September Educational Event 2026

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Programme

Thursday 17th September 2026

11.45 - 12.15

Welcome Networking

12.15 - 12.30

Welcome and Scene Setting

Business events are built on relationships. As our industry evolves, attracting new talent, sharing knowledge across generations and strengthening collaboration has never been more important. This opening session will set the scene for an afternoon focused on building a stronger, more connected future for our industry.

Conor Meany, Chair AIPCO

12.30 - 13.00

Finding Your Place: Building Networks, Confidence and Careers

Starting a career in business events can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. Hear from emerging professionals from across the sector as they share how they have built their networks, found mentors and created opportunities. An honest conversation about starting out, making connections and why collaboration matters from day one.

Caroline O’Reilly, Visit Cork, Megan Daly, RDS, Kirsten Gleeson, Fáilte Ireland, Grace Galvin, Event Partners Ireland

13.00 - 13.45

Lunch and networking

13.45 - 14.15

Building the Talent Pipeline Together

How do we better prepare the next generation for careers in business events? This session brings together educators and students from Dundalk Institute of Technology to explore what today’s graduates are looking for, the skills employers need, and how industry and education can work together to create a stronger talent pipeline.

Maria Roddy-Freyne & Glenn McCormack, DKIT

14.15 - 15.45

The Collaboration Advantage

In an increasingly multi-generational workforce, our greatest strength lies in learning from one another. Drawing on his expertise in leadership, innovation, creativity and organisational psychology, Dr Karl Thomas will lead an engaging keynote and interactive workshop exploring how we build trust, harness diverse perspectives and create psychologically safe environments where people and ideas thrive. Together, we’ll explore practical approaches to working better together—across generations, organisations and the wider business events community.

Dr Karl Thomas, Creatovation Ireland, TCD

15.45 - 16.00

Closing Remarks

A look back at the day’s key insights and a challenge to continue building stronger relationships, sharing knowledge and shaping the future of Ireland’s business events industry—together.

Conor Meany, Chair AIPCO

16.00 - 18.00

Networking Event

Speakers

Dr Karl Thomas

Creatovation Ireland, TCD
Dr Karl Thomas works with organisations across Ireland and internationally, designing leadership and graduate development programmes. He also serves as a judge for the GradIreland, evaluating graduate programmes and emerging best practice. Passionate about helping people think differently and work better together, Karl’s sessions are practical, conversational and highly interactive. With a background spanning organisational psychology, innovation and higher education, Karl helps leaders and organisations turn good ideas into meaningful action by improving how people think, communicate and work together.

Conor Meany

AIPCO CHAIR

Conor Meany is a Director of Conference Partners International and is currently the Chair of AIPCO.

MEGAN DALY

RDS

Megan has been the Business Development Manager for the RDS since June 2025. Her role entails identifying and securing new business opportunities, building strong relationships with clients and industry partners, and driving revenue growth. She would work closely with corporate, association, agency and event organiser clients to understand their needs and position The RDS as the ideal destination for MICE events.

Maria Roddy-Freyne

DKIT
Maria Roddy Freyne is an experienced Hospitality Professional and passionate Educator with extensive industry and academic experience. Having worked with leading international hotel brands, she has developed diverse expertise across a range of hospitality and event management disciplines. Her areas of specialisation include Revenue Management, Conference and Events Management, Data Analytics, and Event Technology. She holds an MSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management and an MA in Teaching and Learning and is currently undertaking PhD research focused on the Irish hotel industry. In addition to her academic and industry experience, Maria is an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Advisor and Assessor, supporting individuals who wish to have their existing knowledge, skills and professional experience recognised towards a formal qualification. Passionate about developing the next generation of hospitality professionals, Maria is committed to creating meaningful connections between industry and academia, ensuring that students develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in the evolving hospitality and events sector.

Grace Galvin

Event Partners

Grace Galvin is a Senior Programme Manager at Event Partners Ireland, a Destination Management Company, where she leads the Operations team for Incentives and Events. As a board member of SITE Ireland Young Leaders, Grace is passionate about helping others build the network and confidence that have shaped her own journey in the industry.

 

Kirsten Gleeson

Fáilte Ireland

Kirsten Gleeson is an Officer with Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events team, supporting the promotion of Ireland as a world-class business events destination. With almost a decade of experience across tourism, hospitality and destination marketing, she works with industry partners to drive international business opportunities and strengthen Ireland’s position in the global business events market. Kirsten is a former member of the SITE Ireland Young Leaders Board and Young Leader Liaison on the SITE Ireland Board and was the inaugural recipient of the AIPCO Next Generation Award in 2024.

Glenn McCormak

DKIT

Glenn McCormack is a hospitality and business events professional, educator, and industry advocate with extensive experience across venues, hotels, event management, and higher education. As a lecturer at Dundalk Institute of Technology, he works closely with industry partners to develop future talent while promoting innovation and collaboration across the sector. Glenn is passionate about strengthening connections between academia and industry, creating meaningful learning experiences, and supporting the continued growth, professionalism, and sustainability of Ireland’s business events community.

Caroline O'Reilly

Visit Cork

I work for Cork Convention Bureau, the business events brand of Visit Cork, as Business Events Officer. My focus is driving international business development within the region. A key part of my role involves working directly with our local ambassadors to bid for their international association conferences, and work hand-in-hand with our Cork trade partners to deliver site inspections for these prospective events. Alongside proactive outreach across key overseas markets, I work to keep Cork firmly on the radar for international business events.

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