lumens does

ensuring continual improvements and

not mean that the image will be twice as

attention to detail from all its happy

bright. Many new sound technologies are

colleagues. The atmosphere created is

available that are improved in efficiency,

very much conducive to conference and

size and power requirements, especially

corporate occasions, as the hotel offers the

for speakers and amplifiers (higher

flexibility to organisers to hold a variety of

output using less energy). You should

events in a carbon-neutral environment.”

avoid older, less efficient systems.”

SAY NO TO WASTE

IMPACT

As anyone who attends a conference will

Supporting venues that have an

tell you, keeping tabs on all the handouts,

environmentally friendly outlook will

information sheets and documents can

ensure their continued success, and

be a real struggle. It also contributes to

hopefully prompt other venues around

a serious wastage of paper. That is why

the country to follow their example. The

it is advised, if possible, to make use of

Westport Woods Hotel in Co Mayo, for

the various technological advances of

example, prides itself on being Ireland’s

the past few years to reduce the need

greenest hotel, as recognised by the

for paper and transfer the information

Green Hospitality Award organisation,

onto other reusable formats. The days

and was also awarded Tripadvisor’s top

of the pen and paper aren’t at an end,

international environmental award in

but more and more people are using

its 2014 Greenleaders programme, for

devices like phones, tablets and laptops to

strides in reducing its carbon emissions by

communicate – emails, invites, registration

more than 65 per cent, increasing levels of

and information packs should all be

GIVING THE GREEN LIGHT FOR LIGHTING

energy conservation, waste recycling, and

provided online or on memory sticks.

Lighting, air conditioning, projectors

uses oil for heating, and also employs

catering solutions, making sure you have

and computers all require significant

‘Big Hanna’, an ultra-efficient composter

the number of delegates in mind when

amounts of energy, which greatly impacts

that can take both cooked and raw waste,

deciding on how many printed information

everybody’s carbon footprint during the

meaning the hotel’s amount of waste

handouts or booklets are required can

event. Fáilte Ireland advises working with

heading for landfills has been reduced

significantly reduce wastage. If there is

an expert supplier to determine a solution

from 240 tonnes per year to just 35 tonnes.

a chance of numbers varying on the day,

that is best both for your event and the

Other innovations include sourcing local

it might be possible to print on demand,

environment. “Lighting is a substantial

food where possible, cutting out individual

however, this may be time-consuming and

user of electricity and care must be taken

condiments and instead buying in bulk,

would add further strain on guests and staff

to design a lighting solution that minimises

and an arboricultural programme involving

who would be required to do the printing.

the use of energy without sacrificing the

the planting of 2,000 hardwood trees and

event’s needs. New technologies have

an environmentally friendly playground.

provided the event lighting profession with

social responsibility. The hotel no longer

“Westport Woods Hotel has sustainable

In a similar vein to organising sustainable

As with everything, spending that little bit extra can mean your event can go a long way in helping fight

an ever-expanding selection of low energy

management practices that include

the mentality of wastage, and the

lighting alternatives – LED technologies,

the conservation of water, energy,

environmentally unfriendly mindset

high efficiency automated fixtures, HPL

communications, waste, design and the

that has existed in businesses and event

lamped PARs and ellipsoidals, and HID

use of local suppliers wherever possible.

organisations for years. Promoting your

(high intensity discharge) lamped fixtures,”

Its eco-labelling process is audited

conference or event as an eco-friendly

it notes. “With AV equipment, it should be

annually by Green Hospitality, which

one can make your conference stand

kept in mind that the brightest projector

benchmarks green performance KPIs

out from the crowd and potentially

might not be the best solution for your

with like-minded hotels countrywide and

sway the opinions of your delegates.

046_Conferencing2017_Green Conference_V2.indd 48

20/03/2017 12:20

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

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

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

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

Organising a corporate or gala

meeting. Holding an event at the

accessible to all major routes and is 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

Set on two floors and with state-of-

for all your needs and help you

and individualised packages.

the-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 7 Meeting Rooms 96 Guest Rooms Conference capacity for 450 guests Natural daylight in all meeting rooms Onsite complimentary car parking Complimentary WiFi

045 989900 ● info@westgrovehotel.com ● www.westgrovehotel.com Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre, Abbeylands, Clane, Naas, Co Kildare W91 YWE0 241479_2L_Westgrove Hotel_JR_CONF_V2.indd 1

Westgrove_2L_CP_CONF.indd 49

02/02/2017 15:58

21/03/2017 09:55

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

DUBLIN

OASIS

The Emmaus Centre offers a relaxing escape in a truly peaceful atmosphere.

he Emmaus Centre is situated

organisations, with real values and

truly unique atmosphere. You will find

in beautiful parkland grounds

firmly rooted in their local communities.

the peace and tranquillity necessary to

If you’d like to book a room or

ten minutes from Dublin

focus and achieve your potential, while

Airport, 30 minutes from Dublin

conference hall for a business meeting

experiencing a great meeting or event.

city centre and three minutes from

or training session, we have a fantastic

Treat your customers to somewhere

Junction 4 on the M1. Surrounded

selection of rooms for you to choose

different from the norm: a place with

by mature grounds, with tree-lined

from. We can accommodate over 200

spirit, style and a relaxed, comfortable

pathways, landscaped gardens

people in our conference hall, and

atmosphere. We are here to serve

and a riverside walk, here business

other rooms can accommodate anything

you and are dedicated to the success

dwells in harmony with nature.

you need from 2 to 100 people.

of your event or training initiative.

We would encourage you to call in

We offer a range of executive and staff mindful leadership and emotional

for an exploratory visit at any time.

intelligence programmes to build

The Emmaus Centre delivers a high

healthier and higher performing

quality experience for your guests in a

CONTACT

information

T: 01 870 0050 E: emmauscentre@ emmauscentre.ie W: www.emmauscentre.ie

The Emmaus Centre is situated in beautiful, private parkland grounds just 10 minutes from Dublin International Airport, 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre and 3 minutes off the M1 motorway. Surrounded by mature grounds, with tree lined pathways, landscaped gardens and a riverside walk, here business dwells in harmony with nature.

• Executive Leadership/Mindfulness/ Emotional Intelligence programmes • Full catering facilities and two large dining rooms • Less than 10 minutes from Dublin Airport • Just 2 minutes from Junction 4 on the M1 • Free on-site parking in private grounds • Free high speed Wi-Fi system • Meditation & Mindfulness spaces

Emmaus Centre_2L_CP_CONF.indd 50

• Unlimited access to tea & coffee docks for those attending courses or conferences • Wheelchair accessible meeting rooms and bedrooms • Modern Conference and Meeting Room Facilities • 12 separate rentable meeting spaces • 200+ capacity in our main conference hall • The Emmaus Centre also has 62 ensuite guest bedrooms on-site

Tel: +353 1 870 0050 Web: www.emmauscentre.ie Email: emmauscentre@emmauscentre.ie Ennis Lane, Lissenhall, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 Y274

20/03/2017 15:57

Technology Conferencing 2017

TECHNOLOGICAL As technology continues to develop in increasingly immersive and engaging ways, Tiernan Cannon takes a look into some of the latest emerging technologies in order to see how they may shape and alter the events and conferences of the future. As the face of the technological

in order to complement the will or

of engaging an audience away from

landscape ceaselessly morphs and

message of a company or speaker, and

an event or conference, but it is

evolves, so too does the shape and

there are a variety of ways in which this

nonetheless an extremely effective

form of the events industry. The 21st

can now be achieved.

way of reeling in people unable to

century has brought about an earth-

The manner in which messages and

attend the occasion itself. In recent

shattering amount of technological

content are shared from companies

times social media avenues have visibly

change, and naturally most industries

to consumers are also becoming

stepped up their game with regard

on earth have been forced to attempt

increasingly sophisticated and subtle,

to the live streaming services they

to keep up. The events industry has

and the influence this will have on

provide. FACEBOOK LIVE and INSTANT

been compelled to alter the very way in

the events industry is significant.

VIDEO, SNAPCHAT STORIES, INSTAGRAM

which it conducts itself, and has found

Furthermore, the ways in which

STORIES, video-streaming apps like

itself inextricably linked to technology.

companies and the people within

Twitter-owned PERISCOPE; all have

them communicate is also changing,

increased their visibility and developed

are embracing technology in ways

Events and conferences of the day

aided by the development of certain

their services, and companies and

that have never been imagined, and

technologies.

events organisers are now recognising

the result is that such events have

the potential of these services for

become increasingly immersive for

LIVE STREAMING

those present â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and indeed for those

Compared to some of the technologies

not present. It seems now that reality

discussed below, live streaming

longer confined to those in attendance.

itself is a realm that can be moulded

appears to be quite a primitive means

People can now receive talks and

051_Conferencing2017_Technology_V2.indd 51

engaging a wider audience. Events and conferences are no

20/03/2017 12:25

Technology Conferencing 2017

Now, we’re not saying that this is the year for such a sophisticated development to emerge. This, for now, is merely an illustration of how augmented reality may alter the very nature of conferences in the future. Nonetheless, the technology has already been utilised and is currently shaping a new form of audience engagement for events. The SEEK app, for example, applies the same principles of Pokémon Go, except instead of being rewarded with makebelieve computer generated creatures on your searches, you win real prizes. The app allows event planners to place virtual treasure chests around their event space and ‘fill’ them with prizes. Once attendees on the treasure hunt come to within ten feet of the treasure chest, the app uses a phone’s camera to bring up an augmented reality view

The Seek app interface.

of the treasure chest in front of them. When the user clicks on it, the chest

demonstrations in real-time on the

MKG, looked to recent or emerging

spins, revealing whether or not they

complete opposite side of the world to

technologies such as SNAPCHAT

have won a prize. This is potentially useful for

an event, at no cost. The importance

SPECTACLES – which allow users to

of the physical space of an event is

record their experiences at the click

exhibitors at an event who want to

decreasing, and though it is unlikely

of a button on their sunglasses – as

draw traffic to their booth. By planting

that technology will ever truly match

potentially aiding conferences and

a treasure chest near their location,

the sensory experience of attending

events of the future. “I think things like

and having attendees search for it in a

an event in person – at least not any

Snapchat Spectacles, even though right

fun and interactive way, they are likely

time soon – it is creating a reasonable

out of the gate it’s not an AR tool, it has

alternative and is constantly becoming

the potential with the next generation

more elaborate and enveloping for

of glasses to essentially add filters that

virtual attendees.

will make it an augmented-reality piece of hardware,” he explained.

AUGMENTED REALITY

It doesn’t take too much of a stretch

Last year was the year of augmented

of the imagination to foresee the

reality (AR). POKÉMON GO, released

potential of AR technology within

in July, was the poster child for the

events and conferences of the future.

budding technology, blowing up

Imagine attending a conference with

in the mainstream and cementing

an endless turnover of speakers. It

augmented reality firmly into the

becomes impossible to keep up with

public consciousness. There are no

who everyone is and where their area

signs that this progress is about to slow

of expertise lies. Now imagine simply

down for 2017, and AR technology

donning a headset or glasses with the

would appear to be perfectly suited

ability to augment reality and armed

to enhancing the ways in which

with facial recognition software. Now

events and conferences take place. In

you have all the information you

an interview with BIZBASH.COM, Mo

require on the speaker flashing before

Twine, senior interactive producer at

your eyes.

051_Conferencing2017_Technology_V2.indd 52

It doesn’t take too much of a stretch of the imagination to foresee the potential of AR technology within events and conferences of the future.

20/03/2017 12:25

Technology Conferencing 2017

to receive more visitors than through

The physical web is essentially

stream of content being pushed upon

traditional means.

the inverse of Apple’s IBEACON

attendees by the iBeacon, which is

technology. iBeacon is based on ‘push’

making an assumption as to what the

communications, compared to the

attendee may be interested in. If they

On the one hand we have the potential

physical web’s ‘pull’ communications.

are given the choice, however, to pull

of augmented reality technology, but

That is, iBeacons directly push a

whatever content they like, they can

on the other we have virtual reality

message to in-range customers’ smart

gain more insight into the things they

(VR) technology. Though we might

devices, whereas the physical web

find interesting, and may therefore

think of the two technologies as one

broadcasts content that the customer

be more willing to engage with the

and the same, they differ in key

may then decide to access, depending

company broadcasting the content.

ways and therefore afford users and

on whether or not they are interested.

VIRTUAL REALITY

event organisers a wider spectrum

A potential benefit to this pull

SMART TONES

of opportunities. Where augmented

approach of communication can be

In a similar vein to the physical web

reality technology does exactly as its

illustrated by considering a large-

and iBeacons, LISNR’S SMART TONES

name would suggest – it augments

scale event. There may be a constant

technology communicates content to

reality, adding features and sensory experiences that would otherwise not be there – virtual reality completely immerses its users and drowns out

The Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset developed by Oculus VR.

their actual surroundings. We can imagine how significant this could be for the events industry. Ultimately, a scenario can be envisioned in which a person unable to attend an event in person instead enters into a virtual, computerised event space. The creation of such a virtual space at this point in time would undoubtedly prove to be very expensive, but as the technology matures the likelihood of such ventures falling in price increases. As with AR technology, VR is still in its infancy, and its capabilities are not yet matching its potential. However, it is progressing all the time, and there will certainly be a number of significant developments within the field in 2017 that, in one way or another, will eventually lead to a change in the way in which events take place.

THE PHYSICAL WEB The future does not entirely belong to the virtual. Technology is developing in the physical world too, as illustrated by Google’s PHYSICAL WEB. The idea behind the physical web is that any object or location equipped with a Bluetooth low-energy beacon can become a source of content which is accessible on a smart device.

051_Conferencing2017_Technology_V2.indd 53

20/03/2017 12:25

Technology Conferencing 2017

in-range attendees at an event. The difference, however, is in how the

The LISNR ngage dashboard.

content is communicated. The principle remains the same – transferring content from one device to another. With Smart Tones, though, the content is shared through inaudible tones over speakers, cutting out the need for event organisers to invest in additional hardware such as transmitters or scanners. Users need only use an app that has LISNR API embedded in it. The microphone must be enabled on the device, but the app itself need not be open, reducing battery drain. The technology has already been used at large-scale events such as Budweiser’s Made in America festival, the Grammy awards, and Cleveland Cavaliers home games, and is sure to be rolled out with increasing prevalence in future events. and cross referencing it with other

ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT MATCHMAKING With the emergence of intelligent personal assistants such as Apple’s SIRI or Google ASSISTANT, artificial

intelligence (AI) has risen in prominence as a topic up for discussion. AI is no longer the abstract subject it once was, and anybody who is in any way tech savvy these days is aware of it. The technology is increasingly impacting on people’s lives, and it is also increasingly compatible with the events industry. For example, as the capabilities and effectiveness of AI rise, so too does its

With Smart Tones, though, the content is shared through inaudible tones over speakers, cutting out the need for event organisers to invest in additional hardware.

users’ information, and matching users who seemingly have the most in common. It then recommends these users to one another, leaving the rest up to them. They can then decide whether or not to swipe right, and ultimately to meet to discuss business. The app achieved its one millionth swipe in just over a year in operation in 2016, and is likely to increase in popularity for 2017. Technologies like this have the potential to totally alter the face of networking at events. Throughout the years, the potential for compatible parties getting in contact with one another

effectiveness in corporate matchmaking.

to form an alliance of some shape or

Let’s consider GRIP, the company

form – aided by the development of

which created the world’s first artificial

would like to become involved with the

technologies such as the internet –

intelligence event networking solution

other user presented before them. If

has risen and risen. The evolution of

app. Since launching in 2015, the app

both parties swipe right, a ‘handshake’

artificial intelligence and apps such

has risen in popularity and is likely to

is established, which allows the two

as Grip merely keep these trends

lead the way for the future of event

parties to chat in the app and potentially

going. AI is particularly exciting

matchmaking. The app works much like

arrange a meeting at the event.

for the events industry as it can

dating app TINDER – users are presented

The app attempts to understand its

combine both the ease of virtual

with the profile of a person present at

users in as clear and nuanced a way as

communication with the face-to-face

an event, and they can swipe right or

possible – analysing social, behavioural

human interaction that is so pivotal

left, depending on whether or not they

and registration data, taking such data

to making lasting connections.

051_Conferencing2017_Technology_V2.indd 54

20/03/2017 12:25

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

Pitch Your Next Event at Aviva Stadium is kicking off 2017 with a new team and a new purpose.

any people believe a venue is just an empty space where events happen. At the Aviva Stadium, they believe they offer far more than just the norm. Aviva Stadium is the home of the Irish international rugby and football teams. It is a place of gathering, encapsulates the heartbeat of a nation and inspires great victories. It’s the essence of this that the team strives to instil in each meeting, incentive, conference and event, and what sets them apart from their competitors. While they can’t make a difference to the results on the pitch, they can help make your next event extra special. Since opening in 2010, Aviva Stadium has forged an indelible mark on the event landscape of Dublin and is now firmly one of the city’s most popular event venues. It’s not hard to see why – the spectacular event spaces can host everything from small scale meetings to exhibitions and can transform from plenary sessions of 1,000 to gala dinners of 1,200 and world street food events for 3,500.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS In 2016, they welcomed back the Irish Cancer Society, working with them on

AVIVA STADIUM

their annual National Conference on Cancer Survivorship which has been held in Aviva Stadium since 2012. This ongoing strong working relationship allowed them to work in conjunction with Abbey Conference & Events on the European Oncology Nursing Society and Psycho Oncology Society World Congress in October 2016. These large events ran concurrently over six days and were a huge success for Aviva Stadium, reminding the wider industry that the facilities are more than suitable for these large association events, as well as large sporting fixtures. Customer service is at the heart of the operation and receiving feedback like, “Everyone in our group had a most enjoyable day, nothing but compliments about the event. Every member of staff we encountered from the people on the door, the waiting staff and supervisors were most courteous and attentive. Finally and most importantly the food was excellent and all our guests enjoyed every bit” really encourages the team to continually improve and strive for perfection.

NEW TEAM In 2017, Aviva Stadium welcomed back Martina Flood as Head of Operations. Martina is an extremely experienced and accomplished operations manager returning from the frenzied racecourse

Aviva Stadium has forged an indelible mark on the event landscape of Dublin

scene in the UK as Regional General Manager of Jockey Club Catering. With fresh eyes and a new approach, 2017 promises to be full of ongoing improvements and upgrades. What also stands out is the relaxed and friendly attitude of the staff and the quality of the fresh locally sourced food on offer, which is produced by James Smith, Executive Head Chef. James leads his catering team with class and ease, designing and creating diverse and bespoke food offerings – all within Aviva Stadium. The events team is made up of a cross section of industry professionals who work with you from enquiry to the last minute detail of your event – all with the flair and professionalism you deserve.

CONTACT

information

LEAH GUNN T: +353 (0) 1 238 2388 W: www.avivastadiumevents.ie

Aviva Stadium

Aviva Stadium_1C_CP_CONF.indd 55

20/03/2017 15:58

Profile Conferencing 2017

Events at

ASHVILLE

Conferencing 2017 speaks with Ashville Media Group Event Director Tracey Carney about their varied event portfolio, recent successes, and her tips for event management.

Q: What is the core mission of

developed for audiences that we

activations for clients. Events

the Ashville Media Group

have identified in niche markets.

people are generally very driven

Events department?

We aim to deliver top-class events

and multi-tasking – they might be

A: Our main focus is the creation

across a range of industries

dealing one day with the Maternity

of successful business events and

including hospitality, business, and

and Infant Awards in the

awards – to recognise excellence

maternity, recognising the cream

consumer market, and the next

within business, and

of the crop in each sector. For us,

with the InBUSINESS Recognition

to showcase products and services

being transparent, honest and fair

Awards where they’re working

in Ireland – alongside unique

within our awards and being seen

with senior executives and CEOs.

customer engagement for our

as credible is very important.

Our team is quite diverse, with

Our conferences, then, are

each member bringing their own

brands.

mainly based around business and

unique skill-set. We’re always

own – we’re not like a regular

law, hosted by leading industry

working, a great deal of which is

event management company,

experts, an avenue of business

completed in the background, so

which I believe is our biggest

which continues to grow.

being a self-starter is a key attribute

We create unique events that we

required for success.

selling point. Our events allow brands to connect with their target

Q: Can you tell us about the drive

audience across business and

and experience of the Events team?

Q: Can you give us some examples

consumer sectors. Each event is

A: We’re a very driven and

of recent successes?

self-funded, and our team is

passionate events division with a

A: The Blog Awards has been very

constantly looking for new

focus on excellence, as the quality

successful since our first year in

opportunities to develop high

of our events impacts on

2015. Last year we upped the ante

quality events.

attendance and sponsorship. The

by holding the event in a circus

team really loves taking an event

tent – a really unique experience

reflect Ashville Media Group

from concept through to reality,

that generated strong, positive

publications, while others are

rolling out themes and creating

feedback. We had over 500

Many of our awards ceremonies

056_Conferencing2017_Ashville Events.indd 56

20/03/2017 12:28

Profile Conferencing 2017

bloggers in the room which created very strong sponsorship interactions, and it really reflected the brand of our headline sponsor

AIB Irish Law Awards

Littlewoods Ireland, who are really excited and happy about the partnership. Last year the Digital Media

DMA Awards 2017

Awards was also a great success, with attendance rising by 25 per cent and a 40 per cent increase in

Q: Can you

entries. Other digital events are

share your top

falling off within the industry, but over the last four years the number of people attending the

tips for event Sky Bar of the Year Awards

management? A: First of all,

Digital Media Awards has doubled. Four years ago it was

Overall that’s

400, now it’s nearly 800.

a really positive

Another long-term success for

Littlewoods Ireland Blog Awards

sign within the industry,

start as early as you can. Say thank you to everybody you

work with – you never know

us is the Law Awards, now in its

as people are seeing the real

when you might need them to do

seventh year. That was our

value of events, and they’re

something last minute. Stay

creation from concept, and has an

willing to make the investment.

connected and follow up with

average attendance of 600 in the

your clients, keep them aware of

Clayton Hotel. Where there was

Q: How does your team continue

the results. Make sure you tell

nothing before, it has now become

to push boundaries?

your sponsors and partners of the

a staple in the legal calendar.

A: We push boundaries through

success of the event.

the development of activations

Be smart when using suppliers

Q: Have you spotted any rising

and creating experiences. Every

– never be afraid to question

industry trends of late?

event we work on has a unique

a cost on an invoice. Always

A: I think the biggest thing is that

theme. We’re creating experiences

get three quotes. For example,

marketing managers are getting

for people – we don’t want

this year I got three quotes

smarter. They are quantifying

attendees to simply come in and

for an item: one supplier was

sponsorships, making sure they’re

sit down, we want people to

hiring the item from another

getting the most value out of their

engage with the event, to have a

supplier and including a 20 per

money. They’re being smarter

very good sense of what the event

cent markup in the quote.

around activations and people

is doing, why they’re there.

Finally, aim for the wow factor,

experiencing their brands – it’s

Pre and post activation is

and always try to overdeliver.

not just a case of throwing logos

very important, using avenues

Even when you’re creating a

around. They want active and

like Instagram and Twitter.

proposal or you’re pitching to a

not passive sponsorship

We employ a dedicated focus

client, always try and overdeliver

opportunities. They want to

on digital and ensure that the

on what they ask. If they ask for

engage person-to-person.

conversation is bigger than inside

four-star, give them three-star

the room, that we’re thinking of

and five-star, because you never

in spend across things like

the wider audience. The Blog

know what their budgets are.

attendance at events. We’ve

Awards last year had a digital

seen a steady rise this year, even

reach of 24 million over the

Q: How can people get in touch?

since the start of 2017. That

course of the event. We always

A: For all events queries, you can

means companies are spending

provide our finalists and our

contact Tracey Carney (Director

more money, they’re bringing

winners with all the collateral

of Events) at tracey.carney@

in more corporate hospitality,

they need to digitally promote

ashvillemediagroup.com or

they’re treating their staff more.

and push the awards themselves.

phone 00 353 1 432 2206.

I think there’s an increase

056_Conferencing2017_Ashville Events.indd 57

20/03/2017 12:28

Events Conferencing 2017

EVENTS ARE ALL Around Us Conferencing 2017 takes a look at some of the major events happening across Ireland in 2017.

marches through the city on the day

latest games at its ‘Gamerzone’, and

itself, but a whole host of other events

also offers a glimpse into the future of

and performances over the entire four

gaming with Playstation VR. Attendees

days make for a true celebration of the

are encouraged to channel their

creativity and craic of the Irish people.

favourite gaming characters by showing up in costume, and the musical

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL 2017

GAMERCON

headliners of this year’s event are

DATE: 16 – 19 March 2017

DATE: 18 – 19 March 2017

acclaimed Irish band All Tvvins.

LOCATION: Dublin city

LOCATION: Convention Centre Dublin,

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Dublin city

www.stpatricksfestival.ie

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.gamer-con.com

THE INTERNATIONAL PAN CELTIC FESTIVAL 2017

Dublin’s St Patrick’s Festival returns

Offering something for gamers of all

DATE: 18 – 22 April 2017

again for 2017 to present an image to

ages and skill sets, GamerCon will be

LOCATION: Carlow town, Co Carlow

the world of a creative, professional

held in Dublin’s Convention Centre

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.panceltic.ie

and sophisticated Ireland with wide

over the St Patrick’s Day weekend.

Pan Celtic is a celebration of the

appeal. The centrepiece of the whole

GamerCon allows its patrons to try

cultural links between Ireland,

festival is obviously the parade that

out a huge selection of the best and

Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall

058_Conferencing2017_Events.indd 58

20/03/2017 12:33

Events Conferencing 2017

and the Isle of Man. With events

Festival is a perfect way to enter into

taking place in all these locations,

the Irish festival season. Since 1998,

THE CAT LAUGHS COMEDY FESTIVAL 2017

the main festival, which takes place

the festival has attracted some of

DATE: 1 – 5 June 2017

in Carlow, is the primary vehicle for

the greatest names in contemporary

LOCATION: Across Kilkenny city

promoting Pan Celtic’s aims. The

Americana and Roots music, including

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.thecatlaughs.com

Pan Celtic idea originated in 1970

Sturgill Simpson, Alabama Shakes,

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival was

and has since attempted to promote

and Ray LaMontagne, and takes places

established in 1995 in response to

and strengthen Celtic languages,

from early afternoon until night.

the burgeoning wealth of Irish comic

culture, music, song and sport and

talent that was growing at the time,

trade and commerce, and exchange

BALLYMALOE LITERARY FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND WINE 2017

of information. The Carlow festival

DATE: 19 – 21 May 2017

level. The globally acclaimed festival

will see the town full to the brim with

LOCATION: Ballymaloe House,

now showcases the best in both Irish

music, storytelling, film screenings,

Shanagarry, Co Cork

and international comedy. Last year’s

workshops and classes, and singing

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.litfest.ie

line-up included Irish comedians David

and dance competitions, and is

“Isn’t it about time Ballymaloe

O’Doherty, Neil Delamere and Jason

sure to be a wonderful celebration

celebrated their literary tradition?”

Byrne, as well as international stars

of Celtic culture and heritage to be

This is the question that was posed by

such as Rich Hall, Reginald D Hunter

enjoyed by all the family.

Geoffrey Dobbs, the founder of the

and Adam Hills, and you can be sure

Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka,

that this year will present a similarly

and in 2013, he received a reply in the

impressive array of the best working

form of the Ballymaloe Literary Festival

comedians on the go today.

to encourage inter-Celtic tourism,

WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD 2017

but which had not yet been afforded an outlet for expression on a national

DATE: 21 – 23 April 2017 LOCATION: Dungarvan, Co Waterford FURTHER INFORMATION: www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

Litfest 2016. Photo: Joleen Cronin

The annual West Waterford Festival of Food has become synonymous with fabulous food over the years, and is an event which is not to be missed by any foodies around the country. Now in its tenth year, the festival showcases some of the best food the country has to offer within the beautiful setting of the coastal Dungarvan. A number of markets, workshops and food trails are organised throughout the duration of the festival, and the kids’ trail and workshops ensure that it won’t just be the grown-ups who broaden and refine their tastes.

SMITHWICK’S KILKENNY ROOTS FESTIVAL 2017

of Food and Wine. Ballymaloe has a

DATE: 28 April – 01 May

number of highly regarded cookbook

LOCATION: Kilkenny city

writers. The festival celebrates

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ballymaloe’s food and wine writing

www.kilkennyroots.com

culture, putting forth a weekend filled

Taking place in over 30 venues

with facts, stories, discussions, music,

strewn around the medieval streets

dancing and of course, delicious food

of Kilkenny, the Kilkenny Roots

and drinks.

058_Conferencing2017_Events.indd 59

rich food heritage, and has produced a

Kilkenny Roots Festival. Photo: Anthony Griffin Photography

20/03/2017 12:33

Events Conferencing 2017

The 2016 Galway International Arts Festival hosted the world premiere of Enda Walsh’s Arlington.

IRELAND BIKEFEST KILLARNEY

Way. For spectators, the festival allows

tasting menu. Sessions are divided into

DATE: 2 – 5 June 2017

them to enjoy Ireland’s only free open

lunch and dinner services, with each

LOCATION: Killarney, Co Kerry

biker event, as well as a line-up of free

session lasting 4 – 5 hours, allowing

FURTHER INFORMATION:

entertainment and some wonderful

attendees to explore the food stalls,

www.irelandbikefest.com

food and drink venues spread around

mingle with some of Dublin’s best chefs,

Ireland BikeFest was born following

the town.

undertake masterclasses, attend beer

the European H.O.G. Rally which, in

and wine tasting sessions, or simply

2006, brought Harley riders and their

TASTE OF DUBLIN

just to enjoy the entertainment on offer

impressive machines to Killarney.

DATE: 15 – 18 June 2017

throughout.

Having developed a taste for it, Once

LOCATION: Iveagh Gardens, Dublin city

Destination Killarney Ltd invited the

FURTHER INFORMATION:

CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL

riders back, Ireland BikeFest was

www.dublin.tastefestivals.com

DATE: 16 – 25 June 2017

established. Now in its eleventh year,

Taste of Dublin returns to the Iveagh

LOCATION: Across Cork city

Ireland BikeFest attracts riders from

Gardens this June, bringing together

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.corkmidsummer.

all over the world who are keen to

Dublin’s latest, greatest and hottest

com

get out onto the winding tracks of the

restaurants and chefs in one place so

Cork Midsummer Festival is an annual

Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic

that you can create your own dream

multi-disciplinary arts festival that uses

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Events Conferencing 2017

the city as its backdrop and inspiration.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.kilkennyarts.ie

guest signings, numerous exhibition

Cork city has retained its old worldly

Once the capital of medieval Ireland,

stands and plenty more besides.

charm, even as it has evolved into

Kilkenny offers the perfect setting

the vibrant 21st century city that it

for a summer arts festival. The city’s

FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN 2017

is today. This blending of traditional

historic churches, castle, courtyards,

DATE: 13 – 20 August 2017

and contemporary aesthetics makes

townhouses and gardens make for

LOCATION: Ennis town, Co Clare

Cork the perfect location to hold an

an ideal backdrop to the varied

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.fleadhcheoil.ie

arts festival of this kind. With theatre,

performances which take place for

Ennis town will once again play host

music, art exhibitions, talks and

the festival. Classical music, open-

to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in

debates, film screenings, stand up and

air Shakespeare productions, poetry

2017, one of the most important events

more all a part of the festival’s make-

recitals and more – all experiences

in the Irish traditional calendar. The

up, there is something for everybody,

which are furthered by the aesthetic of

Fleadh is a unique and welcoming

plus the sheer variety can allow you

the old city as a whole.

festival of the best traditional arts that

to discover an art form that you may never previously have experienced.

Ireland has to offer, including a wide

DUBLIN COMIC CON

variety of concerts, street entertainers,

DATE: 12 – 13 August 2017

competitions, dancing and more.

GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

LOCATION: Convention Centre Dublin

DATE: 17 – 30 July 2017

www.dublincomiccon.com

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

LOCATION: Across Galway city

Celebrating the unique world of comics

DATE: 16 – 22 August 2017

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.giaf.ie

(and the movies and television shows

LOCATION: Tralee, Co Kerry

July sees the return of the annual

they inspire), Dublin Comic Con is

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.roseoftralee.ie

Galway International Arts Festival,

a two-day event filled with original

One of Ireland’s largest and most

and this year is certain to match the

props, special guests, interactive sets,

recognisable festivals, the Rose

FURTHER INFORMATION:

immensity of previous years’ offerings. The festival takes place across Galway city over two weeks and includes a variety of art forms from music to acrobatics and everything in between. Critically acclaimed Irish singersongwriter Gavin James has already been announced for 2017’s event, and more and more names and groups from a vast array of fields will be added to the bill as we approach the summer.

BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL DATE: 20 – 29 July 2017 LOCATION: Boyle, Co Roscommon FURTHER INFORMATION: www.boylearts.com For a period each summer, the town of Boyle in Roscommon fills with an intriguing mix of visual art, theatre, music, literature and children’s events. The Boyle Arts festival will take place at the end of July and promises to provide over a week of exhibitions, performances and experiences, with something for people of all ages.

KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL DATE: 11 – 20 August 2017 LOCATION: Across Kilkenny city

058_Conferencing2017_Events.indd 61

St. Patrick’s Day festivites. Photo: Adrian Sadlier

21/03/2017 14:48

Events Conferencing 2017

WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA 2017 DATE: 19 October – 5 November 2017 LOCATION: National Opera House, Co Wexford FURTHER INFORMATION: www.wexfordopera.com Since its humble beginnings in 1951 as the Festival of Music and the Arts, Wexford Festival Opera has evolved into one of the world’s leading opera festivals. It could be argued that much of the success of the festival is owed to Wexford itself. The Viking town, nestled on the banks of the River Slaney, has a distinct charm and character that is strictly its own, and which add to the overall poignancy of the festival and its performers themselves.

SUBTITLE SPOTLIGHT EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL DATE: 20 – 26 November 2016 LOCATION: Kilkenny NYF Dublin

FURTHER INFORMATION: subtitlefest.com Ireland’s only film festival featuring popular subtitled European Films,

of Tralee will celebrate its 58th

as a platform for the best emerging

the Subtitle Spotlight European Film

anniversary in 2017. The festival is

Irish arts companies and is the place

Festival welcomes filmmakers and

made up of street entertainment,

for audiences to discover meaningful

stars to the beautiful medieval town of

carnivals, live concerts, theatre, circus,

cultural experiences.

Kilkenny. Last year’s festival featured

markets, a funfair, fireworks and

32 films from a range countries

parades, but the centrepiece of the

MED IN IRELAND 2017

including Denmark, Romania,

festival is the selection of the Rose

DATE: 19 October 2017

Belgium, France, Serbia, Russia and

of Tralee, which brings young Irish

LOCATION: RDS, Dublin City

Italy – many of the films have never

women and those of Irish descent from

FURTHER INFORMATION:

received theatrical screenings in

around the world to Co. Kerry for a

www.medinireland.ie

Ireland before.

global celebration of Irish culture.

Taking place in Dublin’s RDS, Med

DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL

in Ireland is Enterprise Ireland’s

NYF DUBLIN

largest medical technologies event

DATE: 30 December 2017 – 01 January 2018

DATE: 9 – 24 September 2017

and is a high-profile showcase for

LOCATION: Dublin City Centre

LOCATION: Across Dublin City

the entire spectrum of the Irish

FURTHER INFORMATION: nyfdublin.com

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.fringefest.com

medical technologies sector. It has

Ring in the new year in style with a

Dublin Fringe Festival draws more

been running biennially since 2005

three-day citywide festival packed

than 33,000 spectators for 14 days

and attracts significant interest from

with arts, music, culture and live

each September, transforming Dublin

the international community. Med In

entertainment. Featuring some of

into a showcase of creative talent from

Ireland is an invite only event – contact

Ireland’s greatest talents, NYF Dublin

around the world. It is a curated,

your Enterprise Ireland Development

is a family-friendly festival that is sure

multi-disciplinary festival which serves

Adviser for more details.

to kick start your new year.

058_Conferencing2017_Events.indd 62

21/03/2017 14:48

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

Quality at the

CROWNE PLAZA The Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport offers the perfect blend of business and pleasure.

ocated within 85 acres of mature parkland, close to Dublin Airport and only 10 minutes via the Port Tunnel to the city centre, Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport is the perfect venue for both business and pleasure. The hotel operates a complimentary shuttle service to and from Dublin Airport and also offers a range of packages for guests who wish to park their car at the hotel whilst they are abroad. The hotel has 209 guest bedrooms all equipped to the highest standard including features such as airconditioning, complimentary in-room WiFi, separate bath and shower, bedside USB points and American and European plug sockets. For added luxury and a little more privacy, guests may opt for rooms on the Club Floor which includes a dedicated

lounge area. An extensive refurbishment programme of the bedrooms and corridors was completed in 2016. Guests may also avail of the hotel’s mini gym which is fully airconditioned, as well as the business centre offering complimentary access to computer and copying services. 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 features sky-fold partitions that drop from the ceiling in 90 seconds, facilitating

a smooth turnaround to divide the room in half or thirds. In addition to comfortable and modern conference facilities we also offer a selection of smaller meeting room venues for hire; suitable for all your business needs, such as holding important briefings or team building exercises. A dedicated meeting director ensures that conference and meeting rooms are fully prepared prior to the start of the event, including the provision of any requested multimedia equipment. Once the event is in full flow they will be on hand to quickly and confidently help fulfil any ad-hoc requests.

DINE IN STYLE Touzai Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine in a relaxing setting. The restaurant’s mouth-watering menu mixes firm favourites with exotic delights and has captured the hearts of all 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 features big screens and shows all major sporting events. Inca Coffee dock serves a range of teas, coffees and light snacks and is the perfect place to meet with friends or colleagues. Guests dining in the hotel can avail of two hours free car parking. The hotel has won numerous prestigious awards over the years including, most recently, the Gold Medal Award 2016 as ‘Best Business Hotel in Ireland’, the EFQM Excellence Award, IHG Quality Excellence Award and the AA 4 Star Award which is a true testament to the superb facilities and high levels of professional service.

CONTACT

information

Crowne Plaza_1C_CP_CONF.indd 63

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

21/03/2017 14:50

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Aviva Stadium

Ballsbridge Hotel

Venue Directory Find the perfect venue in no time by scanning through our comprehensive guide to the best of conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland.

ADDRESS:

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

+353 (0) 1 238 2388 N/A sales@avivastadiumevents.ie

+353 (0)1 637 9300 +353 (0)1 908 1561 events@ballsbridgehotel.com

www.avivastadiumevents.ie

www.ballsbridgehotel.com

UEFA Elite Stadium Aviva Stadium is in the heart of Dublin, 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and adjacent to Lansdowne Road DART station There are a range of international hotel chains and boutique hotels in the vicinity Over 40 unusual and unique spaces available for private dining up to 3,500 guests Full bar license and entertainment options available

4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, 3 minute walk from DART rail link, 15-20 minute walk to city centre and IFSC 400

N/A

Reduced rate at Energie Fitness Gym, 5 minute walk from the hotel

GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)

There are a range of golf courses in close proximity

Elm Park Golf Club nearby

ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

A full stadium tour is available; your guests can walk in the steps of legends in this unique and engaging tour. Corporate discounts available

Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, Trinity College, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, Aviva Stadium, RDS, Croke Park

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS:

850 delegates theatre style, 600 guests banquet style, 400 delegates classroom style

3 Leanne Humphreys lhumphreys@ballsbridgehotel.com

AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:

3 (space specific, additional on request) 3 (space specific, additional on request) 3 (space specific, additional on request) Available on request Available on request

On request On request On request On request

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

3 (space specific, additional on request) Available on request Available on request WiFi connection upgraded to 1000Mb+ Available on request Available on request

On request On request On request 3 On request

Available on request Available on request Available on request 3

On request On request On request 3

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

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 64

1000 theatre style, 1200 seated dinner 3 Leah Gunn, +353 (0) 1 238 2388 leah.gunn@avivastadiumevents.ie

Raglanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant offers a great selection of fresh Irish cuisine using only the finest seasonal ingredients For a casual lunch or dinner, The Dubliner Pub offers a fantastic selection of fresh seasonal food in a relaxed atmosphere

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

Events re-imagined

AT CROKE PARK

Ireland’s greatest amphitheatre and the beating heart of Irish sport and culture, Croke Park is one of the world’s most unique and versatile venues.

HIGHLIGHTS

● Ultra-fast HD WiFi infrastructure can support more than 27,000 people or 40,000 devices simultaneously with 400Mb per second bandwidth. ● The Croke Park team swept the boards at the 2016 Event Industry Awards!

The Hogan Suite, Croke Park

n re-imagining ourselves, we uncover all kinds of possibilities. Such was the case at Croke Park Meetings & Events following significant capital investment in the redesign of their meetings and event spaces and the total upgrade of their digital and network infrastructure. It was time to reimagine, redesign and relaunch and the investment has delivered in spades! The venue had a hugely successful year in 2016 and even more ambitious targets have been set for 2017. The team swept the boards at the 2016 Event Industry Awards with a hat-trick of awards for Best Launch Event, Best In-House Event Team and Best In-House Event Person. This followed an INCON Digital Infrastructure Award at IMEX and a Best Social Media Campaign Award at the Meeting Industry Marketing Awards. The venue became the first stadium in the world to obtain certification to the newest international environmental

CrokePark_1C_CP_CONF.indd 65

standard ISO 14001:2015 and it maintained its policy of 0 per cent waste to landfill for the third consecutive year, scooping the Excellence in Waste Management prize at the Green Awards.

skyline rooftop abseil for event organisers. Croke Park Meetings & Events now offers meeting and event planners a total event solution in a best in class sustainable venue that includes catering, AV, entertainment, event tech, time out activities and hotel accommodation. Their partners include Aramark, AVCOM, SEA Entertainment and the Doyle Collection hotel group and all come together to deliver clients an exceptional venue experience. The team are conscious of how fast things change in the MICE industry and how hard you have to work to ensure you stay ahead of trends and clients expectations. This year they have new menu options coming on stream which are customisable to tastes and event themes, can accommodate an expanding range of restricted diets and feature emerging superfoods, healthy indulgences and genuine farm to fork practices. They will also be launching a range of new service concepts to cater for emerging event design trends and meeting styles. Croke Park is a case study in conscientious sustainable practices from water and utility usage, waste disposal and sourcing and this remains one of the key working principles around how they manage their very successful business.

CONTACT

information

T: 01 819 2300 E: events@crokepark.ie W: crokepark.ie/meetings-events

INNOVATION Croke Park launched Ireland’s first high density WiFi deployment last September with the new network operating across the meeting and events spaces for guests, exhibitors and organisers. This ultrafast high-density WiFi infrastructure can support more than 27,000 people or 40,000 devices simultaneously with 400Mb per second bandwidth. The network is a first for venues in Ireland and has taken Croke Park Meetings & Events to the next level in terms of the scale of events it can accommodate. Their impressive upgrade programme was recently extended into further meeting room refurbishments and the launch of new activity spaces and activities including an exhilarating new

Rooftop abseil, Croke Park

20/03/2017 16:01

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

The Beacon Hotel

Breaffy House Resort

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

4HHHH Next to ‘Harcourt’ Luas line. Aircoach, Dublin bus (16) and Airlink Express 757 (right outside hotel) to Dublin Airport 249 modern guestrooms plus 2 suites

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

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.

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

Mulberry Restaurant - Breaffy House Hotel & Legends, Restaurant Breaffy Woods Hotel - Open daily Healy Mac’s Bar (craft beer and live music each weekend), Breaffy House Hotel & Woods Bar, Breaffy Woods Hotel Breaffy Spa established since 2001, Breaffy Leisure Club, one of the most popular in Castlebar region Selection of Links and parkland golf courses within 20 mile radius of Resort, Westport, Claremorris, Castlebar From Lough Corrib to Killala Bay, Mayo boasts attractions such as stunning scenery, fishing, golf courses & beaches

40 On request Leonora McGovern meetings@thebeacon.com

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

Maximum 250 persons in theatre style 3 Denise Corboy, +353 (0) 1 428 3921 dcorboy@camdencourthotel.ie

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

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 On request State of the art equipment

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

On request On request On request 3 On request

3 On request On request 3 On request

3 On request On request 3 On request Dedicated high-speed conference Wi-Fi

On request On request On request 3

3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential 3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential On request 3

On request 3 On request – additional cost applies 3

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

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:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 66

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses

Gymnasium, 16 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with beauty salon Close proximity to main Dublin golf courses Short walk to St Stephens Green, Dublin’s premier shopping district and Trinity College

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Carton House

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

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 6378 events@chcc.ie

www.cartonhouse.com

www.carltondublinairport.com

www.castleknockhotel.com

www.castlemartyrresort.ie

4HHHH 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and City Centre with links to train stations

4HHHH Luxury Airport Hotel of the Year 2016. Just off M1/M50. 1km from Dublin Airport. Well serviced bus route to/from city centre Recently refurbished; 118 bedrooms including 8 suites Kitty Hawks Bistro or private dining rooms available on request

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

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 bedrooms including 20 executive rooms and four suites Two restaurants, The Avenue Bar & Restaurant and the AA Rosette awardwinning Park Restaurant Two public bars, The Avenue Bar & Restaurant and the Lime Tree cocktail bar

The Carton Spa and Leisure Centre offers 7 luxurious treatment rooms, relaxation room, gym, 18m pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room Two 18-hole championship golf courses

Gymnasium

Gym and day spa

Within close proximity to numerous, top class, golf courses

All on-site – spa, tennis, fishing, walking trails, team-building and the Kildare Art Gallery

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

ESPA spa, Leisure centre – fully equipped gym, 20 metre pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub 18 hole inland links golf course, designed by Ron Kirby

500 On request +353 (0)1 651 7710 scostello@cartonhouse.com

13 conference and meeting rooms 3 Gianina Bengescu, +353 (0) 1 866 7500 meetings@carlton.ie

500 15 conference and meeting rooms Audrey McGowan, 01 640 6377 events@chcc.ie

300 delegates 7 3 +353 21 421 9000 sales@castlemartyrresort.ie

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 Free car parking for delegates

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 7 Additional equipment can be organised

3 On request On request 3 On request Wi-Fi

3 3 3 3 3 Wi-Fi

3 3 3 3 7

3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi 3 3

3 On request On request 3

3 On request 7 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3

3 7 7 3

165 including 18 luxury period bedrooms in the Main House Three restaurants – the award-winning Linden Tree, the Kitchen Bar and the Coach House Two bars – the Coach House and the Lobby Bar

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 67

+353 21 421 9000 info@castlemartyrresort.ie

103; 50 self catering lodges Bell Tower Restaurant, Franchini’s Italian, Afternoon tea, Knights Bar and The Pod Club House Bar – Knights Bar

Team building, Pony & trap, Horse & carriage rides, Lawn games, Woodland walks, Jameson Distillery tours

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Citywest Hotel & Convention Centre

The Convention Centre Dublin

Croke Park Meetings & Events

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

Garter’s Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin

Jones’ Road, Dublin 3

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

Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 +353 (0) 1 856 0000 N/A sales@theccd.ie

www.citywesthotel.com

www.theccd.ie

crokepark.ie/meetings-events

4HHHH 25 minutes from Dublin City and Airport. Luas connection to city centre. Direct access to motorways, free parking for 2,000+ 764 Guest Rooms & Suites

N/A 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, close to Dublin Ferry Port, excellent access to road, bus and Luas routes Within walking distance of Dublin’s 20,000 hotel bedrooms Banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests

N/A 15 minutes from Dublin Airport and 5 minutes from the city centre. Easily accessible from the M50 and Port Tunnel The Croke Park – 4* hotel with 232 bedrooms located right next door Private dining facilities and customisable menus focusing on quality Irish produce. Blackthorn Café in the GAA Museum Multiple bar, function and reception facilities throughout the venue

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

DINING FACILITIES:

Two on-site restaurants including newly opened The Woodlock Brasserie

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

Recently renovated Swift Bar & Lounge

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

Recently revamped Health & Leisure Club with 20m swimming pool and fitness studios. Complimentary for guests Par 70 Championship golf course designed by the late Christy O’Connor Jnr Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Kildare Shopping Village

N/A

Fully equipped fitness centre at The Croke Park hotel

There are many golf courses close to Dublin city centre

Dublin has a number of outstanding golf courses with Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and St. Anne’s nearby Unrivalled number of attractions on-site, including the GAA Museum, Stadium and Etihad Skyline tours.

4,100 seated 3 Mairead Samson Fleming +353 (0) 85 850 0872 sales@citywesthotel.com

8-8,000 Adrienne Clarke, +353 (0) 1 856 0000 sales@theccd.ie

8-2,000 8 large suites and over 90 meeting rooms Sinéad Heneghan, +353 (0) 1 819 2301 events@crokepark.ie

3 3 3 3 State-of-the-art AV system

3 3 3 3 Latest technology in AV and lighting

3 3 3 3 High-spec AV and lighting

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

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 22,000 devices

3 3 3 3 Free HD WiFi for up to 40,000 devices On request 280 screen IPTV and signage system

AV partner on-site On request On request 3

3 On request On request 3

3 AV partner on-site Full dedicated business centre On request 3

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby) ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER: TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER: SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 68

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

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Profile Conferencing 2017

NEWLY TRANSFORMED

RED COW MORAN HOTEL The Red Cow Moran Hotel has undergone significant investment in recent years, further enhancing one of Ireland’s top event venues.

uilt from the ground up almost 20 years ago by renowned hotelier and businessman Tom Moran, the Red Cow Moran Hotel has been run by the Moran family ever since. What makes the Red Cow Moran Hotel stand out from the crowd is its customer care. As a family owned and operated business with over 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, the management team takes great personal pride in delivering a consistently high standard of service to its guests. The Red Cow Moran Hotel is recognised as a national and international landmark. Situated at the Red Cow intersection,

which is the gateway to Ireland’s provinces, it is one of Dublin’s most accessible and conveniently located 4-star hotels, making it the ideal base for business and leisure. Recently the Red Cow Moran Hotel started a new chapter in its illustrious career with a significant investment and a sophisticated new look, completing a seven storey extension and upgrade of its product and services. The 4-star hotel now boasts 275 executive style bedrooms, a choice of bars and restaurants including a brand new Link Lounge with coffee dock and wine bar, Tom’s Table Restaurant, a new fitness suite, courtyard garden and 21 unique event spaces.

VENUE OF CHOICE The hotel is superbly equipped to cater for a range of meetings and events, from smaller intimate brainstorms to larger events, gala

dinners and conferences. The facilities include two dedicated executive floors and a series of exceptionally comfortable meeting rooms with two innovative Think Tank spaces. One of which, the Ayrshire Suite, has a marvellous ping pong table as a centrepiece, surrounded by bespoke benches. The second, the Jersey Suite, has a floor to ceiling whiteboard with tiered upholstered seating and casual floor cushions – both novel and ingenious settings in which to get the creative juices flowing. The 14 new event spaces – each named after a different breed of cattle, such as Charolais, Angus, Dexter and Friesian – have high speed wireless internet access, screen sharing technology, large LCD screens of up to 97 inches, are fully air conditioned with natural daylight and have access to the hotel’s courtyard garden. Each meeting room has a single playful touch with just one cowhide chair, added in the same spirit of fun as the look-out cow facing in the opposite direction to the rest of the herd, as part of the cow display behind reception. The Red Cow Moran Hotel can cater for a wide array of meetings and events, including board meetings, training sessions, seminars, workshops, conventions, conferences, exhibitions and gala banquets. The hotel can facilitate up to 800 delegates in one space and, combined with 275 bedrooms, choice of areas for breakouts and servicing refreshments and ample on-site car parking, the venue is one of Dublin’s ideal meeting and event hotels, perfectly located for travelling delegates. Here at Red Cow Moran Hotel we have a fantastic events team. For further information, visit www.redcowmoranhotel. com and for booking enquiries contact Suzanne Mulvey directly on smulvey@moranhotels.com.

CONTACT

information

Red Cow_1C_CP_CONF.indd 69

SUZANNE MULVEY E: smulvey@moranhotels.com W: w ww.redcowmoranhotel.com

20/03/2017 16:01

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport

Druids Glen Hotel & Golf 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:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.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 2918 +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

Hugo’s Restaurant, 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 Barbara Dunne, +353 (0) 1 287 0809 barbara.dunne@druidsglenresort.com

200 conference style

3 3 3 On request

3 7 7 7

3 On request 3 (Executive Boardroom) 3 On request

3 3 On request 3 Complimentary Wifi On request

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

3 On request On request 3

On request On request On request 3

7 7 7 3

209 Touzai Restaurant

Cinnabar Red

External catering

Karen Bannon, +353 (0) 1 222 2925 Cityhall@dublincity.ie

22/03/2017 14:59

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Finnstown Castle Hotel

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

the gibson hotel

The Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel

Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Killiney, Co. Dublin

The Point Square, Dublin 1

Newlands Cross, Nass Road, Dublin 22

+353 (0) 1 601 0700 +353 (0) 1 628 1088 sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com

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

+353 (0) 1 681 5054 +353 (0) 1 681 5051 events@thegibsonhotel.ie

+353 (0) 1 4123700 +353 (0) 1 459 3406 info@greenislehotel.com

www.finnstowncastlehotel.com

www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

www.thegibsonhotel.ie

www.greenislehotel.com

4HHHH 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

coda eatery – looking for a taster? Head to coda eatery, where we let the ingredients speak for themselves hemidemisemiquaver bar – contemporary Asian landscaping meets neon. What’s not to love about it! Gym – 15 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, 24/7 access for residents and TVs on each piece of equipment Clontarf Golf Club

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

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

8 minute walk to The Convention Centre Dublin. It is also located beside the 3Arena and Aviva Dublin

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

Up to 300 9 meeting rooms Sales Team sales@finnstowncastlehotel.com

600 theatre style in Prince Regent Suite, 400 in Albert & Behan Suite 9 rooms in dedicated centre, 12 total Alicia Traynor, +353 (0) 1 230 5460 Alicia.Traynor@fitzpatricks.com

300 delegates and 6 break-out rooms 7 On-site assistance on request Grainne Coyle events1@thegibsonhotel.ie

750 delegates 3 Sales & Marketing Team

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request

3 3 7 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 3 Complimentary throughout 3

3 On request On request 3 On request 7

3 3 7 3 Free high speed Wi-Fi on site 3 Some service would be an additional cost

3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3

On request On request 7 3

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

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 71

Live music in the main bar from Thursday to Sunday Fully equipped gym, swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna and steam room Newlands Golf or Grange Castle golf course close by

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

The K Club

Killashee Hotel Spa & Leisure

The Killeshin Hotel & Leisure Club, Portlaoise

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:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 72

Straffan Co. Kildare

Killashee, Naas, Co. Kildare

Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

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

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

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

www.kclub.ie

www.killasheehotel.com

www.thekilleshin.com

5HHHHH 40 Minutes from Dublin city centre

140 Bedrooms

4HHHH 40mins from Dublin Airport, 40mins from Dublin City Centre, 2 km from Naas Town. Direct access to all motorways. 141 guest rooms and suites

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

The River Room Restaurant, Legends Restaurant and K Thai. Gala dining available in Legacy Suite for up to 320 The Vintage Crop Bar, Legends Bar & The Smurfit Bar

Gala dining for up to 600 delegates in Main Ballroom. 3 additional private dining rooms from 20-100 guests Main Restaurant, casual dining in the Bistro and a traditional Irish pub

Cedar Bistro and Cedar Bar

The K Spa, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Outdoor Hot-Tub, Tennis Courts Two Championship Golf Courses on site – Home to the Ryder Cup 2006 and the 2016 Irish Open Horse Riding, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Falconry, Bike rides, Kildare National Stud, Kildare Village Shopping

Full gym, 25m swimming pool, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, hair salon and hydro-therapy pool Numerous options close by

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

Ample space for team building on-site, walkways, gardens and off road driving centre.

Emo House & Gardens, Slievebloom Mountains

500 Theatre Style 3 Susie Hopkins-Burke sales@kclub.ie

Up to 600 delegates 3 Orla McCabe, +353 (0)45 879277 sales@killasheehotel.com

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

3 3 3 3 Natural daylight in all rooms

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3 On request Complimentary WIFI

3 3 On request 3 On request

3 3 On request 3

3 Limited, photocopying etc. 7 3

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

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Limerick Strand Hotel

Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa

Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Ennis Road, Limerick, Ireland

Lough Eske, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Paulstown Road, Kilkenny R95 F685

Malahide, Co. Dublin

+353 (0) 61 421800 +353 (0) 61 421866 events@strandlimerick.ie

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

+353 (0) 56 776 0088 +353 (0) 56 776 0089 events@lyrath.com

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

www.strandlimerick.ie

www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle/

www.lyrath.com

www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

4HHHH City centre, 20km from Shannon Airport, 10 minute walk from train station

5HHHHH Drive: 1 hour to City of Derry Airport, 1 hour 40 mins to Knock Airport, 2 hours to Belfast airports, 3 hours to Dublin Airport 96 guestrooms including 16 suites and a 2 bedroom Presidential Suite Cedar’s Restaurant and The Gallery Bar

5HHHHH One hour to Dublin Airport, 1.5 hours to Cork Airport, 30 minutes to Waterford Airport. Five minutes to train and bus 139 guestrooms with a collection of deluxe, executive rooms and suites La Perla and Yindees Pan Asian restaurants, Tuppers Bar, X Bar, The Wine Cellar, Conservatory and Coffee Dock Tuppers Bar & Terrace, The Wine Cellar, The X Bar

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

N/A

184 The River Restaurant and The Terrace Bar

Catering for up to 120 guests in gardens and 36 guests in Great Hall

The Terrace Bar

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

Energize Health Club, 20m pool, sauna, jacuzzi and fully equipped gym

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

17m swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, gymnasium, award winning Oasis Spa Gowran Golf Club, Kilkenny Golf Club and Callan Golf Club all nearby

2-600 3 3 +353 (0) 61 421800 events@strandlimerick.ie

400 theatre 3 Sinead McGowan, +353 (0) 74 974 3130 sinead.mcgowan@solishotels.com

1,500 theatre 3 Sylwia Staunton, +353 (0) 56 770 5852 events@lyrath.com

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

3 3 3 7 Stage, podium

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request Natural daylight in all meeting rooms

3 3 3 7

3 7 7 3 High speed 200Mb connection 7

3 3 3 3 3

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

3 3 7 3 7

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

3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3

7 7 7 3

Golf course 10km from the hotel

Located in the heart of Limerick city, walking distance to shopping district, King John’s Castle and Thomond Park stadium

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 73

Yes (outside catering company)

Nearby

Kilkenny Castle, Smithwicks Brewery Tour, Medieval Mile Museum, food and craft trails and much more

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Conference & Events Venue

The Mansion House

The Morgan Hotel

Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

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 Sales@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, 30 min from Kilkenny, 1 hr from Waterford, 3 hrs from Cork and 2 hrs from Belfast 143

Can cater for private dining events from 100 to 550 guests, including breakfast seminars, lunches and gala dinners 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. Private dining rooms also available Cocktail bar area, Snug Bar, Aaron Lounge and The Wolseley Bar in the golf club State-of-the-art leisure centre with fully equipped gymnasium

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. Hotel close to Rathwood and Altamont Gardens

650 theatre style 3 Jan Leonard, +353 (0)1 634 4628 Jan@mansionhouse.ie

70 On request Leonora McGovern meetings@themorgan.com

800 theatre style, 500 banquet style Part of the hotel Sheena McCanny, Resort Sales Manager sales@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

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:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 74

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

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel

Palmerstown House Estate

Pillo Hotel Ashbourne

Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Fenian Street, Dublin 2

Johnstown, Naas, 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 +353 (0) 45 906 922 events@palmerstownhouse.ie

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..ie

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 Ideally located 15 minutes from Dublin. Exit 8 off M7. Free car parking

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

Extensive bar menu served all day until 10pm

Manor House, Empery Bar & Bistro, Morrell Restaurant and Amato Suite. Private dining in the Morrell, Amato & High Chap suites Empery Bar & Bistro

Grill 21 Restaurant and Red Bar/Lounge

4HHHH Town centre, Beside train station, 2 minutes off M7, 45 min to Dublin, 1h 15min to Cork and Limerick, 1h 50min to Galway 115 newly renovated bedrooms and penthouse suites Newly renovated Kellys Steakhouse, Triog Restaurant, Charter Bar for carvery & bar food, private dining for 25-350 guests Charter Bar, Maryborough and O’More function suites

Off road driving, Archery, Clay pigeon shooting, Falconry, Team building facilities On site – 18 hole championship course

Modern gymnasium, 16m pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy area. Jule spa on site Ashbourne Golf Course is 5km away

Modern leisure club with beauty spa, full gymnasium, fitness suite, weights room, 22m pool, sauna, steam room & jacuzzi A wide choice of golf courses close to the hotel for all level golfers

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, Emo Court, Rock of Dunamaise, choice of gardens & heritage sites, Odeon Cinma, Kildare Village Outlet

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

250 3 Events events@palmerstownhouse.ie

Minium 2 pax, Maximum 650 pax 3 Francesca Fennell francesca@pillohotelashbourne.com

2-600 delegates, 13 meeting rooms 3 Sandra Brennan sbrennan@theheritagehotel.com 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 On request Built-in projectors/TVs in all meeting rooms

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 On request On request WiFi access throughout the hotel On request

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

3 3 On request 3 Conference centre on the ground floor

Bar

Fitness centre

Local golf courses within a 30-minute drive

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 75

Red Bar/Lounge and Karaoke Room

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

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:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 76

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow +353 (0) 1 274 8888 +353 (0) 1 274 9999 sales@powerscourthotel.com www.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 www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin

+353 (0) 1 668 0866 +353 (0) 1 660 4014 sales@rds.ie www.rds.ie

5HHHHH Located in picturesque Enniskerry village, 30 minutes from Dublin city, 40 minutes from Dublin Airport 194

4HHHH 5 minute walk to Grafton Street and Stephens Green. Only 12km from airport

Sika Restaurant, Sugarloaf Lounge & McGills traditional Irish pub

V’nV Restaurant opens for dinner from 18.00h – 21.30h

N/A Within walking distance of the city centre, serviced by local/national/airport bus routes. Close to Sandymount/Lansdowne DART The RDS Conference Village works in collaboration to provide over 1,500 bedrooms within walking distance 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 20-metre Swarovski Crytal-lit swimming pool. Two championship golf courses on the Estate Fishing, archery, 4x4 off roading, horse riding, Powerscourt House & Gardens, Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens

SURE bar serves lunch from 12 noon till 2.30pm, a full bar menu commences at 2.30pm until standard closing hours Complimentary access to Iveagh Fitness Club on Bride Rd with full gym and pool; less than 5-minute walk from the hotel Nearest golf club is 5km away

150

Yes

N/A

There are a number of champion golf courses a short distance from the RDS Close to city centre, Grafton Street, Sandymount Strand. The RDS is also home to Leinster Rugby and the Dublin Horse Show

450

Idealy located nestled between St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Christchurch. St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are only a short stroll away 400 pax

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

3 Philip Downes, +353 (0) 1 898 2904 philip.downes@radissonblu.com

12,000 delegate capacity; 10 conference/ exhibition halls, 15 breakout rooms 7 Katie Browne, +353 (0) 1 668 0866 KatieB@rds.ie

3 3 3 3 AV menu upon request

3 3 3 On request On-site AV partners; Avtek Solutions

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

3 3 On request 3 On request Complimentary Wifi

3 On request On request 3 On request Free indoor Wifi, superfast 4G

On request On request On request On request

On request 3 On request 3

3 3 On request 3

20/03/2017 12:42

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20/03/2017 16:41

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Residence

The River Lee

Royal Marine Hotel

Venue Directory ADDRESS:

41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Western Road, Cork

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

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

Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin A96 K063 +353 (0) 1 230 0030 +353 (0) 1 271 2511 events@royalmarine.ie

www.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 three bars and a variety of live music acts at the weekend

Weir Room 120-seater venue, Weir Room private dining 60 guests

Dún Restaurant, Bay Lounge and Hardy’s Bar

Bar on the Weir

Haryds Bar with live music on Saturday nights

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

N/A

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

The Pier Health Club and sansana SPA

GOLF COURSE: (on-site or nearby)

N/A

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, James Joyce Tower and more

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

110 delegates theatre 8 meeting rooms Janice Casey, +353 (0) 21 493 7723 janice_casey@doylecollection.com

750 3 Sales Office, +353 (0)1 271 2514 events@royalmarine.ie

3 3 3 3 Conference phone; iPads

On request 3 3 3 1 flip chart

3 3 3 3 1 flip chart

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 On request 3 On request

3 On request On request 3 On request

3 3 7 7

On request 3 On request 3

3 3 On request 3

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

ACTIVITIES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 78

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club

Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Thomond 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) 61 421 129 +353 (0) 61 421 100 events@thomondpark.ie

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

www.slieverussell.ie

www.sligoparkhotel.com

www.thomondpark.ie

www.tulfarrishotel.com

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

4HHHH 3.6km from Sligo Train Station and Sligo Bus Station, 51.8km from Ireland West Airport Knock 137

N/A Close to the M7, Limerick train station and Shannon Airport

4HHHH Follow the N81 past Blessington and turn left at Poulaphuca and left again into Tulfarris 80

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

Golf (Links courses), Adventure Sligo, Wild Atlantic Way for team building, watersports and beautiful scenery

Thomond Park Stadium & museum tour, King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, Bunratty Castle and The Bishop’s Palace

18 hole championship course set across 3 peninsulas of the Lakes plus driving range and short game facilities Team building, archery, hiking, kayaking. Russborough House & Punchestown Race Track 10 minutes drive

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

3 7 Sligo Park Hotel +353 (0) 71 919 0400

800 5 suites and 17 executive boxes Angela Foley, +353 (0) 61 421 129 angelafoley@thomondpark.ie

3 3 Christina Connolly sales@tulfarris.com

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

064_Conf Guide 2017_Directory_V2.indd 79

N/A

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

20/03/2017 12:42

Venue Directory Conferencing 2017

Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre

The Westbury

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

4HHHH 10 minutes drive from M4/Maynooth exit and the M7/Naas exit. 10 minutes drive to Sallins train station 96

N/A City Centre; close to public transport and public car parks

Wilde, Balfes, The Gallery, The Sidecar

Assaggio Restaurant & the Oak Bar private dining options also available

Balfes, The Sidecar

The Oak Bar - Live entertainment every Saturday night

A list of recommended caterers is available, or you may choose your own caterer N/A

Fitness Suite

N/A

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 and 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

3 3 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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205

N/A

Centrally located within walking distance of the city centre, the original City wall is in situ

3 7

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PREMIUM SERVICE, FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS • 16,500m2 of conference & event space • 29 flexible meeting rooms with advanced AV system

citywesthotel.com

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• 764 well appointed guest bedrooms • Free parking for 2,000+ • LUAS access to Dublin city centre

T: +353 1 401 0500 E: sales@citywesthotel.com

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Have you seen the newly transformed Red Cow Moran Hotel? Still the same excellent location & 4 star service…we just got bigger & better!

UNBEATABLE FACILITIES • • • • •

275 Executive Style Guestrooms 21 Spaces – capacity for up to 800 theatre 2 Think Tank Rooms Screen Sharing Technology Floor to ceiling white board

• • • • •

Tom’s Table Restaurant State of the art Fitness Suite High speed broadband LCD Screens (largest is 97inched wide) Ample car parking

T: 01 4593650 | E: info@moranhotels.com | Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin 22 YX80 www.redcowmoranhotel.com

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