Conferencing Guide 2016 by Ashville Media Group

CONFERENCING

2016

Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland CONFERENCING 2016 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND CONFERENCING 2015 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

Ireland’s Most Innovative Meeting Room

Think Inside the Circle

BOOK YOUR MEETING TODAY

1850 88 56 50 | EVENTS@CHCC .IE | WWW. C ASTLEKNOCKHOTEL.COM

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Unique Venues • Medical Conferences • Creating Connections • Event Trends for 2016 • Extensive Venue Directory •

Hallowed Turf

CROKE PARK 18/02/2016 14:41

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Aviva Stadium Aviva Stadium is the home of Irish Rugby and Irish Football. It is a place of gathering, it encapsulates the heartbeat of a nation and inspires great victories. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the essence of this that our team strive to instil in each meeting, incentive, conference and event and what sets us apart from our competitors.

Aviva Stadium has forged an indelible mark on the event landscape of Dublin city. In the six short years since opening we have not only played host to major international sporting ďŹ xtures and concerts but has become one of the most popular conference and events venues in the city, working with some of the largest brands in the world. We can host conferences for up to 800 people, gala dinners for up to 1140 people and world street food events for up to 3,600 people. Call us today to view our spectacular event spaces for your next event.

Call us 01 238 2388 Email: sales@avivastadiumevents.ie #LoveAvivaME

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Contents Conferencing 2016

CONTENTS 12

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.

13 04 ON THE MONEY

Develop an accurate budget and secure sufficient funding.

05 A-Z OF CONFERENCING

Check out our list of conferencing tips before you begin organising your event.

09 SPREAD THE WORD

A six-month plan to successfully market your conference.

12 13

CAPITALISE ON COMMUNICATION Conferencing 2016 brings you the best in post-conference communication tactics.

BANISH THE BOREDOM The success or failure of any event can tilt on your choice of venue.

17 19 MANAGING FOR MEDICAL CONFERENCE LAYOUT

Making the most of your venue.

Organising a medical conference, particularly if it’s outside your area of expertise, can be a daunting task.

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23 TAKE A BREAK

44 BUILDING CONNECTIONS

26 IDENTITY PARADE

47 THE LIGHTER SIDE

28 SAFETY FIRST

49 TECHNOLOGY

31 A LASTING IMPRESSION

55 TRACKING THE TRENDS

If you’d like to liven your meetings up and provide a more enjoyable experience, we’ve got a few tips for you.

Conferencing 2016 explores the various methods of expanding corporate identities throughout a conference.

We look at some of the big issues in health and safety for events.

Use these steps to get your conference to the premium standard.

STORY: CONGREGATION 34 COVER NATION

Orla Connolly speaks to CongRegation founder Eoin Kennedy about a conference with a difference.

41CANNABIS CONFERENCE

Cannabis conferences are booming in the United States, with one or two rising in popularity on European soil.

Useful for smaller conferences and meetings in particular, we pick out a number of interesting team building activities.

Conferencing 2016 brings you inspiring and fun ways to keep your delegates intrigued and make your conference a talking point.

A round-up of the best and brightest tools available to the events industry across the world.

Conferencing 2016 looks at several trends predicted for the global event management sector this year.

56 EXCELLENCE AT ASHVILLE

We catch up with the events team at Ashville Media Group, and discover more about their approach to a variety of events.

58 EVENTS

Some interesting events taking place across the island in 2016.

19/02/2016 14:14

Editor’s Letter Conferencing 2016

CONFERENCING 2016 EDITOR Conor Forrest CONTRIBUTORS Orla Connolly, Chris O’Riordan DESIGN Jennifer Reid ADVERT DESIGN Jennifer Reid Alan McArthur EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER Mary Connaughton 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 2016. 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. © 2016

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to Conferencing 2016, your definitive guide to all matters relating to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland. As always, our latest edition is packed full of top tips, best practice and new ideas for events and conferences of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got tips on how you can deploy an effective communications strategy, advice on making the most of your chosen venue, as well as an A-Z of all things conferencing. We also take a look at various methods of expanding corporate identities throughout a conference, and nine steps you can take to bring your event to the next level. In our cover story, Orla Connolly spoke to Eoin Kennedy about CongRegation, a technology ‘unconference’ in the west of Ireland that is gaining traction each year. Kennedy explains the guiding principles of CongRegation, the benefits of a unique location, and how this meeting of minds is sparking fresh ideas in a small village in Mayo. Technology continues to play an important role in event management, with new applications and devices being developed every week, it would seem. We take a look at the most recent innovations including emotion analysis, live displays and social media event management. We’ve also got some advice on how to manage a medical conference, several interesting ideas for meeting breaks and team building activities, the latest trends within the events industry and a look at some of Ireland’s most unique venues. Finally, our comprehensive Venue Directory provides detailed listings covering contact information, rating, location and all relevant facilities for all of the top event locations around Ireland, making it easier for you to find the best solution to meet all of your accommodation, leisure and conference needs. I hope you enjoy Conferencing 2016 and find something useful within these pages to help make your conference a success.

CONFERENCING

2016

Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

Unique Venues • Medical Conferences • Creating Connections • Event Trends for 2016 • Extensive Venue Directory •

Conor Forrest Editor

Hallowed Turf

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Cover credit: Croke Park/Donal Murphy Photography

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EXTRAORDINARY AWAITS. More than a stadium, Croke Park is Ireland’s greatest amphitheatre. This truly is the beating heart of Irish sport and culture. It’s this living legacy that makes us one of the world’s most unique and versatile venues to bring people together to inspire and entertain. At Croke Park, no two events are alike. We have over 5000 square metres of flexible space and offer more unique amenities and time out options than any other. We excel at customising our spaces to meet your needs. Plus we’re ideally located just 15 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the city centre. With our dedicated events team, everything is possible. We’re ready when you are.

crokepark.ie #CrokeParkLMTB

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16/02/2016 16:46

Money Matters Conferencing 2016

On the

MONEY T

he challenge for any conference

Developing an accurate budget and securing sufficient funding is one of the key steps in ensuring your event is a success.

Lessons learned – Before the event,

organiser, particularly for those

summarise your projected expenses.

working with limited means, is to

When the dust settles, make a tally of

plan and execute a successful event while

your actual spend, and you might spot

keeping within the boundaries of their

some areas which could require extra

budget. In order to do so, it’s vital that

attention during your next endeavour.

you know how much you have to spend – incorporating venue hire, expected

SUPPORT

attendance, and other fixed or variable

Seeking financial support? If you’re

costs (see our information panel).

bringing an international conference

Packages – If you can get a host of

to Ireland, you could qualify for Meet

services for a fixed price, that will go a

in Ireland’s financial support scheme –

long way in helping your budget. Keep

including documents and presentations

an eye out for packages that include

during the bid process, international

accommodation, meals, transport to

travel when bidding, and a marketing

and from the venue/hotel, and perhaps

fund to promote your conference on

a leisure activity or some form of

the global stage.

entertainment. From the time a guest

The Meet in Ireland

arrives until they depart, they should be

team can also assist

provided with outstanding hospitality,

with presentation

discreetly and effectively. Make sure there

toolkits, VAT reclaim

aren’t any hidden or obfuscated costs.

information, venue

Public transport – Hosting a conference in a city centre location can also keep

sourcing and more. Remember – if you

costs down for your attendees through

can control your costs,

inexpensive public transport, and could

and manage to keep

prove attractive for attendees who like to

a sharp eye on your

explore the local area.

finances, you can

Sharing the burden – Determine which

ensure a successful

expenses will be assumed by the client or

event that is within

sponsor, and by attendees.

your budget.

004_Conferencing2015_OntheMoney.indd 6

DON’T FORGET to have a contingency plan in place. If something does go wrong, a sponsor pulls out or an advertising deal falls through, or you realise that you need an expensive piece of equipment the day before your event, make sure you’ve got an emergency fund for the unexpected.

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

16/02/2016 12:43

A-Z of Conferencing Conferencing 2016

AOF

A ACCESSIBILITY When choosing a venue for a conference, it is important to make sure that it is fully accessible to all, including those with physical disabilities. Making an event accessible becomes an easier task if you begin planning with this in mind, and continue to do so throughout the process, rather than leaving accessibility measures until last.

B BUDGET One of the first things you’ll need to do is establish your budget. Costs to work out include venue and equipment hire, speaker costs (including fees, travel and accommodation), catering, PR, additional staff and any other materials you might need.

CONNECTIONS

DELEGATE

Many conference attendees take time out of their schedules to both learn something new or catch up on advancements within their particular field, and to take advantage of the opportunity to network. Your agenda should reflect this – add a number of networking opportunities from small breakout meetings to after dinner drinks and other social events. If you want to go down the technological route, Blendology offers digital badges featuring tap to connect technology – delegates simply tap their badges against others, with their details swapped instantaneously.

Putting a conference together is a tough task, and a second pair of eyes is always welcome. For organisations seeking to put on an event, it can be very useful to hire an event manager to make sure that everything is planned for, avoiding as many issues as possible! A number of agencies offer this service in Ireland.

G GIFTS We all like freebies – even if it’s just a branded pen or USB memory drive. If your budget allows for it, keep an eye out for something useful for your delegates, particularly something you know they’ll want to bring home and use in future.

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I INNOVATION Making your event a memorable one should be a top priority. If this means pushing the boat out a little, then do so. Team building activities and entertainment can prove very popular with delegates, as are goodies bags, both at the beginning and the end of your event.

CONFERENCING

Check out our list of conferencing tips before you begin organising your event.

E EMERGENCY FUNDS When you’re putting your budget together, it’s always a good idea to allow around ten per cent for those inevitable last-minute purchases – as Murphy’s Law says, what can go wrong will go wrong!

J JOURNEYS Transportation is a key concern for many delegates, particularly for those travelling from abroad in an unknown area. Whether it’s buses, taxis or flights, make sure you’ve got everything organised on their behalf – there’s nothing worse than people hanging around your venue, unsure of where to go.

F FOOD Make sure to sample what will be on offer to your guests, particularly if your venue is offering catering as part of the package. If something doesn’t taste right, it’s better to find out yourself rather than from disgruntled delegates on the day! It’ll also give you the chance to hire your own caterers.

K KEYNOTE SPEAKER The right keynote speaker can often set the tone for your event and, if they’re well known, could increase your attendance figures. In Ireland, Personally Speaking Ltd speakers’ bureau is a good place to start your search, with recognisable names including Bob Geldof, Matt Cooper and David McWilliams.

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A-Z of Conferencing Conferencing 2016

LATECOMERS

MARKETING

No matter how effectively you’ve organised your conference, Murphy’s Law becomes a reality and there are sure to be hiccups, particularly when you are relying on people to arrive on time. You should organise the whole event to run slightly behind schedule. This will, in effect, counteract any unexpected delays to proceedings.

There’s no point in holding an event if you can’t get the word out! Create an event website and make use of social media pages, make use of blog posts using the latest in SEO advice and make sure your audience is as wide as possible. Don’t forget to keep in touch with the media, particularly national newspapers, which can also be quite useful in promoting your event, both before and after.

N NAME TAGS Name tags are one of the key components of any conference. These allow delegates to introduce themselves and recognise members of staff working at the event, should there be any problems.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

SOCIAL MEDIA

TECHNOLOGY

If guests are able to register for your conference online, it will make a massive difference to your event. Firstly this gives you, the organiser, a much better idea of numbers, as well as the specific individual needs of your guests. Secondly, online registration will reduce the time associated with queueing to register, thus creating a much more enjoyable experience. It would be quite embarrassing if the most memorable part of the conference was the length of the queue!

It is a must to have a professional photographer at your event, not only so you can produce highquality images for the press, but also to create a gallery for the event on your website for delegates to download afterwards if they wish to do so. However, be sure to provide your photographer with a list of images that you believe best represent your event. Also, make sure that you have the correct labels under images.

An important method of spreading the word about your event and updating delegates on programme, speaker and other details. Facebook and Twitter pages should be the minimum in 2016, but you can also take advantage of LinkedIn, Snapchat, Instagram and others. Consider giving away free tickets on Facebook or Twitter to generate some online buzz for your event.

Most event venues will have all necessary equipment and technology from high speed Wi-Fi to AV requirements. Be sure to check this with your venue as soon as possible – if something you need is missing from their list, you don’t want to discover this a day or two before your event is due to begin.

USEFUL INFORMATION

VERIFY

WELCOME

X MARKS THE SPOT

Distribute a fact sheet to all delegates on the first day of your conference with all essential information. There should also be an information desk, in case there are any major queries or confusion among delegates.

Ensure that you have double checked all of your arrangements. It’s a great idea to make lists – and check them twice – to make sure that all of your requirements have been fulfilled.

Welcomes always leave lasting impressions, so be sure that all of your delegates are taken care of from the moment they arrive. Have a reliable member of staff on the help desk, and have a space where coats, bags and luggage can be left in safe hands. Don’t forget to bring extra copies of all materials, including the agenda, dining and accommodation options.

Conferences can sometimes be a little difficult to navigate, particularly in large venues with a big crowd. Make sure you have made easy-to-read maps for your event which delegates can download or pick up at the registration desk.

Z Zzzz Organising an event can be quite the ordeal, but try not to make it a tiresome occasion for your delegates. Ensure that you have allocated plenty of time to relax between events and talks, and allow yourself a few moments to catch your breath!

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16/02/2016 11:33

Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Away...

Yet on Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Doorstep At the five-star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, nature and luxury meet to create a memorable event. Nestled in 400 acres of countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, yet only thirty minutes from Dublin.

145 guestrooms 8 meeting & event suites Natural daylight & stunning views Two championship golf courses Druids Acres for Outdoor Team-Building Activities Complimentary WiFi

www.druidsglenresort.com | T +353 1 287 0809 | E sales@druidsglenresort.com | Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow

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For further details or to arrange to visit the venue, contact us on; T: 01 222 2204 | E: cityhall@dublincity.ie W: www.dublincityhall.ie

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18/02/2016 15:03

Spread the Word Conferencing 2016

SPREAD

the Word

HAVE A GREEN CONFERENCE

Conferencing 2016 puts together a six-month plan to successfully market your conference.

Create a digital version of your conference brochure and send by email. Soft copy marketing materials are much more eco-friendly.

n order to develop a successful

When creating your conference’s

out to other areas?

conference marketing strategy,

marketing strategy, research the

Issues such as this

organisers should begin by looking

relevant sector and ensure that your

will impact on the

at the conference objectives. What do

conference content is competitive

marketing strategy.

you want to achieve? How will you

and cutting-edge. Determine the

You must ensure

benchmark/measure your achievement?

conference’s unique selling point and

that the resources

Are you attempting too much? Do you

build this into the marketing strapline.

are available to market to a wide

have sufficient resources? What is the

Terminology such as ‘the best...’ or

pool of potential delegates.

timeline for achieving your objective?

‘leading company in...’ is effective

COMMON PITFALLS Marketing fails when the target audience

in drawing potential delegates so

TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE

be sure to research these options.

Once you have established a viable

When determining the attendance

target audience, begin by splitting

isn’t considered when developing

goals, think about demographic

this large group into bite-sized

the marketing plan. Social, cultural,

factors. For example, if you’re hosting

pieces, brainstorming marketing

technological, physical, economical,

a conference for dance instructors,

avenues to reach each segment. You

political, legal, competitive and

are there enough dance schools in

may initially establish that you are

demographic factors all come into play.

the region or do you need to reach

targeting ‘bankers’, which can be

009_Conferencing2016_SpreadtheWord.indd 9

16/02/2016 12:42

Spread the Word Conferencing 2016

NOTE For best results, communicate in a personal and relevant way as opposed to a generalised mass mailing.

broken down into CEOs, directors, managers, etc. Segmenting by sector makes your audience more specific, i.e. investment bankers, futures traders, venture capitalists and

so on. Marketing efforts can then be tailored to fit these smaller audiences. Though it may seem like a daunting task, the return on investment is significantly higher when marketing efforts are communicated in a personal and relevant way as opposed

MARKETING TACTICS LIST IT

Build up lists for your marketing efforts. Consider websites, industry publications, internet directories, industry-related annual reports, trade associations, literature from competitors’ events, press releases and newspapers.

STAY IN TOUCH

Keep track of each delegate’s preferred method of communication. Does he or she prefer post mailing or emailing? Calls to mobile, home or office? If an email bounces, pick up the phone!

MAIL MAGIC

Grab attention by highlighting the benefits of attending your conference. A simple ‘P.S., don’t forget to register in time to receive a discount on your conference registration fee,’ is an effective way to get the call to action across. Bespoke mailing geared towards a specific audience will get your message through effectively. Marketers say the response rate for new dimensional mailings is in the region of 25-50 per cent.

to a generalised mass mailing. Additionally, think about stakeholder interests, competitor campaigns and internal factors such as experience or resources. Stakeholders, such as board members, can offer valuable insight into marketing strategies. For instance, if a stakeholder is a well-known figure within a target audience segment, he/she can personalise marketing letters for this group. Check out competitor campaigns in order to ascertain that your approach is fresh and original. Internal factors and resources, such as having won an award, can also be helpful marketing tools.

FINAL STEPS Begin drafting your conference marketing plan by refining your objectives. Refer to your initial objective – what did you plan to achieve? A typical conference objective might be to raise awareness among delegates and position the company as a market leader. Working from this, you can develop more specific conference objectives (e.g. gain 50 new members). Conference objectives are essential for guiding the development of the

ONLINE PROMOTION

Set up a conference website that is easily navigated with a high level of consistency to attract a high level of readership. Promote your website online through search engine optimisation and offline in your promotional materials.

009_Conferencing2016_SpreadtheWord.indd 10

marketing plan. Marketing strategies vary by sector, size and specification and, while there isn’t a specific formula for success, a key rule to remember is to keep all communications personal and relevant and use your marketing

SIX-MONTH PLAN IDEALLY, CONFERENCE ORGANISERS NEED TO ALLOCATE SIX MONTHS TO MARKET A CONFERENCE. HERE’S HOW TO SPEND THIS TIME WISELY! MONTH 1

Drawing on your target audience research, develop a marketing strapline to get attention. Launch an email campaign covering the basics (the conference date, time, location and objectives) and use the strapline. If delegates who have previously attended the conference will be targeted, personalise their email by saying, “We will hope to see you again this year!”

MONTHS 2 AND 3

Begin to develop the conference brochure. Secure a full schedule of speakers and include their information in the brochure. Towards the end of the third month, send out promotional postcards repeating the information from the promotional campaign but with added detail. Include registration time, conference closing time, venue information, session topics and speakers’ names. Use colours, fonts and images that will be reflected in the brochure and remember to personalise the messages for your target audience(s) wherever possible.

MONTH 4

Follow up the postcard mail-out with phone calls to drive attendance. By tracking these calls you can update contact details in your database to improve your delegate records. Complete design and production on the conference brochure, including a complete schedule for the event. Draft a marketing letter tailored to each segment to send out with the brochure.

MONTH 5

Send the conference brochure. Follow up the brochure with phone calls to continue to drive attendance.

MONTH 6

Execute further marketing efforts in the immediate lead-up to the conference. Continue with follow-ups via telephone and email. Begin developing on-site conferencing materials and signage and consistent branding.

plan in order to stay on track.

18/02/2016 17:47

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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16/02/2016 16:59

Communication Tactics Conferencing 2016

announcement lists, discussion groups

CAPITALISE ON

COMMUNICATION

and conferences. For an Irish online newsletter provider, try Send.ie.

ACTION PLANS To inspire delegates to commit to ‘doing the work’ once they’ve left the conference environment, have them complete an action plan stating where they are now and where they would like to be in six weeks, three months and a year. In discussion groups, encourage them to brainstorm steps to achieve their goals and develop a system for benchmarking progress. Then, email each delegate a copy of his/her action plan at the halfway point to their end goal, along with an encouraging message.

For annual and bi-annual conferences, it falls to the organiser to engage delegates in the intervening months. Conferencing 2016 brings you the best in post-conference communication tactics to maximise the impact of your conference and get your money’s worth.

CONFERENCE WEBSITES

PHOTOGRAPHY

Set up a conference website to help

Snapshots of your conference can

delegates maximise networking

be used in future brochures and

opportunities. In the lead up to the

promotional materials. You can also

event, post travel information, hotel

upload them on the conference website,

details, conference schedules and

or photo-sharing sites such as Flickr.

pre-conference materials. Following

Give your photographer a list of all the

the conference, make presentations

key moments to be captured, such as

and conference material available

the CEO shaking the keynote speaker’s

for download, while you should also

hand.

consider an online forum to allow delegate discussion before and after.

FEEDBACK SURVEY

MEDIA COVERAGE When trying to secure media coverage for your conference, be sure to do your

Surveys can demonstrate how

research and make sure that other

conference organisers add value, and

major events aren’t overlapping with

how the conference and its material

yours. There are a number of marketing

has impacted delegates. Develop

techniques you can employ to maximise

feedback survey questions including a

coverage throughout the event, such

review of logistics, from pre-conference

as organising photocalls, writing press

communications to on-site delivery,

releases with teaser-research titbits and

catering and facilities. Ask your

booking high-profile, celebrity speakers.

delegates to comment on each of the speakers. You can do this via a hard-

MAILING LISTS

copy survey or try an online survey

Make sure you have an up to date

creator such as www.surveymonkey.com.

mailing list for online newsletters,

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TIPS ON YOUR COMMUNICATIONS • Make sure your website is password protected if you will be uploading confidential material. • For annual conferences, compile delegate responses into a spreadsheet so that feedback can be easily tracked and presented to stakeholders at the conference debrief. • Remember to let speakers and delegates know that photographs will be taken at the event and ask them to sign a general release at the registration desk. • If you plan on sending photos out to news desks or online news services, have a member of the event management team accompany the photographer, taking down photographed delegates’ names and organisations. This will ensure no mistakes will be made when photos are published elsewhere. • When sending out pre-conference registration mailings and post-conference feedback, send via Listserv and hard copy mailing to ensure you reach all delegates. • To take action plans a step further, have delegates find a colleague and set a date to speak on the phone and discuss one another’s progress.

18/02/2016 17:51

Unique Venues Conferencing 2016

BANISH THE

BOREDOM Looking for a venue with a difference? Orla Connolly picks out some of the more unusual conference and meeting locations around the country.

on the sixth floor of the stadium, overlooking the historical pitch. The newest addition to the suites includes the premium All-Star Suites which are installed with a fully integrated AV system and can host from 30-90 delegates comfortably.

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE This unique venue is situated close to both train and Luas stations, which makes the Guinness Storehouse’s accessibility on par with its historical

Croke Park stadium is widely considered as the heart of sport and

a better location that will leave them

tasked with assembling a memorable

culture in Ireland. It’s located just ten

in utter amazement. Take your

conference or corporate retreat this

minutes from Dublin Airport and a

delegates on a tour through the many

year, remember, the stagnant boredom

convenient five minutes from they city

levels of this celebrated building and

of the monotone boardroom will only

centre. In your spare time you can

they’ll get a glimpse of a fascinating

generate an equally stale mood with

visit the famed GAA museum or tour

chapter in Irish history. When you’re

your audience. Don’t be afraid to get

the Etihad Skyline rooftop before you

finished exploring the mysteries of

creative with your conference and take

take your rest at the four star luxury

this legendary stout, the conference

advantage of the diverse environment

hotel located on site. All 90 meeting

centre at the Guinness Storehouse

Ireland has to offer.

and conference rooms are located

won’t fail to impress, boasting ten

he success or failure of any

A DAY FOR THE PARK

event can tilt on your choice

attendees, you’ll find it hard to find

of venue. If you’ve been

013_Conferencing2016_UniqueVenues.indd 13

reverence. If you’re attracting foreign

16/02/2016 11:42

Unique Venues Conferencing 2016

Previous page: Guinness Storehouse. Photo: Kevin Dunne Photography. Clockwise from left: Christchurch Cathedral, Photo: Liam Donnelly; No 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Photo: James Fennell; Guinness Storehouse, Photo: Enda Cavanagh Photography

fully serviced conference suites

THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

to accommodate the needs of any

that can accommodate from 40-300

Located between Fitzwilliam Square

party or corporate event. The former

guests, complimentary Wi-Fi, along

and The National Concert Hall, No.

university campus, once considered

with photocopying, fax service and

25 Fitzwilliam Place is the pinnacle of

home by historical figures such as

complimentary car parking.

elegance in Dublin City. If you want

James Joyce during his studies, attracts

a venue that commands discretion

audiences in their thousands each year.

TAKE THEM TO CHURCH

with an air of Victorian sophistication

The Carolan Room, typically used for

Indulge in a Gothic dining

then No 25 will provide you with the

corporate meetings, can accommodate

experience in the oldest working

location and quality services required

from 22 to 100 people depending on

structure in Ireland’s capital,

to impress any client or business

the seating style. This venue is fully

Christchurch Cathedral. Founded

associate. Each of their five corporate

equipped with AV equipment, an on-

in 1030 and rebuilt in 1172,

spaces are styled in Victorian décor

site technician, parking and natural

predominantly under the watchful

and can accommodate 10 to 80 people

daylight for all conference rooms.

eye of Norman Baron, the Earl

comfortably, making this venue ideal

of Pembroke (also known as

for intimate conferences or controlled

LOW TECH, HIGH QUALITY

Strongbow), the surrounding ruins

networking events. The facilities

Located close to Lough Ennell in

and crypt of Strongbow and his

provided include complimentary

Westmeath, Mount Druid is the

supposed relations will certainly

Wi-Fi, visual aids, microphones and

pioneer site for Boutique Camping,

make any event hosted here one to

controlled lighting.

perfectly designed for any corporate

remember. This location offers three

retreat wanting to reconnect with

different venues for business tourism

THE SOUND OF SUCCESS

and can hold from 120 to 200

Typically host to large concerts

This unusual tech-light location will

guests depending on your dining

or small operas, the National

easily make for a memorable event.

requirements.

Concert Hall is adept at adjusting

The flair of rustic charm this site

013_Conferencing2016_UniqueVenues.indd 14

nature – minus the rough stuff.

18/02/2016 09:40

Unique Venues Conferencing 2016

exudes extends to the picturesque

to your own party. Experienced in

as though it belongs in the pages of

accommodation, which includes

dealing with the needs of corporate

a Jane Austen novel and was once

a selection of cottages, yurts and

clients, their staff will ensure that

home to the prominent Coote family.

shepherd huts. The parkland

every transaction and discussion

This rather opulent venue was

atmosphere will allow your conference

is handled with competence and

group to distance themselves from

discretion. With a speciality in

Richard and William Morrison. After

outside distractions and focus on

corporate events, this isolated

being used as a school for several

the business at hand. Instead of

establishment will allow you to deviate

years following the departure of

a traditional conference centre,

from the often stale boardroom

the Coote family, the establishment

Boutique Camping’s skilled staff

environment. Ballinacurra House

re-opened in 2011 as a five star

will provide full catering services in

pride themselves on their ability

luxury location. With only 20 rooms

a renovated tin barn. The grounds

to accommodate the needs of their

on a 614-acre estate, this retreat is

themselves offer an abundance of

clients and offer a bespoke service

devoted to intimate but high-powered

team building exercises and activities

for each event they host. Services

conferences. While every furnishing

to entertain and delight during free

provided include flexible breakfast,

and detail of the rich décor impresses

hours away from the rat race.

lunch and dinner times to suit the

with traditional decadence, this

timetable of your conference, along

location is tagged as a modern

with Wi-Fi access and projector

corporate location fully equipped

capabilities for presentations.

with all contemporary amenities and

PRIVATE PARADISE When you arrive at Ballinacurra House, Kinsale, you’ll discover a

capabilities. The location can service

simple motto – privacy is paramount.

STEP INTO THE PAST

While other venues pose the risk of

Built in the 1820s, Ballyfin is a lavish

and strategy conferences to hosting

running into business rivals, at this

Edwardian mansion located in Co

potential clients and celebratory

location the grounds will be exclusive

Laois. The estate is often described

parties.

every need from board meetings

Clockwise from left: Croke Park All-Star suites, Photo: Croke Park/Donal Murphy Photography; Inside the Guinness experience, Photo: Enda Cavanagh Photography; National Concert Hall, Photo: National Concert Hall.

013_Conferencing2016_UniqueVenues.indd 15

18/02/2016 09:41

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

AN EXPERIENCE

AT CITYWEST Citywest Hotel is Ireland’s most experienced conference and event venue.

natural daylight, and an advanced AV system with projector, screen and touch panel controls.

EXHIBITIONS: Our exhibition facilities are second to none, in terms of location, scale and service. Complementing these are 27 breakout rooms with capacity for 5-2,000 delegates, all with easy, on-site access to

niquely located at the hub

such as the GMB Trade Union Congress,

the exhibition areas. All exhibition and

of the country’s motorway

Amnesty International and IPPN, to

stage areas allow HGV access, for swift

network, just 30 minutes

name a few. We offer market leading

and easy load in and load out.

from both Dublin Airport and the City

Wi-Fi of speeds up to 1GB upload and

Centre, the Citywest Hotel’s conference

1GB download for up to 28,000 users

ACCESS & TRANSPORT:

and exhibition facilities are adjacent

simultaneously and 2,500 free car and

Citywest Hotel offers unrivalled access

to the hotel’s 774 spacious bedrooms,

coach parking spaces.

to all corners of Ireland and is located

leisure centre and choice of restaurants.

SMALL MEETINGS:

just 25 minutes from Dublin Airport. Its unique location puts you 30 minutes

CONFERENCES:

Our 27 meeting rooms offer an

from the city centre, by car, or Luas from

Our range of conference spaces can

unrivalled choice of room size and

just outside the hotel.

accommodate everything from intimate

capacity for workshops, board meetings,

gatherings of 50 up to conferences of

brainstorming sessions, interviews and

4,100 delegates. In 2015, we were proud

more! Ranging in size from 25 m2 to

to play host to international conferences

2000 m2, our meeting rooms have

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

T: +353 (0) 1 401 0518 E: events@citywesthotel.com W: www.citywesthotel.com

Citywest Hotel Ireland’s Longest Established Conference & Event Venue • Conference Space for up to 4,100 delegates • • 26 Breakout Rooms with state-of-the-art AV System • • 8 Plenary Rooms with capacity for up to 500 people • • 774 Guest Bedrooms & Suites • • Market Leading Wi-Fi for up to 28,000 consecutive users • • 2,500 Free Car Parking Spaces • • 30 minutes from Dublin Airport & City Centre • Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin E: sales@citywesthotel.com | T: 01 401 0500

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Citywest_2L_CP_CONF.indd 16

LUAS access direct to City Centre 25/01/2016 12:32

16/02/2016 17:36

Conference Layout Conferencing 2016

MAKING THE MOST Conference organisers are tasked with creating an environment which will allow delegates to maximise their experience. A practical and comfortable setting with a carefully chosen layout is an important factor to the success of a conference, and there are six key formats to consider.

2 BANQUET STYLE

THEATRE STYLE A set-up consisting of chairs facing the front of the room, theatre style is an ideal layout for conferences consisting mainly of short plenary sessions with breakout sessions throughout the day. It is particularly conducive to large groups as you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to allow space for tables.

017_Conferencing2016_Layout.indd 17

Banquet style consists of round tables of eight to ten delegates evenly dispersed throughout the room, and is used for group events such as dinners, galas and activity-based plenary sessions. When utilising this layout for an awards ceremony or a meal, be mindful to leave spacious aisles to accommodate the traffic. A banquet style set-up with less than 40 delegates can feel empty, especially if the room is large. A boardroom style or hollow square style may be more appropriate in this instance.

16/02/2016 12:30

Conference Layout Conferencing 2016

3 CLASSROOM STYLE The perfect choice when note-taking is required, classroom style seats delegates on one side of a table facing the front of the room. Microphones can be placed on these tables at larger conferences where speakers are expected to engage with the audience. Lecture chairs can be used to provide a classroom layout where space is limited. Blocked sight lines can be an issue for delegates seated at the back of this arrangement. Combat this by using platforms to create stadium style seating, or by placing TV screens around the room.

5 HOLLOW SQUARE This layout is created by arranging six to eight-foot trestle tables in a square. Chairs are placed around the outside of the tables with the centre of the square remaining open. The space created between the delegates allows for a more formal approach to the boardroom style.

BOARDROOM STYLE A boardroom layout, where delegates are seated around a square or round table facing one another, is just right for facilitating conversation and creating an intimate setting. Typically used for smaller meetings, this format can also be used for break-out sessions to break up the monotony of the main plenary room.

CRESCENT ROUND In this set-up, delegatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chairs are arranged in a semi-circle for working lunches or presentations. If you are hosting a long session in this layout, you may want to consider lecture chairs so that delegates are not taking notes on their laps. Ideal for 20 to 25 delegates and for larger groups you can create crescent rows.

017_Conferencing2016_Layout.indd 18

16/02/2016 12:30

Medical Conference Conferencing 2016

MANAGING FOR

MEDICAL Organising a medical conference, particularly if it’s outside your area of expertise, can be a daunting task. We’ve got some useful tips to get you started.

ufficient planning and

Consider hosting a guest session –

preparation, as with any

inviting a guest organisation to present

conference, is the key to

on a topic related to, but not necessarily

your success. Develop a

based entirely on, the relevant medical

budget based on all financial means

field will provide your delegates with

available to you, and from this you’ll

broader viewpoints and could foster

be able to determine what you can and

scientific networking.

cannot include on the day(s). Choose

A keynote speaker within the

your date and location very carefully

relevant field should also be chosen,

(this applies for all conferences). Do

alongside invited speakers and

some research online or check with

session chairs. Organisations such as

colleagues working across the industry

the Global Speakers Bureau or the

to see if any major events are being

London Speaker Bureau are a good

held on your proposed date.

start, but you should also get in touch

STRUCTURE

with Irish third level institutions, or groups including the Irish Medical

When determining the structure of

Organisation, the Irish Medical

your conference, strive to achieve a

Devices Association or the Institute of

good balance between educational

Public Health in Ireland. Make sure

viewpoints and the presentation of new

that your speakers come from a wide

ideas or strides within the field. This

variety of backgrounds and levels of

could include a paper presentation in

experience – this will result in a much

your venue’s main room, accompanied

more interesting experience for your

by smaller seminar-style meetings

delegates. And, with a strong speaker

in other locations across the facility.

list in place, sponsors may be more

019_Conferencing2016_Medical.indd 19

FINANCIAL SUPPORT If you’re struggling in terms of your budget (and you’re involved in bringing an international conference to Irish shores), you might qualify for MEET IN IRELAND’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT SCHEME for conferences. Those who meet the requirements could receive funding or partfunding to develop documents and attractive presentations during the bidding process, international travel when bidding, and for marketing to boost attendance and promote your event on a global scale. You could also qualify for funding to invite up to three site inspectors to Ireland (travel and accommodation costs), while Meet in Ireland also provides supports in the areas of welcome receptions, entertainment, presentation toolkits, sourcing of venues and more.

16/02/2016 12:32

Medical Conference Conferencing 2016

willing to come on board. An interesting addition to any

your event could be used as part of continuous professional development

find something to suit your needs. Belfast Waterfront, Belfast – If you’re

medical conference is that of free paper

with the relevant accreditation bodies.

hosting a conference in Northern

sessions. For example, the upcoming

Be aware, however, that if successful

Ireland, Belfast’s Waterfront centre is

European Wound Management

you will have to meet a number of

well worth a look. Facilities include a

Association conference, held in Bremen,

conditions, such as the provision

main auditorium that can hold between

Germany, will feature free paper

of delegate registers, or attendance

380 to 2,223 people, 14 meeting rooms

sessions involving several speakers

certificates.

and exhibition facilities.

presenting their abstract, which is then

Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway –

followed by questions from the floor

LOCATION

Located on NUI Galway’s 260-acre

and time for discussions. Speakers are

Location is key – too small and your

campus, Bailey Allen Hall is a five

provided with a topic, and abstracts

delegates won’t be able to take full

minute walk from the city centre, with

(in this case) are first reviewed by the

advantage, too big and you’ll have

seating for over 1,000 delegates theatre-

Association’s scientific committee.

unsightly gaps in the crowd. Thankfully,

style, and can be subdivided into three

Each of the speakers is allocated eight

Ireland is home to a number of great

independent and soundproofed venues.

minutes to present their abstract,

conference and meeting spaces dotted

followed by two minutes for Q&A.

around the country.

RECRUITMENT

obvious choice, particularly for larger

other big names in the business world,

Putting together an interesting and

events. A purpose built centre, The

Thomond Park Stadium features five

informative conference agenda is only

Convention Centre Dublin can cater

state-of-the-art suites to suit a range

useful if any delegates show up. Start

for between 50-5,000 people, and 22

of needs, alongside the latest in audio-

early and spread the word – the Irish

multifunctional rooms.

visual technology.

Medical Journal, the Irish Medical

CCD, Dublin 1 – Possibly the most

Croke Park Conference Centre,

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick – Used in the past as a conference venue by Google, Adidas, Diageo, Zurich and

Royal College of Physicians of

Times, Irish Journal of Medical

Dublin 3 – The recently renovated

Ireland, Dublin 2 – Featuring eight

Sciences, and Irish Medical News could

meetings and events space at Croke

stylish rooms, the facilities at the

all be potential PR pathways – don’t

Park offers something a little different

centrally located No 6, Kildare Street

forget to invite representatives from

for conference organisers. With 108

can host up to 190 attendees, alongside

Ireland’s medical press on the day.

different meeting spaces catering for

varied menu options provided by the

between eight to 2,000 attendees, you’ll

professional on-site catering team.

You could also investigate if

QUICK CHECKLIST FACILITIES AUDIO-VISUAL ENTERTAINMENT CATERING SPEAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY SECURITY STAFFING TRANSLATION SERVICES TRANSPORT

019_Conferencing2016_Medical.indd 20

16/02/2016 12:32

Discover the splendor of...

Malahide Castle & Gardens is the perfect location to impress your international guests, we can cater for a range of different events from

Private Guided Tours of the Castle - Drinks Receptions & Entertainment - Private Dining Options Team Building & Incentive Days - Meeting & Conference Room Hire - On-site Catering OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND To explore your ideas further contact our Sales & Marketing Department on +353 1 866 6784 or email pollardj@shannonheritage.com www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

event design & production for corporate events

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

025.indd 1

hi@thinkdesign.ie

www.thinkdesign.ie

17/02/2016 11:58

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

SECLUDED style L

Located in tranquil surroundings yet close to major urban centres, The K Club offers the perfect mix of seclusion and connectivity.

wide range of group leisure activities, such as spa, golf, outdoor pursuits and team building activities at the resort will keep all your guests entertained. Holding an event here is simple; our individual quotes cater for all your needs from the outset. The K Club’s event team takes care of the big picture and the smallest details, to ensure

ocated a mere 30 minutes

PRACTICAL

from Dublin Airport and

If you are organising a business event,

Dublin city centre, The

a conference or a special celebration in

your event runs smoothly from start to

K Club in County Kildare offers

Ireland, you will find The K Club is a

the ideal location for conferences

practical, inspirational and innovative

and business events in Ireland.

venue, with each meeting space including

Discreet yet accessible, secluded

the latest in audio-visual and internet

yet connected, The K Club is the

technology. Situated in the small town of

perfect venue for both business and

Straffan in County Kildare, the venue is

pleasure. Whether you require a

located only 35 minutes from Dublin’s

stylish venue for smaller meetings,

international airport & Dublin City

a more ornate room for private

Centre.

lunches or a large conference room,

meeting rooms to elegant suites. A

we have something to suit all of

CONFERENCE PLANNING

your specific meeting and event

The hotel has a variety of private

requirements.

function rooms – from contemporary

finish. So let our team look after yours.

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

To make an enquiry contact: T: 01 601 7200 E: sales@kclub.ie or visit www.kclub.ie

THE K CLUB

For all your Meeting & Conference requirements Where business becomes a pleasure Full Day Delegate Package from 65.00 per delegate 24hr Delegate Rates available on request

Please contact our dedicated Meetings & Events team Telephone : +353 1 601 7200 Email: sales@kclub.ie Website: www.kclub.ie T H E K I L D A R E H O T E L , S PA & C O U N T RY C L U B ,

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KClub_2L_CP_CONF.indd 22

S T R A F FA N , K I L D A R E , I R E L A N D

05/02/2016 13:28

16/02/2016 14:24

Meeting Breaks Conferencing 2016

TAKE A

BREAK Conference meeting breaks are often the same – delegates leave the main areas to drink coffee, grab a quick snack and chat with other delegates about the previous session. If you’d like to liven your meetings up and provide a more enjoyable experience, we’ve got a few tips for you.

023_Conferencing2016_Meeting_V2.indd 23

egardless of how interesting

a chance to stretch their legs, and

or informative your

maybe even do a little sightseeing.

conference is, sometimes you

According to research published in

just need a break. Instead of simply

the British Medical Journal, exercise

sending your delegates out for

can provide a boost to concentration

coffee and biscuits, why not go for

levels, mood and memory.

something more imaginative?

MUSIC

FITNESS

Get your delegates involved with

Get out and about. A recent

an interesting idea – spending an

conference we attended, for

hour training to play together in a

example, was held in the heart of

string orchestra! Catalyst Ireland’s

Luxembourg, a short walk from

Crescendo programme, for example,

the city centre and a number

provides your delegates with either a

of interesting historical and

violin or viola, and teaches them the

architectural sights. Taking the

basics of their instrument and how

time to stroll around the local

to play a specific composition. At the

environment gives your delegates

end of the lesson, both instrument

16/02/2016 12:44

Meeting Breaks Conferencing 2016

groups will come together to

endorphins (which make you feel

might be an interesting opportunity

(hopefully) make some beautiful

good), and muscle relaxation. You

for them to experience the local

music. Or, you could simply hire

could follow Irish Water’s lead

cuisine. Take half an hour from the

a singer or musician – a classical

and invest in some laughter yoga

conference programme and bring

pianist could provide your event

classes but, if that seems a little too

in a local chef. According to BBC

with a nice touch of sophistication.

different for your tastes, why not

Good Food, foods that can boost

simply enlist one of Ireland’s many

brainpower include wholegrains,

great stand-up comics to provide a

blueberries, oily fish, tomatoes and

little light-hearted comic relief.

sage – so try and find a recipe that

FUNNY BONES What better way for your delegates to relax and unwind than a bit of

includes as many as possible!

laughter? Medical research shows

LOCAL FOOD

that laughter has a host of benefits,

Particularly if your conference has

GET READY TO COOK

including increased release of

attracted international delegates, it

Tasting food is great, but what if your attendees enjoy getting flour on their hands? Ideal for longer breaks in your conference schedule, consider employing the likes of Neven Maguire or Donal Skeehan to show your delegates how to cook their own tasty treats.

MEDITATION Meditation might seem a little too new-agey for some, but there are some scientific indications that it can be good for your health. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon, for example, found that mindfulness meditation can improve health by reducing stress, while others have found that it has had some success as a cure for insomnia – just in case one of your speakers isn’t a great hit with the crowd.

BRAINSTORM Divide your attendees into small groups, and provide them with a problem they must solve within a certain time frame, or a business idea to develop into a working plan. Somebody should be appointed to lead each session, and encourage and allow every member of the group to share their thoughts and provide input. It’s best to have a wide variety of people in each group – delegates from the same organisation or country might naturally gravitate towards one another.

023_Conferencing2016_Meeting_V2.indd 24

16/02/2016 12:44

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

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

on requirements. The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spa Haven, using the

also provides blackout facilities and air

ever indulgent Elemis products, is

star Westgrove Hotel and Conference

conditioning. Each suite opens onto

an oasis of tranquillity and offers the

Centre is the ideal location for your

bright spacious atria that are ideal for

ultimate in relaxation, the perfect

next event. The hotel is extremely

break outs and networking.

place to unwind after your meeting.

accessible to all major routes and is

Organising a corporate or gala

Holding an event at the Westgrove

situated just ten minutes from the M4/

evening is also made simple as the

is made simple with the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team

Maynooth exit and the M7/Naas exit.

professional team of staff will cater for

offering competitive and individualised

all your needs and help you organise

packages.

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

every detail from team building

Westgrove offers a choice of stylish

activities through to themed events.

conference suites varying in size.

Private dining for groups from 20 up

Each of the conference suites are

to 350 can be catered for depending

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

Westgrove_2L_CP_CONF.indd 25

18/02/2016 16:04

Identity Parade Conferencing 2016

IDENTITY

PARADE Conferencing 2016 explores the various methods of expanding corporate identities throughout a conference.

he main focus of many events, especially corporate conferences, is brand

promotion. Events can be very successful at increasing brand identity and raising awareness of associated products. However, branding can take on many forms and be used for different reasons. It could be used to highlight the event

BEFORE YOU BEGIN Before engaging in any branding and sponsorship activities, make sure that you know your brand – inside and out.

sponsor(s) or to embellish your venue by creating a theme. The objective of

projecting images associated with the

everything from stationery to decoration

your conference will determine your

brand onto a screen or wall, use of décor

or signage on-site will help you focus your

branding and you can get creative from

(flowers, chairs, drapes, candles) in the

marketing plan. A sound brand strategy

there.

brand colours, plus social networking,

is the foundation of corporate identity

teaser advertising and viral campaigns.

development. This will be the how, what,

Theme branding (or topic branding)

where, when and why of your marketing

What you brand and how much branding used will be determined by two things: your budget and the size of your

is another way to introduce an extra

plan; not forgetting to whom you plan

venue. Needless to say, if your venue is

element to your event. Dual branding

on communicating and delivering your

small your costs will be considerably less.

is a mixture of company branding and

brand messages. Where you advertise,

theme branding. Themes often adopted

your distribution channels and what you

for corporate events include ‘Power’,

communicate visually and verbally are all

There are two forms of branding:

‘Growth’, ‘The Future’ or ‘Strength’.

part of your brand strategy also.

direct and unconventional. Direct

Your conference objective will lead you

branding includes signage, delegate

in deciding a theme for your conference.

STAND OUT

name badges and lanyards, stationery

For example, the St Patrick’s Festival is

Every day, consumers are bombarded with

(notebooks, pens and folders distributed

a huge event held annually in Ireland

advertising and promotional material.

to delegates), flash memory keys,

and, while the objective of the parade is

You have to ensure that your branding

merchandise (including takeaway

to promote Ireland and Irish culture,

will make it through the noise to your

clothing or padfolios) and event staff

the event coordinators will also assign

target audience by carefully selecting the

uniforms. Unconventional branding,

a theme to the event and parade each

appropriate means to suit your needs.

also known as guerilla marketing, is

year. The theme for 2016 is ‘Imagine

Successful branding is clear, consistent,

not as obvious as direct branding and

If ’, inspiring fantastical and imaginative

interesting and memorable. Remember

can include clever methods of targeting

performances.

that your brand tells your story, so make it

MAKE YOUR MARK

marketing material and branding at

Creating a brand strategy that is based

your audience. Some examples of

on conference objectives, tied in with

unconventional branding include

the marketing plan and carried through

026_Conferencing2016_Identity.indd 26

an interesting one. The Taste Festivals (Taste of Dublin) effectively developed a recognisable

16/02/2016 12:36

Identity Parade Conferencing 2016

brand and logo within their niche. They

SPONSORSHIP

the St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival would have many

use this to promote their events through

Probably one of the most common forms

sponsors and the conference branding

advertising and photoshoots; signage

of branding, and often the most effective,

would be organised in accordance

around front entrances and all around

is linking your brand or event with

with the levels of sponsorship. Venue

their venue (Iveagh Gardens); and on

another corporate identity. Piggybacking

sponsorship is another method of

brochures, press packs, lanyards, event

can create greater publicity for your

piggyback branding. The importance of

tickets, event staff uniforms and chefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

event but it will have to be of equal

venue selection cannot be denied and

uniforms. They even created their own

benefit for the relationship to work. You

the growing trend of venue sponsorship

branded currency for the event, florins,

have to be able to offer your sponsor a

means that certain locations have become

which is used to buy food and drink

suitable package in reciprocation. The

inextricably linked with successful

throughout the festival. Building such a

great advantage to the sponsor is that

brands. By choosing a sponsored

strong and prominent brand identity is

you, the organiser, can offer substantial

venue for your conference, you benefit

what has made the Taste Festivals the most

and useful information on a specified

from that same linkage. This is most

recognisable food festivals in Ireland.

target market. For example Etihad, as

useful when the sponsoring brand and

the official sponsor of the GAA Hurling

the event or venue complement one

their branding strategy allows for a lot

Championship, are able to reach their

another. National stadiums and arenas

of exposure. Brand colours are cleverly

target audience by using hurling games

have associated themselves with major

selected and used throughout materials

and advertising of upcoming matches to

brands, such as the Aviva Stadium and

relating to the festivals. The use of colour

promote their product.

the 3Arena.

The Taste brand stands out because

in branding is very important to how your

If the event lends itself to the

Whatever the objective for your

audience perceives your brand, as each

inclusion of more than one sponsor,

conference, there are significant benefits

colour invokes an emotion and allows the

sponsorship can be broken down into

in developing a branding strategy.

audience to associate that feeling with

levels. Platinum, gold, silver and bronze

Defining your conference objectives will

your products and objectives. Blue is an

sponsorship packages can be offered to

determine your branding needs, while

overwhelming favourite as it is seen as

various companies, depending on the

building a strong brand identity can lead

trustworthy, dependable and committed.

agreement and spend. An event such as

to mutually beneficial sponsorship.

026_Conferencing2016_Identity.indd 27

16/02/2016 12:36

Health and Safety Conferencing 2016

SAFETY FIRST

Health and safety has become a major concern in recent years, particularly when it comes to dealing with members of the public. We look at some of the big issues in this arena, and enlist the aid of an event guideline report from Dublin City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events unit.

PRE-PLANNING

to be done to reduce these risks to

most important factors in running

The best way to ensure your event

an acceptable level. In case anything

a successful and safe event. Under

is as safe as possible is to begin

does go wrong, a risk assessment

law, event organisers are required to

planning well in advance of the

shows that you have done your best

have employee liability cover for all

date. Every functional area of your

in predicting and removing dangers

workers, and public liability cover

venue will have health and safety

or hazards. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to hire one

for any attendees. You can discuss

issues. Questions such as capacity,

competent individual to oversee

your specific needs with insurance

likely attendance, audience type,

the health and safety of your event,

companies or brokers, who may also

required facilities, arrangements

and ensure you are in compliance

have conditions you are required to

and equipment all need to be

with regulations, monitor staff and

fulfil. In Ireland, companies offering

answered. Conduct and compose a

contractors and any other involved

such cover include BHP Insurance,

risk assessment analysis and a written

parties, and coordinate solutions in

Allianz, MBC Insurance and Wexford

safety statement concerning those

the event of an incident.

Insurance. As with any insurance

areas which could result in harm to

policy, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to read the small

either event staff or members of the

INSURANCE

public. For any hazards which are

It goes without saying that having

The current legislation in

likely to occur, determine what needs

good event insurance is one of the

relation to outdoor displays of

028_Conferencing2015_Safety.indd 28

print.

18/02/2016 18:06

Health and Safety Conferencing 2016

public entertainment comprising

the venue should be well signposted

off without a hitch, it’s always advised

an audience of 5,000 is as follows:

for attendees, particularly those

that you prepare for the worst,

Outdoor Public Event Licensing

arriving by car, bus, train etc, and

and expect the unexpected. While

legislation, Part XVI – Planning

you should make sure your venue

carrying out risk management and

and Development Act, 2000 (No.

has a sufficient number of entrances

incident prevention, you should put

30 of 2000) as amended, Part

and exits which will facilitate orderly

in place procedures in the event of a

XVI – Planning and Development

arrival and/or departure procedures.

wide variety of incidents, both minor

Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of

Inside your venue, way marking,

and major. Minor incidents such

2001) as amended, and Planning

informational signs and first aid and

as crowd management or supplier

and Development (Amendment)

emergency exit signs should all be

difficulties fall under the remit of

Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 264

clearly marked and visible.

event management, while major

of 2015). An application must be

incidents such as a fire or structural

made at least 13 weeks prior to

STAFF

the proposed date of the event. An

Knowing exactly who is responsible

emergency services. Ensure you have

application won’t be accepted by a

for what is highly recommended,

procedures and contingency plans

local authority for an event unless a

particularly for large-scale events.

in place in the event of an incident

pre-application consultation meeting

Any doubt should be removed

which are compatible with emergency

has taken place during the 12 months

during the pre-planning meetings,

responder needs.

prior to the event date.

and all responsibilities should

Finally, make sure any contractors

be explicit. All staff should be

you hire have insurance and request

encouraged to take responsibility for

copies of their insurance policies,

matters of health and safety within

health and safety statements and

their own areas. Consider appointing

policies and practices beforehand.

trained individuals to posts such as

THE VENUE Ensuring the venue is safe for the

Safety Officer, Chief Steward and Medical Manager.

importance. As with most events,

WORKING WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES

circumstances dictate that the venue

Event organisers should meet with

won’t be set up until a few days,

relevant external organisations,

or perhaps less, before opening.

including contractors and suppliers,

Choosing the right venue to fit

and statutory agencies; An Garda

your audience is the first step

Síochána, the local authorities and

– establishing likely attendance

the various departments within.

event to proceed is of extreme

figures and then finding a venue of sufficient size to accommodate.

KNOW THE LAW

Any other activities or facilities at

A number of pieces of legislation

your event should also be taken into

cover health and safety in the

account, such as booths, stages or

workplace, and are applicable to

hospitality facilities. Consulting the

events of all sizes. Consult the Safety,

fire authorities would be a good step

Health and Welfare at Work Acts

in ensuring you have enough space,

1989 and 2005, the Planning and

as is enlisting the help of a competent

Development Act 2001: Part XVI,

and qualified individual to determine

The Fire Services Act 1981 and the

structural safety.

Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003

Use of advance ticket sales can ensure that attendance is manageable, while the use of a team

to ensure complete compliance with current regulations.

of stewards can also help regulate

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

and manage crowds. All routes to

Though your event will hopefully go

028_Conferencing2015_Safety.indd 29

damage can require the expertise of

VENUE CHECKLIST • Suitable venue capacity for your audience and staff? • Planned emergency exits and routes? • Any hazards posed by existing features or structures on site? • Ground conditions and site topography? • How vehicles and pedestrians will safely access and move around the site? • Proximity of local amenities? • Are there any hazards posed by permanent or temporary underground services or temporary structures? • Are there any relevant health risks arising from animals?

16/02/2016 12:38

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

RIGHT ON

THE RIVER Located in a unique riverside location in Cork, The River Lee is a leading events destination in the south.

he River Lee, with its unique

fresh and invigorating design – think

So whether you’re hosting an informal

riverside location in central

bold geometric patterns, Scandinavian

business meeting, press launches,

Cork, has always been a leading

wood panelling and parquet floors – to its

branding events, product launches, or

inspiring views across the city and river.

seeking an inspirational venue for an out-

business and social destination. Now it is home to Cork’s most exciting creative space: THE HUB. Boasting stunning private rooms as

THE HUB at The River Lee also

of-office brainstorming session, THE HUB

helps you to work smart, thanks to

offers the perfect solution for all your

efficient Click & Share technology

conferencing and event requirements.

well as an impressive open-plan area of

and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi.

THE HUB LOUNGE, everything about

Seasonal menus feature fabulously fresh

this innovative meeting and event space

classics and mouth-watering healthy

has been designed to facilitate work,

options including energy-boosting juices

creativity, inspiration and fun, from its

from The Juicery.

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

JANICE CASEY Meetings & Events Executive T: 021 493 7723 E: Janice_casey@doylecollection.com W: www.doylecollection.com/riverlee

Ideal Venue for Innovation, Motivation & Relaxation • 182 air conditioned bedrooms • 8 Dedicated Meeting Rooms 1-100 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

237644_2L_RIVER_AMA_CG.indd 1

RiverLee_2L_CP_CONF.indd 30

09/11/2015 17:11

16/02/2016 17:06

Making an Impression Conferencing 2016

SPEAKING PROWESS

Search for a headline speaker to set the best tone for your event. A politician, actor, sportsperson or leading businessperson could not only attract more attendees but also adds publicity and lends a sense of importance to your event. Personally Speaking Ltd speakers’ bureau offers a wide range of speakers to suit every event, including David McWilliams, Tracy Piggott, Sir Bob Geldof, Ronan O’Gara and Matt Cooper.

EVERY SECOND COUNTS

Be realistic about what you can deliver on the day and plan appropriately. Don’t underestimate your registration period as this will have a knock-on effect all day if it runs late. Be conscious that your guests and delegates will want to avoid peak traffic times, so perhaps start your event with an early registration and finish mid-afternoon.

MAKING AN

IMPRESSION Use these steps to get your conference to the premium standard.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING

Businesses such as Inspire Promotional Products, Mace Promotions and Logo Print all provide services to brand conference products from lanyards to pens, conference notebooks to USBs. Research has shown that a greater number of people remember the name of an advertiser who gave them a branded promotional item over the past 12 months than the name of a print advertiser they saw over just the past two weeks. USBs in particular are a useful method

031_Conferencing2016_Impression.indd 31

16/02/2016 12:40

Making an Impression Conferencing 2016

of giving information as the relevant

range of coaches for all group sizes,

can be organised through several

content is already on the memory

reflecting the necessary professional

companies, with everything from an

stick, eliminating the need for note-

image while offering the services of

interactive Formula 1 event to a casino

taking, while your conference follow

their transport coordinators to help

night with professional gambling

up could also be distributed this way.

with your event transport needs.

tables and black-tie croupiers. The

choice is endless with race nights,

TRANSLATION In a world made smaller by

INTERACTION Be conscious of your audience

murder mystery games, comedians, impressionists, karaoke, tribute bands,

globalisation, more often than not

and why they will be coming to this

treasure hunts and even funfairs to

many of your delegates or speakers

event. Many business people will

choose from. Or, if your audience is

will be travelling from abroad to

come to network and while this may

largely from abroad, consider simply

attend or speak at your event. Booking

be over lunch or break-out sessions,

showing them the sights. Get in touch

a translation service could be a wise

they will appreciate you making

with your local tourist office to find

move to ensure everybody is on the

this time available to them. Layout

the best of local attractions or bring

same page on the day. Companies such

of your event will be all-important

your group to see Ireland’s most

as translation.ie offer on-site language

so make sure you provide plenty of

famous sights – the Guinness brewery,

services for business.

appropriate space and gathering

the Giant’s Causeway or the Cliffs

points where delegates can meet to

of Moher are all well worth a look,

discuss the day’s activities and interact.

introducing your delegates to another

Make sound introductions and keep

side of Ireland and ensuring their trip

a regular feature for many businesses,

all your participants involved.

here is one that they won’t forget.

arranging transport is often essential

TRAVELLING With international corporate events

and it is imperative to work with a company which has the expertise to

AFTER HOURS Treat delegates and guests

CATERING While a rousing speech from

ensure success. Tony Doyle Coaches,

after a long day with some light

a famous speaker may generate

Eirebus and JJ Kavanagh offer a

entertainment. Themed nights

excitement about your event, why not ensure your guests’ stomachs are as well treated as their minds? Most venues will provide catering facilities but if not, look into hiring catering and bar staff for your event. From sandwich platters and banquets to smoothies and canapés, the choices are significant and varied. Feature a sushi station filled with Asian delicacies or a fajita or quesadilla bar for a Mexican fiesta. As a treat, luxury chocolate brands Lily O’Brien and Butlers offer handmade truffles for guests to indulge in, which can be placed in small boxes and left at individual place settings.

FINISH WITH A BANG! What better way to wow your

guests and leave a lasting impression than with a spectacular fireworks display to close the event? A childhood fascination is sure to take over and your guests will leave enraptured with this inspired touch.

031_Conferencing2016_Impression.indd 32

18/02/2016 18:06

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

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

hether it’s a conference for

adapting to our client’s requirements. We

packages starting from 99 per person.

320 people or a strategy

can tailor-make any package to suit your

Or, for something extra special, why

day for your senior

needs and will ensure prompt, efficient

not use the event area in our Manor

management, the purpose-built, flexible

delivery. The real test of a successful

House where your party can enjoy the

spaces for meetings and events at

event is the reaction of the participants

luxury of the magnificently restored

Tulfarris cater for all your conferencing

and glowing testimonials re-assure the

18th century manor suites, drawing

needs. The chic interiors are decorated

dedicated conference team that customer

rooms, private dining room and library.

in cool, neutral tones and the chandeliers

service is always a priority at Tulfarris.

add a sense of understated elegance, but

But it doesn’t have to be all work;

dinner options are all available in our

it’s the incredible views from the floor

beyond the boardroom Tulfarris offers

gastronomically renowned Lime Tree

to ceiling windows that will truly wow

an inspiring choice of activities, from

Restaurant where you will be met with

your guests. The latest AV and internet

barbecues on the terrace to team

unparalleled hospitality. Only 25 minutes

connectivity equipment; individual

building activities on the lawns or the

from the M50 and within easy reach of

climate control; ergonomic furniture;

lakes, not to mention one of Ireland’s

Dublin Airport, our idyllic setting is just

flawless service; delicious food and a

premier parkland golf courses.

waiting to host your corporate event.

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

Unlimited refreshment, lunch and

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

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort provides one of the most impressive and well located conference centres in the country. Our purpose built and flexible spaces are ideal for all types of meetings and events. Whether it is a conference for 320 people, staff incentive or training, or a strategy day for your senior management we can cater for it all. • Within easy reach of Dublin and Dublin Airport • Daily Delegate Packages start from 29 per person • 24 Hour Delegate Package based on 2 sharing a Deluxe Twin Room start from 99 per person

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

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

Tulfarris_CF.indd 33

17/02/2016 12:19

Cover Story – CongRegation Conferencing 2016

CONGREGATION

N a ti on :

RESHAPING THE CORPORATE CONFERENCE A tech conference with a country feel means there is nothing manufactured about CongRegation. Orla Connolly speaks to the founder of the popular unconference, Eoin Kennedy, about how this meeting of minds is sparking fresh ideas in the west of Ireland.

oin Kennedy has spent most of

that sparked his initial interest in his

his business life in conferences.

unconference. “CongRegation started off

Present as both a speaker and

as an experiment to see if we could run

attendee, he became keenly aware of

an event where everybody was a speaker.

the flaws in this widely popular business

They produce all their content in advance

structure. More often than not, attending

so you get to see what different people are

one of these events is considered

going to talk about, and then on the day

necessary but laborious for most business

you use social venues so that you create

professionals who ultimately depart,

real world conversations rather than the

drained and crushed under the weight of

lecturing situation where you have one

the information thrown in their direction.

speaker on a stage and lots of people

In order to eliminate the often stale

sitting in seats and tuning out.”

conference environment and promote

idyllic village of Cong, Co Mayo, and

among seasoned industry employees,

follows a loose structure that embraces

he formed his very own technology

the unconference values of open

unconference, CongRegation, in 2013.

communication. While traditional

WHAT IS CONGREGATION?

034_Conferencing2016_Cover Story_Congregation.indd 34

CongRegation is located in the

unbarred communication and debate

conferences aim to herd attendees into a singular location, CongRegation is

Admittedly, we’ve all experienced that

scattered throughout the picturesque

school-day notion of being a dot in a

local venues of this countryside retreat.

crowded space, wondering if anyone would

Immediately, the corporate grey that can

really notice if we began to doze off. The

accompany a city dwelling is shaken off.

overall mission for Eoin Kennedy, founder

Once settled into this quaint site, members

and chief organiser of CongRegation, was

are directed to local bookstores, pubs and

to completely eradicate this mundane

cafes to begin. Having submitted literature

atmosphere by removing the constraints

before arriving at CongRegation they are

of the speaker/audience relationship. The

encouraged by CongRegation personnel to

carefully considered aim? To encourage an

engage with one another and debate their

informal exchange of ideas and opinions

chosen topic. With huddle clusters of no

so that each attendee has an opportunity

more than ten people, and the opportunity

to add to and enrich the conversation.

to move through numerous groups each

Kennedy admits that this was the idea

hour, the ambition is for everyone to have

18/02/2016 18:23

Cover Story – CongRegation Conferencing 2016

In order to be invited to the event you must submit a blog post which will then be reviewed and posted online for other attendees to read. Photos courtesy Eoin Kennedy/CongRegation

a voice in the discussion. “It’s designed to

the event that makes CongRegation so

initial nerves of attendees and providing

take a conference and the richness that

successful. Explaining his motivation

them with a valuable opportunity to

you get from that, and the transfer of

behind the blog posts he says: “There’s

network. On their arrival in Cong,

information, and then you take the really

no charge for any event, but a free

guests already feel prepared to discuss

rich conversation that you’d have with

event by its nature means that someone

their topic thanks to the effort they’ve

someone over coffee. It’s exciting to get

signs up and forgets about it. So there

committed to their post. Furthermore,

both of those and squash them together,”

has to be a commitment for people to

if they’ve stumbled across an interesting

explains Kennedy.

go and you have to get people to think

post among the submissions, it provides

through their topic in advance rather

the opportunity to become familiar

that putting together their slide deck

with the work of other attendees and

One key difference between CongRegation

the night before. And the fact that it’s

to engage with them during group

and other conferences is that you pay for

going up on the website and other

discussions. Kennedy explains further

your ticket with a blog post. In order to be

people will be reading it, people put

saying, “People pay a lot of attention in

invited to the event you must submit a blog

more care into it, people pay a lot more

what they’re going to talk about because

post which will then be reviewed and posted

attention to what they’re talking about.”

it’s going to be published in advance,

PAY YOUR WAY WITH POSTS

online for other attendees to read, and

Blog posts also serve as a useful

then we give people the possibility to

included in an e-book. For Kennedy, these

method of ‘warming up’ group

connect with each other because they

posts are one of the most integral parts of

discussions, along with calming the

know what each person is going to talk

034_Conferencing2016_Cover Story_Congregation.indd 35

18/02/2016 18:28

Cover Story – CongRegation Conferencing 2016

about.” One unexpected outcome from

who may not be able to find suitable

most recent event also sought to solidify

the blogs was the fostering of business

arrangements. This included a full

CongRegation as a social and networking

contacts among attendees before

schedule of activities including a puppet

event with Sunday being dedicated to

CongRegation even commenced. “Even

workshop, movie showings, pottery

events where people could mix and

if they weren’t in the same huddle as that

classes and more. Kennedy reveals

connect. Kennedy aims for guests to

person on the same day, they know who

that this service was a source of great

leave Cong feeling “refreshed” and with

they are, they might have connected with

pride. “I can’t understand why it’s not

a renewed motivation for their work.

them in advance and say ‘I’ve read your

done more. For some people it was a

blog post, it’s really of interest and that’s

deal breaker in that they didn’t have an

CONGREGATION AND THE FUTURE

an area I’m really interested in’,” says

option if they were sole parents. It was

While the next instalment of

Kennedy.

a big problem for them,” he tells me.

CongRegation isn’t due until November

“Whereas this way they can have a great

2016, Kennedy is busy planning more

time, the kids can have a great time,

events and surprises for future attendees.

There is no ‘typical’ attendee. This

there was no guilt attached to going

The core theme to be debated in the

countryside escape tempts a wide

to it. You know, I think there’s a lot of

winter months will be technology and

spectrum of professionals from services

learning [in] that for other conference

the future and, hoping this will prompt

such as manufacturing, consulting,

organisers.”

a multitude of perspectives within the

TYPICAL ISN’T SO TYPICAL

digital marketing and academia.

CongRegation community, Kennedy

“It’s quite a broad mix. That’s what

EVOLUTION

makes it special, you’re not looking at

When CongRegation began in 2013

the topic. “The future of how technology

homogeneous set of people,” Kennedy

it was limited to a one-day event of no

is going to impact on teaching – it

explains. He also remarks that anyone

more than 53 people. CongRegation

could be the future of the media,

with an interest in learning from others,

2015 expanded the event to a three-

how the media is changing and how

while equally contributing to the quality

day weekend, attracting 80 industry

technology has done that. Particularly, in

of the discussion, is welcome.

professionals. While the unconference

manufacturing sectors, how technology is

shares some of his early approaches to

day remains still at the core of

going to impact the future,” he explains.

may be some way off the beaten path

CongRegation, Kennedy is excited by

But Kennedy also has ambitions to

in comparison to traditional venues in

the new opportunities that have arisen

reveal how future technology can help us

Ireland’s major urban centres, Kennedy

of late.

discover elements of the past. “We have

While the stunning sites of Cong

feels this only adds to CongRegation’s

One highlight from the myriad

a number of archaeologists and people

ability to fully jolt an attendee from

entertainment options available in

who are looking at the past using current

their comfort zone. “Part of what made

Cong last year was a private cinematic

technology in order to communicate it,”

it special for a lot of people was almost

experience at Ashford Castle. The

he adds.

the hardship of going to the west of

evening was centred around the

Ireland, and for a lot of people they’d

theme of augmented reality and guests

atmosphere that CongRegation exudes,

never seen Cong before. So the fact that

were witness to numerous unique

Kennedy’s design for 2016 is rooted in

you’re leaving the city, you’re going to

demonstrations on the subject. “We

experimentation. His main ambition is

a technology conference that would

had five speakers get up and talk about

to grow the conference to a maximum

normally be in an urban setting, it jars

everything from how an archaeologist

of 120 people, but the interesting part

people straight away, they think quite

uses augmented reality, to someone

lies with his reasons behind this goal.

differently, they come out of the normal

who has done a virtual reality project

According to social theories, 120 is

sleepwalking on autopilot they would be

with Ulysses,” Kennedy explains. “[One

the maximum number of people an

in if they’re at a normal conference.”

speaker] used an Apple headset to walk

individual can maintain stable social

through the book, Ulysses, and you

relationships with before their network

Kennedy has made it a top priority to

see the whole virtual world of James

begins to splinter. Achieving this will

accommodate the needs of his guests.

Joyce. We also had a movie about

allow Kennedy to carry out a social

This even extends to what he feels is

Second Life, which has never been seen

experiment at CongRegation, and who

one of the most pivotal new elements to

in Ireland before, and then we had a

knows where this may lead? Perhaps

CongRegation this year – childcare. Last

company talk about how they’re using

it will eventually evolve into a useful

year’s event saw the implementation of

augmented reality, and how they used

talking point for future CongRegation

a childcare programme for attendees

it with the James Bond movie.” The

unconference-goers.

Given its less central location,

034_Conferencing2016_Cover Story_Congregation.indd 36

To align with the usual off-beat

18/02/2016 18:23

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

DUBLIN’S

surrounded by an ambulatory where the merchants strolled and discussed business. The Rotunda can be hired

CITY HALL

as a venue for select corporate events,

Situated in the heart of the city beside Dublin Castle and the trendy Temple Bar area, Dublin’s City Hall is a magnificent example of the Georgian architecture for which Dublin is world renowned.

banquet style or 300-400 for a drinks

private functions, filming, fashion shows and civil marriage ceremonies. The Rotunda can accommodate 200 to 250 seated conference style, 150-180 seated reception or cocktail party style event. The superb vaults at lower ground floor level host a free multimedia exhibition highlighting key elements of

riginally the Royal Exchange,

Exchange. It is a truly historic setting

the history of Dublin. A new exhibition

Dublin City Hall was used by

which has witnessed many events

for 2016, which is also free of charge,

the merchants of Dublin as a

related to the city and State.

is dedicated to 1916 and the history of

financial centre until it was bought by

The sheer size and sumptuous

Dublin Fire Brigade. The central room

Dublin Corporation and re-named City

fittings of City Hall reflect the prestige

of the exhibition is also available for

Hall. It is the focal point for Dublin

of Dublin in the late 18th century. The

hire for smaller functions.

City Council’s elected members who

spectacular entrance hall or Rotunda

meet on the first Monday of every

with its spacious embellished gold

month in the historic Council chamber,

leaf dome and marble floor provides

originally the coffee-room of the Royal

an elegant space for sculpture and is

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

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

DublinCity_2L_CP_CONF.indd 37

17/02/2016 11:56

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

THE FULL

PACKAGE

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

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT 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. It provides all the expertise, creativity and buying power that you need to ensure your event exceeds expectations. With 45 years’ experience in creating

elebrating 45 years in business

secure reliable transport. This is what

events with the ‘wow’ factor, Eirebus

this year, Eirebus is Dublin’s

you get when you travel with Eirebus,

DMC can cater for anything from a ten

multi-award winning coach

whose portfolio of clients includes

person seminar to a 1,000+ delegate

operator and destination management

internationally recognised blue chip

conference. Key differentiators include

company, offering a luxury fleet of 50

companies.

long-standing relationships with major

executive coaches, a full destination

The company’s private hire range

suppliers to ensure a seamless process

management division, alongside

incorporates 50 deluxe coaches,

scheduled services including Swords

ranging in size from 16-53 seats; each

Express.

of which is equipped with Wi-Fi, WC,

operates its own fleet of luxury

DVD, AC, PA system and reclining

coaches, competitive transport rates are

key importance, particularly when it

seats. Quality is assured, and Eirebus

passed on to conference and incentive

comes to meetings and events. If you

invests annually in new, top of the

groups that travel with Eirebus DMC,

have a large number of delegates or

range coaches. Brand new executive

and customers have access to both

staff members travelling to a conference

mini and midi coaches have been

destination management and executive

or meeting, it’s imperative that you

purchased in 2015 and 2016, equipped

coach hire, all under the one roof.

In business, time management is of

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.

In addition, as Eirebus owns and

with leather seating, tables and more.

Eirebus works with thousands of

And, alongside six recently purchased

corporate and leisure clients across

Mercedes coaches, Eirebus will add a

Ireland, the UK and internationally,

new fleet of 2016 registration coaches

and is committed to comfort, safety and

from the luxury German brand this

exceptional service.

year. In addition, Eirebus is a longstanding member of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) and the Dublin Convention Bureau (DCB), and is proud to be an ISO 9001:2008 quality approved company. The experience the company has gained over the course of four decades has also resulted in a number of prestigious awards including the Passenger Transport Company of the Year accolade at the Irish Logistics

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

and Transport Awards in 2013, 2014 and again in 2015 for its Swords Express operation, highlighting the quality of service on offer at Eirebus.

Eirebus_1C_CP_CONF.indd 38

and competitive rates.

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

18/02/2016 10:01

Corporate Coach Hire Specialists Eirebus is Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading coach operator, with over 45 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience providing quality transport solutions to corporate clients. We are experts in corporate and staff transport, with a fleet of 50 deluxe coaches and minibuses available for hire. +353 (0)1 8242626

What we offer: * 50 coaches ranging in size from 16 - 53 seats * Annual investment in new, top of the range coaches * Vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, WC, DVD, reclining seats and PA systems * Professional and discreet driver/guides * ISO 9001:2008 quality approved company * Full incentive/conference management service available

info@eirebus.ie www.eirebus.ie

237429_1C_EIREBUS_JR_CONF.indd 1

16/02/2016 17:20

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

ALL-IN-ONE AT THE SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL

from the hotel, a selection of team building activities like laser, paintballing, hovercrafting, race buggies, etc. are on our doorstep. Other activities available in the area include fishing, canoeing/ kayaking, water sports, hiking, bike hire and caves and a UNESCO World

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

separate entrance, a spacious reception area and three adjoining meeting rooms.

venue to host your conference, offering

helipad on-site also.

everything you need all in one complete

The 18-hole championship golf course is ranked amongst the top parkland

lakes and woodlands, this complete

courses in the country and with a 9-hole

resort is 90 minutes from Dublin

par 3 academy course, driving range,

and Belfast. The four star hotel includes

pro shop and golf professional on-site for

222 luxurious bedrooms, a world class

lessons/clinics – there is something for all

spa, 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses and a

levels of golfing abilities. and spa therapies using Elemis and

and banqueting suites, catering for

Spiezia product ranges. An exclusive

everything from two to 1,200 delegates.

hydrotherapy suite includes a herb sauna,

A state-of-the-art conference centre, the

salt grotto and health showers.

visual and sound equipment. It has a

resort!

Ciúin Spa offers the latest in beauty

hotel has nine purpose-built conference

Cranaghan Suite offers up-to-date audio-

The Slieve Russell Hotel is the perfect

There are 800 car parking spaces and a

et in 300 acres of stunning gardens,

selection of exquisite dining options. The

Heritage Site.

With ODD, Ireland’s largest outdoor activity game park, only minutes away

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

The perfect environment to conduct business.

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

237698 Slieve Russell CONF.indd 1

SlieveRussell_2L_CP_CONF.indd 52

17/12/2015 12:11

16/02/2016 14:37

International Feature Conferencing 2016

CANNABIS CONFERENCES: A BUDDING ECONOMY Cannabis conferences are booming in the United States, with one or two rising in popularity on European soil. Conor Forrest examines the reasons behind this growth, and speaks to the organisers behind one of the most popular events to discover more about this growing trend, and what’s involved in organising a conference about cannabis.

041_Conferencing2016_Cannabis.indd 41

t’s not something that is likely to

sales beginning in January 2014 at

come to Irish conference centres

licensed establishments, has been a big

any time soon but, in the United

winner in monetary terms. In 2014,

States in particular, conferences around

the state collected around $44m in

the booming business of marijuana

taxes, licenses and fees, a figure which

cultivation are going from strength to

rose to just over $72m for 2015. By

strength.

2020, the industry could be worth

That might be something of a surreal

over $35bn. “Despite the potential

realisation, particularly from an Irish

risks, analysts expect the market to

perspective – despite promises to

continue its upward trajectory for the

decriminalise in the near future, the

foreseeable future,” said Greg Gamet,

drug remains illegal here. However

Co-Founder and CEO of Denver

the cannabis industry, which is

Consulting Group.

moving from an illegal, black market

If there’s one clear indication of its

standpoint towards legalisation/

potential success, it’s this – Wall Street

decriminalisation and regulation

is keeping an eye on the market’s

in a growing number of US states,

potential. An event organised by

was worth $2.4 billion nationwide

Viridian Capital Advisors, founded

in 2014, and around $3.6bn the

by a group of Wall Street analysts and

following year. Colarado, for example,

bankers to tackle the cannabis sector,

which has legislated for the personal

took place in New York in January

use and regulation of marijuana

as part of a series on investing in the

(for those aged 21 and over) since

industry, exploring the opportunities

November 2012, with commercial

and the risks. “The legal cannabis

19/02/2016 09:31

International Feature Conferencing 2016

industry is not just a social movement but also a business and financial revolution. Approximately $2.7 billion of cannabis was sold legally in 2014, and there are currently more than 250 public cannabis companies trading on various markets worldwide,” said Scott Greiper, President of Viridian Capital Advisors. “With this opportunity, however, come risks that are particular to the nature of the cannabis industry. These conferences will provide qualified investors and industry leaders with a platform to identify investment opportunities in the sector

Page 41: George Jage, President of Marijuana Business Daily; Above: American polictical activitst Ralph Nader was keynote speaker at the recent Marijuana Business Conference & Expo. Photos: Marijuana Business Media

while properly managing business and personal risk.”

GREEN GROWTH

events based around this blooming

federal prosecutors to take a more

As a result, cannabis conferences are

industry, only a select few are

hands-off approach in states which

blossoming. According to research

viewed as worth attending by the

legalised marijuana in some form or

carried out by Marijuana Business

major players. One such event is the

implemented regulatory systems to

Daily, the market has grown from

Marijuana Business Conference &

control growth, supply and demand,

just one event in 2013 to more than

Expo, a twice annual event hosted

resulting in fewer prosecutions in

30 last year. Such a large jump in

by Marijuana Business Daily, which

those states. Having secured a venue

the space of just two years indicates

aims to provide information and

in Las Vegas, this growth prompted

growth both in terms of the market,

education to a growing industry,

the addition of a spring conference

and in event organisers spotting a

as well as a commercial platform

last year, the first of which was held in

potentially lucrative new avenue of

for the products and services it will

Chicago, attracting more than 2,500

business. “Many of these conferences

require. The first event was held in

attendees and almost 200 exhibitors.

draw hundreds of attendees, while a

November 2012 – several hundred

The most recent event, held last fall,

few attract thousands of participants

people attended, and only a handful

saw more than 260 exhibitors and

and hundreds of exhibiting companies

of exhibitors. 2014, however, was a

over 5,500 attendees.

peddling their products and services to

period of growth, as a result of the

other businesses,” writes Becky Olson.

Cole Memorandum published by the

flagship brand Marijuana Business

Department of Justice, which directed

Daily, which currently has over 30,000

While 2016 will see around 30

“The event is produced by our

MARIJUANA BUSINESS CONFERENCE & EXPO ANNUAL GROWTH TOTAL EVENT ATTENDANCE

AGR

EXHIBITING COS.

AGR

NET SF EXHIBITS

AGR

2012

DENVER

402

2013

SEATTLE

720

79%

36%

3000

36%

2014

LAS VEGAS

RIO ALL SUITE

3214

346%

142

373%

16400

447%

2015

LAS VEGAS

RIO ALL SUITE

5561

73%

233

64%

30000

83%

041_Conferencing2016_Cannabis.indd 42

2200

19/02/2016 12:38

International Feature Conferencing 2016

been decriminalised in Spain, Czech

opt-in subscribers. Our conference

GROWTH

Republic and Portugal, while recent

scrutinised business.” For now, the Marijuana Business

legislative change in Italy has seen

Conference & Expo is focused on

addresses timely and

the country relax its laws on cannabis

the growing US market, though Jage

topical issues ranging

(with medical cannabis already legal,

explains that they continue to witness

cannabis researchers growing the

an increasing cohort of international

plant on a medical basis won’t face

attendees. “The US has received a

a prison sentence if they violate the

lot of attention on its shift to legalise

allowable quantities, though growing

and decriminalise marijuana and we

to banking issues, tax solutions, and

for personal use remains a crime). In

expect this to potentially have a domino

operational best practices,” explains

2016, the World Cannabis Conferences

effect globally. Canada and Israel have

George Jage, President of Marijuana

International Cannabis Forum will be

legalised marijuana, Uruguay has also

Business Daily. Their target market is

held in Barcelona in March, covering

moved towards legalisation and we

broad, covering interested parties from

cannabis-related software, regulation in

expect to see more countries follow,”

banking and Fortune 500 companies

Spain and the situation internationally.

he says. “For our upcoming Spring

programming

from our signature State of the Industry keynote by managing editor Chris Walsh

2015 saw attendance figures rise to over 5,500, with more than 260 exhibitors.

to hedge fund managers and former

Marijuana Business Conference & Expo,

Drug Enforcement Administration

PERCEPTION

(DEA) agents. “It is strictly a business-

There are some issues, however, which

industry professionals from Florida, the

to-business event with our last event

a conventional conference might not

mid-Atlantic, New England states, and

attracting some of the brightest and

face, particularly from a PR point of

the Midwest where ballot initiatives and

best entrepreneurs, investors, and

view. Cannabis remains a controlled

legislation continue to move forward.

business professionals,” he says. “The

substance in many states – illegal

We also expect to see a significant

attendees are mostly retailers and

entirely in some (generally viewed

increase in attendance from Europe

cultivators along with a significant

as a misdemeanour) or allowed only

and Central and South American where

segment of investors. Our exhibitors

for medical usage. In Tennessee, for

opportunities are emerging.”

are manufacturers of extraction

example, possession of more than half

equipment, lighting technology,

an ounce is an automatic felony. In

cultivation equipment, packaging

Indiana, possession is punishable by

solutions, and management software

up to six months in jail and a $1,000

solutions along with consultants,

fine; those caught selling or growing

distributors, legal services, publications,

more than 10lbs or within 1,000 feet of

and associations. As each state comes

a school face 2-8 years in prison along

online, more and more people are

with a $10,000 fine. And, according to

exploring or investing in the business

research by Marijuana Business Daily,

opportunities. Our event is the best

60 per cent of cannabis companies

place for them to learn about the

don’t have a bank account, which

industry, explore new opportunities

doesn’t do much to promote positive

and meet with the potential vendors

public perception.

they will need to buy products from to set up their future business.”

INTERNATIONAL VIEW

“In the earlier years, it was challenging for us to secure a venue willing to allow a cannabis tradeshow, but as the industry grew and public

The Marijuana Business Conference

opinion swayed, we were able to

& Expo is by no means a lonely event.

overcome this obstacle,” says Jage. “We

Other major events within the industry

still maintain a ‘no cannabis policy’ at

include the International Cannabis

our events as while legal in many states,

Business Conference, the Oregon

the venues seldom allow open use.

Marijuana Business Conference and

This really has not been an issue with

the Marijuana Investor Summit.

the majority of people in this industry

We’re also seeing more of these events

being exceptionally professional

taking place in Europe. The drug has

and recognising that this is a highly

041_Conferencing2016_Cannabis.indd 43

we expect to attract a lot of emerging

SPOTLIGHT: MARIJUANA INVESTOR SUMMIT, LOS ANGELES Held in Los Angeles in November 2015, the Marijuana Investor Summit presented the Cannabis Growth Capital Conference, which brought together current leaders and upand-coming companies within the market. Topics discussed included the use of seed and crowdfunding, taking companies public, medical marijuana laws and more. The event was held at the city’s Westgate Convention Centre, which comprises 14 conference rooms for a total of 9,385 square feet. Their Paradise Event Centre has a total of 70,000 square feet of space, with seated space for 8,904 delegates.

16/02/2016 11:50

Team Building Conferencing 2016

BUILDING

CONNECTIONS

Useful for smaller conferences and meetings in particular, we’ve got a number of interesting and unique team building activities.

FIFTEEN FAMOUS MINUTES

I’M ON A TEAM BUILDING DAY…GET ME OUT OF HERE!

PROVIDER: Teambuilding.ie LOCATION: Swords, Co Dublin DURATION: 2-3 hours

PROVIDER: Peak Discovery Corporate LOCATION: Dublin and Belfast.

If you think your delegates might be

Inspired by the hit reality television

fans of the Hollywood classics, then this

show I’m a Celebrity...Get me out of

fun exercise could be perfect for some

here!, this interesting exercise involves

bonding. Provided with all the trappings

teams competing against one another

of a film set, including costumes,

in challenges to collect as many gold

props, music, lights, make-up and the

stars as they can. It’s not just a fun

all-important camera, and aided by

distraction – to win, teams will have

professional technical support, your

to work together effectively to solve

event attendees (or your management

problems, build team camaraderie and

team) will be thrust into the spotlight and

communicate effectively.

tasked with creating a 15-minute version of a Hollywood classic. They’ll begin by

JAIL BREAK

planning, scripting and then rehearsing their masterpiece, followed by shooting

PROVIDER: www.adventure.ie LOCATION: Wicklow Historic Gaol and Cork

on-location. Teamwork and time

Historic Gaol

management is key – editing is done in-

DURATION: 2.5 hours.

camera, so scenes will have to be shot in

Remember how good Prison Break was

complete a number of fun challenges in

sequence. Aside from providing a more

(for the first season, at least)? You don’t

the gaol, with the winners being those

unusual experience, teams will benefit

have to cover yourself in architectural

who collect the most keys, rewarded by a

from creative stimulation, cooperation,

tattoos and commit a bank robbery to

bottle of champagne. And, in case gaol-

strategy communication and energy.

get the same experience – Adventure.

breaking is hungry work, BBQ catering

ie gives you the opportunity to escape

is also available.

GETTING THE WIND

from a real gaol by completing

PROVIDER: DynamicEvents.ie LOCATION: Nationwide DURATION: 2 hours

challenges, collecting keys and solving

MACGYVER CHALLENGE

clues. Working together, each team

Looking to break the ice among a group

information on a three-pronged

PROVIDER: Kippure Corporate LOCATION: Blessington, Co Wicklow DURATION: Choice between a half-day, a full-

of strangers? How about allowing them

mission. Teams must first find the

day or multi-day event.

to put their heads together and design a

location of a series of photos and

Most of our team building exercises thus

wind-powered lifting device? Developing

answer the relevant questions. Next

far appear to be inspired by Hollywood

and encouraging skills such as strategic

up, they must solve a number of clues,

and the world of television, and this

thinking, teamwork and ingenuity, teams

leading them to various parts of the

one is no different. Fans of the 1980s

battle against the clock to construct a

prison in order to discover the answer

show MacGyver will remember the

winning design.

to the riddle. Finally, teams must

innumerable times the titular character

044_Conferencing2016_Teambuilding.indd 44

is given a challenge book providing

19/02/2016 12:13

Team Building Conferencing 2016

Photos: Kippure Corporate

and will then guide delegates through a composition. Crescendo could be used as a useful interlude during your conference, reducing stress, sparking creativity and enhancing a positive outlook – just the combination you want for your event. You might also want to invest in box of earplugs for this one.

DA VINCI CODE CHALLENGE PROVIDER: Teambuild.ie DURATION: 3.5 hours AREA: Nationwide Based on the best-selling book by Dan Brown (and the resultant film starring Tom Hanks), which involves a dead museum curator, cryptic clues and a mysterious organisation known as the Priory of Sion, TeamBuild.ie’s Da Vinci Code Challenge is a test of teamwork, critical thinking and communication. A more colourful treasure hunt than most, participants are provided with a map – paper or digital – and must solve clues and puzzles at historical and religious sites as they race to solve the ultimate mystery (which may or may not involve the final location of the Holy Grail). Fans of the book and film will also be delighted to discover the use of the cryptex throughout the challenges. By no means an easy task, those who complete the challenge can rightly feel a sense of achievement, while it’s a great was forced to use his ingenuity and

team members, and allows them to find

way for visitors to explore Ireland’s

inventiveness to engineer solutions

hidden strengths and boost confidence.

cities and major towns.

including the use of candlesticks,

THE RIGHT NOTES

READY, STEADY, COOK

microphone cord and a rubber mat

School

spirit that Kippure Corporate has

PROVIDER: Teambuilding.ie LOCATION: Indoors DURATION: 30 minutes – 2 hours

developed the MacGyver Challenge,

According to experts, playing music

For a unique team building exercise

which sees teams working against the

has a number of benefits for our

with lessons you can use in everyday life,

clock to complete physical, mental

health, including increased memory

head down to Wicklow’s Ballyknocken

and multitasking activities through

capacity, boosted team skills, increased

House & Cookery School for some

coordinated team work, using their

coordination and plenty more besides.

hands-on learning experience in the

intelligence, speed and strength

Enter Crescendo, a team building

kitchen. With tailor-made activities

where needed. Taking place across

exercise from Teambuilding.ie, which

on offer, your delegates could learn a

woodland, grassland and river valleys

involves delegates coming together to

few tips and tricks in cookery classes,

on Kippure Estate’s 240 acres of land,

provide an orchestral performance.

take part in competitive cook-offs or

the MacGyver challenge promotes

Experienced tutors will provide an

improve their knife skills with the help

trust, motivation and support among

introductory lesson to the violin or viola,

of professional tutors.

to seemingly hopeless problems –

to create a defibrillator. It’s in this

044_Conferencing2016_Teambuilding.indd 45

PROVIDER: Ballyknocken House & Cookery LOCATION: Ashford, Co Wicklow

16/02/2016 12:47

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

Business triumphs

AT CROKE PARK

Thanks to recent renovations at Croke Park Meetings & Events, this historic site now has IT facilities on par with its historic presence to ensure your event scores every time.

ith an influx of international business arriving at Dublin Airport in recent years, the demand for quality meeting and events spaces just a short distance away is growing. While Croke Park has always offered a premium service that accompanies the legacy of Ireland’s most famous GAA stadium, they felt it was time to fully accommodate this emerging customer base. “Basically, we felt we wanted to compete at the very top of the market and our conference, meeting, and events space had been developed over ten years ago. Things have moved on and not only did we want to catch up with but pass out the competition,” says Mark Dorman, Head of Stadium Business at Croke Park. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the Croke Park Meetings & Events renovations is the upgraded audiovisual and IT systems, spanning the entire stadium. Part of this upgrade began with strategically positioned screens which were installed across the stadium to direct guests to their conference or event. “When you come into the stadium there is a screen immediately telling you

CrokePark_1C_CP_CONF.indd 46

where you’re going. So on a given day here there could be 15 events and there’s no paper stuck on a wall but screens that will direct you. They are all time sensitive so when the event is over, it just drops off the screen and the next one comes up. No matter where you go in the stadium there are screens to direct you,” explains Dorman.

CAPABILITIES One feature Dorman makes particular mention of is the fully capable IT facilities that will allow you to make alterations to your presentations on the day of your conference. He explains: “We put in an IT TV system which links our 200 screens. So, for a bigger conference, if they want to, for example, utilise a big screen on the pitch, which wouldn’t have been something they could do before, that’s now available. If they want to edit the conference that morning and playback in the afternoon, we have the editing facilities to do that.” Once all essential IT features were completed, Dorman and his team focused on creating a high quality environment. This included features like the ability to

control custom coloured lighting, ultra fast HD Wi-Fi, new 16,000 lumens LED screens, a review of the catering menu and the installation of luxurious Italian conference chairs. For Dorman, one of the biggest challenges was scheduling renovation work when such an iconic space was required for summer events like concerts and the All-Ireland Championships. With a space that is constantly in demand, this proved very difficult given their short time-frame of July 1st until August 31st of last year. “The Hogan Suite would be one of our landmark locations within the stadium. That was undergoing complete renovation and yet we needed it back at the weekend to cater for match days where there are 60,000 people in the stadium,” says Dorman, but adds “There’s nothing like a deadline to focus everybody.” The key theme behind the renovations at Croke Park Meetings & Events is adaptability; the power to custom design your own bespoke meeting space based on the demands of your event. Dorman explains: “It’s the flexibility – there are 110 different meeting spaces where you can have a meeting from 8 up to 2,000 and everything in between.” Whatever the event, whatever your need, the upgraded meetings spaces at Croke Park Meetings & Events will provide you with every modern convenience accompanied by the commanding legacy that is Ireland’s most historic GAA stadium.

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

SINEAD HENEGHAN T: 01 819 2301 E: events@crokepark.ie W: www.crokepark.ie

16/02/2016 14:15

The Lighter Side Conferencing 2016

T he

LIGHTER SIDE

INTERESTING VENUES ABBEY THEATRE

Add a touch of drama to your next event. Established in 1904, the theatre lies in the heart of Dublin, and includes two meeting rooms and auditoria.

DUBLIN CASTLE

Sure to add some historic overtones, Dublin Castle is centrally located in the city, with a range of meeting rooms, theatres and board/banquet rooms on a truly historic site.

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE

Famed the world over, the Guinness Storehouse has a variety of architecturally unique event locations beneath its roof.

CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY

Described as the best museum in Ireland, the Chester Beatty Library houses the wonderful collections of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, providing quite the interesting backdrop.

ROYAL HOSPITAL KILMAINHAM

A conference doesn’t necessarily have to follow conventional rules. Conferencing 2016 brings you inspiring and fun ways to keep your delegates intrigued and make your conference a talking point.

Lavishly decorated, your event attendees will undoubtedly be impressed by this 17th century building, which now hosts events large and small.

hile most conferences

Consider having the event officially

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

are founded on business

opened by a well-known face, or

Entertainment will generate

objectives, how you

include a light-hearted opening that

expectancy at an event. Use it in the

choose to present these to your

embraces the location, theme and

foyer when people arrive, at dinner

delegates doesn’t have to follow

the nature of your delegates.

and during breaks when delegates

the usual means. Entertainers and

are milling around. You can create a

unexpected activities can be used as a

THEME BUILDING

platform to get delegates to interact,

You can lend your conference

outside the box. Music doesn’t have

and send them home with something

a more light-hearted tone by

to be limited to bands and solo

to talk about.

designing a theme that reflects the

performers – buskers bring with them

location, sets the tone of the event

a laid-back atmosphere. Consider

START WITH A BANG

unique ambience by simply thinking

or simply adds a touch of glamour

holding some post-conference off-

As the saying goes: first impressions

or fun. If you have a theme, you can

site events, such as sporting events,

last. Make sure your first impression

be more elaborate with decorations,

sightseeing tours or perhaps a simple

is one to remember, and stage an

arrange an adventurous set-up,

few drinks, which can not only

effective opening which will set the

design creative menus or explore

enhance the conference experience but

standard for the rest of the event.

exciting entertainment options.

increase networking and friendships.

047_Conferencing2016_LighterSide.indd 47

16/02/2016 12:49

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

Events

finish, and offer an exceptional level of customer service to ensure that each event is an unrivalled success in this most

AT THOMOND

unique sporting and cultural location. The spacious Thomond Suite can facilitate banquet style dining for up to 500 guests and up to 800 theatre style for conference

Since the redeveloped Thomond Park reopened in October 2008, the iconic and legendary venue has received widespread acclaim and recognition as a conferencing and banqueting centre of the highest international standard.

events. This unique suite features glass façades with panoramic views of the famous stadium and hallowed pitch, and the truly breathtaking views of the wonderful grounds deliver an additional and unique appeal for any event.

he new Thomond Park stadium,

visual facilities. Thomond Park Stadium

renowned for its award-winning

has all the facilities to host corporate social

design and architecture,

events, meetings, gala dinners, exhibitions,

incorporates an entire level in the east

product launches, promotions and staff

stand dedicated to an array of hospitality

training programmes. Our catering

and conferencing facilities. The multi-

partner, Masterchefs Hospitality, is one

functional design and layout can cater for

of Ireland’s leading corporate and event

all types of requirements – from business

catering companies, specialising in the

meetings and seminars to large-scale

management and delivery of quality and

conferences and gala banquets. Five state-

customisable hospitality experiences.

of-the-art event suites can be adapted

The Conferencing & Hospitality team

and tailored to suit any type of corporate

are dedicated to the management and

event or function with top class audio

delivery of every event from start to

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

To make an enquiry contact: T: 061 421 129 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 48

09/12/2015 12:13

16/02/2016 14:41

Technology Conferencing 2016

TECHNOLOGICAL

From chatting to a friend on the far side of the world to the ability to look up almost any piece of information in a matter of seconds, there’s no doubt that technological developments have and continue to make our lives easier. Event planners are no different. Take, for example, Affectiva, a global expert in emotion analytics. Their software – Affdex – is designed to analyse

A round-up of the best and brightest tools available to the events industry across the world.

human faces and detect what emotions that person is experiencing. Basically, it takes the next step in scaling automated facial coding, building on the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), which was developed in the 1970s as a method of determining emotion according to a set of defined facial expressions, including wrinkled noses, puckered lips, blinks and winks. Speaking to the Smithsonian

Magazine in December of last year, Rana el Kaliouby, founder of Affectiva, said: “The premise of what we do is that emotions are important. Emotions don’t disrupt our rational thinking but guide and inform it. But they are missing from our digital experience. Your smartphone knows who you are and where you are, but it doesn’t know how you feel. We aim to fix that.” The software’s complex algorithms work to isolate different areas of the subject’s face, for example the eyes, nose or mouth. Through the analysis of pixels, texture and gradient, an individual’s current emotion can be determined, with output delivered to the Affdex dashboard. While there are many different applications for such technology, for event management personnel there is a distinct opportunity to determine how a particular speech, talk or event is emotionally impacting their attendees – fans of the TV series Lie to Me will be well aware of the power of facial expressions in revealing what a person is really feeling. Measurable emotions include happiness, surprise, attention, anger, fear, dislike and confusion –

049_Conferencing2016_Technology.indd 49

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Technology Conferencing 2016

discover whether a particular segment

allow you enough time to visit a venue

is memorable by how many people

immediately, or if it’s on the opposite

were smiling or paying attention, or

side of the country, you can simply take

whether it should instead be retired for

a real time virtual tour of the facility,

next year.

and ask questions in real time, courtesy

The technology is backed up by large

of a salesperson and their computer

amounts of data, gathered by Affectiva

or smartphone/tablet. “Viewers can

from around the world, offering

explore any property virtually in real-

incredible analytical possibilities.

time via a salesperson/assistant who

This includes a database of over 11

is live streaming their point of view

billion facial expression frames (what

while walking around the property, or

they refer to as emotion data points),

even around the neighbourhood,” the

gathered from more than three million

company says.

videos – each one was analysed by a human technician, the results of

SOCIAL SNAPS

which were used to ‘teach’ the Affdex

Based in Florida, PhotoTap is an

algorithms. It’s a system that falls

innovative company working in the

under the umbrella of what’s known as

area of near field communication

‘affective computing’, whereby systems

(NFC). Developed with the events

can detect and respond to human

industry in mind, guests are provided

emotion. Another possible use for the

with NFC-enabled wristbands/lanyards,

event management sector is in relation

which a photographer can scan after

to webinars. Ordinarily, the person

taking their picture – the photos are

speaking can’t measure the reaction to

instantly sent to delegates’ Facebook,

what they’re seeing but, with Affdex,

Twitter and email accounts. As a

it becomes quite simple. “If people

result, your branding and event gets

are watching a webcast and they opt

even wider exposure than you may

in to have their face recorded, our

have anticipated. PhotoTap says that

technology in the background could

with each guest that activates using

analyze how people engage with that

Facebook, 300 organic impressions

content,“ Gabi Zijderveld, Affectiva vice

are generated. A PhotoTap camera

president for marketing and product

is required – the company will

strategy, told BizBash.com. “And

either provide you with their own

then you could aggregate that data

photographers, or can send out

for all the people that have watched

equipment and training videos for you

it – where did they engage with the

to do it yourself.

content, where did they lose interest,

Image pg 49: Uber/Peter Schiazza. Below: Uber/Gamma Nine Photography

SAFETY FIRST

proud to offer clients the world’s most

Global meetings and events agency

modern personal security technology,”

MCI has recently unveiled an initiative

said Richard Torriani, MCI Group

Google Maps is a great invention – you

that would provide event delegates

Vice President Congress Management.

can travel to a place you’ve never been

with the latest in personal travel and

“We organise over 400 international

before, work out where you’re going,

safety technology. Working with Global

congresses a year in over 60 countries,

and where you might be able to find

Warning System, a personal travel app

so this new app is of great value to MCI

parking. Georama, a real time virtual

provider, MCI will be providing access

and our clients. By making sure that

travel platform, was developed along

to the Safeture app, which will give its

they stay up to date, and stay safe, the

similar lines – if you can’t make it to a

delegates travel disruption and risk

GWS service will bring peace of mind to

destination in person, you can easily do

alerts via a combination of monitoring,

delegates, wherever in the world their

so virtually. Take, for example, a hotel

data-mining and positioning

congress is taking place.”

or conference venue which employs

technology.

where were they confused.”

VIRTUAL TRAVEL

Georama. If your schedule doesn’t

049_Conferencing2016_Technology.indd 50

“With our partner GWS, we are

The app, which will allow event attendees to help negotiate last minute

18/02/2016 09:43

Technology Conferencing 2016

changes before, during and after

UBER EXCITED

in Ireland. The company is seeking

congresses held abroad, was made

Thinking of developing an event app?

to introduce a ride-sharing service

available to delegates of MCI-

With the simple addition of a few

here, pending talks with the Minister

organised congresses who sign up

lines of code, you can now offer your

for Transport. “Today we’re excited

online from December 2015.

users the opportunity to book an Uber

to announce the first version of a new

“We are very excited to expand

journey straight from your app. The

kind of button – the official Uber Ride

upon our long-standing relationship

process is simple – developers or app

Request Button. This button is one

with MCI in this area,” said Andreas

owners register their app on Uber’s

that you, as a developer, can quickly

Rodman, CEO of GWS. “We are

Developer Dashboard, install the iOS/

grab and add to your own iOS or

taking yet another step forward with

Android SDK (software development

Android apps with just a few lines of

MCI and we are proud to ensure

kit), and configure the ride request

code,” Chris Saad, Head of Product,

the wellbeing of congress delegates

button that will appear in the app.

Uber Developer Platform, wrote in

every day, everywhere around the world.”

049_Conferencing2016_Technology.indd 51

Uber, a global company, is continuing to grow its presence here

a recent blog post. “By adding the button next to every address or ‘intent

16/02/2016 12:56

Technology Conferencing 2016

to ride’ in your app, your users will be able to tap to instantly get a ride to the hotel, restaurant, movie theater or any other destination you specify. This will help you offer a differentiated feature for your users, provide a magical experience for riders and even earn additional revenue for your business.”

EXHIBIT THIS DoubleDutch, which produces mobile event apps, has recently unveiled a new offering aimed at trade show exhibitors – the aptly named DoubleDutch for Exhibitors. This new tool allows exhibitors to take better advantage of digital marketing, through exhibitor branding, targeted offers and lead retrieval, alongside easy measurement of staff performance and a way in which they can boost productivity. “The biggest marketing spend in the world, events and conferences, is still funded by the physical world equivalent of flashing banners. Like they did in 1975, exhibitors are still building their booths to the rafters and handing out key chains and pens galore. There is no targeting, no automation, no optimisation and no measurement,” said Lawrence Coburn, CEO of DoubleDutch. “DoubleDutch is the first digital advertising network for live events that enables event organisers, exhibitors and attendees to have more efficient processes, create richer experiences, build more purposeful relationships, thereby improving the ROI for all parties

promotion of local events, and will

The technology uses iBeacons located at exhibitor booths to match exhibitors to nearby attendees based on their interests.

involved.”

send you a notification if some of your friends are heading to an event near you. Organisers can also schedule events for publishing at a later stage and (at least on iOS) can take advantage of live video facilities. There’s also a handy website – events. fb.com – which will walk you through the process of creating an event.

ENHANCED EXPERIENCE Live Display is a new addition to Event Mobi’s line up, an engagement tool that “brings the event experience to the big screen.” Featuring four rotating screens that each cover the main aspects of your event,

Also of help to event exhibitors is

the display is integrated with your

a new offering from mobile event

offered events capabilities for years

event app, displaying programme

technology platform Eventbase – Expo

now, however it’s only recently that the

information, speaker details and

Connect – which is aimed at generating

California-based company has made

alerts among other items, as well as

better leads. The technology uses

some useful additions, according to

a Twitter feed. There’s also room for

iBeacons located at exhibitor booths to

Wired.com. Firstly, it’s revamping the

customisable messages, and a news

match exhibitors to nearby attendees

language – instead of declining an

ticker along the bottom of the screen.

based on their interests.

invitation to an event, that particular

The display can also be monetised,

button been updated to a softer ‘Can’t

with slots available for logos, images

Go’, which won’t crush the heart of

and other promotional content from

the organiser. They’ve also increased

advertisers.

SOCIAL EVENTS Social media behemoth Facebook has

049_Conferencing2016_Technology.indd 52

19/02/2016 12:14

@AshvilleTeam /ashvillemedia

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18/02/2016 16:50

Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

CROWNE PLAZA

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

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. With 25 purpose-built conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 1,000 delegates, the hotel has gained a reputation for excellence in hosting both national and international conferences. The Redwood Suite is one of Dublin’s largest banqueting venues and all meeting rooms offer the latest audiovisual technology. The Fahrenheit Suite is the perfect venue for smaller family events such as birthdays, communions and anniversary parties. The hotel has won numerous prestigious awards over the years including, most recently, the EFQM Excellence Award, the Public Sector Magazine Conference Hotel Award, IHG Quality Excellence Award and AA 4 Star Award which is a true testament to the superb facilities and high levels of professional service.

ocated within 85 acres of mature

also avail of the hotel’s mini gym which

parkland, close to Dublin

is fully air-conditioned as well as the

Airport and only ten minutes

Buiness Centre offering complimentary

via the Port Tunnel to the City centre, Crowne Plaza Dublin-Northwood is

internet access. Touzai Restaurant offers

the perfect venue for both business

contemporary cuisine in a relaxing

and pleasure. The hotel operates a

setting. The restaurant’s mouth-

complimentary shuttle service to and

watering menu mixes firm favourites

from Dublin Airport and also offers a

with exotic delights and has captured

range of packages for guests who wish

the hearts of all who seek a confident

to park their car at the hotel whilst they

and competent service combined

are abroad.

with exceptional food quality and

The hotel has 204 guest bedrooms

presentation. Touzai has received

all equipped to the highest standard

several accolades, the most recent of

including features such as air-

which was the AA Rosette Award for

conditioning, complimentary in-room

Culinary Excellence.

WiFi and American and European

The hotel’s bar, Cinnabar Red, offers

plug sockets. For added luxury and a

a buzzing atmosphere and is the ideal

little more privacy, guests may opt for

place to enjoy lunch or an evening

rooms on the Club Floor which includes

snack while enjoying the views over the

a dedicated lounge area. Guests may

surrounding lake and park. The bar

CrownePlaza_1C_CP_CONF.indd 54

The Redwood Suite is one of Dublin’s largest banqueting venues and all meeting rooms offer the latest audiovisual technology. The Fahrenheit Suite is the perfect venue for smaller family events such as birthdays, communions and anniversary parties.

CONTACT

i n f orm a ti on

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

16/02/2016 17:15

Trends Conferencing 2016

TRACKING THE TRENDS Conferencing 2016 looks at several trends predicted for the global event management sector this year.

and flexible event programming will go a long way here, as well as opportunities for attendees to engage and interact. Of course, in order to do this effectively, you’ll have to make use of big data, mining valuable customer insights.

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES Wearable technology is continuing to gain traction, with a number of companies branching into the field – the Apple Watch, Google Glass, the Pebble Time Steel and

INTERNET OF THINGS

sections of an exhibition or trade show

Microsoft’s Hololens chief among

For those unfamiliar with the term,

are the most popular, influencing

them. Their use is also on the

the Internet of Things refers to a

future events. Energy efficiency could

rise in meetings and events, and

connection between devices and

be increased – if a certain section of

have great potential, including the

the Internet, from phones and

your venue has no foot traffic, lights

ability to receive directions via GPS,

washing machines to wearable

can be dimmed or switched off. “With

e-wallet transactions, exchange of

devices and headphones. A good

the data you can collect combined

information, automatic check-in and

example is Samsung’s new Family

with automation, you can start to

much more.

Hub refrigerator, which comes with

create personalised experiences for

a built-in touchscreen and can send

people: lights, temperature, music, for

develops mobile enterprise meeting

you photos of what’s inside, letting

example,” Wilson Tang, vice president

and event apps – launched the

you know when you’ve run out of

of digital experience at FreemanXP

industry’s first app with Apple Watch

milk and eggs.

told MeetingsNet.com.

integration. Conference delegates

In 2015, QuickMobile – which

can review schedules on their Apple Watch, and receive push alerts and notifications from event organisers. “Throughout the meeting and event industry there is a greater focus on personalisation and using technology to transform engagement,” said Craig Brennan, CEO, QuickMobile. “Apple Watch is a hyper-personal device with great potential once the full SDK is released in the fall of 2015.”

CROWD STREAMING Events organisers might invest in a live stream for delegates or interested parties who can’t make it in person, but 2016 could see increased

So how can this be utilised for

INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE

events? There are several options.

People don’t want to feel as though

via the crowd. The introduction of

iBeacons, for example, can be used

they are simply part of the crowd –

a number of live video streaming

to track delegates through an event

they want to be treated as individuals.

apps such as Periscope, Holyvent,

location, or provide location-based

Offering a personalised event

Stre.am and Meerkat, alongside the

services. This particular technology

experience can be difficult, but will be

old guard (Livestream, Ustream) all

could also be used to track which

well worth your while. Tailored content

make this an easy experience.

055_Conferencing2015_Trends.indd 55

participation in terms of streaming

16/02/2016 12:59

Profile Conferencing 2016

EXCELLENCE Conferencing 2016 spoke with Ashville Media Group’s experienced events department to discover more about what they do and how they do it.

Q: WHAT IS ASHVILLE MEDIA GROUP’S EVENTS DEPARTMENT ALL ABOUT? A: Ashville’s events team is unique in

was a stand-out event for us last year.

that all the events are homegrown and

time afterwards! We’re now planning

owned by Ashville Media – we create

to grow the Blog Awards, making it

events from the ground up. Each event

bigger and better for 2016, including

is run like a mini-business and must

hosting the awards in a circus tent.

be self-funding. The team is always

With its informal 1920s theme and burlesque performances, the evening was the talk of the town for some

However, all of our awards are

looking for opportunities to develop

different and unique in their own

high quality events from concept

right. We speak to a variety of people

through to live guest experiences.

working in a broad spectrum of

Our team aims to deliver top-class

industries, from bars, hotels and

industry awards events, recognising

restaurants to legal professionals,

the cream of the crop across numerous

county councils and advertising

industries such as business, hotel

executives. Year on year, the attendees

and catering, maternity and infant,

at each awards grows steadily and

the legal professions, and digital

6,000 people attended an Ashville

media. We pride ourselves on the

Media Group awards ceremony in

transparency and credibility of our

2015.

judging process, the high calibre of entrants and the fact that we produce awards which companies and individuals want to win. We also run successful professional

Q: WHAT TYPE OF CLIENTS HAVE YOU WORKED WITH IN THE PAST? A: We have worked with some

Q: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE AND DRIVE OF THE ASHVILLE EVENTS TEAM? A: They say event management is the fourth most stressful profession, consisting of long hours with unmovable deadlines, but it is all worth it for that event rush, seeing

fantastic headline partners over the

your concept ideas come to life – it

conferences, hosted by leading

past year, such as AIB Private Banking

really is a calling. The events team in

industry experts in law, business,

and Sky. Accenture Digital partnered

Ashville is passionate about what they

healthcare, and more. Last year, we

with us on the Digital Media Awards

do and has the ability to jump from

attracted more than 1,800 delegates

– their approach to partnerships

sector to sector throughout the day,

to over 15 of our conferences and

includes fresh ideas delivered in fun

from maternity and legal to hotels and

seminars. We’re very excited to be

and unique ways. Keelings Farm

catering.

building on this success into 2016.

Fresh, our headline partner for the

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR OR WELL-RECEIVED EVENTS YOU’VE ORGANISED? A: Our inaugural Blog Awards in 2015

056_Conferencing2016_AshvilleEvents.indd 56

The team consists of event director

Gold Medal Awards, are so passionate

Tracey Carney, who began her career

about fresh, local produce it is

as an engineering graduate; Michelle

infectious. The events team got an

Morrisroe, Public Relations; Denise

education on the wonderful fruit and

McGuire, Journalism; Tara Brady,

veg grown in Ireland.

Hospitality; Hazel Johnston, Retail

19/02/2016 12:16

Profile Conferencing 2016

media channels, keep up to date with new conferences, and learn of relevant developments around our conferences.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR EVENT MANAGEMENT? A: Lists, lists and more lists is probably our top tip – event management involves a lot of moving parts and things can easily fall through the cracks. Keeping an up-to-date to-do list means that at all times, everyone involved in the event can see the status of each element and tasks can be marked off when they are complete. Communication – communicating within the team, to your target audience, to your partners, sponsors and media. There is no point in doing all the hard work if nobody knows about it. Prioritise – learn how to prioritise tasks, this feeds into the lists point. When making a list, prioritise what is high, medium and low urgency. Clockwise from top left: Sky Bar of the Year Awards 2015; Comedian Oliver Callan and Event Director Tracey Carney at the 2015 Digital Media Awards; Sky Bar of the Year Awards 2015; 2015 AIB Private Banking Irish Law Awards; Keelings Gold Medal Awards 2015. Photos: Paul Sherwood.

Time management – managing your time properly is very important. In the lead into an event it can be easy

and Chris Lavery, Data. Each member

partners’ brands to life. It started with

to get bogged down in minor tasks,

brings their own unique skill set, and

our Have Your Cake and Tweet It

which take up time that could be

many of our team members have

campaign, where we delivered over 80

better spent elsewhere.

started as interns and worked their way

giant cupcakes to all of our Accenture

up through the ranks – all bitten by the

Digital Media Awards finalists, which

person can do everything, so learning

event bug.

resulted in our hashtag trending

to delegate is very important.

There is a perception that events is a

nationally.

Don’t be afraid to delegate – no one

Have fun. Event management is possibly one of the best jobs in the

glamorous career and, although we do

We have lots of exciting plans and

get dressed up when the occasion calls

are always looking for ways to push the

for it, we are always working. With 365

boundaries of our awards, delivering

days of administration for 11 awards

360 degree guest experiences. The

and 20 conferences, there is so much

conferences division of the events

work that goes on in the background,

department will soon be launching

which nobody sees. You have to be

their brand new website – Irish

Q: IF ANYONE WANTS TO GET IN TOUCH, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO DO SO? A: For all events queries, you can

driven and a real self starter to succeed

Conferences – which will showcase all

contact Tracey Carney (Director

within our team.

conferences and seminars they will

of Events) at tracey.carney@

be hosting. Visitors to the site will

ashvillemediagroup.com or phone 01

discover more about the topics of our

432 2206. For more information about

upcoming conferences, learn about the

our conferences, you can contact Chris

speakers, buy tickets directly, engage

Lavery on 01 432 2273 or email chris.

in conversations on the relevant social

lavery@ashvillemediagroup.com.

Q: CAN WE EXPECT ANYTHING NEW OR EXCITING FOR 2016? A: 2016 is all about the activations and unique experiences – bringing our

056_Conferencing2016_AshvilleEvents.indd 57

world!

19/02/2016 12:39

Events Conferencing 2016

EVENTS ARE ALL A rou n d U s Photo: Flickr/Eskling.

Conferencing 2016 takes a look at some of the major events happening across Ireland in 2016.

ENNIS BOOK CLUB FESTIVAL DATE: 4 – 6 March 2016 LOCATION: Ennis, Co Clare MORE INFORMATION:

occurs in all of our lives. In the broader

buildings go green in honour of

sense, they ponder questions that past

the day. The fun doesn’t stop there,

and present revolutionaries evoke, and

however – stick around for funfairs in

consider how far we have travelled,

Merrion Square and Custom House

or indeed not travelled, since. So lots

Quay, and a craft beer and whiskey

of lively conversation, reading and

village at the RDS.

friendship is assured – alongside some fun with food and music and a very special 10th birthday festival club.

is back with its unique mix of readings,

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL DATE: 17 – 20 March 2016 LOCATION: Dublin City MORE INFORMATION:

discussion, debates, comedy and chat in

www.stpatricksfestival.ie

www.ennisbookclubfestival.com The annual Ennis Book Club Festival

EASTER RISING CENTENARY DATE: 26 – 29 March 2016 LOCATION: Across Dublin City To mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a number of historical and commemoration events will be taking place across Ireland’s capital. An armed insurrection that occurred

one of Ireland’s friendliest towns. 2016 will be a year for the curious, designed

Celebrating Irish national identity, this

during Easter Week 1916, it was the

to give their audiences plenty of food

year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations –

most significant insurrection to take

for thought. They take a slightly

themed ‘Imagine If ’ – will kick off in

place in Ireland since the Rebellion

alternative look at the significance of

Dublin’s Parnell Square, featuring the

of 1798. Though the main focus of

the centenary year and through the

best and most creative from Ireland

the rebellion was in Dublin – with the

eyes and words of guest writers, ponder

and beyond. Watch, at 6pm, as some of

taking of the GPO, the Four Courts

the myriad ways in which ‘revolution’

the city’s biggest and most memorable

and Jacob’s Factory – smaller actions

059_Conferencing2016_Events.indd 58

19/02/2016 12:17

Events Conferencing 2016

that would eventually lead to an

WEST WATERFORD FESTIVAL OF FOOD 2016 DATE: 15 – 17 April 2016 LOCATION: Dungarvan, Co Waterford MORE INFORMATION: www.

independent Ireland. Across the

westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

took place in Meath, Galway and Wexford. On Easter Sunday, wreath laying ceremonies will commemorate the first shots fired in a rebellion

Easter weekend, ceremonies will

parades on the streets of Drogheda, you’ll sate your cultural requirements sooner than you thought!

CORK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL DATE: 27 April – 01 May 2016 LOCATION: Cork City, Co Cork MORE INFORMATION: www.corkchoral.ie

also be held in the Garden of

Celebrating the best of local food and

Remembrance, as well as the RDS

culinary excellence, the West Waterford

(for families of those who fought in

Festival of Food is back again this

1916). A televised state parade will

year with a host of food and drink

The Cork International Choral Festival

march through the city’s streets,

to tempt your taste buds. Featuring

will bring Cork City to life this April

while an exhibition in the GPO will

demonstrations, workshops, food

and May, welcoming choirs from across

be officially opened to the public.

markets, entertainment, and everything

the globe for concert performances and

in between, new to the programme

competitions in the city. The opening

for 2016 will be a distilling workshop

night concert will be a celebration

offered with the help of Blackwater

of Ireland’s heritage, including

Distillery.

performances of Seán Ó Riada’s Mise

INTERNATIONAL PAN CELTIC FESTIVAL 2016 DATE: 29 March – 03 April 2016 LOCATION: Carlow town, Co Carlow MORE INFORMATION: www.panceltic.ie Held annually in the week after Easter, the Pan Celtic movement aims to promote Celtic languages, music, culture and sport, and encourage inter-Celtic tourism and trade, as well as the exchange of information. This year will feature a great programme including performances from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man, the International Traditional Singing Competition, a colourful parade through the streets of Carlow, a street busking competition, nightly festivities and plenty more besides.

SEAN NÓS COIS LIFE DATE: 15 April 2016 LOCATION: The Teacher’s Club, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1

Above: Ballymaloe, home to the Kerrygold Literary Festival. Far left: Cork Midsummer Festival. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

DROGHEDA ARTS FESTIVAL DATE: 25 April – 02 May 2016 LOCATION: Drogheda, Co Lough MORE INFORMATION: www.droghedaartsfestival.ie

A style of singing which translates to

Éire Suite, and finishing with a flourish with an entertaining international choral music concert.

KERRYGOLD BALLYMALOE LITERARY FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND WINE DATE: 20 – 22 May 2016 LOCATION: Ballymaloe, Co Cork MORE INFORMATION: www.litfest.ie

‘old style’, Sean Nós is an emotive

Searching for something to keep

singing method, unaccompanied

you occupied this May bank holiday

by musical instruments. The Góilín

weekend? The Drogheda Arts Festival,

Traditional Singer’s club will be

a hive of creativity and imagination,

celebrating this old tradition this

showcases the best in music, theatre,

This year’s Ballymaloe Litfest will

April with live performances and,

literature, film and art for all ages.

welcome award-winning food writers,

for the brave, an opportunity to

With a mix of concerts, exhibitions,

chefs, food and environmental activists,

showcase your own talents!

readings, late night events and free

avant-garde farmers, food filmmakers,

059_Conferencing2016_Events.indd 59

18/02/2016 09:57

Events Conferencing 2016

photographers, soil experts and many

If you’re a committed classic

the town’s closed Tullow Street, busking,

more besides for a fascinating festival on

petrolhead, the annual Wells House

fireworks, several stage productions

intriguing food and drink. Highlights

classic car show is well worth the visit.

(including a production of Dancing at

include cookery demonstrations,

A vast collection of cars will be on

Lughnasa, accompanied by Romanian

foraging expeditions, guest chef lunches

display at the Victorian-era house in

violinist Andrea Bouris). The festival’s

and drinks talks and tastings, and

Co Wexford. And, if you’re not that

flagship event is the Éigse Annual Open

plenty of activities to keep kids of all

into your cars, there will be family

Submission, which exhibits work from

ages entertained.

entertainment (including falconry

emerging and established artists at the

display, woodland walks and fantastic

town’s VISUAL centre. The festival

gardens), barbecue and live music to

also stretches out to the nearby town of

enjoy. It’s also quite the worthy cause –

Borris, which plays host to the Borris

proceeds will be given to Make a Wish.

House Festival of Writing and Ideas.

Established in 1998, the International

ÉIGSE 2016 DATE: 10 – 19 June 2016 LOCATION: Carlow town, Co Carlow MORE INFORMATION:

CORK MIDSUMMER DATE: 17 – 19; 21; 24 – 26 June 2016 LOCATION: Cork City MORE INFORMATION:

Literature Festival, Dublin (formerly

carlowartsfestival.com

www.corkmidsummer.com

the country’s foremost literary events.

A ten-day festival packed to the brim

An anticipated cultural event every

Previous participants include Elizabeth

with arts and culture during the

year, the Cork Midsummer festival

Gilbert, Colm Tóibín and Jonathan

summer months in Carlow, Éigse

provides an explosion of arts in the city

Franzen.

2016 will once more take over the

each June, combining theatre, dance,

south-eastern town’s streets in June.

music, visual arts, talks, workshops,

The popular event was founded in

outdoor trails and more. Highlights

1979, named for the Irish for ‘poetry

from last year’s programme included

gathering’, though it has come to

a performance of Dublin Oldschool,

represent a broader spectrum of

a play by Emmet Kirwan; the Abbey

artistic endeavour. Celebrating its

Theatre playwriting pop-up; and a

37th birthday in 2016, past highlights

recital by South Korean pianist Young-

include three days of street theatre on

Choon Park.

INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL, DUBLIN DATE: 21 – 29 May 2016 LOCATION: Dublin FURTHER INFORMATION: www.ilfdublin.com

the Dublin Writer’s Festival), is one of

KILLARNEY BEERFEST DATE: 27 – 29 May 2016 LOCATION: Killarney, Co Kerry MORE INFORMATION: killarneybeerfestival.com Is a cold brew at the end of a long day your idea of heaven? If so, you might want to make a pilgrimage to Killarney this May, for the fun (and hop) filled Killarney Beerfest. The best of Ireland’s craft brewers will be on hand with plenty of tasty liquid treats, alongside beer tasting, master classes, competitions, delicious artisan foods and entertainment. Don’t forget to take in the Beoir Ireland awards, which will recognise the best in more than eight categories including Wheat Beer, Porter & Stout, Pale Ale, Dark Ale and Sour Beer.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 2016 AT WELLS HOUSE AND GARDENS DATE: Sunday 29 May 2016 LOCATION: Ballyedmond, Gorey, Co Wexford

MORE INFORMATION: info@wellshouse.ie

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Killarney Beerfest headliner Jerry Fish. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

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Events Conferencing 2016

and make sure the children enjoy themselves with art competitions, swimming and watersports. A festival which takes its name from Brian Boru, who ended the Uí Neill domination of the high kingship of Ireland, Féile Brian Ború remembers the man born in Killaloe who would go on to control the provinces of Leinster and Munster, and eventually became High King of Ireland in 1002.

GALWAY FILM FLEADH DATE: 05 – 10 July 2016 LOCATION: Galway City MORE INFORMATION: www.galwayfilmfleadh.com Dublin Horse Show. Photo: Marc O’Sullivan

BLOOMSDAY FESTIVAL DATE: 15 – 19 June 2016 LOCATION: Various locations, Dublin City MORE INFORMATION: bloomsdayfestival.ie

One of Ireland’s leading film festivals, the Galway Film Fleadh is a six-day event held each July, welcoming actors,

for four days of fun and inspiration

directors, student filmmakers and

focused on travel writing and literature.

cinema buffs from around the world.

Last year’s festival included talks from

Previous well known guests at the

actor/adventurer Charley Boorman;

festival have included Saoirse Ronan,

Robert Fisk, veteran Middle East

Michael Fassbender, Peter O’Toole,

Ulysses, a novel by writer James

correspondent for the Independent;

John C Reilly, Jeremy Irons and many

Joyce, is considered as one of the

and Jonathon Shackleton, cousin to

others.

most important works in modernist

famous polar explorer Sir Earnest

literature, and follows a character

Shackleton. Lismore is an apt setting

known as Leopold Bloom on one

for such a festival – the Book of

particular day – 16th June 1904.

Lismore was compiled in the town in

The first ever Bloomsday, which

the 15th century and included an Irish

DUBLIN HORSE SHOW DATE: 20 – 24 July 2016 LOCATION: RDS, Dublin City MORE INFORMATION:

commemorates the life and times of

translation of The Book of Sir Marco

dublinhorseshow.com

Joyce, was celebrated in 1954 and

Polo, about the well-travelled Italian

today, Joyce enthusiasts celebrate

merchant.

the acclaimed author and his work

Ulysses across Dublin, and taking part

FÉILE BRIAN BORÚ DATE: 30 June – 03 July LOCATION: Twin towns of Killaloe, Co Clare

in walking tours, parties and bus tours

and Ballina, Co Tipperary

by dressing up in Edwardian-era clothing, re-enacting episodes of

across the city.

IMMRAMA, THE LISMORE FESTIVAL OF TRAVEL WRITING DATE: 16 – 19 June 2016 LOCATION: Lismore, Co Waterford MORE INFORMATION:

MORE INFORMATION:

www.feilebrianboru.com

The 143rd Dublin Horse Show will offer the best in national and international equestrian competitions along with a fantastic array of music and entertainment, visual art, craft, fashion, shopping, and gourmet food. One of Ireland’s largest sporting, social and family events, the Show is the highlight of the summer and each

There’s plenty of fun available for all

year welcomes thousands of visitors

the family at this year’s Féile Brian

from Ireland and the rest of the world.

Ború – take part in historical guided

Celebrating Ireland’s affinity with the

tours, immerse yourself in traditional

horse, the Dublin Horse Show features

craft and workshops, sit back and enjoy

the finest show horses and national

explosive fireworks displays by the

breed horses as well as top national

Travel writers will descend on the

River Shannon, get going with street

and international show jumpers. If

historic town of Lismore this June

games, live music and table quizzes,

you feel in the mood for a spot of

www.lismoreimmrama.com

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Events Conferencing 2016

GUINNESS CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL DATE: 28 – 31 October 2016 LOCATION: Various locations in Cork City MORE INFORMATION: www.guinnessjazzfestival.com An internationally renowned musical extravaganza, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes places in venues across Cork City, with over 1,000 musicians taking part each year. As well as more than 70 performances – many of which are free of charge – attendees can take part in workshops and enjoy Roses on Banna beach in Co Kerry. Photo: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus LTD

guest appearances from jazz stars and educators.

shopping there are over 300 boutique

Richard Corrigan and Neven Maguire,

stands to browse through, from art

alongside plenty of delicious local and

NYF DUBLIN DATE: 30 December 2016 – 01 January

and antiques to fashion and equestrian

regional food.

2017

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL DATE: 17 – 23 August 2016 LOCATION: Tralee, Co Kerry MORE INFORMATION: www.roseoftralee.ie

Ring in the new year in style with a

offerings. With a wide range of food stalls covering everything from seafood and champagne to artisan treats, a kids’ zone to keep your little ones happy, the glamour of Ladies Day, the performers providing musical entertainment and intriguing exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

BEATLESFEST ON THE LOUGH DATE: 28 – 31 July 2016 LOCATION: Moville, Co Donegal

Ireland’s greatest talents, NYF Dublin

the Rose of Tralee festival welcomes

is a family friendly festival that is sure

international Roses to the Kerry town,

to kick-start your new year.

competing in a bid to be crowned the Rose of Tralee. It’s not just a street carnival including entertainment,

celebrating the Beatles’ music,

live music, a fashion show, workshops,

BeatlesFest on the Lough welcomes

markets and stunning fireworks.

Lough Foyle.

TASTE OF CAVAN DATE: 12 – 13 August 2016 LOCATION: Cavan Equestrian Centre, Cavan FURTHER INFORMATION: taste@thisiscavan.ie

with arts, music, culture and live entertainment. Featuring some of

competition, however, with five days of

small town of Moville, on the shores of

three-day citywide festival packed

One of Ireland’s best known events,

Ireland’s longest running festival

fans from around the globe to the

LOCATION: Dublin City Centre MORE INFORMATION: nyfdublin.com

NYF Dublin 2015. Photo: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography

CELTIC FRINGE FESTIVAL DATE: 15 – 18 September 2016 LOCATION: Grange, Co Sligo MORE INFORMATION: www.celticfringefest.com Exploring the connections between Ireland, Spain and Europe as a result of the Spanish Armada of 1588, the

Fans of great local food will descend

Celtic Fringe Festival is a great package

on Cavan this August to sample the

of culture and heritage, featuring walks

wares of local producers at the annual

and talks, workshops, tours and much

Taste of Cavan food festival. One of

more investigating and celebrating

the country’s top festivals of its kind,

the northwest’s history, culture and

2016 will see its chef line-up include

landscape.

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Venue Profile Conferencing 2016

PASSION

AND PRIDE

Aviva Stadium can encapsulate the heartbeat of a nation – it’s this passion the team instils in all their meeting and events.

manager fantastic and a very special thank you to Becca, she was amazing and so helpful and made the day so easy for me. Thank you for all your help, I would have no hesitation in recommending the Aviva to anyone.”

TEAM EFFORT Compass Group Ireland’s team is led by the extremely experienced Sean Curtis, who joined the team in 2014. Sean’s previous roles include General Manager at Newmarket Racecourse, Head of Operations at Arsenal Football Club, not to mention Head of Catering at Manchester United Football Club. Sean Curtis and the team conduct their jobs with great flair and professionalism as we are highly motivated and truly passionate about representing Aviva Stadium in all aspects of what we do. We are proud to be at the very beating heart of Irish sport in Ireland. Every day we work within a competitive marketplace and manage a huge mix of customers with ease – building and delivering an amazingly complex array of world

class hospitality experiences individual

ince opening in 2010, Aviva

Grocer’s Benevolent Fund (IGBF) lunch

to each event client, even with 52,000

Stadium has forged an indelible

and Temple Street Children’s Charity

other people in the building.

mark on the event landscape

Ball in 2015. 2016 promises to be

Aviva Stadium’s dedicated sales,

of Dublin and is now firmly one of the

another outstanding year as we host the

events and hospitality teams have a

city’s most popular event venues. 2015

EONS/ IPOS Association Conference

wealth of venue management and

was the most successful year to date as

in October 2016 in conjunction with

event management experience.

we underwent some changes including

our client the Irish Cancer Society.

Some have come from other large

investment in the product and the

The range of events held at the venue

international venues, event agencies,

launch of our new Meeting and Events

further highlights the versatility and

PCOs/ DMCs and international hotel

website, www.avivastadiumevents.ie. We

flexibility of the spaces and also the

chains, but one thing unites them all

were delighted to welcome back some of

value offered for a range of clients from

– the passion to deliver the best events

our most valued clients for whom Aviva

different sectors. The feedback received

for our clients.

Stadium has become their first choice as

by the team about the food, service and

a venue for their event annually, such as

standards at the venue is impressive.

With 27 awards to our name and growing, we are immensely proud

One client noted, “I just wanted to

of our dedicated in-house team who

Conference on Cancer Survivorship

drop a quick line to say thank you so

ensure that every event is run to the

and DMX Dublin with the Marketing

much to you and all the staff at the

highest standards of service, delivery

Institute of Ireland.

Aviva who made our conference so

and health and safety. Most recently we

fantastic. All of the staff were amazing –

took home the award for Best Purpose

so accommodating and helpful. I wish I

Designed Event Venue and Best Event

The Stadium hosted some fantastic

could remember everyone’s name. The

Caterer at the 2015 Event Industry

events such as VapeFest, The Irish

AV team were brilliant, the operations

Awards.

the Irish Cancer Society for the National

STRENGTH

Aviva_1C_CP_CONF.indd 63

16/02/2016 14:17

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Aviva Stadium

Ballsbridge Hotel

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

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

CONFERENCING CONFERENCING CAPACITY: DEDICATED CONFERENCE CENTRE: CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR: CO-ORDINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT SOUND SYSTEM: SCREEN: PROJECTOR: VIDEO EQUIPMENT: OTHER:

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)1 667 4381 events@ballsbridgehotel.com

www.avivastadiumevents.ie

www.ballsbridgehotel.com

UEFA Elite Stadium Aviva Stadium is in the heart of Dublin, 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, adjacent to Lansdowne Road DART station Located beside a variety of hotels and accommodation options in Ballsbridge Up to 1,100 delegates

4 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, 3 minutes walk from DART rail link, 10 mintues walk to city centre and IFSC 400

Full bar license and entertainment facilities

The Dubiner Pub is a traditional Irish bar, offering hearty meals and the perfect pint in a relaxed atmosphere Reduced rate at Energie Fitness Gym, 5 minute walk from the hotel

N/A

In close proximity

Elm Park Golf Club nearby

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

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

800 theatre style, 1100 dining

850 theatre style, 650 dining

Leah Gunn, +353 (0) 1 238 2388 leah.gunn@avivastadiumevents.ie

Philip Downes pdownes@ballsbridgehotel.com

(space specific) (space specific)

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT LAPTOP CONNECTION TO LCD: TELECONFERENCING: VIDEO-CONFERENCING: INTERNET/BROADBAND ACCESS: REMOTE CONFERENCING: OTHER: SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICIAN: SECRETARIAL SUPPORT: INTERPRETER: DISABILITY ACCESS:

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 64

Raglan’s Restaurant serving simple, fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients with friendly staff in comfortable surroundings

On request On request On request On request

On request On request

On request On request On request

17/02/2016 10:17

A JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUES

• Centrally located, just one hour from Dublin • 15 Professionally Appointed Conference & Banqueting Suites • Capacities up to 800 Theatre Style & 500 for Banquets • Self Contained Exhibition Area • 143 Deluxe Bedrooms & Suites • 30 Self Catering Lodges on the Resort • Award Winning Christy O’Connor designed 18 Hole Golf Course • Green Site Areas for Outdoor Activities • 500 Complimentary Parking Spaces

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

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Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

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

4 Just off M50 motorway, serviced by Luas to Dublin city centre and near Dundrum Town Centre and Leopardstown 88

3 5 minute drive from the town of Castlebar. Regular train & bus services. Ireland West Airport 20 minute drive 260

DINING FACILITIES:

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

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

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

4 Located next to ‘Harcourt’ Luas Line in Dublin City Centre. Aircoach & Dublin bus ‘16’ service to Dublin Airport 251 modern guestrooms with smart TV’s as standard and free high-speed Wi-Fi The popular ‘Iveagh Restaurant’ and ‘C Central Bar & Bistro’ for extensive International menu choices Full extensive bar facility with craft beers, cocktail’s and delicious food menu. Live music every weekend. Gymnasium, 16 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with Beauty Clinic salon Close proximity to main Dublin golf courses

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

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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:

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 66

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses Close to Dundrum Town Centre prestigious shoppping area and the famous Leopardstown Racecourse

40 On request David Greig meetings@thebeacon.com

2,500

Maximum 250 persons in theatre style

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

Sandra Egan, +353 (0) 1 428 3930 segan@camdencourthotel.ie

Flipchart, Markers, Pens, Paper

On request State of the art equipment

On request On request On request On request

On request On request On request

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

On request

On request On request On request

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

Extra charge - Pre booking essential Extra charge - Pre booking essential

On request On request – additional cost applies

17/02/2016 10:17

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

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

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

4 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

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

Kitty Hawks Bar & Bistro located on the ground floor

4 AA Irish Hotel of the Year 2014, located 15 minutes from Dublin city, 25 minutes from Airport, & with links to train stations 138 including 20 executive rooms and four suites Two restaurants, The 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

Full leisure centre, 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

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

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

Free car parking for delegates

On request On request On request Wi-Fi

500 15 conference and meeting rooms Gael Cooke Allen, 01 640 6378 events@chcc.ie

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

103 Bell Tower Restaurant, Franchini’s Italian, Afternoon tea, Knights Bar and The Pod Club House Bar – Knights Bar weekend entertainment

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

300 delegates +353 21 421 9012 sales@castlemartyrresort.ie

Additional equipment can be organised

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

On request On request On request

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 67

On request

17/02/2016 10:18

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Citywest Hotel, Conference & Event 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: DINING FACILITIES:

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 68

Saggart, Co. Dublin

Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1

Jones’ Road, Dublin 3

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

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

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

www.citywesthotel.com

www.theccd.ie

www.crokepark.ie

4 25 minutes from Dublin City and Airport. Luas connection to the city centre. Direct access to national motorways 774 Guest Rooms & Suites

N/A 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, close to Dublin Ferry Port, excellent access to road, bus and Luas routes Within walking distance of Dublin’s 20,000 hotel bedrooms Banqueting 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. New Blackthorn Café in the GAA Museum Multiple bar, function and reception facilities throughout the venue

Gala dining for up to 2,000 guests. 2 on-site restaurants A selection of bars and lounges on-site

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

Full equipped gymnasium with spa area, fitness studio and 20m swimming pool. Complimentary for guests Par 70 Championship golf course designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr.

N/A

Fully equipped fitness centre at The Croke Park hotel

There are many golf courses close to Dublin city centre

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

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

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

8-8,000

Lorna Hennebry, +353 (0) 87 196 1370 sales@citywesthotel.com

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

State-of-the-art AV system

Latest technology in AV and lighting

High-spec AV and lighting

Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 28,000 devices

Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 12,000 devices

Free WiFi On request 280 screen IPTV and signage system

On request On request

AV partner on-site Full dedicated business centre On request

17/02/2016 10:18

45 MAGAZINE TITLES ▲ 10 EVENTS ▲ 3.6 MILLION REACH

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18/02/2016 26/01/2016 17:06 09:04

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood

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:

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.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

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

5 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

400 Theatre style

200 conference style

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

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

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

On request

204 Touzai Restaurant

Cinnabar Red

On request (Executive Boardroom) On request

On request Complimentary Wifi On request

On request On request

On request On request On request

External catering

Free Wi-Fi on site plus Broadband

18/02/2016 14:32

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

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 Village, 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

4 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport

4 14km from Dublin city centre and 28km from Dublin Airport. Aircoach service to and from the hotel hourly 113

4 Direct from Dublin Airport in 15 minutes via Dublin’s Port Tunnel. Luas line on doorstep of the hotel 252

3 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 Emel Canpolat ecanpolat@finnstowncastlehotel.com

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

300 delegates and 6 break-out rooms On-site assistance on request Roisin O'Malley events1@thegibsonhotel.ie

750 delegates

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

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

Sales & Marketing Team

On request

On request On request Complimentary throughout

Free high speed Wi-Fi on site On request Some service would be an additional cost

On request On request On request

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 71

On request On request

17/02/2016 10:19

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

The Hunt Museum

The Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club

Killashee Hotel Spa & Leisure

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES:

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

Straffan Co. Kildare

Killashee, Naas, Co. Kildare

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

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

www.huntmuseum.com

www.kclub.ie

www.killasheehotel.com

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

5 40 Minutes from Dublin city centre

140 Bedrooms

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

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

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

The K Spa, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Outdoor Hot-Tub, Tennis Courts Two Championship Golf Courses on site – Home to the Ryder Cup 2006

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

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

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

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

Up to 70

500 Theatre Style

Up to 600 delegates

Naomi O'Nolan marketing@huntmuseum.com

Susie Hopkins-Burke sales@kclub.ie

Orla McCabe, +353 (0)45 879277 sales@killasheehotel.com

Additional requirements on request.

Natural daylight in all rooms

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

LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 72

N/A

On request On request

On request

On request Complimentary WIFI

On request

17/02/2016 10:19

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

The Killeshin Hotel

Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa

Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Lough Eske, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

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

Lyrath Estate Hotel & Convention Centre

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Malahide, Co. Dublin

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

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

www.thekilleshin.com

www.solislougheskecastle.ie

www.lyrath.com

www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cedar Bistro and Cedar Bar

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

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

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

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

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

N/A

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

Nearby

Emo House & Gardens, Slievebloom Mountains

Award Winning Spa Solis, Thermal Suite, 17m pool and fully equipped state of the art gym Donegal Golf Club, an 18 links Championship Course 10 minutes drive from the Castle A full range of on-site/off-site activities list available on request

350

400 theatre

1,500 theatre

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

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

Sylwia Staunton +353 (0) 56 770 5852

Joanne Pollard +353 (0) 1 866 6784

Yes (outside catering company)

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

On request Natural daylight in all meeting rooms

On request On request

Limited, photocopying etc.

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 73

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

On request On request On request

17/02/2016 10:19

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Conference & Events Venue

The Mansion House

The Morgan Hotel

Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 74

Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Temple Bar, 10 Fleet Street, Dublin 2

Tullow, Co. Carlow

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

+353 (0) 1 643 7000 +353 (0) 1 643 7060 meetings@themorgan.com

+353 (0) 59 918 0100 +353 (0) 59 915 2123 info@mountwolseley.ie

www.mansionhouse.ie

www.themorgan.com

www.mountwolseley.ie

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

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

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

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

Browse the tapas menu in the funky Morgan Bar

Fredericks Award Winning AA Rosette Fine Dining Restaurant. 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

70 On request David Greig meetings@themorgan.com

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

On request On request On request On request

In main conference room

Caroline Hutchinson, +353 (0) 16344628 events@mansionhouse.ie

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

Upgrades for all requirements available

On request On request On request

On request Portable sound system available

On request Complimentary Wi-Fi in meeting rooms

On request Upgrades for all requirements available

On request

On request On request On request

17/02/2016 10:19

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel

Palmerstown House Estate

Pillo Hotel Ashbourne

Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Fenian Street, Dublin 2

Johnstown, Co. Kildare

The Rath, Ashbourne, County Meath

Town Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

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

+353 (0) 45 906 901 +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

4 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

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

4 Portlaoise town centre location, 2 minutes off the M7 motorway, only 45 minutes from Dublin, beside train station 110

Extensive bar menu served all day until 10pm

Manor House, Empery Bar & Bistro, Morrell Restaurant and Amato Suite

Grill 21 Restaurant and Red Bar/Lounge

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

Bar

Empery Bar & Bistro

Red Bar/Lounge and Karaoke Room

The Charter Bar, which is the hotels residents’ bar

Fitness centre

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

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

National Gallery, History Museum, National Library, Aviva Stadium, Trinity College, 02 Arena, Grand Canal Theatre

Kildare Shopping Village, Johnstown Garden Centre, Japanese Gardens, The Irish National Stud

Tayto Park (4km), Puddenhill (12km), Newgrange (20km), Slane Castle (18km), Dublin City (25km) Trim Castle (22km)

Slieve Bloom mountains, fishing, horseriding

400 theatre N/A

180

Minium 2 pax, Maximum 650 pax

550

Events events@palmerstownhouse.ie

Ciara Conlan ciara.conlan@pillohotelashbourne.com

Sandra Brennan sales@theheritagehotel.com

Local golf courses within a 30-minute drive

events.dublin@ocallaghanhotels.com

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

In-built sound system 10ft screen, 6ft screen first floor On request from our AV supplier Helicopter landing

On request from our AV supplier On request from our AV supplier

On request On request

On request from our AV supplier

On request On request On request

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 75

On request from our AV supplier

On request

Can be arranged by prior appointment

17/02/2016 10:20

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

RDS

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

DINING FACILITIES:

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.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

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

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

450

400 pax

12,000 delegate capacity; 10 conference/ exhibition halls, 15 breakout rooms

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

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

Katie Browne, +353 (0) 1 668 0866 KatieB@rds.ie

AV menu upon request

On request On-site AV partners; Avtek Solutions

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

On request On request On request On request

150

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

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

On request On request On request Complimentary Wifi

On request Free indoor Wifi, superfast 4G

On request On request

On request

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Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Residence

The River Lee

Royal Marine Hotel

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 78

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

4 City centre location, 8km from airport

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

182

228

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

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

Dún Restaurant, Bay Lounge and Hardy’s Bar

Bar on the Weir

Hardy’s Bar

N/A

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

The Pier Health Club and sansana SPA

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

In close proximity to many golf courses

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

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

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

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

750

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

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

On request

Conference phone; iPads

1 flip chart

On request

On request On request

On request

On request On request

On request

17/02/2016 10:20

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club

Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club

Thomond Park

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

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

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

4 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

4 Follow the N81 past Blessington and turn left at Poulaphuca and left again into Tulfarris 74

Carvery Lunch, Evening Bar Menu, Evening Restaurant Menu

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

222 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

N/A

All suites feature natural lighting and private bars

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

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

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

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

Honora Carberry banq@tulfarris.com

N/A

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

On request On request

Conf Guide 2016_Directory.indd 79

17/02/2016 10:20

Venue Directory Conferencing 2016

The Westbury Hotel

Westgrove Hotel & Conference Centre

Wood Quay Venue

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

BAR & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES: LEISURE CENTRE FACILITIES:

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

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

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

205

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

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

Assaggio Restaurant & the Oak Bar private dining options also available

Balfes, The Marble Bar

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

2 – 450 delegates theatre style

120 theatre style. Other layouts possible

+353 (0)1 646 3387 Westbury_events@doylecollection.com

Catherine Killeen, +353 (0) 45 98 9904 ckilleen@westgrovehotel.com

Ailish McCarthy +353 (0) 1 222 2857

Staff member can assist with in-house AV

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

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

N/A

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

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:

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ODEON BUSINESS EVENTS & EXPERIENCES CONFERENCING If you need a unique venue with first class facilities to host your next event, then one of ODEON’s 12 unique venues across the Ireland and Northern Ireland could be just what you are looking for. We can cater for all types of events, including: • AGM’s • PRESENTATIONS • ROADSHOWS

• SATELLITE CONFERENCING • PRODUCT LAUNCHES • WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

CORPORATE SCREENINGS Reward your team with a private screening of the latest blockbuster or give your corporate hospitality some Hollywood glamour with an exclusive pre-release screening. Private screenings can fulfil every need: • CORPORATE HOSPITALITY • VIP EXPERIENCE • SPECIAL OCCASIONS

• REWARD YOUR • EMPLOYEES

VENUE HIRE Give your award ceremony some sparkle, or launch your new product in style at one of ODEON’s 12 unique venues across the Ireland and Northern Ireland. We can cater for various numbers of delegates for a range of events including: • FASHION SHOWS • AWARD CEREMONIES • VIDEO GAMING

• CHURCH GROUPS • UNIVERSITY/SCHOOLS • FILM SHOOTS

Contact Paul to arrange your event today T +353 (0) 87 984 4926 E pwren@odeonuk.com

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Ireland’s Most Innovative Meeting Room

Think Inside the Circle

BOOK YOUR MEETING TODAY

1850 88 56 50 | EVENTS@CHCC .IE | WWW. C ASTLEKNOCKHOTEL.COM

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