Conferencing 2014

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Google, Intel, IBM, Emirates, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, KPMG and Teradata are some of the most dynamic giants of today’s business world.

this professionalism has won us no less than 25 industry awards.

They all share a relentless commitment to innovation, service and excellence. So it’s not surprising that they’ve hosted events somewhere with an identical attitude: The Convention Centre Dublin.

Located in Dublin’s rejuvenated docklands – home to many of the capital’s most progressive companies – The CCD has 18,500 hotel rooms nearby, Dublin Airport only 15 minutes away and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities on its doorstep.

The CCD distils all the forward-thinking attitudes that now make Dublin so attractive to world-class businesses like Facebook, Kellogg’s, Pfizer plus many others. And since we opened our doors in 2010,

So if you want a world-class venue for your next event, visit www.theccd.ie today. You’ll soon see why we’ve inspired such confidence in some very inspiring companies.

Contact our Sales Team on: T: +353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

Conf Cover 2014.indd 1

CONFERENCING 2014 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

DUBLIN INSPIRES:

2014

Welcoming

THE WORLD The Convention Centre Dublin One Young World 2014 Promoting youth leadership • Making it Memorable Engaging Your Delegates • Covering the Costs Attract event sponsorship • Identity Parade Expanding corporate identities • PLUS A comprehensive directory of Ireland’s best conferencing venues

11/04/2014 18:47:49

Aviva Stadium Where Ireland Does Business

Make Your Next Event Stand Out A purpose built conference and event venue which marries a spectacular event space with an award winning team to deliver outstanding results At Aviva Stadium we plan corporate meetings, car launches, exhibitions, award ceremonies and association conferences.

Guests have dined amongst the newest vehicles in our Atrium and collected prizes on the impressive stage sets in the 1872 suite. Clients have created supermarket aisles in our President’s Suite and raced Formula 1 cars in the tunnel.

Aviva Stadium’s Meeting and Events team create memorable corporate events with the added wow factor.

The versatility and scale of the venue means we can accommodate an extensive range of events within our 50 event spaces.

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

s e c n e r e f n Co 4 1 0 2

22nd May 2014

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

Ciaran Budds, Diageo

2014

An enormous thank you to the team at Aviva Stadium for your huge efforts in making our Gathering for Action Conference such a success.

Your help with planning; at the walk through stage and throughout the execution of a very complex two day programme was invaluable.

Yve O’Driscoll British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

A full-day conference, the HR Directors Business Event will explore HR’s role in fostering innovation. Contributors will include leading HR experts and senior business leaders, giving you the ultimate bench marking experience and best practice insights.

11TH June

Retail Conference Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

This practical, informative full day event will focus on how the business sector and individual retailers can inspire and best connect with consumers. Delegates will be provided with a unique opportunity to listen and learn from industry gurus and experienced practitioners and to network with fellow retail colleagues.

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2014

12TH June 2014

Supply Chain Management & Procurement Event Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

The Legal Services Regulatory Authority – What to Expect In association with McDowell Purcell Solicitors

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

The various amendments adopted at the Select Committee stage in the Oireachtas mean that many provisions of the Legal Services (Regulation) Bill 2011 are now significantly different to those initially proposed. With a strong likelihood that the Bill will come into force within the next twelve months, this half day conference will provide a comprehensive update on recent changes to the Bill and will be of interest to all practising solicitors and barristers, in-house counsel, regulatory bodies, judges, consumer rights groups, legal costs accountants, insurers, court and departmental officials and all other parties involved in the administration of justice in Ireland.

18TH June 2014

The Supply Chain Management & Procurement Event will unravel the issues facing modern supply chains and examine how firms can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its procurement processes.

Phone: 01-238 2388 Email: sales@avivastadiumevents.ie www.avivastadiumevents.ie

28TH May

HR Director’s Business Event

Change to State Pension Age and Challenge to Mandatory Retirement Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

This half day conference will examine how increases in State Pension Age will inevitably result in employees seeking to work beyond the age of 65 which, for many employers, has traditionally been the normal contractual retirement age. An expert panel will examine what employers should do when faced with such requests, or indeed, what happens if an employee challenges an employer’s entitlement to retire him/ her at age 65.

For more information on any of these conferences, contact denise.maguire@ashvillemediagroup.com or call 01 432 2238

11/04/2014 18:49:07

Contents Conferencing 2014

01

16

Contents 03 08

Money Matters Getting the most out of your budget.

Perfect Ten Some useful steps to take when organising a conference.

16

33

22

52

26

54

A Great Success Rachel Murray looks back on the successful Gathering tourism initiative.

Creating Connections UK firm Blendology have introduced an interesting and innovative technology.

Setting the Scene We examine six different layouts to maximise attendee experience.

30

Team Building Creating a solid team can work wonders for business.

33

One Young World We take a look at the international event due to hit Irish shores later this year.

39

A-Z of Conferencing Useful tips on how to organise your event.

42

Safety First Some tips to ensure your event procedes smoothly.

45 48

Making it Memorable The best in post-conference tactics.

Spread the Word Conferencing puts together a six-month plan to successfully market your conference.

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Technological Tools We take a look at some of the latest online technological tools that event planners can take advantage of this year.

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

58

Event Sponsorship Attracting event sponsorship can help cover the gaps in your budget.

60

Technology Trends The trends tipped for success in 2014.

52

64

The Lighter Side Inspiring and fun ways to keep your delegates intrigued.

67

Congregation The more unusual location of Cong, Co Mayo played host to a conference with a twist last summer.

70

Dates for your Diary Some interesting events taking place this year in Ireland.

81

Venue 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 conferencing needs.

53 08/04/2014 14:39:23

Editor’s Letter Conferencing 2014

CONFERENCING

2014 Editor Conor Forrest Contributors Rachel Murray Design Alan McArthur Jane Matthews Design Assistant Aoife Loy Advert Design Jennifer Reid, Alan McArthur Editorial & Production Manager Mary Connaughton Production Executive Jennifer Reid Managing Director Diarmaid Lennon Sales Director Paul Clemenson Published by Ashville Media Group Old Stone Building Blackhall Green Dublin 7 Tel: +353 (0) 1 432 2200 Fax: +353 (0) 1 676 6043 Web: www.ashville.com

No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinions and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Conferencing 2014. 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. © 2014

Letter from the Editor Welcome to Conferencing 2014, the definitive guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland.

This edition is bursting with advice and recommendations for conferences and events of all shapes and sizes. One of the biggest initiatives of the past year has been The Gathering, an attempt to encourage friends, family and anyone else with a connection or affinity for Ireland to visit the country and take part in a series of major and minor events. Rachel Murray takes a look back at this initiative, and asks whether it accomplished what it set out to achieve.

Elsewhere, this October Dublin will host the One Young World Summit 2014, held in various locations across the capital including the Convention Centre and Croke Park. The summit, which has been up and running since 2009, aims to promote and develop leadership qualities in the current generation, examining issues which effect the world, and presenting and debating possible solutions. I look at the One Young World organisation and consider what they hope to achieve with the conference.

As always, Conferencing examines the best ways to organise and conduct a conference or event. The conferencing Perfect Ten will fill you in on the basic ingredients that make a successful conference. We also look at getting the best out of your budget, tips for securing event sponsorship, unique ways of making your event memorable and how to ensure your team and attendees stay safe.

Also, why not check out our tips for using technology as a means of organising and promoting your conference? With so many advancements in the tech sphere, deciding to continue solely along traditional routes can leave you lagging behind.

We examine start-up offerings and options already on the market which can make life a little less stressful for the event organiser. While on the topic of technology, we also examine the latest trends, as the industry predicts what will be popular in 2014.

Our unique Venue Directory also provides detailed listings to ensure you will find the perfect solution to meet your accommodation, leisure and conference needs.

I hope you enjoy Conferencing 2014 and find the essential tips to make your conference a successful one.

Conor Forrest Editor

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

2014

Welcoming

THE WORLD The Convention Centre Dublin One Young World 2014 Promoting youth leadership • Making it Memorable Engaging Your Delegates • Covering the Costs How to attract event sponsorship • Identity Parade Expanding corporate identities • PLUS A comprehensive directory of Ireland’s best conferencing venues

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Image courtesy The Convention Centre Dublin.

2

11/04/2014 18:29:18

Money Matters Conferencing 2014

MONEY MATTERS

Though news on the economic front is becoming gradually more positive, times are still tough, and getting the most from your budget remains one of the top challenges for conference organisers. Conferencing 2014 takes a look at what costs need to be considered.

03

that will allow clients to deliver a professional business experience to their delegates.

Keeping to your budget The challenge for a conference organiser working from a tight budget is finding a venue that meets your needs for a reasonable price, without compromising any aspect of your plan. From the beginning it is vital that you know how much you have available to spend on your event. You need to determine which expenses will be assumed by the client or sponsor and by the attendees.

Estimate how many people you expect

A

lthough the benefits of holding conferences have been proven, sometimes the cost can deter

clients from committing. The main aim for a conference or event, therefore, must be to provide a quality service at an economical rate; one that will attract organisers and fight off the competition.

to attend your conference and calculate your overall expenditure by separating your variable and fixed costs.

Remember to control your costs at every turn and constantly keep an eye on your finances so you can ensure a successful conference that is within your budget.

Organisers need to keep an eye out for conference packages that include accommodation, meals, transport to and from the hotel/venue and perhaps a leisure activity.

Tailor-made packages It is important to understand the nature of the business and offer valuefor-money conferencing packages with competitive prices and a top rate service. From the time a guest arrives at the venue until the time they depart, outstanding hospitality needs to be provided discreetly and effectively by the hotel’s dedicated team. Event organisers should be offered a tailor-made conference package with no hidden extra costs.

Hosting a conference in a city centre location can also keep costs

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

003 Conf2014_Money Matters.indd 3

lower for attendees as they are close to inexpensive public transport links, as well as attracting delegates who wish to take in nearby amenities.

Aim to offer a very competitive corporate rate and dedicated support

ADDING UP

VARIABLE COSTS

These costs are calculated per person and so can change depending on conference attendance: ■ Administration (postage or an online booking tool) ■ Name badges, welcome packs, etc.

■ Catering ■ Entertainment ■ Individual transportation ■ Accommodation ■ Prizes or gifts ■ Miscellaneous (licences for music or written material, unforeseen costs)

FIXED COSTS These expenses remain the same regardless of the number of attendees: ■ Management fees and expenses such as meals, mileage, telephone, etc.

■ Personnel ■ Administration ■ Insurance and legal ■ Cost of site inspection visits ■ Promotion/advertising ■ Group accommodation ■ Transportation (cars, buses, driver meals and gratuity, tolls and parking) ■ Gratuities ■ Audio-visual equipment, staging, etc.

■ Contingency fund (to cover emergencies or unexpected purchases) ■ Design and print ■ Website design and hosting

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04

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

the westbury hotel

Discover a wide range of solutions on offer at The Westbury, which combines, comfort, elegance and style with a handy city centre location.

N

ow more than ever, The

Hotel has always been at the forefront of

backdrop that makes any event an

Westbury Hotel offers a unique

the city’s five-star hotels and is a member

occasion.

experience of elegance and

of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The Westbury’s conferencing

style along with the highest standards

Newly refurbished, it excels even its own

facilities offer the ultimate solution

of hospitality and service. Smartly set in

earlier glories.

for small and medium sized meetings.

the very heart of Dublin, The Westbury

contact information

T: (01) 679 1122 E: westbury@doylecollection.com W: www.doylecollection.com

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The Westbury Hotel is a remarkable

The hotel has seven state-of-the-art

landmark of luxury at the fashionable

boardroom suites capable of hosting

hub of Dublin’s business and cultural life.

from eight up to 45 delegates.

The hotel reflects the style of its exclusive

Supported by a fully-equipped business

location just off Grafton Street. Boasting

centre and ideal for board meetings,

seven highly sophisticated boardrooms

seminars, training, recruitment and

as well as the extremely elegant Grafton

press conferences, The Westbury Hotel

Suite – which can host up to 200 theatre-

offers all that you would expect from a

style – this gracious hotel provides a

five-star venue.

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07/04/2014 11:02:08 02/05/2013 11:34

06

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Innovation at Ireland’s Best Hotel in 2014

Ambient mood lighting also provides the opportunity to stimulate the mind which can be altered to soften the room where necessary to calm weary heads.

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

This room has all the technology you would expect such as complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, Blu-Ray DVD player and surround sound along with a number of impressive new features such as Click Share Technology. This allows several delegates to present to the group either in sequence or simultaneously

For an innovative approach to meeting, look no further than Castleknock Hotel.

O

ver the past 18 months, hotels

Dublin, which was recently awarded

– particularly in Dublin – have

AA Irish Hotel of the Year 2014. They

been experiencing a return

are promoting their creative space as

to growth and investment as occupancy

the ‘ultimate meeting room combining

levels increase and average rates begin

modern technology with sheer

to recover. Yet in a background of

simplicity’.

modern office suites with in-house

Creative thinking is enhanced when

meeting facilities, hotels with conference

people are comfortable and suitably

and meeting room facilities are having

relaxed yet stimulated and energised.

to adapt to the changing business

The Thinking Factory has been

conditions with new innovations.

specifically designed with this balance

One such innovation is The Thinking

in mind. The rectangular room has

Factory, a brand new concept from

an inner circular design that promotes

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club,

creativity and removes the hierarchical top table structure that can often inhibit

contact information

T: (01) 640 6300 E: reservations@chcc.ie W: www.castleknockhotel.com

it. Instead, contemporary designed sidetables are provided to comfortably place your notes, laptop or beverage with an ‘interactive island’ featuring five large display screens providing the centrepiece of the room.

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through seven large television screens, five of which are located on the ‘interactive island’. An array of glass boards surround the room for some traditional brain-storming or you may decide to wirelessly connect an idea from your tablet or smartphone directly to all or a selected number of our screens.

Of course the entire room IT setup is controlled from a tablet which can be used at your discretion.

The Thinking Factory is specifically designed for groups of up to 15 people although the room can cater for up to 30 people in a traditional theatre style setting. The room can also include a bar, suitable for evening events, product launches and promotions.

Castleknock Hotel has been making big waves in recent years winning 30 awards since 2009, including AA Hotel of the Year 2014 and an AA Rosette for its food excellence and service at its Park Restaurant for five consecutive years.

08/04/2014 12:36:04

For every ‘Boardroom Battle’...

Thank You Book your Conference/Meeting today - 15 Conference Rooms • 138 Bedrooms • Onsite Golf Course • Leisure Centre • Award Winning Day Spa • Award Winning Dining

WINNERS OF THE AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2013/14

T: (0) 1 640 6300 E: events@chcc.ie 229012_1C_CASTLEKNOCK_JR_CONF.indd 1

www.castleknockhotel.com 07/04/2014 11:05:05

08

Perfect Ten Conferencing 2014

Perfect Ten

Organising a conference doesn’t need to be a stressful endeavour. Stick to these dependable Conferencing 2014 guidelines and create an event that runs like clockwork!

12 4

Pick a Purpose What is the motivation behind organising your event – information sharing, product selling, event revenue, etc? Know what you want to achieve and who your target audience is.

Drum Up Interest Make sure delegates are aware of the event’s purpose by sending them an event brief detailing date, venue, timetable of events, guest speakers, afterhours entertainment and additional activities.

Plan Ahead Start planning early to ensure a successful, stressfree conference. When selecting a conference date ensure it does not clash with a competing event and that you have enough time to prepare. Conferences are your opportunity to show a large audience the professionalism of your organisation. Poor conferences leave a poor impression.

Organise Yourself Compile a list of guests and delegates, send out invitations well in advance, arrange for any backdrop or other branding information to be set up for the conference and, for large events, investigate the possibility of nametags and printed materials such as conference folders, stationery or comment cards.

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08/04/2014 12:36:46

Get Inspired @ Fitzpatrick Lifestyle Hotels An ALL inclusive meeting room hire rate, with no hidden extras with Day Delegate Rate from c35* per person, which includes: • • • • • • • • •

46 inch screen lcD projector DVD / Video recorder one flipchart mineral Water pads / pens & sweets Wireless connection natural Daylight air conditioning

*Minimum of 10 people attending the meeting

now isn’t that something to get inspired about?

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Ciaran Miley on meetings@themorgan.com / meetings@thebeacon.com or call: +353 (1) 643 7057 the morgan hotel, 10 fleet street, temple Bar, Dublin 2, ireland | +353 1 643 7000 | meetings@themorgan.com | www.themorgan.com the Beacon hotel, Beacon court, sandyford Business region, Dublin 18 | +353 1 291 5000 | meetings@thebeacon.com | www.thebeacon.com

MOrgan_185x122.5 Meeting Room Ad.indd 1

15/02/2011 09:48

Because first impressions start long before your meeting does Launching the Daily Delegate Package Starting from just €35 per person We make your business a pleasure

NEW DAILY DELEGATE PACKAGE

Special Meeting Room Rate 2014 Day Delegate Rate based on minimum 10 people attending a meeting €35 per person per day | This rate includes: • 2 sittings of tea/coffee and biscuits • 2 course buffet lunch or working lunch • 46 inch Plasma TV • DVD & Video • 1 flipchart • Free Wi-Fi

• Bottled mineral water • Conference pads & pencils • Conference sweets • Complimentary High Speed Wi-Fi • Minimum of 10 delegates apply • Complimentary parking

The Beacon Hotel, Beacon Court, Sandyford Business Region, Dublin 18

+353 1 291 5000 • meetings@thebeacon.com www.thebeacon.com

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09/04/2014 11:57:45

10

Perfect Ten Conferencing 2014

Sum It Up Detail the actions decided upon in a follow-up note to all delegates. Another possible inclusion is a brief survey for delegates to comment on which elements of the event were the most useful or effective.

Open with Style Capture your guests’ attention with a powerful audiovisual presentation, dynamic speech or other motivating introduction.

Monotony should be avoided at all costs as delegates will not retain information – in contrast, enthusiasm and passion are a proven success.

Stop the Press If attracting media interest is important for your event, draft the necessary press releases,

56 8 9 1

Keep It Simple Get to the point and stick to it.

Delegates will thank you for keeping the information presented as clear as possible, and for regular breaks, allowing them to absorb each session.

Variety is Key Alternate between key speakers and break-out sessions, team building activities and entertainment.

Tech Specs Confirm availability of all audiovisual equipment prior to the event, as well as any specific requirements to meet speakers’ needs, such as a laptop, front and back projectors or a roaming microphone.

source the event’s main speeches and book a corporate photographer. Remember to book events at ‘quiet’ media times – don’t hold a major conference on Budget Day or details of your event will be sent straight to the bottom of the interest pile.

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07/04/2014 11:03:39

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

made to measure meetings

Aviva Stadium is a stand-out facility for a meeting or conference that is unique and memorable. Conferencing takes a look at the venue’s past and future events and what’s on offer.

12

“At Aviva Stadium, our Meeting and Events team pride ourselves on our consistent high standards in providing one of the most unique venues and event experiences for our clients.

Compass Group Ireland’s Sports Leisure and Hospitality team, led by Martina Flood, cater for all events as well as management of the non-match day sales and marketing functions.

Our team with Compass at the Aviva Stadium have made the venue an expert in all conference and event requirements,” says O’Sullivan.

With over 50 spaces spread over three levels, the bright open areas throughout the stadium inspire events.

The emotion and heritage of the venue adds to the atmosphere and stadium tours for attendees can be arranged.

The stadium also boasts high-end technological infrastructure and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Innovation Aviva Stadium has just launched Christmas party packages for 2014

S

o far 2014 has been a busy year

the DMX Dublin conference for the

for Aviva Stadium Meetings

second year running, the largest digital

and Events team. The team has

media conference in the country,

already hosted over 50 meetings and

and Compass Group Ireland - who

events with some of the world’s largest

manage the meetings and events at

companies. “From daily corporate

Aviva Stadium - also worked with

boardroom meetings to training

the Irish Hospitality Institute on the

conferences and industry colleagues, we

National Business Management Game

have had excellent feedback all round,”

2014. Upcoming events include the

says Sales and Marketing Manager, Julie

National Seafood Conference, The

O’Sullivan.

Irish Fundraising Awards 2014 and the

Return Visit

National Cancer Conference.

In February, Aviva welcomed back

Accommodating Clients

the Irish Cancer Society to launch

The Aviva Stadium Meeting and

Daffodil Day 2014, one of a number

Events team has utilised their flexible

of clients who return year after year

conference spaces in a variety of

due to the excellent service and

innovative ways to suit clients - creating

award-winning team at the venue.

supermarket aisles in the President’s

In March, Aviva Stadium hosted

Suite, racing Formula 1 cars in the underground tunnel and building

contact information

Julie O’Sullivan Sales & Marketing Manager T: 01-238 2388 www.avivastadiumevents.ie

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incredible floating stage sets in the 1872 Suite. The inspired and unique use of space at the stadium offers clients something really different for a memorable meeting or event.

starting at n59 per person. “The team is committed to offering clients something different for their Christmas party whether it’s a large party of over 1,000 people or a more intimate party of 100. Our team is with you every step of the way, working alongside our chef to create bespoke menus for your party based on individual budgets and requirements. We have incorporated a range of innovative event catering ideas into client events such as live chef demonstrations, interactive chef ’s tables, dessert buffets, pitch cakes and even personalised ice sculptures,” advises O’Sullivan. “For décor we work with some of the country’s best event suppliers to create memorable Christmas events to suit your taste, theme and budget.”

For June to August, Aviva Stadium is also offering fantastic deals for summer parties, corporate family days and BBQs. For more information, contact Julie O’Sullivan, Sales and Marketing Manager on 01 238 2388 or visit avivastadiumevents.ie

08/04/2014 10:13:43

The 4 star CityNorth Hotel offers stateof-the-art conference facilities in a highly accessible location, just 15 minutes north of Dublin Airport.

Facilities include: • A choice of 12 well equipped meeting rooms • Large scale suites for us to 650 delegates • Complimentary reliable Wi-Fi • 24 hour mini bus service • Free car parking • Hi-tech fitness suite • Treatment room & Acupuncture clinic • Corporate lounge Gormanston, County Meath, Ireland 01 690 6666 • greatevents@citynorthhotel.com

www.citynorthhotel.com CITYNORTH_NEW.indd 1

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M50 Dublin

(30 mins)

PORT TUNNEL

M1

J7

M50

Dublin Airport CityNorth Dublin4★PORT (15 mins) TUNNEL (30 mins)Hotel

M1

Drogheda Belfast Dublin Airport

(15 mins) (90 mins)

J7 4★ CityNorth Hotel

11/04/2014 19:05:00

11/04/2014 19:06:27

14

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Hidden Luxury

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

W

ith both location and

choose from the elegant James Joyce

celebration, the entire Hotel can be hired

scenery as its primary

ballroom or one of the seven executive

as ‘Exclusively Yours’, offering complete

benefits, Druids Glen

meeting rooms, all stylishly designed with

privacy and a highly personalised service.

Resort offers the best of both worlds; a

comfort and flexibility in mind and with

secluded venue to remove yourself from

natural daylight and superb views.

everyday distractions, a location with an

Dining is a delight whether you choose

When energising your team is on the agenda, the six-acre site at Druids Acres is perfect for team building activities.

abundance of cultural hotspots on the

to dine á la carte in Druids Brasserie,

The Druids Glen Events Team is on

doorstep, places of historical interest set

overlooking the decking area or sample

hand to assist you in every aspect of

amid spectacular landscapes and Dublin’s

our extensive bar menu in the cosy

your programme plan: from off-site

cosmopolitan city centre nearby to

atmosphere of the 13th Bar and Pavilion

dining options to a vast list of indoor and

explore and enjoy.

lounge with stunning views of Druids

outdoor activities including cultural and

Glen golf course. We can also create

heritage sightseeing, golf, and adventure

a bespoke dining experience for your

afternoons.

Refurbishment The Resort has just undergone a b3

event to really wow your delegates and

million refurbishment and offers 145

clients for that special occasion.

Breathtaking Location

conference and banqueting suites,

Planning

at Druids Glen Golf Course, dates

a spa and health club as well as two

Our creative and dynamic Events team

back to 1770 and has been the home

championship golf courses, Druids Glen

will work with you from your initial

to many Lords, Ladies, Bishops and

and Druids Heath.

enquiry right through to the execution

even some famous musicians including

of your successful event. Druids Glen

Mike Oldfield who recorded Tubular

Resort provides you with:

Bells II there. The breathtaking rooftop

n Free WiFi

terrace is ideal for drinks receptions and

n 55” LED Screens

overlooks Druids Glen with views of the

n iPad mirroring capability

estate stretching as far as the Irish Sea.

n Desktop connectivity

Woodstock House offers unique private

n Full HD presentation capabilities

dining options for up to 80 guests.

deluxe guest rooms and suites, eight

Whether you are planning a large conference or an executive meeting,

contact information

T: (01) 287 0878 E: sales@druidsglenresort.com W: www.druidsglenresort.com

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If you are planning an exciting product launch, large conference or

Woodstock House, the Clubhouse

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

08/04/2014 10:14:12

Be inspired in our newly

refurbished meeting & event spaces

where award winning luxury awaits you.

World’s away... yet on Dublin’s Doorstep

• 145 guestrooms. 8 meeting & event suites • Natural daylight & stunning views • • Two championship golf courses • 30 minutes from Dublin • • Druids Acres for Outdoor Team-Building Activities • Complimentary WiFi •

Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, Ireland | T. 01 287 0878 | www.druidsglenresort.com 230651_1C_DRUIDSGLEN_JR_CON.indd 1

07/04/2014 11:06:10

16

The Gathering Conferencing 2014

A Great Success The Gathering, Ireland’s biggest tourism initiative yet, exceeded and surprised expectations.

When the initiative was first announced, former Irish cultural ambassador and actor Gabriel Byrne described it as a shakedown of the diaspora and Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary dubbed it ‘The Grabbing’. But looking back at the year of The Gathering, Rachel Murray believes it’s safe to say it was a great success.

O

ver 5,000 events were held

and undertaken by independent

due to The Gathering attracting over

nationally as part of The

researchers, The Gathering was

25,266 incremental high-yield business

Gathering initiative; this

delivered within its approved budget

travellers to Ireland. 52 of these were

generated approximately €170 million

of €13m from the Department for

conferences, assemblies and events

in tourism revenue which is directly

Transport, Tourism & Sport. It also

that were held for the first time and

attributable to The Gathering. The

succeeded in leveraging substantial

which brought an additional 9,000

initiative brought an additional 275,000

third-party cash and in-kind supports

delegates to Ireland. “The Gathering’s

visitors to Ireland, seeing a 7.3 per

estimated to be worth €8m.

partnerships with businesses like IPB

cent increase in the visits to Ireland

Insurance Community Fund and

in the first ten months of 2013. Some

Opportunity

markets, such as the US – a key target

Businesses and organisations in Ireland

for future links between businesses

market for The Gathering - saw double

and abroad used The Gathering

and communities,” said Minister for

digit growth.

initiative as an opportunity. Fáilte

Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo

Ireland confirmed 183 corporate

Varadkar.

According to a report commissioned by the organisers of The Gathering,

016 Conf2014_Gathering.indd 16

events happened throughout 2013

Alltech will be used as a template

In support of The Gathering, Ernst

08/04/2014 12:37:50

The Gathering Conferencing 2014

17

A wide variety of events were held throughout the capital city; Ernst & Young and the International Pharmaceutical Federation were amongst the litany of organisations which held events during The Gathering 2013.

Representative Council of Ireland both hosted celebratory reunion dinners at the venue as part of a wider series of social events. “We’ve had wonderful feedback on the gala dinner. It was our aim to show visitors returning home modern Ireland at its best, hence our choice of the Convention Centre Dublin. The service and technical staff were all superb and I’d have no hesitation in recommending the CCD for future events,” said Gary Cohen, Irish Jewish Gathering Event Organiser. Other organisations used The Gathering to theme their events; the Ronald MacDonald House Charity hosted a Gathering Gala Ball at the Convention Centre.

Success Stories The venue’s main success story of The Gathering was Alltech, one of America’s most celebrated whiskey and bourbon breweries, which brought its and Young held its annual Europe,

conference was a huge success. This

prestigious International Craft Brewing

Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA),

is the first time EY held an event in

and Distilling Convention to Ireland

New Senior Manager and Assistant

Ireland of this scale. The Gathering

for the first time. According to Fáilte

Director Programme (NSMADP),

represented a fantastic opportunity

Ireland, this was the largest corporate

at Citywest, Dublin. Over 1,500

to lay the foundations for on-going

event held as part of The Gathering.

international attendees travelled to

commercial benefits by attracting

CEO Pearse Lyons, a member of the

Dublin from 87 countries for a four-day

future EY Global and EMEIA events

diaspora, brought 3,000 delegates to

conference in conjunction with The

to Ireland beyond 2013. The feedback

Ireland.

Gathering. Altogether the attendees

from our international EY colleagues

occupied 4,000 bed nights and

was really positive and we will work

international events in Ireland as part

contributed an estimated €3m to the

with them to attract future events back

of the Gathering with a value of m3.6m

Irish economy.

here.”

to the Irish economy. These events

Alltech held a total of eight

The Convention Centre Dublin

were hosted in New Ross, Dunboyne,

time and resources in tendering for

(CCD) hosted a number of events for

the RDS and the CCD. Dr. Lyons also

the event through a very competitive

a diverse range of clients in 2013 as

facilitated the visit by 35 members of

bidding process. We faced extremely

part of The Gathering. Most of the

the Kennedy clan last June, to mark

tough competition from our colleagues

events were hosted by domestic clients

the 50th anniversary of President John

in capital cities across other EMEIA

who used the concept to reunite their

F Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in June

locations, but we came out on top

international network of friends,

1963.

predominately by pitching Ireland as

colleagues or alumni, and invite them

a premier location to do business, ease

to celebrate their Irish culture and

Brewing and Distilling Convention

of access and for cost competitiveness,”

heritage.

lasted three days and covered

“Ernst and Young invested significant

says Managing Partner of EY Ireland, Mike McKerr. He added: “The EMEIA

016 Conf2014_Gathering.indd 17

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Jewish

The Alltech International Craft

a number of events including a Woodsongs concert, the Dublin Craft

09/04/2014 11:37:55

18

The Gathering Conferencing 2014

A Dublin fun run event passes Trinity College Dublin in the capital.

unknown but have led to the higher estimates of the contribution to the overall national economy.

“The Gathering was a critical factor in helping to make the case for additional air access to Ireland during 2013. In this regard, available air seat capacity increased by 4 per cent for the peak summer season (up to 20 per cent from North America at peak) and by 7 per cent for the winter period,” says Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring T.D. “Indications are that all of the increased air capacity secured for the year of The Gathering Beer Cup and a public expo. The event

congresses,” says Eoghan Hanly. “As

has been retained for 2014, with a

was a great success, and has resulted

local organiser the PSI was delighted

number of new additional routes also

in a repeat booking for the CCD. “As a

with the attendance figures and

confirmed. This will further strengthen

proud Irish man I took full advantage

with the feedback from delegates

Ireland’s position as a compelling

of the opportunities presented by The

throughout that week. It was also great

destination for corporate events.”

Gathering. 2013 saw us bring our key

to see a large number of Irish speakers

corporate events and people from

presenting as part of the week-long

Recommendations

all over the world to Ireland, where

Congress programme.”

Although The Gathering was a great

we celebrated the Irish tradition of

The largest international delegations

success on many levels, Jim Miley,

international commerce and trade and

were from Nigeria, China, the USA,

Project Director of The Gathering,

our visitors witnessed first-hand the

Portugal and Finland. Delegate

made a number of recommendations

enormous potential that resides here in

numbers from key ‘diaspora’ countries

in his final report on the year-long

Ireland,” said Dr Lyons.

such as the USA, UK, Canada and

event. For example, he recommended

Australia were significantly increased

that The Gathering shouldn’t be staged

held at the CCD brought in excess

on previous congresses, demonstrating

any more than once every five years

of 4,000 delegates to the venue last

the success of the international

as it would not be practical to prepare

year. “We found the Gathering to be a

promotion undertaken in conjunction

the national and international effort

beneficial ‘add on’ feature to holding

with The Gathering. The PSI and its

needed to run it successfully on a

an event in Ireland in 2013,” says sales

local host committee (representatives

frequent basis.

director Paul Carnell. “The work of

from across the pharmacy network in

Fáilte Ireland in stimulating positivity

Ireland and Northern Ireland) actively

which is backed up by Fáilte Ireland, is

and celebration around the Irish

promoted the congress at national,

the power of personal invitation which

identity was an excellent message to

European and international events.

Fáilte Ireland says “was one of the great

In total, the Gathering events

promote to the world. As many of our

It has been indicated by Fáilte

One stand-out finding in the report,

successes of The Gathering”.

bookings come from word-of-mouth

Ireland that the FIP Congress was

recommendations, any event that

among the five largest business tourism

another Gathering should only be

brings international delegates to our

events of 2013, bringing an estimated

made after the final economic impact

venue can have a far-reaching positive

55m to the local economy during the

and social and community impact

impact.”

week of the congress, with additional

reports are published mid-2014 and

benefits arising from tourism before

careful consideration is taken. He

and after the congress. Many delegates

also recommended that consideration

“The final attendance figures show

travelled with additional friends

should be taken to not repeating The

that 3,000 participants from 107

and family to make the most of their

Gathering but to build on sustained

countries participated, comparing very

travel to Ireland including for golfing

and on-going development of the

favourably with previous FIP C

holidays – those exact figures are

legacies of The Gathering 2013.

Looking Back

016 Conf2014_Gathering.indd 18

A decision on whether or not to hold

08/04/2014 12:38:38

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07/04/2014 11:07:12

20

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Contemporary, Classic, Convenient

The conferencing facilities at The Mansion House can offer your delegates an extraordinary experience.

T

Room are modern and fresh, sure to lift any guest’s or delegate’s spirits! Each of the rooms enjoy direct access to a

he conferencing and meetings

modernity of a restoration complete with

fabulous outdoor terrace, which spans

facilities at The Conference

the very latest cutting- edge technology.

the building – perfect for al fresco breaks

and Events Venue at The

The Round Room (pictured top) is one

and receptions.

Easily accessible by public transport,

Mansion House offer your delegates an

of the six event spaces on offer. Entirely

extraordinary experience in Dublin’s

circular in shape, hence its name, it

with car parking behind the venue,

most convenient location. Following a

boasts no obstructions and can cater

its proximity to hotels, shopping and

dramatic revamp last year, the venue

for conferences theatre-style up to 650,

nightlife make it a delegate’s dream!

is now one of Dublin’s most impressive

classroom-style 300 and cabaret-style 330.

The dedicated, personal event team at

and desirable meeting spaces. Boasting

Its semi-circular balcony is the perfect

The Conference and Events Venue will

six separate yet flexible and interlinked

place for VIPs, additional exhibition

ensure your event will be everything

rooms, The Conference and Events

space or for break outs. Originally built

you hope for. It’s a bespoke service,

Venue can easily accommodate almost

in 1821, it was this very room which

promising a perfect fit for every

any size or style of meeting, seminar,

hosted the inaugural meeting of the Dáil

objective, while always offering solutions

conference, exhibition, social function,

Eireann in 1919! The in-house event

and suggestions, to lift your event from

dinner and corporate event. The

management team will ensure that every

ordinary to extraordinary.

Conference and Events Venue at The

event in the space has a bespoke identity,

Mansion House combines the grandeur

making the most of the room’s shape and

of a 19th century setting with the

features.

Overlooking the ‘Lord Mayor’s Garden’ on Dublin’s desirable Dawson

contact information

T: (01) 634 4628 E: enquiries@mansionhouse.ie W: www.mansionhouse.ie

Street, the new modern glass design flatters the frontage, while flooding the event spaces with natural light. Along the first floor, the Trinity Room, St Stephens Green Room and The Glass

020 Conf2014_Mansion House_Cf 20

The Venue at a Glance n n n n n n n n n

Six versatile rooms Superfast 100MB Wi-Fi HD LED TV Screens Complimentary secretarial services Air conditioning Natural daylight Break out rooms Private outdoor area City centre location

09/04/2014 09:11:29

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22

Blendology Conferencing 2014

Creating Connections UK tech firm Blendology offers an interesting and innovative tap-to-connect product for the conferencing and events sector, one which has been gaining traction in recent months.

Conferencing 2014 spoke with company founder and CEO Bill Munday to find out more.

E

ntrepreneur Bill Munday first

rental model for their devices, which

provides technology that makes it

had the idea of connecting two

includes Blendology staff at the event,

very easy for one device to connect

electronic devices quickly, easily

and a front-of-house service for

to another, by simply tapping two

and securely back in 1996 when he

event organisers. “This has been very

devices anywhere – no information

was one of the first to begin working

successful and we have provided a

needs to be exchanged beforehand,”

with a new technology, Bluetooth. It

networking solution at some exciting

Munday says. “We pride ourselves that

would take another 15 years, however,

events last year,” he adds.

the Blendology technology will work

before it really gained traction.

in a tent in a desert with no external

“When we were at the Mobile World

Background

network or internet connection needs,

Congress in 2011, whilst exchanging

Having studied systems engineering

as we create our own local peer-to-

business cards that ran out, we had

at university, Munday has significant

peer network. The ‘tap’ data is stored

the idea of something as quick and

experience in the technological

on each badge, and once internet

simple as a business card handover,

sphere, including a start at Nortel, a

connectivity is restored, the data is

yet with an infinite supply,” explains

large Canadian telecommunications

uploaded and delegates are able to

Munday, Blendology’s founder and

firm was followed by spells at startups

view their networks online.” Last

CEO. The company operates on a

Symbionics and Trygenix. And all the

year, around 36 events played host to

while, in the background, was an idea,

Blendology’s tap-to-connect technology,

an R&D project which concerned the

including high end tech events such as

easy connection of two devices, one of

RE WORK, investor forums like BCT

the things which Munday had always

and IES and other high profile events

wanted to do. Once he had secured

like Founders Forum.

Blendology Bio

Blendology was launched in 2012 at SXSW in Austin, Texas with a product known as SOJOLIFE. Their target – the 800 million attendees of festivals in the West each year.

Having learned from this experience, the following year Blendology focused just on the professional event sector, with a potential reach of 300 million attendees per annum. “It was a very positive year, especially realising my vision and seeing the enjoyment and surprise in people’s eyes when they use the technology for the first time,” says Munday. “We created a demand in the professional events space, mainly driven by attendees having fun connecting and using Blendology as an ice-breaker at events, which led to some great feedback on social media and a real ‘buzz’ about the badges online.”

022 Conf2014_Blendology.indd 22

grants Blendology was born and since mid-2011 he has been working

Data

on growing the business, something

The efficient and insightful analysis of

which is beginning to pay off now. “It

data has become increasingly important

does take time when you’re trying to

in recent years. Professionals such

introduce a brand-new concept to the

as event organisers have been using

world,” Munday admits.

accumulated data, for example, to

The idea behind Blendology is

manage their budgets by keeping tabs

simple yet innovative – rapid, internet-

on items such as vendor costs over a

free connectivity. Attendees at events

period of time.

can simply touch their one-tap badges

And while the technology is quite

against another, resulting in instant

impressive in and of itself, Munday

data transfer, even when no internet

maintains that what it’s really about

connection is available. “Blendology

is the data, which is collected by each

08/04/2014 15:08:09

Blendology Conferencing 2014

23

Future Clearly, Munday and Blendology have something on their hands. Last year, they supplied 36 events with their technology; this year, 36 requests have already been received. Munday has also been receiving repeat business since the beginning of the year from clients such as the Founders Forum.

“Founders Forum used us last year in June and then they used us again a couple times. This year they just sent me a note saying ‘can we do all of our events with you this year.’ There’s no sales or marketing happening, other FROM ABOVE: Demonstrations of the innovative tap-toconnect technology from Blendology.

than people who’ve been to an event, loved the technology, and want it at their own event,” explains Munday.

“The real value is coming from the fact that attendees are happy with the event.

device and uploaded whenever an

And when the attendees are happy with

internet connection becomes available.

the event, the organisers say ‘if that’s

“What we collect are loads and loads

keeping them happy, then we’ll have

of dots being connected. We can

more of that’.”

tell you if it has been a good event,

Whatever happens, the future for

or how you would re-organise that

Munday and Blendology appears to

event,” he explains. “Looking at the

be quite positive. As Munday enthuses:

analysis of the data, we’re building an

“we have a very likeable, easy-to-

inside knowledge of event behaviour.

connect and fun-to-use technology and

Depending upon the type of people

the company is really capturing lots

that are there, depending upon the

of data.” For attendees, Blendology

type of event, we can tell you about

have created a fantastic method of

how many connections will happen, for

networking. For the event organiser,

example, or how many people interact

it offers easy access to useful statistics

during the morning, afternoon, etc.”

For organisers, collecting user data is

and data, while exhibitors can easily is significant. “We’ve got multiple

generate leads. More importantly for

something which will not only benefit

countries who want a franchise – I’ve

those in the events, Blendology have

future events in terms of attendee

got people who are wanting it in

introduced a new social interaction

experience, but provides something

America and in Europe. And, sitting

in the form of the ‘tap’, more than a

tangible to present to sponsors,

here in the UK, we can’t do all of it.

‘hello’ or a handshake, but less formal

investors and exhibitors to highlight

We see expansion even to the extent of

than exchanging business cards, while

how positive an event has been.

India, Singapore and China, who are

creating connections which can be quite

demanding it at the moment,” he says.

useful down the road.

Expansion

Munday’s vision for the technology is

Munday concludes with a quote from

At the moment, Blendology is quite

the generation of a swell to the point

Apple founder Steve Jobs, one which

small, with only two staff – Munday

where it exists as a new standard for

really feels rather apt in this instance.

and another member dealing with IT.

Bluetooth in terms of connecting

“You can’t connect the dots looking

Each time an event comes up, Munday

devices, or where a mobile phone

forward; you can only connect them

employs contractors who work on an

operator or equipment manufacturer

looking backwards. So you have to trust

event-by-event basis, but the possibility

decides to take it on as an exclusive

that the dots will somehow connect in

for expansion on quite a large scale

product differentiator.

your future.”

022 Conf2014_Blendology.indd 23

08/04/2014 15:08:28

24

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

A Business day out

House. It has now been equipped with 20 luxury en-suite bedrooms and, while keeping the original layout and furnishing, its ballroom and adjacent drawing rooms provide an intimate and opulent setting for parties and functions.

Palmerstown House Estate employs fulltime chefs and waiting staff and can cater for cocktail parties, full sit-down meals, as well as more informal barbecues and light meals.

This is where I’d organise a corporate dinner or a product launch. The wonderful en-suite bedrooms can accommodate visitors and are sure to wow guests – especially those coming from abroad – with their old-world charm. This is where I’d take the people I want to impress. And if my guests were arriving on a helicopter, no problem. Just outside Palmerstown House, there are a whopping seven helicopter pads!

“There are a lot of beautiful historic buildings that have been converted

Martina Latini explains why Palmerstown House Estate is the obvious choice.

S

into hotels or business centres,” says Kevin. “What really sets us aside is the privacy and tranquility we can offer our guests. And while the setting is

itting on 700 acres of lush

ago. One kilometre from the gate, I roll

ideal for productive business meetings,

meadows and centennial trees,

up into the ample car park in front of

the delegates can play some golf on

Palmerstown House Estate is a

the imposing Clubhouse building. There

their time off. We can also organise

place of leisure, but don’t be fooled: it’s

I am welcomed by General Manager

team-building activities like archery or

just the place to go to do business. The

Kevin Morrison, who offers me a seat

shooting. I can’t think of a better place

imposing spiked gate is just minutes

in the plush Empery Bistro, the first

for a company retreat.”

off the N7 and, unlike a few months

floor bar and restaurant. “I spent most

ago, now it’s open. As I drive through

of my career so far in large, corporate

Johnstown, Co. Kildare, just 20 minutes

ancient trees and the mature parkland of

city hotels,” he tells me over freshly

from Dublin City and 40 from Dublin

Palmerstown Stud Golf course, I realise

brewed tea. “The peace and the privacy

Airport. For more information, contact

that Dublin’s traffic jams and fast-paced

of Palmerstown is something I’m only

Palmerstown House Estate by phone on

business life are just outside, yet couldn’t

starting to get used to.”

+353 45 906 901 or by email at events@

be more far away.

Kevin takes me to the ground floor

Palmerstown House Estate is located in

palmerstownhouse.com. You can also

to show me the 20-seat boardroom.

find out more about services, facilities

stunning views of Kildare’s peaceful

“This is where we would accommodate a

and rates on www.palmerstownhouse.

countryside, is Palmerstown House, built

small business meeting. We can provide

com

in 1872 by the Earl of Mayo and a private

refreshments, meals and office and

residence until only a couple of years

secretarial services.” For larger meetings,

On top of the hill on my right, with

Kevin recommends the High Chaparral suite on the second floor. It can be set up

contact information

T: (045) 906 901 E: events@palmerstownhouse.com W: www.palmerstownhouse.com

as a function or a conference room and it has private bar, bathrooms and balcony.

Not to mention the stunning views over the golf course.

We then move on to visit Palmerstown

024 Conf2014_Palmerstown_CF.indd 24

07/04/2014 17:06:27

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26

Conference Layout Conferencing 2014

setting the scene 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.

1

Theatre Style A set-up consisting of chairs facing the front of the

2

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.

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 won’t need to allow space for tables.

026 Conf2014_Setting the scene.indd 26

07/04/2014 16:57:19

Conference Layout Conferencing 2014

3

Crescent Round In this set-up, delegates’ 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

27

4

Classroom Style The perfect choice

consider lecture chairs so that

when note-taking is

delegates are not taking notes

required, classroom

on their laps. Ideal for 20 to 25

style seats delegates

delegates and for larger groups

on one side of a table

you can create crescent rows.

facing the front of the room. Microphones can be placed on these tables at larger conferences where speakers are expected

5

to engage with the audience. Lecture chairs can be used to provide a classroom layout where space is limited. Blocked sight

6 Banquet Style

lines can be an issue

Boardroom Style

for delegates seated

A boardroom layout, where

at the back of this

delegates are seated around a

arrangement. Combat

square or round table facing one

this by using platforms

another, is just right for facilitating

to create stadium style

conversation and creating an

seating, or by placing

intimate setting. Typically used for

plasma screens around

smaller meetings, this format can

the room.

also be used for break-out sessions to break up the monotony of the main plenary room.

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.

026 Conf2014_Setting the scene.indd 27

07/04/2014 16:57:49

28

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

where ireland meets the world In today’s increasingly virtual society a common misconception is that the age of the face-to-face meeting is behind us. However, events that facilitate personal interaction and networking continue to be an important strategic tool for many of the world’s leading organisations. Testament to this is the significant growth in business tourism that Ireland has seen in the past few years, together with the resounding success of The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) as Ireland’s premier conference venue.

I

n just three and a half years since

2013 including NetApp, Skoda, Kerry

hub of Europe. In fact, the European

opening, The CCD has hosted

Ingredients and Flavours, Hostelworld.

headquarters of many of the world’s

over 900 events welcoming over

com, KPMG and L’Oreal, to name but

leading corporates are located in

a few.

the vicinity of The CCD in Dublin’s

910,000 total delegate days, and has won 26 industry awards, including runner up for World’s Best Convention Centre at the APIC Apex Award 2012.

This iconic venue has developed an

The Ultimate Conference Destination

Docklands, making the venue ideally positioned to entice this market.

In addition, Ireland’s location at

There’s no doubt that sustaining

the gateway to Europe offers many

unparalleled reputation for excellence

delegate numbers in today’s economic

logistical benefits. With Dublin Airport

across the global meetings and events

climate can be a challenge, it is

serving 55 airlines and 169 routes,

industry, and is now widely considered

therefore essential that an event’s

including direct flights to the UK,

one of Europe’s most esteemed

location appeals to the business tourist.

US, Europe and the Middle East, it is

conference venues. So what is it that

Since The CCD opened in September

highly accessible for all.

sets this venue apart from the rest?

2010, Dublin has really established

But it is not just the city that is

itself as a strong contender to host

accessible, The CCD itself is located

some of the world’s highest-profile

a mere 15-20 minute journey from

The calibre of The CCD’s client base

conferences, as evidenced by its climb

Dublin Airport, and is served by

speaks volumes about the venue’s

up ten places in the International

over 18,500 competitively priced

capabilities. Last year alone the venue

Congress and Convention Association

hotel rooms within a 10km radius.

welcomed over 200 events including

(ICCA) rankings.

Furthermore, many of the city’s key

A Solid Track Record

eHealth Week (2,500 delegates),

Dublin’s rise to fame as an

tourist attractions, including its many

European Intelligent Transport Systems

international conference destination

museums, galleries, the Guinness

(ITS) Congress (ERTICO) (1,200

can be attributed to a number of

Storehouse and the famous Temple

delegates) and the World Congress of

unique selling points. Not only has

Bar area, are within walking distance

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

it become known as a centre for

or a short tram ride from The CCD,

(3,300 delegates). It also welcomed a

academic research and innovation, but

enabling business and leisure to be

diverse range of corporate clients in

also as the business and technology

easily combined.

028 Conf2014_CCD_CF.indd 28

07/04/2014 16:58:59

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

29

The ‘Wow’ Factor However, the destination is only half the battle when it comes to attracting delegate numbers; the venue choice often seals the deal for the international business tourist. As Ireland’s first purpose built international conference venue, The CCD offers delegates and clients a unique event experience.

The entire venue is finished to the highest specifications and incorporates the latest technology throughout.

A range of multi-functional rooms, suitable for events and conferences of all shapes and sizes are available, including a 2,000 seat auditorium, 4,500 square metres of exhibition space and banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests.

In addition, The CCD’s light-flooded central atrium offers delegates a breath of fresh air between conference sessions, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding Wicklow mountains can be admired across six bright and spacious foyers. These areas

Client Testimonials “This is the best convention centre I have ever worked in. The staff were so well prepared and had such a great handle on things.”

Cathy Ryan, Senior Director, International Meetings, HIMSS, eHealth Week, May 2013 “I have to say I am blown away by all the staff at The CCD and the service that you provide.

It really is a world-class facility with a team of staff that provide a world-class service level.”

Olivia Slevin, Global Sustainability Conference Coordinator on behalf of Bord Bia, September 2013 “I’ve attended many conferences before and never experienced the kind of service that your team provided. Everyone I met during the event was extremely attentive to all our needs and went above and beyond to take care of us.”

Pamela Logan, Director of Pharmacy Services, Irish Pharmacy Union, Choice European Conference, September 2013 “This was one of the best conference experiences we’ve ever had. Thank you so much for your outstanding efforts!”

Associations Direct, EBRL26 Conference, April 2013

only can clients avail of a range of fully

international events including the

inclusive packages, but they also have

2014 European People’s Party (EPP)

receptions and hospitality.

the opportunity to make bespoke out-

Congress and Radiodays Europe.

of-the-ordinary requests. Whatever

The venue is also looking forward

The Personal Touch

the event, be it a conference, meeting,

to welcoming the World Youth and

exhibition, banquet, entertainment

Student Travel Conference (WYSTC),

production, this venue has the event

the 32nd Annual Meeting of the

production equipment and expertise

European Society for Paediatric

to bring that event to life, and deliver a

Infectious Diseases, the APEX TV

memorable experience for guests.

Market Conference 2014, Plant

offer a unique range of additional spaces, and are perfect for registration,

The CCD is not only famed for its signature architecture and convenient location, but also for its exceptionally high customer satisfaction rate, which consistently ranks above 96 per cent.

The venue prides itself on offering first-class service with a high level of professionalism and expertise, coupled with a sense of Irish warmth and hospitality.

The core team of an Event Manager, a Technical Production Manager, a Hospitality Manager and an IT Manager is supported by a full range of in-house services, such as hosts, furniture, cleaning and security.

Clients are also assigned a dedicated and specialist Account Manager who is well-acquainted with the competitive bidding process that can be required to attract prestigious events to the city.

At The CCD flexibility is key; not

028 Conf2014_CCD_CF.indd 29

Together, the team allocated to each

Biology Europe’s (FESPB/ESPO)

and every client will work tirelessly to

Congress and One Young World, to

ensure that all service levels are kept

name but a few.

consistently high, for every event, every day.

What does the future hold?

Whether it’s by stimulating innovation in scientific or medical research, or by helping to land new deals and strengthen relationships in the business realm, it’s clear that face-

The future is certainly bright at The

to-face meetings are a very important

CCD, which is taking booking enquiries

feature in the calendar of leading

as far as ten years in advance. This year

corporates and associations. How

the venue has already welcomed back

could your organisation benefit from

a number of return clients, including

bringing people together to provoke

Alltech’s International Craft Brews

fresh thinking? With Dublin as the

and Food Fair, the Flyer Professional

perfect backdrop, and The CCD

Flight Training Exhibition and Career

offering the ultimate inspirational

Zoo, as well as a number of high-profile

venue, the solution is clear!

07/04/2014 16:59:39

30

Team Bulding Conferencing 2014

Team Building Conferencing 2014

30

AN IN TEAM BUILDING

In today’s business world, where self-contained, specialised teams are replacing traditional hierarchal management structures, the fostering of a productive team dynamic has never been more important. Conferencing 2014 looks at the importance of a creating good team spirit within the workplace.

A

lthough there is a certain

powerful tool for increased profitability.

arbitrary element to whether

Research has also proven that effective

or not team members ‘gel’,

team building skills have a major

leaving it to chance is probably not the

influence in winning the commitment

best business practice.

of staff and increasing their motivation

Membership of a professional team

and overall job satisfaction. Teamwork

is based on the assumption that team

is a skill, one that is quite easily

members share the same goal – which

achieved but often overlooked.

in the business world usually consists of

In Ireland, more and more

selling a product or service – and work

companies are recognising the

towards it. The success of this goal

importance of fostering this skill. The

is based on how well the team works

number of companies who specialise

together in order to achieve their goal.

in providing businesses with an

Team building can help to motivate

opportunity to develop the skill of

and enable a team to reach its goal.

teamwork within their organisation is

Where the practice of team

rapidly increasing. These companies

building is most effective is when it is

generally offer a similar package

company. Involving all employees aids

approached logically and methodically.

designed to cultivate teamwork within

communication and relations within

Actively engaging in activities designed

organisations. This is accomplished by

existing hierarchal structures.

to develop the practise of teamwork

taking team members out of the work

within an organisation has been

environment and engaging them in

companies specialising in team

identified as one of the ways in which to

any number of tasks which involve the

building, there comes a huge variety of

improve the performance of your team.

development of the skills necessary for

locations and activities to choose from

Studies have shown that a company’s

a successful team.

to suit the needs of your company.

performance is directly related to the

A business ‘team’ involves everybody

With the growing number of

A simple internet search reveals

cohesion of the various members of its

from the clerk to the manager, and

the multitude of activities on offer

workforce.

therefore team building activities

which range from the conventional

should include everybody, regardless

to the extraordinary. When choosing

of status or standing within the

what activity to participate in, think

A focused team spirit within a workforce can be an organisation’s most

030 Conf2014_Team Building.indd 30

07/04/2014 17:03:50

Team Bulding Conferencing 2014

31

team performance in the past. Having shared the experience and success of the event, employees will take a rejuvenated team spirit back into the workplace.

While daytime activities focus more on team ‘building’, after hours activities can encourage team ‘bonding’, an equally important aspect of the team dynamic. Increasingly, companies are providing employees with the opportunity to participate in company nights out which may come in various forms; examples include casino nights, race nights, karaoke or murder mystery weekends.

Evening events are easier to organise internally; they do not require the special skills and equipment that daytime team building activities require. Although it is possible to hire a company to organise an optimal entertainment event, it is not completely necessary. Various locations across Ireland provide dinner and drinks facilities for offices and many also have facilities that allow for a more adventurous evening, there are a number of different options.

The purpose of organising these evenings of entertainment for your staff is to nurture your employees’ sense of community and make them feel more at ease with their fellow workers. By taking employees out of the office and giving them a chance to interact outside of a work environment, you can help build relationships within the team.

When a person begins to feel a sense of belonging within the company, they are carefully about the best activity for

necessity of working together in order

more likely to contribute beyond the

your requirements. You could choose

to achieve a goal, for example beating

level they are used to.

a medieval theme with archery and

another team. Even activities such as

bowls, an extreme theme with Formula

quizzes and treasure hunts allow team

and celebrations are not intrusions

One racing or rock-climbing or a

members to contribute the benefit of

to work, but necessary ingredients

marine extravaganza with sailing and

their varied knowledge to the team in

in its performance. Effective teams

canoeing. A full day can be organised

the hope that their team will emerge

require work and effort on the part

around any of these activities, with

victorious.

of the employee and the employer

team building strategies incorporated

By facing challenges of completing

Team building, bonding events

alike. If you expect a great result from

into all of them. For a good old-

tasks together, people quickly settle

your team, it is necessary to create

fashioned battle of teams there is no

into each other’s company and work

the conditions in which this can be

activity better suited than paintball.

through any minor personality

achieved. Team building and bonding

differences which may have inhibited

sessions are just the way to do it.

Activities invariably involve the

030 Conf2014_Team Building.indd 31

07/04/2014 17:04:23

32

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

crowne plaza No matter what the event, the team on hand at Crowne Plaza conference venues are well-placed to cater to your every need.

W

e’re confident that you’ll

and confidently help fulfill any ad-hoc

find Crowne Plaza

requests.

conference venues in

Crowne Plaza is committed to ensuring

Ireland ideal for hosting your important

the success of your event and offers

corporate events. In addition to

delegates a relaxed environment in

comfortable and modern conference

which to unwind, socialise and network

facilities we also offer a selection of

at the end of the day’s business. We also

smaller meeting room venues for hire;

offer meeting venues and rooms that

suitable for all your business needs, such

can be arranged in a variety of layouts

as holding important briefings or team

such as theatre or classroom, according

building exercises.

to your specific needs. Just tell us what

Our dedicated meeting directors

you need.

ensure that your conference and meeting rooms are fully prepared prior to the start of your event, including the provision of any requested multimedia equipment. Once your event is in full

contact information T: 1800 848 270 W: www.cpireland.ie

flow they will be on hand to quickly

032 Conf2014_Crown Plaza_CF.indd 32

07/04/2014 17:08:46

One Young World Conferencing 2014

33

One Young World

This October sees the One Young World Summit arrive in Dublin with around 2,000 people in tow. Conor Forrest looks a little deeper to discover what the One Young World movement is all about.

I

n 2013, the city of Dublin was

are our future and hosting such a

number of enormous challenges over

chosen as the location for the 5th

significant and inspiring summit is of

the next 50 years as it tries to evolve

annual One World Summit to

key importance not only for now, but

from a consumption-driven economy

for the future.”

to a new, sustainable economy,” said

be held on October 13th 2014. The Convention Centre, Bord Gais Energy

Counsellor and CEO of Unilever, Paul

Theatre and Croke Park are among the

One Young World

venues which will be used to facilitate

One Young World is a charitable,

“The leaders of today are just starting

the summit, and reaction to the choice

not-for-profit organisation with the

to grapple with the challenges; it will

of Dublin has been positive in Ireland.

intention of gathering youth leaders

be the leaders of tomorrow who have

Dublin’s then Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó’

from across the globe for an annual

to deliver the solutions to overcome

Muirí, said: “Dublin city and its people

summit, the aim of which is to develop

them. Our job is to inspire these new

will be the perfect host for the 2014

solutions to the problems plaguing the

leaders to seize the opportunities these

One Young World annual summit.

world in the 21st century. Founded

challenges present.”

As the title suggests, the summit will

in 2009 by David Jones and Kate

involve young dynamic leaders from

Robertson, the charity is based in

than at any other worldwide gathering,

around the world coming together to

the UK, but has an outlook which is

bar the Olympics, the Summit has

discuss key issues. These young people

truly global. “The world is facing a

become a unique forum for ideas.

033 Conf2014_one young world.indd 33

Polman, at the Zurich event in 2011.

With more countries represented

08/04/2014 12:43:05

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07/04/2014 11:11:16

One Young World Conferencing 2014

35

The idea is to kick-start a new generation of leaders who can express the needs of the many.

Young individuals from national and global companies, universities, NGOs and other organisations are joined by other world leaders to act as what are known as the Young World Counsellors. Delegates at the Summits debate issues and formulate innovative solutions for global issues. In previous years, Counsellors have included Sir Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Bob Geldof and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. When each Summit concludes, delegates then either begin work on their own initiatives, or can make use of the One Young World network to garner support for those programmes already in place.

The idea is to kick-start a new generation of leaders who can express the needs of the many, needs which many people feel our current crop of leaders, not just in the world of politics, are either unaware of or

Top: One Young World took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2013.

Above: Founders Kate Robertson and David Jones.

are ignoring. “The real idea is to get leaders of government, heads of

‘firecrackers’ who are clearly leading

similar figure attended 2011’s Summit

business and heads of civil society

and doing something. You’re looking

in Pittsburgh, USA, while last year in

who run the world, run countries

for a particular kind of animal. Geldof

South Africa saw the largest delegate

and run enterprises today to listen to

was 28/29 [sic] when he started Band

attendance – 1,250 individuals from

what young people think about the

Aid. Jamie Oliver was 24 when he

190 countries. This year, the spotlight

world, and the things that ought to

[started] the first Fifteen programme.

focuses on Dublin as an estimated 1,500

be happening and ought to be done,”

These people, very, very young, have

delegates, Counsellors, members of

said Kate Robertson, co-founder of

done things.”

the media and observers will descend

One Young World. “To try to change

on the city to share their views on how

the world, to try to prepare that

Ireland

the world’s issues can be tackled, such

next generation who are the most

The inaugural Summit took place in

as human rights, education, global

well-informed, the most educated

2010 in London, and saw 825 delegates

business, health and leadership, to name

and the most connected generation

attending from 114 countries. The

but a few.

in human history – to prepare them

following year, the Summit was awarded

for leadership. You’re looking for

to the city of Zurich in Switzerland;

have the opportunity to bring the One

people you and I would recognise as

171 countries sent 1,200 delegates. A

Young World Summit 2014 to Dublin,

033 Conf2014_one young world.indd 35

“David Jones and I are delighted we

08/04/2014 12:43:30

36

One Young World Conferencing 2014

Current Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisin Quinn, present at the closing ceremony of last year’s Summit in Johannesburg, said: “the One Young World Summit 2014 in Dublin will be about young people being disruptive leaders. It will be about young people taking action and making sure that they are not sleepwalked into the agendas of others.

It will be about young people acting locally but thinking globally. So my message is simple – go out and spread the word that One Young World 2014 in Dublin is the place to be if you are interested in making a difference in your life and in the lives of others.”

Praise Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme last year, co-founder Kate Robertson was full of praise for the Irish bid which saw Dublin being awarded the Summit for 2014. “Irish input into this has been absolutely enormous,” she said. “Since the advisory board for One Young World in Dublin took the decision to bid, it’s been an amazing coming together of businesses in Ireland – both Irish businesses and the big multinationals that you have here. The Provost of Trinity, the people who run Croke Top: The impressive opening ceremony from last year’s event in Johannesburg.

Above: Previous One Young World Counsellors have included Kofi Annan, Bob Geldof and Richard Branson.

Park, those who run the Convention Centre – it’s a fantastic joint effort.”

Judging by past iterations of the

which beat off strong competition

of sustainability, youth unemployment

event, Dublin’s Summit in 2014 is

from Edinburgh and Hong Kong to

and the environment. The bid was

bound to be a success, as the largest

be named host city,” said Robertson.

submitted by Clara Kelleher, Bob

number of delegates in the event’s

“Dublin’s youth, creativity and

Coggins and Valerie McGrane, a trio

short history meets across the capital.

innovation made for a compelling case.

of young leaders who are based in

As a country, we would do well to listen

Its experience hosting top international

Dublin. The bid garnered support

and observe, and put into practice

events and its world-renowned warmth

across the board, from both public and

the ideas which are sure to emanate

and hospitality informed every aspect

private entities. Alongside Croke Park,

from the Summit. As Archbishop Tutu

of the bid. The bid’s theme of ‘1,000

the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and the

expressed following the Summit in

welcomes’ perfectly encapsulates why

Office of Public Works, Musgraves will

2010, “I was inspired by the energy,

we have chosen to bring One World

provide dining services to the incoming

ideas and dynamism of the wonderful

Summit 2014 and its 1,500 delegates to

delegates, while Dublin Bus and Bus

young people I met at One Young

Dublin next year.”

Eireann will combine to provide

World. Young people are changing the

transport options across the city.

world in which we live at an incredible

Fáilte Ireland estimates that the event

pace, and it is important that we listen

The main theme for the Dublin event is

will generate over v3 million for the

to the young leaders of tomorrow

‘1,000 welcomes, Cead Mile Fáilte’, with

hospitality, conferencing and leisure

and encourage them to address the

sessions revolving around the topics

industries in Ireland.

problems in the world today.”

Welcome

033 Conf2014_one young world.indd 36

08/04/2014 12:43:55

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07/04/2014 11:12:15

38

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Something Different

Located in the Custom House in Limerick, The Hunt Museum is home to one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, providing an interesting and different backdrop for your events.

C

by Irish ware and Chinese porcleain,

range of beautiful rooms available within.

and 75 buffet-style. The Library is also

ompletely refurbished in 1996, the Hunt Museum functions as both a respository for art and

history and also as an event venue, with a The Captains’ Room is available for meetings, lectures, seminars, receptions and private dining surrounded by works of art, while the Library can accommodate up to 15 people around a board-room table.

Dining If you’re looking for a special atmosphere, enjoy the ambience of the elegant Captains’ Room surrounded

highly suitable for corporate hospitality.

Seasonal menus are available, and the room can hold up to 50 people at dinner, available for private dining functions, providing a discreet environment to entertain guests in privacy. Overlooking the Shannon this 17-person capacity room, which houses the John Hunt

Rooms at the museum can be rearranged to suit your particular needs and requirements (apart from fixed exhibition cases), and all rooms are wheelchair accesible. Catering arrangements and sample menus are available on request, and musical requirements can also be discussed.

Library, is a unique dining venue in the city centre. The café can also seat 70 people for dinner, or cater for a 120-person buffet. Open to the public during the day, the café can be hired privately after 6pm.

contact information

Naomi O’Nolan Event Manager T: 061 312 833 E: naomi@huntmuseum.com.

The Hunt Museum offers a unique experience for small conferences and private functions. The Hunt Collection is housed in the elegant 18th Century Palladian style Custom House overlooking the majestic River Shannon.

This diverse collection of art and antiquities was acquired by John and Gertrude Hunt over their lifetimes and dates from Stone Age to modern times.

Enjoy the ambience of the elegant Captains’ Room in the surroundings of Irish Art, Delftware and Chinese Porcelain. The purpose built riverside café and the library also offer facilities for Conferences and fine dining.

The Hunt Museum, The Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick www.huntmuseum.com

038 Conf2014_Hunt Museum_CF.indd 38

08/04/2014 08:30:10

A-Z of conferencing Conferencing 2014

Accommodation It’s important to find the right venue, particularly

A

when attendees are

Banquet However large your event is, a banquet is a wonderful way to end things on a high note. Apart from ensuring your guests don’t leave with an empty stomach, it’s also a great way for them to get to know one another. Networking is one of

B

travelling from abroad.

If your venue has no

39

the most attractive aspects of a conference for many people, and so a final event provides the ultimate setting for people to do their business.

on-site accommodation, make sure some is available nearby. If not, choose a location with accommodation suitable to your delegates’ needs.

Coaching If your employees are due to make presentations

Check out our list of conferencing do’s and don’t before you begin organising your event.

C

at your conference, but feel a little jittery about speaking in front of a crowd, coaching is a

of conferencing

great idea. There are plenty of public speaking experts available who can transform the weakest speaker into an expert

D

orator.

Emergency Funds When you’re putting your budget together,

E

Décor Entertainment, activities and speakers are all important to the success of a conference, but whatever impact you are trying to create, it will be the venue which makes a lasting impression. There are numerous excellent venues across the country; take the time to choose the one which represents you as an organiser, and the needs of your clients too!

it’s always a good idea to allow around ten per

F

cent for those inevitable last-minute purchases.

Guest Speaker Having a guest speaker can be something which really makes an event,

G

Food

Journeys

Always sample the cuisine available in

Make sure you have got

your venue of choice before you book.

the appropriate transport

Even if the location is stunning, it

available for your delegates,

would be a disaster to find out on the

whether you need to organise

day that the food isn’t up to scratch.

buses, taxis or flights. There

At least if you check beforehand, you

is nothing worse than

will have the option of hiring your own

disorganisation and people

caterers.

hanging around, unsure of their travel arrangements.

particularly if they’re fairly well known (having

J

a talent for comedy doesn’t hurt either).

A myriad of speakers

With smaller conferences it’s usually a good idea to meet each guest upon arrival.

Innovation

from all professions and

Making your event a memorable one should be a top priority. If this means

backgrounds are readily

pushing the boat out a little, then do so. Team building activities and

available through services such as speakersolutions.ie

039 Conf2014_A-Z.indd 39

entertainment can prove very popular with delegates, as are goodies bags, both at the beginning and the end of your event.

08/04/2014 12:44:26

40

A-Z of conferencing Conferencing 2014

Keepsakes Finding appropriate gifts for delegates is a must, once your budget allows for

K

Latecomers No matter how effectively you’ve organised your conference,

L

it. There’s no point in wasting money on gimmicks; choose something you know your delegates will want to bring home with them and use in the future.

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.

Media Keep abreast of what’s happening in the world of business. Newspapers such as The Irish Times or

M

Name Tags Name tags are one of the key components

the Irish Independent feature business supplements

of any conference. These allow delegates

which can be very useful. The media can also be

N

quite useful in promoting your event, both before and after.

Online Registration If guests are able to register for your conference online, it will make a massive you, the organiser, a much better idea of numbers, as well as the specific individual

members of staff working at the event, should there be any problems.

Photography

O

difference to your event. Firstly this gives

to introduce themselves and recognise

It is a must to have a professional photographer at your

P

needs of your guests. Secondly, online

event, not only so you can produce high-quality 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,

registration will reduce the time associated

make sure that you have the correct labels under images.

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

S

length of the queue!

Technology These days, most conferencing venues have all

Staging The stage will be where all of the magic happens, and where your guests’ attentions will be focussed for the majority of the time. Make sure that your company logo, along with any

T

other necessary corporate logos, are clearly visible to the entire audience.

of the necessary equipment to make your event

Useful Information

a success. If there is something that your venue

Distribute a fact sheet to all delegates on the first day of your

cannot provide, check with your co-ordinator and see if they deal with anyone who can supply what

U

you’re missing. Otherwise you’ll need to hire the equipment from a reliable company, ideally close to the vicinity of the venue.

Welcome Welcomes always leave lasting impressions, so be sure that all of your

W

conference with all essential information. There should also be an information desk, in case there are any major queries or confusion among delegates.

V

Verify 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.

delegates are taken care of from the

X

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.

Conferences can sometimes be a little difficult to navigate, particularly in large venues

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!

039 Conf2014_A-Z.indd 40

X Marks the Spot

Z

with a big crowd of delegates.

Don’t forget to make easyto-read maps for your event which delegates can download or pick up.

08/04/2014 12:44:41

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

41

FULL SERVICE

Dublin’s newest airport hotel, the Carlton Dublin Airport offers a range of options for all of your conference needs. hotel, located on the ground floor near

for smaller meetings, training sessions

reception. It is a multipurpose venue

or as break out rooms. Car parking is

which can convert into one large or two

complimentary for all delegates along

he Carlton Dublin Airport is the

smaller rooms; it also has a large breakout

with courtesy airport shuttle. Situated

newest four star airport hotel.

area ideal for pre or post meeting

just minutes from Dublin Airport and the

Comprising 100 bedrooms,

T

gatherings. The Collinstown Suite offers a

M50 Motorway, the Carlton Hotel could

two conference suites and 20 dedicated

wide range of meeting styles catering for

not be more conveniently located.

meeting rooms, our enthusiastic

up to 400 delegates, and features multiple

meetings and conference team take care

built in screens; adaptable lighting; air

individually controlled air conditioning

of everything from choice of rooms,

conditioning and good vehicular access.

and heating systems; fully integrated

equipment and technical support, to

Meanwhile, the Clouds Rooftop suite

AV technology; complimentary WiFi;

menus and accommodation.

– our unique rooftop conference room

blackout facilities; mineral water and

– offers uninterrupted views of airport

delegate mints; flipchart; LCD projector

features two conference suites which

runways to the north, Dublin city and

and delegate stationary.

are flexible in design accommodating

bay to the east and the mountains to the

from two to 400 delegates. Both the

south.

The Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel

Collinstown and Clouds suites are fully

We at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

equipped with the latest conference

know that flexibility is key and have

technology. The Collinstown Suite

designed 20 well-proportioned meeting

is the largest conference suite in the

rooms – with natural daylight – ideal

All our meeting rooms feature:

w

CONTACT INFORMATION

T: (01) 8667500 W: ww.carltondublinairport.com

20% OFF ROOM HIRE

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

Email: meetings@carlton.ie www.carlton.ie/dublinairport

041 Conf2014_Carlton_CF.indd 41

08/04/2014 08:32:31

42

Safety First Conferencing 2014

staying safe 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 Council’s events unit.

Pre-planning

cover for all workers, and public

you should make sure your venue

The best way to ensure your event is as

liability cover for any attendees. You

has a sufficient number of entrances

safe as possible is to begin planning well

can discuss your specific needs with

and exits which will facilitate orderly

in advance of the date. Every functional

insurance companies or brokers, who

arrival and/or departure procedures.

area of your venue will have health and

may also have conditions you are

Inside your venue, way marking,

safety issues. Conduct and compose a

required to fulfil.

informational signs and first aid and

risk assessment analysis and a written

For example, an outdoor event

emergency exit signs should all be

safety statement concerning those areas

with an anticipated audience of more

which could result in harm to either

than 5,000 people requires a planning

event staff or members of the public.

licence. Though venues should have

Staff

For any hazards which are likely to

public liability cover, the onus is on you

Knowing exactly who is responsible

occur, determine what needs to be done

to ensure you have the appropriate

for what is highly recommended,

to reduce these risks. In case anything

cover. Any events that are held on

particularly for large-scale events. All

does go wrong, a risk assessment

public property will need public

staff should be encouraged to take

shows that you have done your best in

liability insurance, covering individuals

responsibility for matters of health and

predicting and removing dangers or

and organisations in the event of

safety within their own areas.

hazards. It’s best to hire one competent

accident, injury or death, or damage to

individual to oversee the health and

or loss of property by someone acting

Know the Law

safety of your event, and ensure you

with the organisation’s authority.

A number of pieces of legislation cover

are in compliance with regulations,

Make sure any contractors working

clearly marked and visible.

health and safety in the workplace,

monitor staff and contractors and any

for you have insurance and request

and are applicable to events of all sizes.

other involved parties, and co-ordinate

copies of their insurance policies,

Consult the Safety, Health and Welfare

solutions in the event of an incident.

health and safety statements and

at Work Acts 1989 and 2005, the

policies and practices before hiring.

Planning and Development Act 2001:

Insurance

Part XVI, The Fire Services Act 1981

Under law, event organisers are

The Venue

required to have employee liability

Establish likely attendance figures

2003 to ensure complete compliance

and then find a venue of sufficient

with current regulations.

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

042 Conf2014_Safety First.indd 42

size to accommodate. Other activities

and the Licensing of Indoor Events Act

or facilities at your event should

Expect the unexpected

also be taken into account, such as

It’s always advised that you prepare for

booths, stages or hospitality facilities.

the worst, and expect the unexpected.

Consulting the fire authorities would

While carrying out risk management

be a good step in ensuring you have

and incident prevention, you should

enough space, as is enlisting the help of

put in place procedures in the event

a competent and qualified individual to

of a wide variety of incidents, both

determine structural safety.

minor and major. Ensure you have

Use of advance ticket sales and

procedures and contingency plans

stewards can ensure that attendance

in place in the event of an incident

is manageable. All routes should be

which are compatible with emergency

well signposted for attendees, and

responder needs.

08/04/2014 08:33:14

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

43

A DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCE Experience a conference venue like no other in one of Dublin’s finest town houses in the heart of the city. Residence Members Club is four floors of unique and bespoke event spaces which can host anywhere from 10 to 110 people.

S

ituated on St Stephen’s Green, Residence is your discreet, capable, superbly equipped and utterly

need will be looked after and more.

To arrange a viewing of the club for your next conferencing date, please

reciprocal clubs in London, Paris, New York and Florida.

Residence also offers many unique

dependable partner in whatever the

contact our Events Manager Karen Doyle

and wonderful networking opportunities

business of the day might be. We have an

by email karend@residence.ie or call (01)

throughout the year. To name but a few,

events team ready to carry the burden of

662 0000.

Hub41@Residence brings our members

organising your events and a world class service team to compliment the profile of your business and clientele.

You’ve also got the renowned head chef

together with Ireland’s leading industry

Why not consider membership?

Membership at Residence confers the

of Restaurant FortyOne, Graham Neville,

following: complimentary, unlimited

and his team on your side to delight your

access to our meeting and event rooms

guests with his sumptuous seasonal menus

throughout the year; access to the club for

where indulgence is encouraged. So

the member, plus four guests; a discount

whether you wish to dine in the restaurant

of ten per cent off food menu prices in

or privately in one of our stunning

Restaurant FortyOne; the benefits of

Georgian rooms, rest assured your every

our affiliates programme; access to our

experts while our golf outings to the country’s leading courses offer some welldeserved downtime.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tadgh Wright, Membership Co-ordinator E: tadghw@residence.ie T: (01) 662 0000

Residence St. Stephen’s Green Situated in the heart of Dublin’s business district, over-looking St. Stephen’s Green, Residence offers a number of excellent and valuable services to our Members.

• Unlimited access to our beautiful Georgian meeting rooms • Complimentary bespoke event spaces for up to 120 people • Private dining for up to 36 guests • Reciprocal clubs include The Club at The Ivy in London, Norwood in NYC, Saint James in Paris & The River Club in Florida • 40+ Member events & networking opportunities per annum • Fine dining at the award winning Restaurant FortyOne

043 Conf2014_Residence_CF.indd 43

To enquire about membership, email tadghw@residence.ie or call 01 662 0000 Open from 8am Monday to Friday and 12 noon on Saturday

09/04/2014 11:40:52

44

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Citywest Hotel

Conference & Event Centre This ever adaptable hotel and convention centre just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre welcomed a wide spectrum of events in 2013 and looks forward to an exciting calendar for 2014.

C

The versatile facilities here at Citywest

on-site restaurants, Citywest provides

combined with the ‘Irish Experience’

an ideal destination for residential

allow us to compete on a worldwide

conferences and events. And for

stage to attract events only a handful of

exhibitions, the expansive arena offers

venue used to its full potential and

international venues can accomodate.”

75,000 sq. ft. of ground floor exhibition

itywest has welcomed a record number of delegates and event attendees to the property.

“This superb range of events saw the the feedback from event planners and organisers has been overwhelming,” says Glenn Valentine, General Manager.

“Citywest Hotel has always held its position as Ireland’s largest residential conference venue, and we were delighted to bring to Dublin such a wide variety of international conferences including the Mylan Pharmaceuticals Conference, Ernst & Young NSMADP and Watchtower World Convention.

044 Conf2014_Citywest_CF.indd 44

The 4,100 seater Convention Centre at Citywest Hotel played host to some truly magnificent events since

space with a further 39,000 sq. ft. over its two upper levels.

The superb range of conference

opening in 2009. From annual sporting

suites available at Citywest Hotel are

competitions, to welcoming over 40,000

the perfect choice for meetings and

attendees to Disney on Ice Dare to

conferences from 2 to 4,100 delegates.

Dream, the expansive transport and

With complimentary Wi-Fi for up to

accommodation infrastructure is unique

2,000 simultaneous users and a variety

to the Irish market. Incorporating 774

of different meeting room configurations

guest rooms, a state-of-the-art health and

available, Citywest can tailor itself to suit

fitness club, 18 hole golf course and two

your specific event requirements.

08/04/2014 08:52:11

Communication Tactics Conferencing 2014

Conference Websites

45

Set up a conference website

Mailing Lists

to help delegates maximise

A Listserv is a mailing

networking opportunities.

list software application

In the lead up to the event,

consisting of a set of email

post travel information, hotel

addresses for a specified

details, conference schedules

group. Listservs are ideal

and pre-conference materials.

for online newsletters,

Following the conference, make

announcement lists,

presentations and conference

discussion

materials available for download,

groups and

while you should also consider

Tip

an online forum to

Tip

When sending out pre-conference registration mailings and post-conference feedback, send via Listserv and hard copy mailing to ensure you reach all delegates.

allow delegate discussion

Make sure your website is password protected if you will be uploading confidential material.

before and after the conference.

When trying to secure media coverage for your conference, be sure to do your research and make sure that other major events aren’t overlapping with yours. There are a number of marketing techniques you can employ to maximise coverage throughout the event, such as organising photocalls, writing press releases with teaserresearch tidbits and booking high-

For annual and bi-annual conferences, it falls to the organiser to engage delegates in the intervening time. Conferencing 2014 brings you the best in postconference communication tactics to maximise the impact of your conference.

profile, celebrity speakers.

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.

045 Conf2014_Memorable.indd 45

Try www. lsoft.com.

Making it Memorable

Media Coverage

Media Coverage TIP

conferences.

Feedback Survey Surveys can demonstrate how conference organisers add value, and how the conference and its material has impacted delegates. Develop feedback survey questions including a review of logistics, from pre-conference communications to on-site delivery, catering and facilities. Ask your delegates to comment on each of the speakers. You can do this via a hard-copy survey or try an online survey creator

Tip

such as www.surveymonkey.com.

Photography

For annual Action Plans conferences, compile Snapshots of your conference To inspire delegates to commit delegate responses into a can be used in future to ‘doing the work’ once they’ve spreadsheet so that feedback brochures and promotional left the conference environment, can be easily tracked and materials. You can also have them complete an action presented to stakeholders at the conference upload them on the plan stating where they are now Tip debrief. conference website, and where they would like to be in Remember to let or photo-sharing six weeks, three months and a year. speakers and delegates sites such as In discussion groups, encourage them to know that photographs will Flickr. Give your brainstorm steps to achieve their goals and be taken at the event and ask them to sign a general photographer a system for benchmarking progress. release at the registration a list of all the Then, email each delegate a copy Tip: desk. key moments to of his/her action plan at the To take action be captured, such halfway point to their end goal, plans a step further, have delegates find a colleague as the CEO shaking the along with an encouraging and set a date to speak on keynote speaker’s hand. message. the phone and discuss one another’s progress.

08/04/2014 15:10:05

46

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Conferencing at Castlemartyr Castlemartyr Resort offers modern facilities in a timeless environment.

the fine dining experiences on offer at The Bell Tower Restaurant at the Manor House, the casual dining option in Franchini’s, the stylish and fun Clubhouse at Castlemartyr Resort and Knights Bar, with its renowned Irish whisky collection.

The Facilities With its own dedicated entrance and classic views of the Irish countryside, the Capel Suite is a strikingly glamorous glass-enclosed hall suitable for a wide array of conference-centered activities. Complete with dramatic chandeliers and magnificent white cascading drapes, it can be arranged in presentation format (up to 250 guests), for banqueting (up to 200), u-shaped conferring (60), cabaret-style (120) or classroom (150). A testament to clever design, the suite is self-contained, with its own pre-reception area, bar, restrooms, and terrace.

For smaller gatherings, the manor house itself offers several options. The Youghal Room is suitable for eight people working boardroom-style. Its natural daylight, blackout facilities,

B

built-in 50-inch plasma screen with

usiness leaders have always had

southern Ireland. Set on the 220 acre

laptop connectivity, and wireless

a keen eye for true value, and no

estate the resort also features the ruins

internet access emphasise elegant

more so than when they gather

of a storied 800-year-old castle, a rolling

efficiency. The Midleton Room features

to focus on ‘the business of business.’

meadow, mature woodlands, ancient

the same enhancements as the Youghal

Professionalism, dedication, efficiency

walled gardens, and a lake graced with

Room, but can accommodate up to

and a bit of fun are the watchwords

swans. The manor house interiors

ten. Similar enhancements grace the

there – and when it comes to corporate

incorporate many original features,

Ladysbridge Room, suitable for 14

gatherings, no one delivers them

including the ornate Rococo ceiling in

people, with the added amenity of its

quite like Castlemartyr Resort. A fully

the former ballroom, while the suites

own breakout or anteroom. Finally,

fashioned destination event property

open out to a sunlit hallway framed by a

the Kiltha Room, overlooking the

with 103 guestrooms, the resort offers

graceful grand staircase.

lush meadows and lake, can host up

a priceless blend of elegant settings,

Other distinctive features of

to 70 guests for intimate dining and

Castlemartyr Resort include The

comfortably accommodate 80 conferees

Spa at Castlemartyr featuring ESPA,

in various arrangements. LCD

a spectacular wellness center that

projectors and audio-visual equipment

Castlemartyr Resort is situated in

redefines luxury and personal service;

can be arranged for each of these

the serene and lovely countryside of

Castlemartyr Links Golf Club, with

facilities on request.

flexible facilities, and impeccable service.

The Settings

its 18-hole inland links-style Irish

contact information

T: (021) 421 9000 E: info@castlemartyrresort.ie W: www.castlemartyrresort.ie

046 Conf2014_Castlemartyr_CF.indd 46

Equally sophisticated is the dining

Championship par 72 golf course; and

that guests will enjoy while attending an

a range of classic and contemporary

event at Castlemartyr Resort. Set menu

outdoor pursuits including archery, laser

options are inspired by those offered

clay shooting, fly casting and fishing,

in The Bell Tower Restaurant or The

and quad biking. Not to be forgotten is

Garden room at the Manor House.

08/04/2014 08:56:16

ConferenCes | Meeting rooMs | Private Dining | teaM BuilDing

Take the team away from the everyday distractions of the office. Tucked away in the East Cork countryside, Castlemartyr Resort is a haven of inspiration, conveniently located only 30 minutes from Cork Airport and 150 minutes from Dublin, 70 minutes from Waterford.

Meeting & ConferenCe sPaCes • Cabaret • Classroom • Reception • Banqueting

from 20 to 180 delegates from 20 to 150 delegates from 30 to 300 delegates from 50 to 220 delegates

We have the facilities to cater for meetings, conferences, teambuilding days, seminars along with private dining, banquets and cocktail receptions.

Email: sales@castlemartyrresort.ie Phone: 021 421 9013 www.castlemartyrresort.ie

229614_1C_CASTLEMARTYR_JR_CON.indd 1

07/04/2014 11:13:11

48

Spread the Word Conferencing 2014

Marketing Tactics n List It Built up lists for your marketing efforts. Consider websites, industry publications, internet directories, industry-related annual reports, trade associations, literature from competitor’s events, press releases and newspapers. n 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! n 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. n 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.

048 Conf2014_Spread the word.indd 48

spread the word Conferencing 2014 puts together a six-month plan to successfully market your conference.

I

n order to develop a successful

audience isn’t considered when

conference marketing strategy,

developing the marketing plan. Social,

organisers should begin by looking

cultural, technological, physical,

at the conference objectives: What do

economical, political, legal, competitive

you want to achieve? How will you

and demographic factors all come into

benchmark/measure your achievement?

play. When creating your conference’s

Are you attempting too much? Do you

marketing strategy, research the

have sufficient resources? What is the

relevant sector and ensure that your

timeline for achieving your objective?

conference content is competitive

Common Pitfalls Marketing fails when the target

and cutting-edge. Determine the conference’s unique selling point and build this into the marketing strapline.

08/04/2014 08:57:57

Spread the Word Conferencing 2014

for this group. Check out competitor

Terminology such as ‘the best...’ or ‘leading company in...’ is effective in drawing potential delegates so be sure to research these options.

When determining the attendance goals, think about demographic factors. For example, if you’re hosting a conference for dance instructors, are there enough dance schools in the region or do you need to reach out

49

Have a green conference?

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

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.

Objectives Begin drafting your conference marketing plan by refining your

to other areas? Issues such as this will

objectives. Refer to your initial

impact on the marketing strategy. You

objective – what did you plan to

must ensure that the resources are

achieve? A typical conference objective

available to market to a wide pool of

can then be tailored to fit these smaller

might be to raise awareness among

potential delegates.

audiences. Though it may seem

delegates and position the company

like a daunting task, the return on

as a market leader. Working from

investment is significantly higher when

this, you can develop more specific

Once you have established a viable

marketing efforts are comunicated in a

conference objectives (e.g. gain 50 new

target audience, being splitting this

personal and relevant way as opposed

members).

large group into bite-sized pieces,

to a generalised mass mailing.

Target Your Audience

brainstorming marketing avenues

Additionally, think about stakeholder

Conference objectives are essential for guiding the development of

to reach each segment. You may

interests, competitor campaigns and

the marketing plan. Marketing

initially establish that you are targeting

internal factors such as experience or

strategies vary by sector, size and

‘bankers’, which can be broken down

resources. Stakeholders, such as board

specification and, while there isn’t

into CEOs, directors, managers, etc.

members, can offer valuable insight

a specific formula for success, a

Segmenting by sector makes your

into marketing strategies. For instance,

key rule to remember is to keep all

audience more specific, i.e. investment

if a stakeholder is a well-known figure

communications personal and relevant

bankers, futures traders, venture

within a target audience segment, he/

and use your marketing plan in order

capitalists and so on. Marketing efforts

she can personalise marketing letters

to stay on track.

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

n Drawing on your target audience research, develop a marketing strapline to get attention. n Launch an email campaign covering the basics (the conference date, time, location and objectives) and use the strapline. n 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!”

048 Conf2014_Spread the word.indd 49

Month

2&3

n Begin to develop the conference brochure. n Secure a full schedule of speakers and include their information in the brochure. n 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

Month

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.

4

Month

5

Month

6

n Follow up the n Execute further n Send the postcard mail-out marketing efforts conference with phone calls to in the immediate brochure. drive attendance. n Follow up the lead-up to the By tracking these conference. brochure with calls you can update phone calls to n Continue with contact details follow-ups via continue to drive in your database telephone and attendance. to improve your email. delegate records. n Begin n Complete design developing onand production site conferencing on the conference materials and brochure, including signage and a complete schedule consistent branding. for the event.

NOTE: n Draft a marketing For best results, letter tailored to communicate in a each segment to personal and relevant way send out with the as opposed to a generalised brochure. mass mailing.

08/04/2014 08:58:19

50

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Experience a world of difference at Belfast Waterfront One of the world’s top convention centres has been given the go ahead for a £29.5 million expansion.

further enhance its reputation as a top quality venue.

Belfast Ambassador Professor Linda Johnston from Queen’s University, who was instrumental in bringing more than 400 delegates from 35 countries around the world to Belfast Waterfront explains: “The International Neonatal Nursing conference had not been held in this region for a number of years.

Belfast Waterfront…represented a unique opportunity to showcase the city of Belfast as a gateway to Europe and beyond and…highlight the spirit that epitomises the people and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland. The senior management were there with us from the very beginning with the advice and support we needed, and the front-ofhouse staff completed that journey with us, providing a level of professional and friendly service that made the experience actually enjoyable for the members of the organising committee.”

The venue is equally suited to smaller more intimate events. An Droichead enjoyed a gala evening in one of the venue’s fabulous glass-fronted bar areas with spectacular views of the city and riverside. Dr Pól Deeds, An Droichead co-ordinator, comments: “The layout, the

I

view, the décor all made for the perfect

nternationally recognised for

Recently named Best Conference and

setting and provided an extravagant

outstanding service, Belfast

Incentive City destination, Belfast has

backdrop to our gala dinner. The staff

Waterfront’s stunning architecture

become a vibrant and happening city

couldn’t have been nicer and we felt

epitomises the best in contemporary

that will stir the imagination and appeal

really well looked after, especially given

design, with spectacular city views and

to a wide range of delegates. Belfast

that we hadn’t organised an event like

flexible spaces suitable for any event from

enjoys direct air links to 33 UK, and 41

this before. The audio-visual element was

10 to 2,000+ delegates. By 2016 a new

European/international destinations.

extremely important part of the event

4,000m2 development will fully integrate

Dublin is just 90 minutes away with

and again this was all taken care of for us.

with the existing facility, doubling the

direct flights to 27 UK airports and 104

Highly recommend this venue for any

size of the venue. The newly extended

across Europe.

event, day or night.”

venue will provide flexible multi-purpose

Belfast Waterfront enjoys an enviable

Jennifer Patterson, revenue and

space, with 4,900m2 of flexible flat floor

national and international clientele,

business generation manager at Belfast

space, a 2,000-seat auditorium, 380-seat

from multi-national companies to

Waterfront adds: “We are continually

studio and 17 meeting rooms for 10 to

associations, academic institutions to

raising the bar in conferencing facilities

200 delegates. Ideally situated in the

trade unions, staging conferences,

and this is set to continue with our

heart of Northern Ireland’s capital city,

seminars, exhibitions, banquets and

planned £29.5million expansion offering

and with easy access to the main rail,

award ceremonies. The venue has also

more choice, greater flexibility and even

air and sea terminals, it is also within

worked with some of the biggest names

bigger space for event organisers to host

walking distance of many of the city’s top

in the worlds of politics, show business

larger and more elaborate events.”

attractions, fine restaurants and hotels.

and sport. Its track record of exceptional

For more, visit www.waterfront.co.uk

Continued investment has radically

customer service together with the

or email conference@waterfront.co.uk or

changed Belfast’s commercial landscape.

exciting expansion programme will

call +44 (0)28 9033 4400.

050 Conf2014_Belfast Waterfront_CF.indd 50

08/04/2014 12:45:46

Belfast Waterfront.

At the heart of it all.

Belfast Waterfront was one of three runners-up in the 2012 AIPC Apex Award for the World’s Best Convention Centre.

One building. So many possibilities.

Choose the award-winning Belfast Waterfront for your next conference.

• Prime city centre location • Ease of access from across the UK and Europe • Purpose-built, flexible conference, meeting and exhibition spaces • Accommodating from 10 to 2000 • Experienced technical and events team For an event to remember, contact us now.

T. 028 9033 4400 E. conference@waterfront.co.uk www.waterfront.co.uk

www.waterfront.co.uk 229496_1C_WATERFRONT_JR_CON.indd 1

07/04/2014 11:13:57

52

Technology Conferencing 2014

sli.do Winner of the Best Event Startup category at the Event Technology Awards in London last November, sli.do is a webbased application for speakers and event organisers, using questions and live polls to encourage audience interaction.

The audience can vote on the best questions for the speaker to address, and the best questions will appear in real time on an interactive wall. It’s a clever invention, and helps event professionals make their event that much more innovative, interesting and engaging.

Conferize Already used by many conference organisers, Conferize recently raised v1 million in capital, so it must be doing something right. It acts as a single destination for all conference marketing needs – displaying everything related to your event in one interactive community destination. It’s easier for your attendees, who can access speaker and schedule information, watch live feeds, view highlights and browse related activity, and for organisers who can sell tickets, easily promote their event and measure its impact.

photo sharing website Pinterest, providing a tool which could be used for information-based purposes by the events industry. With place pins and using maps provided by foursquare, pins can be placed on certain locations, containing contact details, location information

easily find entertainment or dining options nearby.

Vine The mobile app acquired

by Twitter and launched last year has begun to be employed by events industry professionals in recent times.

Useful alongside an active

Twitter

Twitter/Facebook presence,

Everybody is on Twitter these days it

it’s a fun and different way

seems, from your next door neighbour

to let people know about

to your elderly grandmother. It’s not

your event – the six second

simply about presence, however, but

video format means you can

how you make use of it. It’s a great

actually show prospective

resource for promoting your event

attendees what they can

beforehand, encouraging discussion with

expect, in motion, rather

prospective attendees and following up

than simply telling them.

when it’s all over. Live feeds

052 Conf2014_Useful Technology.indd 52

newest developments from

event. Attendees can also

Conferencing 2014 takes a look at some of the latest online technological tools event planners can take advantage of this year.

planners and event managers, and offers guest list management through a cloud-based check-in portal. iOS-enabled, it has already seen use by the likes of HBO and NY Fashion Week, helping organisations make the move from paper-based guest lists to mobile. Easy to use, all guest data is stored in the cloud and check in information alerts are available on multiple devices, as is the option to add new guests in real time.

Place Pins is one of the

or photos from your venue/

online tools zkipster Swiss startup zkipster is designed specifically for PR

Pinterest

Glean

from events, for example,

Glean helps event organisers to get a handle on their use of social media.

Divide your community into groups and track their impact, and receive reports on how your Twitter account is doing. You can also analyse your social campaigns through filters and groups, monitor the community you’ve created and take part.

are underrated, and can enhance attendee

Exhibitor information, location or venue vines can all be used to inform attendees. Ask your

experiences and

followers to make their own

impact on word of

vines, particularly during

mouth for future

your event, to help create

events.

more buzz.

08/04/2014 09:01:38

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

53

Secluded Style

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

T

he K Club in County Kildare

the latest in audiovisual and internet

provides the ideal location for

technology. Situated in the small town of

conferences and business events

Straffan in County Kildare, the venue is

in Ireland. Located a mere 30 minutes

located only 35 minutes from Dublin’s

from Dublin Airport and Dublin city

international airport and Dublin city

centre, The K Club offers the ideal

centre.

location. Discreet yet accessible, secluded yet connected, The K Club is the perfect

Conference Planning

venue for both business and pleasure.

The hotel has a variety of private function

Whether you require a stylish venue for

rooms - from contemporary meeting

smaller meetings, a more ornate room

rooms to elegant suites. A wide range

for private lunches or a large conference

of group leisure activities, such as spa,

room, we can accommodate conferences

golf, outdoor pursuits and team building

for as many as 300 people.

activities at the resort will keep all your guests entertained. Holding an event

Practical

here is simple; our individual quotes cater

If you are organising a business event,

for all your needs from the outset. The

a conference or a special celebration in

K Club’s event team takes care of the big

Ireland, you will find The K Club is a

picture and the smallest details, to ensure

practical, inspirational and innovative

your event runs smoothly from start to

venue, with each meeting space including

finish. So let our team look after yours.

contact information

T: 01 6017200 E: sales@kclub.ie W: www.kclub.ie

The K Club

For all your Meeting & Conference requirements Where business becomes a pleasure Full Day Delegate Package From €55.00 per delegate 24 Hour Delegate Rates From €235.00 per delegate

Please contact our dedicated Meetings & Events team Telephone : +353 1 601 7200 Email: sales@kclub.ie Website: www.kclub.ie

053 Conf2014_KClub_CF.indd 53

11/04/2014 17:42:59

54

Identity Parade Conferencing 2014

identity Parade

Conferencing 2014 explores the various methods of expanding corporate identities throughout a conference, including ensuring your branding makes it through to your consumers, and how you can learn useful lessons from previous successful events.

T

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

The objective of your conference will determine your branding and you can get creative from there.

What you brand and how much

054 Conf2014_Identity Parade.indd 54

08/04/2014 09:08:03

At the Heart of the City…

The Wood Quay Venue is an imaginative and exciting development which houses the Dublin City Wall Conference Space.

With a capacity for 120 people, this state of the art conference space which features a stretch of the original Viking City Wall is an ideal location to host a conference/meeting/exhibition.

Situated in the grounds Dublin City Council’s Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, the Wood Quay Venue, City Wall Space is available to hire for daytime, evening and weekend events.

/woodquayvenue

@woodquayvenue

Ph: 01 222 2857 /2223329 Email: woodquayvenue@dublincity.ie • Web: www.woodquayvenue.ie

Lough Eske Castle, a stunning location for your Conference or Corporate Event

For further details contact Sinead: 074 97 43130 • Email: sinead.mcgowan@solishotels.com

LOUGH ESKE CASTLE Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Ireland

055 Conf2014_DubCity_Lough Eske.indd 9

T +353 (0)74 97 25100 · F +353 (0)74 97 23762 E reservations.lougheske@solishotels.com www.solislougheskecastle.ie

Best Luxury Country Hotel in the World - Luxury Hotel Awards Best Service Innovation - European Hospitality Awards Top 3 luxury hotels in Ireland - Conde Nast readers Poll 2013

11/04/2014 17:47:14

56

Identity Parade Conferencing 2014

branding used will be determined

This will be the how, what, where,

most effective, is linking your brand

by two things: your budget and the

when and why of your marketing plan;

or event with another corporate

size of your venue. Needless to say, if

not forgetting to whom you plan on

identity. ‘Piggybacking’ can create

your venue is small, your costs will be

communicating and delivering your

greater publicity for your event but it

considerably less.

brand messages. Where you advertise,

will have to be of equal benefit for the

your distribution channels and what

relationship to work. You have to be

Make Your Mark

you communicate visually and verbally

able to offer your sponsor a suitable

There are two forms of branding:

are all part of your brand strategy also.

package in reciprocation. The great

direct and unconventional. Direct

advantage to the sponsor is that you,

branding includes signage, delegate

Stand Out

the organiser, can offer substantial

name badges and lanyards, stationery

Every day, consumers are bombarded

and useful information on a specified

(notebooks, pens and folders

with advertising and promotional

target market. For example, as the

distributed to delegates), flash memory

material. You have to ensure that

official sponsor of the GAA Hurling

keys, merchandise (takewaway

your branding will make it through

Championship, Etihad are able to reach

hoodies, hats, padfolios) and event

the noise to your target audience by

their target audience by using hurling

staff uniforms. Unconventional

carefully selecting the appropriate

games and advertising of upcoming

branding, also known as ‘guerilla

means to suit your needs. Successful

matches to promote their services.

marketing’ is not as obvious as direct

branding is clear, consistent, interesting

branding and can include clever ways

and memorable. Remember that your

one sponsor, sponsorship can be broken

of targeting marketing material and

brand tells your story, so make it an

down into levels. Platinum, gold, silver

branding at your audience. Some

interesting one.

and bronze sponsorship packages

examples of unconventional branding

In recent years, the Taste Festivals

If the event lends itself to more than

can be offered to various companies,

are projecting images associated with

– Taste of Dublin and Taste of Cork –

depending on the agreement and

the brand onto a screen or wall, use

effectively developed a recognisable

spend. An event such as the St Patrick’s

of décor (flowers, chairs, drapes,

brand and logo within their niche.

Festival would have many sponsors

candles) in the brand colours, plus

They used this to promote the event

and the conference branding would

social networking, teaser advertising

through advertising and photo-shoots;

be organised in accordance with

and virals that lead people to an online

signage at the front entrances and all

the levels of sponsorship. Venue

brochure or website to discover more.

around the venues, on brochures, press

sponsorship is another method of

packs, lanyards, event tickets, event

piggyback branding. The importance

is another way to introduce an extra

staff uniforms and chefs’ uniforms.

of venue selection cannot be denied

element to your event. Dual branding

They even created their own branded

and the growing trend of venue

is a mixture of company branding

currency for the event – Florins –

sponsorship means that certain

and theme branding. Themes often

which were used to buy food and drink

locations have become inextricably

adopted for corporate events are

throughout the festival. Building such

linked with successful brands. By

‘Power’, ‘Growth’, ‘The Future’ or

a strong and prominent brand identity

choosing a sponsored venue for your

‘Strength’. Your conference objective

is what has made the Taste Festivals

conference, you benefit from that

will lead you in deciding a theme for

the most recognisable food festivals in

same linkage. This is most useful

your conference. For example, St

Ireland.

when the sponsoring brand and the

Theme branding (or topic branding)

Patrick’s Festival is a huge event held

The use of colour in branding is

event venue complement one another.

annually in Ireland and, while the

very important to how your audience

National stadiums and arenas have

objective of the parade is to promote

perceives your brand, as each colour

been associating themselves with major

Ireland and Irish culture, the event

invokes an emotion and allows the

brands, such as the Aviva Stadium and

co-ordinators will also assign a theme to

audience to associate that feeling with

the O2.

the event and parade each year.

your products and objectives. Blue

Whatever the reason or objective

is an overwhelming favourite as it is

for your event or conference, there

based on the conference objectives, tied

seen as trustworthy, dependable and

are significant benefits to developing

in with the marketing plan and carried

committed – hence its use in so many

a branding strategy. Defining what

through everything from stationery

corporate logos and brands.

your conference objectives are will

Creating a brand strategy that is

determine your branding needs,

to decoration or signage on-site will help you focus your marketing plan. A

Sponsorship

while building a strong brand identity

sound brand strategy is the foundation

Probably one of the most common

can lead to sponsorship that will be

of corporate identity development.

forms of branding, and often the

mutually beneficial.

054 Conf2014_Identity Parade.indd 56

08/04/2014 09:08:17

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

57

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.

W

hether it’s a conference for

can tailor-make any package to suit your

use the event area in our Manor House

320 people or a strategy

needs and will ensure prompt, efficient

where your party can enjoy the luxury of

day for your senior

delivery. The real test of a successful

the magnificently restored 18th century

management, the purpose-built, flexible

event is the reaction of the participants

manor suites, drawing rooms, private

spaces for meetings and events at

and glowing testimonials re-assure the

dining room and library.

Tulfarris cater for all your conferencing

dedicated conference team that customer

needs. The chic interiors are decorated

service is always a priority at Tulfarris.

dinner options are all available in our

in cool, neutral tones and the chandeliers

But it doesn’t have to be all work;

gastronomically renowned Lime Tree

add a sense of understated elegance, but

beyond the boardroom Tulfarris offers

Restaurant where you will be met with

it’s the incredible views from the floor

an inspiring choice of activities, from

unparalleled hospitality. Only 25 minutes

to ceiling windows that will truly wow

barbecues on the terrace to team

from the M50 and within easy reach of

your guests. The latest A.V. and internet

building activities on the lawns or the

Dublin Airport, our idyllic setting is just

connectivity equipment; individual

lakes, not to mention one of Ireland’s

waiting to host your corporate event.

climate control; ergonomic furniture;

premier parkland golf courses.

flawless service; delicious food and a

Unlimited refreshment, lunch and

The bonus of having an elegant

stunning setting combine with meticulous

4-star hotel ensures your staff or clients

planning to deliver your perfect event.

can recharge and relax after a full day

With six versatile conference rooms,

of meetings, with 24 hour delegate

we at Tulfarris pride ourselves on

packages starting from 099 per person.

adapting to our client’s requirements. We

Or, for something extra special, why not

contact information

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

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort provides one of the most impressive and well located conference centres in the country. Our purpose built and flexible spaces are ideal for all types of meetings and events.

Whether it is a conference for 320 people, staff incentive or training, or a strategy day for your senior management we can cater for it all.

• Within easy reach of Dublin and Dublin Airport • Daily Delegate Packages start from k29 per person • 24 Hour Delegate Package based on 2 sharing a Deluxe Twin Room start from k99 per person

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

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

057 Conf2014_Tulfarris_CF.indd 57

11/04/2014 17:50:06

58

Sponsorship Conferencing 2014

Covering Your Costs Revenue from event registration doesn’t always cover the gap, and money through sponsorship agreements can often be enough to cover the difference. Conferencing 2014 offers a few tips for attracting event sponsorship.

3 Prepare Your Sponsorship Package Identify those places around your event location which could be used for sponsors to display their logo, in combination with other potential marketing opportunities, such as free branded products or booths. Take a look at other events and at the more exclusive or unusual promotional opportunities offered by the organisers.

Providing demographic data from previous events is big plus, as is a welldeveloped marketing strategy.

Before you approach your chosen company with a proposal, look into their history, goals, brand image and any recent advertising/sponsorship campaigns and their target audience,

1 Identify Potential Sponsorship Identify your audience and their

highlight the benefits of sponsoring your event.

In addition, make sure you don’t

spending habits, and create a list of

show up with an updated generic

suitable businesses and organisations

proposal. Customised proposals

who could benefit from sponsoring

which focus on the sponsor benefits

the event. Research each potential

and highlight an in-depth knowledge

candidate carefully – look for previous

of the company and their brand are

sponsorships and company sponsorship

appreciated; knowing what you’re

guidelines, and ensure that they have

talking about will impress them, and

a target audience and brands which

could make them more likely to accept

will overlap with your conference

your offer.

attendees. Make sure to begin at least six months before the event; giving

4 On the Day

both parties time to organise, and allow

Ensure that sponsor delegates are just

the sponsor time to adjust their budget

as well looked after as your attendees

if needs be.

and speakers. Assign a member of staff

2 The Meeting

to assist them throughout the event. If they have a good experience this time

Many sponsorship seekers make the

around, that might make them more

mistake of viewing the first face-to-

likely to come on board in the future.

face meeting as a sales pitch. Think of

058 Conf2014_Event Sponsorship.indd 58

and provide the data which will

it as a conversation. Don’t see it as an

5 Post Event

opportunity to simply sell your event,

When the dust settles, send a thank

view it as a chance to fine tune the

you letter to all sponsors, alongside the

research you have already completed, to

relevant facts and figures. A personal

demonstrate your professionalism, your

touch is often remembered, which

organisational skills and, ultimately, elicit

could come in handy if you return cap-

a sponsorship proposal.

in-hand next year!

08/04/2014 09:11:10

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

59

Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & golf resort The Complete Conference Experience

Situated in Tullow County Carlow, this four star deluxe resort property is just one hour from Dublin and is the jewel in the crown of conference venues in the South East.

H

complemented by 143 deluxe bedrooms with the added advantage of 48 self

with the accolades to show for this

Resort offers 13 professionally appointed

catering lodges on the estate offering a

commitment.

conference, meeting and dining rooms.

mix of three and four bedrooms each.

ost to an array of prestigious

The extensive meeting facilities are

from Trip Advisor, the property

conferences and events, Mount

consistently delivers quality service,

Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf

Competitive 24 hour and Day Delegate

The flexible portfolio can cater for a wide

The luxurious leisure and spa

rates are available and the conference

range of configurations, with a maximum

facilities along with the renowned

and banqueting team is proficient in

capacity of 800 theatre-style and 500 for

Mount Wolseley golf course allow this

working with conference organisers

dining.

regal property to offer the complete

to ensure budget and operational

experience for corporate and leisure

requirements are met at all times.

The self-contained Conference & Banqueting Suite offers a private entrance

guests alike.

Mount Wolseley was nominated the

and reception area, ideal for preregistration and tea/coffee breaks. There is

Event Property of the year for 2012

ample space for exhibition purposes and

at the Event Industry Awards and the

the layout allows delegates to pass through

luxurious Wolseley Spa was awarded the

the exhibition area, which ensures

Tatler Spa of the Year Award for 2012.

maximum exposure for exhibitors.

Holder of the Certificate of Excellence

contact information

Sheena McCanny, Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Tullow, Co Carlow T: (059) 918 0100 E: smccanny@mountwolseley.ie W: www.mountwolseley.com

A Jewel in the Crown of Conference & Event Venues

• Best Conference & Hotel Venue 2012 • 15 Professionally Appointed Conference & Banqueting Suites • Capacities up to 800 Theatre Style & 500 for Banquets • Self Contained Exhibition Area • 143 Deluxe Bedrooms & Suites

• 48 Self Catering Lodges on the Resort • Tatler Spa of the Year 2012 & Extensive Leisure Club • 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

059 Conf2014_MtWolsely_CF.indd 59

09/04/2014 11:47:40

60

Technology Trends Conferencing 2014

Tracking the Trends

Conferencing 2014 takes a look at the technology trends tipped for success in 2014.

Geofence

Making sense of data

Event transactions

Wearable tech

A geofence is a

Described earlier this

Google Glass has already

virtual fence which

Data insight and data

year as a game-changer

been launched, as have

rings a real world

analysis have become

in event technology, Near

a range of smartwatches.

location. When a

some of the biggest

Field Communication

While some are dubious

mobile device using

buzzwords in recent

(NFC) exchanges data

as to whether there is a

a geofencing service

times. Organisers are

between two NFC-capable

longterm future for these

crosses through

tipped to become much

devices. Some events

products, it’s expected

the virtual fence, it

more aware of how

have already being using

that 2014 will see their

receives a notification.

important proper data

NFC in the form of smart

popularity at events and

The possibilities for

insight can be, and as

wristbands and badges,

conferences across the

event organisers are

a result, increasingly

mostly for purposes of

globe rise. Google Glass,

clear – automatic

use web and mobile

registration or interaction

for example, could be

registration becomes

solutions to gain insight

with other attendees,

used to provide facial

possible by simply

not just into events

but smartphone-based

recognition when you

crossing into your

but the attendees, and

NFC is the real game

just can’t remember the

venue, targeted

tailor future events

changer. Besides checking

name that goes with

messages can be

to individual needs.

in and networking

that face, or as a handy

sent out to certain

Planners, for example,

NFC can also be used

source of unseen notes for

attendees by event

using data from location

for making contactless

speakers who lose their

exhibitors, such as

services, could see which

transactions – organisers

train of thought. For event

information on their

areas of their event, such

can employ NFC to allow

organisers this represents a

next talk, all factors

as a trade show, received

event attendees easily

positive development, with

which could make

the most traffic. This

pay for items at events.

attendees arriving with

your event experience

will also prove useful for

Coming more into the

even more smart devices

that much smoother

investors and sponsors,

mainstream in 2014, NFC

to which organisers can

and more pleasant

who can gain greater

should become more

push relevant information

for attendees and

insight into their target

commonplace over the

or collect (consensual) user

exhibitors alike.

audience.

next few years.

data.

The almighty app Nowadays, it seems that there’s an app for almost everything – from daily reminders to drink more water to tracking sleep patterns and creating documents on your mobile device. Event organisers too can take advantage of the massive upsurge in creativity app makers have experienced over the past months and years – apps like Bizzabo, MobilePlanner, DoubleDutch and many, many more all offer something of use. With the top developers all well-funded and in demand, expect plenty in this arena for 2014.

060 Conf2014_Technology trends.indd 60

08/04/2014 09:23:37

1a Lower Pembroke St. Dublin 2 T. 01 676 4606

2 Crow St. Temple Bar, Dublin 2 T. 01 671 1248

5-7 Lord Edward St. Christchurch, Dublin 2 T. 01 475 1122

28 Parkgate St. Dublin 8 T. 01 671 9352

WWW.FXBUCKLEY.IE

230335_1C_FXB_JR_CON.indd 1

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62

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

Award Winners 2013 was a very successful year for the Croke Park team who won many awards including Best In-house Events Team and Best Purpose Designed Event Venue at the Event Industry Awards; the Green Tourism & Leisure award and the British Institute of Facilitates Management Ireland Region award for FM Project of the Year for our Sustainability Initiative. Croke Park was also OHSAS 18001 certified, the globally recognised standard for best practice in occupational health and safety, the first stadium in Europe to receive this accreditation.

The venue offers an inspirational backdrop for any event so whether it is information sharing, product selling or celebrating, we have the business and social destination to suit. Our award winning team of event specialists can help plan an event that will interest, attract and engage any target audience.

And, if the schedule allows for some time out or after-hours, there are a range of

croker class The conferencing facilities at Croke Park offer an unrivalled experience for your event.

Facilities

tours, attractions and entertainment to choose from.

Sustainability is at the heart of how Croke Park is operated and all events benefit from outstanding sustainability credentials including recycling rates

Croke Park Conference Centre offers

over 93 per cent and reductions across

extensive facilities including eight

the board in utility consumption. Croke

conference suites and 87 meeting

Park also offers ‘next level’ hospitality

rooms and caters for groups of

for corporate and social occasions at

between two and 3,000 people. The

match fixtures and concerts throughout

nmatched in all Ireland, the

meeting room refurbishment in the

the summer including GAA League

Croke Park Conference Centre

Hogan meeting and syndicate rooms

and Championship games, Garth Brooks

had a very successful year

has proven very popular with event

and the Croke Park Classic American

in 2013 with a 15 per cent increase in

bookers and the rooms are ideal for

Football spectacle in August.

enquiries.The award-winning venue

training courses, board meetings,

offers complimentary car parking and

conference breakout rooms, seminars

at the venue and, with a dedicated sales

great value rates along with top quality

and team briefings. Located on level six,

team, can provide you with a proposal to

technical facilities, free WiFi, gourmet

all meeting rooms offer natural daylight

suit any event and budget. Plan now and

catering and four star accommodation at

and impressive views of the pitch and

secure a date with day delegate packages

The Croke Park Hotel. 2014 is looking

stadium.

from b40 per person.

U

bright with a range of high-profile

Half day meetings are very popular at

domestic and international events

Croke Park with clients using meeting

confirmed, a refurbishment programme

rooms for a morning seminar and

underway in the Cusack meeting rooms

filling the afternoon with team building

and a new catering team at the venue

activities such as a stadium or Etihad

with Aramark having taken over the

Skyline tour or games trials in the

catering contract in January.

stadium’s warm up areas.

062 Conf2014_Croke park_CF.indd 62

Sinead Heneghan is the Head of Sales

contact information

T: (01) 819 2300 E: info@crokepark.ie W: crokepark.ie/conference-centre.

08/04/2014 09:24:12

The Camden Court Hotel, one of Dublin’s premier conference venues, situated in the heart of the city centre.

The Camden Court Hotel offers the following services: n 246 en-suite bedrooms, tastefully designed n 12 state of the art Conference rooms n Conference rooms all with natural daylight

n n n n n

We facilitate up to 250 people theatre style Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi Luxurious and stylish ‘Iveagh’ Restaurant Complimentary car parking (subject to availability) Complimentary access to our Leisure Centre*

*access is free when overnight stay is booked.

www.camdencourthotel.com

063 Conf2014_BelfastConvention_CF.indd 63

For more information or to arrange a site visit, please contact our sales team on

+353 1 4759666 or email us at

sales@camdencourthotel.com

Relax, unwind, enjoy

09/04/2014 12:04:25

64

Unique Ideas Conferencing 2014

The Lighter Side A conference doesn’t necessarily have to follow conventional rules.

Conferencing 2014 brings you inspiring and fun ways to keep your delegates intrigued and make your conference a talking point.

W

hile most conferences

the tone of the event or simply adds a

are founded on business

touch of glamour or fun. If you have a

objectives, how you choose

theme, you can be more elaborate with

to present these to your delegates

decorations, arrange an adventurous

doesn’t have to follow the usual means.

set-up, design creative menus or

Entertainers and unexpected activities

explore exciting entertainment

can be used as a platform to get

options.

delegates to interact, and send them home with something to talk about.

Start With A Bang

That’s Entertainment Entertainment will generate expectancy at an event. Use it in the

As the saying goes: first impressions

foyer when people arrive, at dinner

last. Make sure your first impression is

and during breaks when delegates

one to remember, and stage an effective

are milling around. You can create a

opening which will set the standard for

unique ambience by simply thinking

the rest of the event. Consider having

outside the box. Music doesn’t have

the event officially opened by a well-

to be limited to bands and solo

known face or a light-hearted opening

performers – buskers bring with them

that embraces the location, theme and

a laid-back atmosphere. Consider

the nature of your delegates.

holding some post-conference off-

Theme Building

site events, such as sporting events, sightseeing tours or perhaps a simple

You can lend your conference a more

few drinks, which can not only

light-hearted tone by designing a

enhance the conference experience but

theme that reflects the location, sets

delegates networking and friendships.

064 Conf2014_Lighter Side.indd 64

Interesting Venues

n 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. n 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. n guinness storehouse Famed the world-over, the Guinness Storehouse has a variety of architecturally unique event locations beneath its roof. n chester beatty library Described as the best museum in Ireland, the Chester Beatty Library houses the wonderful collections of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. n royal hospital kilmainham Lavishly decorated, your event attendees will undoubtedly be impressed by this 17th century building, which now hosts events large and small.

08/04/2014 09:28:41

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

65

Events at Thomond

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.

T

meetings, gala dinners, exhibitions,

banquet style dining for up to 500

product launches, promotions and

guests and up to 800 theatre style for

staff training programs. Our catering

conference events. This unique suite

partner, Masterchefs Hospitality, is one

features glass façades that provide

stand dedicated to an array of hospitality

of Ireland’s leading corporate and event

natural daylight with panoramic views

catering companies, specialising in the

of the famous stadium and hallowed

management and delivery of quality and

pitch, the truly breathtaking views of the

customisable hospitality experiences.

wonderful grounds deliver an additional

he new Thomond Park stadium, renowned for its award-winning design and architecture,

incorporates an entire level in the east and conferencing facilities. The multifunctional design and layout can cater for all types of requirements - from business meetings and seminars to largescale conferences, receptions, and gala banquets. Five state-of-the-art event suites can be adapted and tailored to suit any type of corporate event or function with top class audio visual facilities.

Thomond Park Stadium has all the facilities to host corporate social events,

The Conferencing & Hospitality team

and unique appeal for any event.

are dedicated to the management and delivery of every event from start to finish, and offer an exceptional level of service to ensure that each event is an unrivalled success in this most unique sporting and cultural location. The

contact information

T: 061 421100 E: events@thomondpark.ie W: www.thomondpark.ie

spacious Thomond Suite can facilitate

WHEN COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING

CONFERENCES l SEMINARS l CORPORATE EVENTS

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

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065 Conf2014_Thomond_CF.indd 65

11/04/2014 18:03:34

11/04/2014 18:07:12

66

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

BESPOKE SOLUTIONS AT VINEHALL A specialist conference, exhibition and event production company, Vinehall prides itself on pouring passion and creativity into each of their services.

F

ounded in 1988, Vinehall

do and provide outstanding levels of

number of events for clients including

Displays are a specialist

customer service, from start to finish.

EIQA, Supervalu, Coca-Cola, Bank of

conference, exhibition and

Our project management team will

Ireland as well as the Websummit 2013.

event production company. Producing

work closely with you on all phases of

conference backdrops, exhibition

the project, ensuring efficient planning,

Get in Touch

stands, staging and event services – like

regular reports on progress, dealing

The company prides itself on being

pipe and drape – for all sizes of events

with any issues arising, as well as

extremely easy to the contact and are

and for all budgets, they also provide

advising you from the initial design

always reachable on their office number

an event branding service through their

through to installation.”

or mobile numbers, while queries from

range of in-house large format printers.

Family Affair

Vinehall Displays have a dedicated

the contact form on their website are

team of conference and event

monitored and answered on a regular

professionals who are devoted to

basis.

“We are a family-run business since 1988

designing powerful experiences

and with 25 years’ experience, we pride

through exceptional design, great

ourselves on meeting and exceeding

storytelling and innovative engagement

customers requirements for Quality,

tools that bring to life a client’s brand

Reliability and Value for Money,”

and deliver real results both for the

says Vinehall’s Gerard McElhinney.

client and its audiences. Vinehall has

“At Vinehall displays we love what we

created conference backdrops for a

CONTACT INFORMATION To read the full story on what Vinehall loves to do, see examples of their work or get a quotation, visit www.vinehall.ie

Vinehall Displays Conference, Exhibition and Events Services

Giving you the Solutions for Events, Exhibitions and Conferences.

www.vinehall.ie

Founded in 1988, Vinehall Displays are a Specialist Conference, Exhibition and Event Production Company. Vinehall are a family run business which maintain an ongoing commitment to providing top quality service while keeping a close eye on emerging technologies and design to offer the very best to all our clients.

Follow us:

Phone: +353 (0)1 835 9674 • +353 (0) 87 927 1358 • Email: gerry@vinehall.ie Wotton House, The Ward, Co, Dublin

066 Conf2014_Vinehall_CF.indd 66

11/04/2014 17:51:20

Congregation Conferencing 2014

67

Congregation The more unusual location of Cong, Co Mayo played host to a conference with a twist last summer. Conor Forrest spoke with freelance communications consultant and founder, Eoin Kennedy, to discover more.

Attendees at Congregation 2014.

W

hile certain venues across

than I ever absorbed by attending a

Ireland’s capital may

conference, and at a deeper level. This is

be considered as more

the inspiration behind Congregation – to

conventional locations for conferences

create an event where people can really

on various topics, November 30th 2013

learn from each other and not in an

saw the small but beautiful village of

accidental way,” he continues.

Cong, Co Mayo transformed into the destination for an inaugural and unusual

Conferencing with a twist

social media conference.

Social media conferences are nothing

‘Congregation’ is the brainchild of

new. The format which Kennedy’s

Eoin Kennedy, an ex-teacher with 18 years experience in public relations,

Congregation has taken, however, is Eoin Kennedy.

who spent the last two years as a start-up

his own words, Kennedy describes it as

entrepreneur. Kennedy also manages to find time to lecture on the subject

what sets it apart from its brethren. In an ‘unconference’ event, a forum for

“I have a problem with the idea

peer-to-peer sharing and connecting.

of social media for The Irish Times and

that the only person with insight is the

For example – no tickets were sold to

the Digital Marketing Institute. Over

one with the microphone and I am

the event, and attendees had to earn

the years, Kennedy has delivered many

frequently taken back by the nuggets

their entry through blogging their

social media courses and attended

that sometimes emerge from attendees,”

way in, papers published in advance

multiple conferences, and the one

explains Kennedy. “‘One to many’ is an

on the website, Congregation.ie It’s a

thing which has struck him the most

efficient way to industrialise the passing

well-thought-out take on things – the

is the static nature of such events – the

of learnings but I am not convinced that

blog papers acted as catalysts for talk

expert speaker at the top, delivering to a

it’s the most effective. In fact, being a

as attendees could read each other’s

somewhat mute audience.

speaker has forced me to learn more

work before hand, resulting in in-depth

067 Conf2014_Congregation.indd 67

09/04/2014 11:38:43

68

Congregation Conferencing 2014

Congregation in numbers

57 blog paper submissions

visits to congregation.ie

1

conversations which, according to Kennedy, went far beyond the original topics, and which otherwise may not have come about at all.

“The Congregation concept came from personal experience from many years lecturing and presenting at conferences where one speaker presented to many,” Kennedy explains.

“This is a highly efficient way of spreading information, but I wanted to explore the more effective way of creating a truly engaged audience, informed networking and more true exchanging of ideas, concepts and follow-on collaboration. By asking people to present their blog piece/ paper at Congregation.ie, they needed to reflect on different perspectives and also force themselves to synopsise and think about the simplest way to communicate complex concepts in a logical manner. By publishing the blog posts in advance we hoped to facilitate connections before the event, and also to allow people the time to distil the learnings.”

Congregation was promoted mostly through word of mouth and direct contact.

Suitably, social media was the biggest traffic referrer while the traditional media also got in on the act. Attendees on the day came from a vast variety of backgrounds – education, business, marketing, technologists, teachers and event bankers, while a Google+ hangout was organised at one session with attendees from the US and Canada.

067 Conf2014_Congregation.indd 68

Google+ Hangout with USA and Canada

1,319

Trended on Twitter

Promotion

1

5,000 tweets using #cong13

The Huddle Over 45 people attended, presented and debated in an informal setting of small groups and social settings.

On the day, every attendee at Congregation was also a speaker, presenting to ‘Huddles’ of less than ten people, which took place in social venues such as coffee shops, bars and exhibition spaces. The choice of a more informal setting for the ‘unconference’ was deliberate. “These are social spaces and one of the things

of ideas. “The fact that everyone was a speaker was refreshing in that everyone has earned their place, and this was respected by all attendees. Each huddle had a different composition of people so the networking was baked in and natural – you met new people at each hour long session and had a unique introductory calling card – the blog post. In addition, each session kicked off with a social media hack or tip to break the ice.”

Congregation wanted to achieve

The Future

was a relaxed environment where

A success in its inaugural year,

conversation, engagement and sharing

Kennedy has hopes that Cong14 will

was as natural as possible,” says

follow up later on this year. “There

Kennedy. The main topic of discussion

have been many calls for this to become

was social media, from a variety of

an annual event under #cong13 and

interests, opinions and backgrounds.

this was supported by some online

“There were many tangible outputs

dip stick research,” he explains.

in the form of published and

“This event was sponsored by MKC

visible content, clear indications

Communications and the Irish Internet

of connections being formed and

Association, so attendees’ entry fee

plenty of follow-on conversations on

was the blog post and attendance on

collaborative projects,” Kennedy adds.

the day. The next Congregation is

“A side objective of Congregation was

pencilled in for Autumn 2014 and is

to prove that a rural location could

expected to expand to 100 people.”

host a leading-edge conference by

Though earned, rather than paid-for

being creative about how it uses its

entry, remains key for Kennedy, he

available venues.”

realises that commercial sponsorship is

Each of the huddles was overseen

also important if this ‘unconference’ is

by an expert whose job it was to guide

to really gain traction. If that happens,

the conversation and, in so doing,

the benefits are there for anybody

ensure that self-promotion was kept

wishing to take part. “Congregation

to a minimum. Kennedy and those

is not all about work. We hope that by

participants found that this format

participating, you will forge new links,

worked quite well, and engaged all

connections and build friendships with

participants beyond the simple sharing

like-minded people,” he concludes.

08/04/2014 09:40:18

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

69

A Relaxing Oasis

E

scape to the oasis of modern luxury in the southside of Dublin at The Beacon

Hotel, boasting plenty of edge, extravagance and glamour.

Luxurious all-white 88 deluxe style bedrooms, the Crystal Bar - an award winning cocktail bar, authentic Thai restaurant’ My Thai’ and superb Beacon Penthouse are

The Beacon Boutique Hotel in Sandyford, where boutique hotel style and design blend with outstanding service to create a new concept in luxury travel.

home away from home and warm, friendly service is second to none.

Luxurious The Beacon Penthouse Suite is the ultimate lap of luxury. Tucked away on the 7th floor, this fabulous suite has its very own Philippe Starck free-standing bathtub placed on a raised platform in the bedroom itself. The Penthouse also has a separate living area complete with giant day bed packed with plump cushions for you to kick back and take a nap. The perfect way to relax after a hectic day of shopping at Dundrum Town Centre or simply to spoil yourself.

Location The Beacon is ideally located just off the M50 in Sandyford. This four star luxury South Dublin hotel is conveniently situated near Dundrum and Leopardstown. It is adjacent to the Beacon Hospital and Beacon Clinic, and just minutes from Ireland’s most prestigious shopping experience at Dundrum Town Centre. This luxury four star hotel in Dublin is certainly one of a kind and should not be missed!

069 Conf2014_Beacon_CF.indd 69

contact information

Ciaran Miley Meetings & Events Co-ordinator T: +353 (01) 643 7057 E: meetings@thebeacon.com W: www.thebeacon.com

08/04/2014 15:11:59

70

Events Conferencing 2014

Dublin Fringe Festival.

events galore Conferencing 2014 takes a look at some of the major events happening in Ireland this year.

Carton House Most Stylish Lady Competition. And, if horse racing isn’t your raison d’être, there will be plenty of entertainment on offer besides, including live music and children’s entertainment.

Galway Food Festival n Date: 17 April 2014 – 21 April 2014 n Location: Galway city, Co Galway n Further Information:

Fairyhouse Easter Festival

www.galwayfoodfestival.com

n Date: 20 April 2014 – 21 April 2014

The third annual Galway Food

n Location: Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co

Festival will be taking place in the

Meath n Further Information: www.fairyhouse.ie

070 Conf2014_Events.indd 70

be the Irish Grand National and the

city once again this year, cementing the city’s reputation as a good food destination. The programme of events

As always, the Fairyhouse Festival

includes food trails and talks, cooking

promises to be a fun-filled, exciting

demonstrations, craft beer and wine

weekend of racing, live music and

tastings, local produce markets and

family fun. A fantastic day out for all

other family-friendly events. The

the family, the festival begins on Easter

Festival is held throughout the city,

Sunday, the highlight of the day being

and is sure to draw a crowd - over

the Grade 1 Powers Cup. Continuing

50 restaurants, food outlets and food

on Easter Monday, the big draw will

producers took part in 2013.

08/04/2014 12:47:09

FORUM – CONFERENCING | MEETINGS | EVENTS • The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, central location, at Exit 16 off M7.

• All meeting rooms are styled in walnut and leather and enjoy natural daylight and air conditioning.

• 11 dedicated Meeting Rooms for 10 - 250 delegates.

• Free high speed wifi • free car parking • A ‘green’ hospitailty venue

“Dedicated to business…committed to you”

events@thekilleshin.com • Tel: 057 863 1200 • www.thekilleshin.com

Dublin Road | Portlaoise | Co. Laois | Ireland

071 Conf2014_Kileshin/RiverLee.indd 9

11/04/2014 14:31:39

72

Events Conferencing 2014

Wicklow Gardens Festival

the Battle of Clontarf on 23 April 1014,

to promote and sell their products,

n Date: April 2014 – September 2014

when the forces of the then High King

alongside demonstrations by local

of Ireland, Brian Boru, clashed and

chefs. At once affordable, fun and

routed those of the King of Leinster,

informative to boot, there is something

Mael Morda. That day also saw the

for everyone here, and caters to all

death of Brian, who was killed when

tastes and budgets. A slew of events will

(Various dates in-between) n Location: Various locations in and around Wicklow n Further Information:

fleeing Norsemen stumbled upon his

take place over the three days – large

Each summer, public and private

tent. Amidst several commemorations

indoor and outdoor farmers’ markets,

gardens throughout Co Wicklow (not

being held throughout Ireland, Trinity

cookery demonstrations from local

to mention a selection in neighbouring

College will be running a free major

and celebrity chefs, a gala dinner feast

Carlow, Dublin and Wexford) open

historical conference on the topic

prepared by a local expert chef, pig

their doors to the public. More than

between April 11 and 12. It promises

roasts, BBQs, children’s food events,

30 gardens take part in the festival

to be an interesting two days, with

a food camp, Burren walks and much

each year, which is always popular,

speakers covering the general history of

more. The Festival is part of the

with each garden offering something

the time, Brian Boru and his Kingship,

international Slow Food movement,

different and unique. Take a stroll

the Battle itself and the legacy of both

which encourages people around the

around Avondale House in Rathdrum,

Brian and Clontarf.

globe to take the time to enjoy their

www.wicklowgardens.com

food.

enjoy the myriad of sights and views at Powerscourt House and Gardens

Burren Slow Food Festival

or absorb the beauty on display at the

n Date: 23 May 2014 – 25 May 2014

Special Olympics Ireland Games 2014

National Garden Exhibition Centre.

n Location:

n Date: 12 June 2014 – 14 June 2014

n Further Information:

n Location: Limerick city

Battle of Clontarf Conference

www.slowfoodclare.com

n Further Information:

n Date: 11 April 2014 – 12 April 2014

A three-day event which showcases

n Location: Edmund Burke Theatre,

the best of food in Co Clare, the

The city of Limerick has been chosen

Burren Slow Food Festival is about

as the destination for Special Olympics

n Further Information: www.tcd.ie

celebrating food, highlighting the best

Ireland’s 2014 Games. Accompanied

2014 sees the 1,000 year anniversary of

of local producers and helping them

by coaches, official delegates and family

Trinity College Dublin

www.specialolympics.ie

Dubai Duty Free.

070 Conf2014_Events.indd 72

08/04/2014 12:47:25

Step into a warm family friendly 3*hotel in Dublin, offering 270 newly refurbished bedrooms ranging from double to large family rooms to suit all your needs, 8 conference rooms and 40 boardrooms with our ballroom catering for 750 delegates, theatre style.

Enjoy a meal in Sorrel’s Restaurant and enjoy the ambiance in our Bar. All guests have complimentary car parking and use of our Leisure Centre which has a fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool & separate kids pool. In addition, complimentary Wi-Fi & broadband is provided for all of our guests.

We are ideally located in Newlands Cross, just off the N7 Dublin to Cork/ Limerick motorway (kingswood exit), a 10 minute drive from N4 Sligo/ Galway motorway, 20kms from Dublin International Airport and 15kms into Dublin City Centre.

Tel: 01 4593 406 • Email: sales@greenislehotel.com Web: www.greenislehotel.com

073 Conf2014_Slieve Russell/Greenisle.indd 63

11/04/2014 18:09:21

74

Events Conferencing 2014

Vinegar Hill Battle Re-enactment.

and friends, 1,500 Special Olympics

including a food paddock, music

Vinegar Hill Battle Re-enactment

athletes from across the country will

village, golf classic and derby ball.

n Date: 01 August 2014 – 03 August 2014

descend on Limerick city this June,

n Location: Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

competing in 14 sports throughout the

Sligo Stage Rally

n Further Information: www.vinegarhill.ie

Games, including athletics, football,

n Date: 13 July 2014

2014 will be a year for historical

golf, bowling and table tennis.

n Location: Starting at Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo

remembrance, including World War

n Further Information:

I and the Battle of Clontarf. Down in

Dubai Duty Free

www.connachtmotorclub.com

Wexford, it’s an annual tradition to re-

n Date: 27 June 2014 – 29 June 2014

A popular annual event run by

enact the Battle of Vinegar Hill, one of

n Location: Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare

Connacht Motor Club, the Sligo

the most significant battles during the

n Further Information: www.curragh.ie

Stages Rally returns to the back roads

1798 Rebellion in which 20,000 rebels

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

once more in 2014, on Sunday 13

faced off against 10,000 of the Crown’s

Festival begins June 27, and is sure

July. Always a popular, fun-filled and

forces. A fun-filled day for young and

to be a weekend full of great fun,

exciting day out, the Rally is one round

old, it attracts professional re-enactors

entertainment and, of course, horse

of the Border Rally Championship.

from Ireland, England, Scotland and

racing! With eight races overall, the

A range of cars will race on closed

Northern Ireland, and past events have

total prize money is e1.25 million. The

public sections of the road, from WRC

always been a great success as a result.

centrepiece of the event is undoubtedly

vehicles to modified clubman cars.

If gun battles, pike charges and cannon

the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby race,

The starting point is at the Sligo Park

fire are your thing, you’re in for a treat.

though there’s plenty more on the

Hotel in Sligo town, and will run from

Just watch your head.

programme to keep you occupied,

9.30am to 5.30pm.

070 Conf2014_Events.indd 74

08/04/2014 12:47:38

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

75

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Set in the heart of Ireland in the vibrant town of Tullamore, the Tullamore Court Hotel has earned an unrivalled reputation for hosting annual conferences and meetings.

T

he prime location and ease of

state of the art audio-visual equipment

delegates can relax and unwind using the

accessibility of the Tullamore

with Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel’s

award-winning leisure facilities on offer

Court Hotel makes the hotel an

completely self-contained conference

in the hotel. This spacious centre boasts

ideal location and is just over one hour

centre has been expertly designed and

a beautiful 20 metre swimming pool with

from Dublin and Galway.

is home to nine conference suites. The

Jacuzzi, water volcano, back massage

Along with the central location,

highlight of the conference centre is

seats and water curtain. Other facilities

the hotel’s experienced conference

the executive boardroom known as the

include a sauna, steamroom and fully

management team are on hand from

Sterling Boardroom. Accommodating 21

equipped fitness suite with an aerobics

the initial enquiry stage right through

delegates on a round table set up, clients

room. A recent addition to the hotel is

to the conference day itself. Conference

will be impressed by its superior finish

Elma’s Beauty Salon, which is perfect for

Manager Eugene Martin has been with

and privacy.

all your relaxation and pampering needs.

the hotel since its opening in 1997 and

Organising a corporate/gala evening

The excellent facilities and service

will liaise with organisers throughout the

or banquet is also made simple as

offered by the Tullamore Court Hotel,

day to ensure total success.

professional team of staff will cater for

along with the central location, combine

all your needs and help you organise

to make the Tullamore Court Hotel the

the DE Williams Suite, can cater for up

every detail from team building activities

perfect venue for your next conference.

to 750 people in a theatre set up. The

through to themed events. Private dining

For further information contact:

suite offers a huge degree of flexibility

for groups of 20 to 550 can be catered for

Tel: (057) 934 6666

depending on requirements and has

depending upon requirements.

Email: sales@tullamorecourthotel.ie

The hotel’s principal conference suite,

recently been redecorated and offers

After an exhausting day of business,

Web: www.tullamorecourthotel.ie

The Tullamore Court Hotel The Centre of Excellence

Located just over 1 hour from Dublin & Galway Five minutes from the M6 and serviced by train 14 dedicated Meeting Rooms Main conference capacity of 750 delegates Executive Boardroom 103 guest rooms including 33 Executive Rooms and Suites On site complimentary car parking Complimentary WiFi

Tullamore, Co Offaly Tel: 057 9346666 Email: sales@tullamorecourthotel.ie www.tullamorecourthotel.ie

075 Conf2014_Tullamore_CF.indd 75

08/04/2014 09:50:31

76

Events Conferencing 2014

Dublin Horse Show.

National Steam Rally

Show is one of Ireland’s best-

in theatre, comedy, dance and

n Date: 03 August 2014 – 04 August 2014

loved events, and also one which

spectacle, visitors are guaranteed

n Location: Stradbally, Co Laois

consistently attracts big attendance.

to see some of the most original,

n Further Information: www.irishsteam.ie

There’s something for everyone,

daring and exciting work the arts

The National Steam Rally is held each

featuring live music, good food,

world has to offer.

August in Stradbally, Co Laois, though

fashion, shopping, entertainment and

2014 will be something of a special

art, while a Kids’ Zone means that

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival

year for the organisers, as the event

even the little ones won’t be bored.

n Date: 13 September 2014 – 15 September

celebrates its 50th anniversary. 20,000

And, of course, the horse lover is truly

visitors flock to the small town to watch

in for a treat: last year’s event saw

n Location: Clarenbridge, Co Galway

steam engines and numerous other

1,500 horses compete across a range

n Further Information:

vehicles parade through the town.

of challenging tests and competitions.

There’ll be plenty more to look forward

2014

www.clarenbridge.com

Held in September every year since

to also; trade stands selling a variety

Dublin Fringe Festival

1954, the Clarenbridge Oyster

of products; cookery demonstrations;

n Date: 6 September 2014 – 21 September 2014

Festival celebrates the world-famous

children’s steam train rides through

n Location: A variety of venues across Dublin

Clarenbridge oysters, the taste

Cosby Estate Woodlands and plenty

n Further Information:

of which, the people maintain, is

more.

www.fringefest.com

unrivalled across the globe. There

A festival which stretches across

aren’t many better ways to spend

Dublin Horse Show

Dublin city, the Dublin Fringe Festival

a few days than in the beautiful

n Date: 06 August 2014 – 10 August 2014

is a multi-disciplinary event, which

region in which Clarenbridge

n Location: RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin

focuses on new and innovative

is found. Visitors to the festival

n Further Information:

approaches to art. Filling the city

can take part in a celebration of

streets with performers from across

entertainment, music, dancing and,

the globe demonstrating their skills

of course, the Clarenbridge oysters.

www.dublinhorseshow.com

The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse

070 Conf2014_Events.indd 76

08/04/2014 12:47:53

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

77

A First Class Experience

Hidden by majestic sycamore trees and private gardens, Finnstown Country House Hotel offers something truly unique. Combining old-world glamour with modern convenience, this exquisite property proudly welcomes both leisure and corporate guests with the same ‘céad míle fáilte.’

L

ocated 20 minutes from Dublin City and International Airport, Finnstown Country House Hotel

provides a luxury escape with superb accessibility. Just five minutes from the N4 Dual Carriageway and ten minutes from the M50 motorway, the hotel provides excellent access to the country’s vibrant capital, along with creating a gateway to explore the greater island of Ireland.

Since opening its doors over 30 years ago, Finnstown has had the privilige of hosting a number of high profile conferences and events, exuding a refined, relaxed charm that instantly puts you at ease. From the moment you turn onto the sweeping driveway and are greeted by the resident peacocks, you are immediately met with the wonderful history of this 45-

077 Conf2014_Finnstown_CF.indd 77

acre property dating back to the 13th

fully equipped with high spec facilities

century.

and are fully air conditioned with

Boasting 105 luxurious guest rooms,

plenty of natural daylight.

offering complimentary Wi-Fi and

When it comes to menu planning

the quality you would expect from

at Finnstown, the excellent team of

a hotel of this calibre, Finnstown

award-winning chefs always think

provides an ideal venue for your next

outside the box to create a fantastic

conference or break away. Enhanced

range of alternative options. The

by extensive facilities including; a

dedicated conference and event team

full gym, swimming pool and tennis

are always on-hand to advise and guide

courts, Finnstown is the perfect home

you from your initial visit to the closing

away from home. For your next

address.

meeting or event, the character of

Experience the proud tradition for

the hotel’s eleven versatile conference

yourself with a visit to this hidden

and banqueting suites - each unique

Dublin gem.

and in keeping with the hotel’s rich past - allows you to create an event tailored to your individual needs. The main ballroom, The Library Suite, caters for 300 delegates theatre-style and banqueting for 290 guests. As you

contact information T: 01 601 0700 E: info@finnstown-hotel.ie W: www.finnstown-hotel.ie

would expect, all meeting rooms come

09/04/2014 11:49:04

78

Venue Profile Conferencing 2014

P

acino’s is still standing tall at the foot of Grafton Street, and has done for over 20 years now. In

1993, the 18th Precinct had closed and it wasn’t until Frank Bergin took the lease on the premises on Suffolk Street that Pacino’s first opened its doors. Nearly every Dubliner and, to a lesser extent, a country visitor has popped into Pacino’s over the years. For Michael Martin, it was the taste of his childhood but now in 2014, it was the acclaimed food writer Paulo Tuillo who coined the phrase, as Pacino’s has authenticated itself with the introduction of Milanese Chef Patron and executive manager Luca Mazza.

Luca is a true example of Italian food culture and since childhood has worked with food. Starting as an assistant baker in his uncle’s bakery at eight years old, Luca proceeded to work in various restaurant around Italy before moving to Amsterdam where he was appointed King of Italian Cuisine by acclaimed food critic Johannes van Dam, and on to London where OK Magazine appraised him for his culinary abilities. Now in Pacino’s of Suffolk St Dublin, Luca has been voted best Italian chef in Ireland for two years running by Paulo Tuillo, a

Pacino’s A Taste of My Childhood Pacino’s on Suffolk Street boasts a rich history and through continued quality, has cemented itself as one of Dublin’s premier eating establishments.

fellow Italian. The food is as authentic as you will get outside of Italy and accessible

world vibe – stylish brickwork, wooden

featuring the best music in the form of

to all. When not appearing on TV, Luca

and mosaic flooring, and soft lighting

Irish and international DJs, allowing

will be found cooking and preparing

combine to create a rustic atmosphere

customers to discover a full night’s

menus in the kitchen at Pacino’s.

complemented by the finest authentic

activity, whether it be a meal served till

Italian food, and with a great front of

11pm or a drink with top class music

house team providing a fantastic wine

played till 2.30am at weekends, or both.

Rustic Vibe The menu is populated with a selection of antipasti to start, followed by a choice

and cocktail list.

Though Pacino’s was born as a

Now 20 years on, Pacino’s offers more than just a great meal but has a great

of meat, fish, pasta, or pizza for main.

restaurant in the early nineties, it wasn’t

offering throughout. So hopefully with

The pizzas are particularly good and

until Michael Martin took over the

the passage of another 20 years it will be

the pasta is made fresh. Pacino’s is

business in 2006 that it developed and

the taste of someone else’s childhood.

also a member of Good Food Ireland

grew into a bar and venue. As a venue

which means most of their menu is

Pacino’s has hosted numerous exclusive

sourced using only the best Irish artisan

high profile corporate events, film wrap

producers mixed with the best Italian

parties and launches offering private

Ingredients imported directly from Italy.

dining whether it’s a sit down meal or

With a capacity of 140 seats following a

a Cicchetti reception. In January 2014

renovation in 2007, Pacino’s offers an old

078 Conf2014_Pacino_CF.indd 78

contact information T: 01 677 5651 W: www.pacinos.ie E: info@pacinos.ie

Pacino’s launched Pacino’s @ Night

08/04/2014 09:53:35

RESTAURANT, RESTA T URANT, TA TT, BAR & VENUE

Looking for Great Food, Great Drinks, Great Entertainment?

Pacino’s of Suffolk St has been in business for nearly 20 years providing the highest quality authentic Italian cuisine Dublin has to offer. The kitchen is spearheaded by the very talented Luca Mazza (TV3). Pay a visit on Friday or Saturday and enjoy the best in Irish and International music artists. Across from the Molly Malone statue and next to Grafton St Pacino’s caters for private dining, be it a drinks reception or a seated dinner.

We look forward to welcoming you!

VISIT US AT WWW.PACINOS.IE İ CALL US ON 01 6775651 İ EMAIL US AT INFOPACINOS.IE

Secretly tucked away in Dublin city centre, there is a cocktail bar known for the quality and artistry of its cocktails that truly evoke the mood of a 1920s speakeasy — The Blind Pig. Named after the police who turned a blind eye to the liquor rooms of the 1920s prohibition era, The Blind Pig launched as a pop-up Speakeasy bar that featured monthly, in secret, at a well-known Dublin venue. Since then, The Blind Pig has developed an affectionate fanbase in Ireland and abroad.

Experience the forgotten thrill of secret passwords, false storefronts and just a touch of lawlessness.

Booking is essential. Please mail reservations@theblindpig.ie requesting to see the Blind Pig at a particular time.

You will then receive instructions on the location, which is less than a 2-minutes walk from Grafton St, Dublin 2.

For more information go to www.theblindpig.ie

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES INCLUDING COCKTAIL CLASSES PLEASE MAIL RESERVATIONS@THEBLINDPIG.IE İ PHONE: 085 874 7901

079 Conf2014_Pacinos/BlindPig.indd 63

09/04/2014 12:11:59

Are You Looking For A Unique Flexible Venue?

Please call the RDS Sales Team Today on + 353 (0) 1 668 0866 or email sales@rds.ie www.rds.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

080 Conf2014_RDS/THINK.indd 8

hi@thinkdesign.ie

www.thinkdesign.ie

10/04/2014 12:37:31

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Aviva Stadium

81

Ballsbridge Hotel

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

Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc.)

No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details: Audio-visual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: OTHER: Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: VIDEO-CONFERENCING: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other: Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: DiSABILITY ACCESS:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 81

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

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

+353 (0) 1 238 2700 +353 (0) 1 667 4381 events@ballsbridgehotel.com

www.avivastadiumevents.ie

www.ballsbridgehotel.com

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

4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, three minutes walk from DART rail link, ten mintues walk to city centre and IFSC 392

Full bar license and entertainment facilities

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

N/A

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

In close proximity

Elm Park Golf Club nearby

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

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

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

1,000 3 Philip Downes pdownes@ballsbridgehotel.com

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

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3 On request

On request 3 On request 3

On request On request On request 3

11/04/2014 17:05:32

82

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

The Beacon Hotel

BEST WESTERN PLUS Academy Plaza Hotel

Belfast Waterfront Conference & Exhibition Centre

Venue Directory Address:

Beacon Court, Sandyford Business Region, Dublin 18 +353 1 291 5000 +353 1 291 5005 meetings@thebeacon.com

2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH, Northern Ireland +44 (0) 28 9033 4400 +44 (0) 28 9024 9842 conference@waterfront.co.uk

10-14 Findlater Place, off Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin +353 (0) 1 878 0666 +353 (0) 1 878 0600 stay@academyplazahotel.ie

www.thebeacon.com

www.waterfront.co.uk

www.academyplazahotel.ie

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

N/A Belfast city centre location, adjacent to Central Railway Station, five minutes from George Best Belfast City Airport N/A

3HHH DART eight minute stroll to Connolly and Tara St. Stations. 6 minute walk from hotel to Dublin’s central bus station 304

Dining facilities:

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

Arc Brasserie restaurant seating 150, banqueting facilities also available

Two restaurants, Sir Harry’s Grill Bar and Bristo & Oscar’s Restaurant

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

Enjoy a number of bar areas with stunning views and an ongoing entertainment programme N/A

Bar with backround music

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses

There are several golf courses within a 10 minute drive

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

Belfast City Hall, The Ulster Hall, city centre shopping, dining and entertainment

Elmgreen Golf Course, Dunsink Lane, Castleknock, Dublin 15 (01) 820 0797 Approx 6.8km from the hotel Abbey Theatre, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Áras An Uactharáin, Dublin Castle, Croke Park, Zoo, Guinness Store House

40 On request Leila Ryan meetings@thebeacon.com

2,223 3 Jennifer Patterson, +44 (0) 28 9033 4405 jennifer.patterson@waterfront.co.uk

120 3 Sinéad Byrne, +353 1 817 4109 sbyrne@academyplazahotel.ie

Audiovisual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: Other:

On request On request On request On request

3 On request On request On request Full range of equipment on request

3 3 3 7

Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: Video conferencing: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other:

On request On request On request 3 On request

On request On request On request On request On request Lighting design on request

3 3 7 3 7

On request On request On request 3

3 On request On request 3

3 3 7 3

Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms:

Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details:

Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: Disability access:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 82

Gym & beauty room, both located on lower ground floor

11/04/2014 17:05:48

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Breaffy House Resort

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Camden Court Hotel

83

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club

Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Camden Street, Dublin 2

Old Airport Road, Cloughran, Co. Dublin

+353 (0) 94 902 2033 +353 (0) 94 22 276 info@breaffyhouseresort.ie

+353 (0) 1 475 9666 +353 (0) 1 475 9677 sales@camdencourthotel.ie

+353 (0) 1 866 7500 +353 (0) 1 862 3114 meetings@carlton.ie

Porterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 +353 (0) 1 640 6300 +353 (0) 1 640 6384 events@chcc.ie

www.breaffyhouseresort.com

www.camdencourthotel.com

www.carlton.ie

www.castleknockhotel.com

3HHH 5 minute drive from the town of Castlebar. Regular train & bus services.

Ireland West Airport 20 minute drive 260

3HHH Located next to ‘Harcourt Street’ Luas green line. Aircoach services and 16A bus to Dublin Airport 246

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

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

The popular ‘Iveagh’ Restaurant and elegant C Central Bar

Kitty Hawks Bistro or private dining rooms available on request

Full extensive bar and delicious bar menu. Live Entertainment every Friday Night Gymnasium, 16 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with Beauty Clinic salon Close proximity to main Dublin golf courses

Kitty Hawks Bar & Bistro located on the ground floor

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

Gymnasium

Full leisure centre, gym and day spa

N/A

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

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

2,500 3 Sabina Cox, +353 (0) 94 904 4107 sabina.cox@breaffyhouseresort.ie

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

3 3 Dáire Dillon, +353 (0) 1 866 7500 meetings@carlton.ie

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

3 3 3 7 Flipchart, Markers, Pens, Paper

3 3 3 On request State of the art equipment

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

7 7 7 3 7

3 On request On request 3 On request

3 3 7 3 7 Wi-Fi

3 3 3 3 7

3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential 3 Extra charge - Pre booking essential 7 3

On request 3 On request – additional cost applies 3

3 On request 7 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3

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

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 83

100

11/04/2014 17:06:09

84

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Castlemartyr Resort

Cavan Crystal Hotel

CityNorth Hotel

Venue Directory Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details: Audiovisual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: Other: Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: Video conferencing: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other: Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: Disability access:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 84

Castlemartyr, Co. Cork

Dublin Road, Cavan, Co. Cavan

Gormanstown, Co. Meath

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

+353 (0) 49 436 0600 +353 (0) 49 436 0699 sales@cavancrystalhotel.com

+353 (0) 1 690 6666 +353 (0) 1 690 6627 info@citynorthhotel.com

www.castlemartyrresort.ie

www.cavancrystalhotel.com

www.citynorthhotel.com

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

4HHHH On outskirts of Cavan town and easily reached by the M3. 60 minute drive from Dublin and 90 minutes from Belfast 85

4HHHH Located on the M1, Dublin to Belfast route (Exit 7) 15 minutes from Dublin Airport 125 Rooms

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

Dining options include our awardwinning Opus One Restaurant and beautiful Atrium Bar Live entertainment every Saturday night in the Atrium Bar

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

Gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, steam room & jacuzzi with Utopia, Health and Beauty Clinic, Evita’s Hair Salon Cavan Golf Course is less than 10 minutes drive from the hotel

Bar food from 12pm-9.30pm. Daily Carvery. Table d’hóte menu in our Mornington restaurant Full extensive bar and bar menu.

Entertainment on selected dates throughout the year On-site fitness suite, treatment room, acupuncture clinic.

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

Cavan Golf Club, Equestrian Centre, Headfort’s Championship Golf Course, ODD adventure centre and kayaking nearby

CityNorth guests can enjoy preferential rates at a variety of golf course in the area (15-40 mins from the hotel) Bru na Boinne, Newgrange, Ardgillian Castle, Slane Castle, Croke Park Horse racing, golf, Xtreme.ie, walking

300 delegates 7 3 +353 21 421 9012 sales@castlemartyrresort.ie

9 meeting rooms, largest capacity 600 3 Emer Smith sales@cavancrystalhotel.com

650 delegates 7 Andrew Greenslade,+353 (0) 1 690 6610 andrew.greenslade@citynorthhotel.com

3 3 3 7 Additional Equipment can be organized

3 3 3 Can be hired at an additional cost

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi 3 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 7 7 7 3

3 7 7 3

3 3 7 3

3 3 7 3

103

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86

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Citywest Hotel, Conference & Event Centre

Clayton Hotel

The Convention Centre Dublin

Venue Directory Address:

Saggart, Co. Dublin

Ballybrit, Co. Galway

Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1

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

+353 (0) 91 721 900 +353 (0) 91 396 343 info@clayton.ie

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

www.citywesthotel.com

www.clayton.ie

www.theccd.ie

4HHHH 20 minutes from Dublin City and Airport.

Luas connection to Dublin. Direct Access to national motorways 774 Guest Rooms & Suites

4HHHH Directly off the Dublin - Galway Motorway, 4km from Galway City Centre.

Located opposite Galway Race Course 195

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

Dining at the Enclosure Bar and Bistro and Tribes Restaurant

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

3 Lounges

The Enclosure Bar and Bistro - music every Sat night and on selected evenings

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

Full gym, fitness studio & 20m indoor pool

20m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, cardio gym

N/A

Golf course: (on-site or nearby)

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

Galway Bay Golf Club 4km from hotel

There are many golf courses close to Dublin city centre

Activities & local attractions:

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

Cruising, sailing, historic walks, activities, sight-seeing in Connemara and the Burren, shopping & gourmet dining

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

Up to 4,000 3 Orla McAleese, +353 (0) 1 401 0692 omcaleese@citywesthotel.com

800 delegates 3 Darragh O’Connor, +353 (0) 91 721 900 darragh.oconnor@clayton.ie

8-8,000

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 Latest technology in AV and lighting

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wi-Fi up to 2,000 users

3 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3 Wi-Fi in all halls and meeting rooms

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3

Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

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:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 86

Adrienne Clarke sales@theccd.ie

11/04/2014 17:20:04

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Croke Park Conference Centre

Jones’s Road, Dublin 3

Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood

87

Finnstown Country House Hotel

Druids Glen Resort

Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow

Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

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

Northwood Park, Santry Demesne, Santry, Dublin 9 +353 (0) 1 862 8888 +353 (0) 1 862 8800 events@crowneplazadublin.ie

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

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

www.crokepark.ie

www.crowneplazadublin.ie

www.druidsglenresort.com

www.finnstown.com

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

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

5HHHHH Located just 30 minutes south of Dublin and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport, set in 400 acres of rolling countryside.

145

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

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

Touzai Restaurant

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

The Peacock Restaurant, the Wood Quay Bar and the Cellar Bar

Stadium Tours available from the GAA Museum

Onsite Gym

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

Swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath, tennis court

Portmarnock, Clontarf, Royal Dublin

Nearby

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

Six championship golf courses nearby

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

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

Greystones & Kilcoole beaches, Horseriding, Kilruddery House & Gardens, Powerscourt Estate, Mount Usher Garden

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

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

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

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

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

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 FREE WiFi On request Plasmas throughout

3 On request 3 (Executive Boardroom) 3 On request

3 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 Full dedicated business services centre On request 3

3 On request On request 3

On request On request On request 3

3 3 3 3

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 87

204

Cinnabar Red

105

The Wood Quay Bar, the Cellar Bar and the Library Suite

11/04/2014 17:20:29

88

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

The Gibson Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

Venue Directory Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details: Audiovisual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: Other: Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: Video conferencing: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other: Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: Disability access:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 88

Killiney, Co. Dublin

Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4

The Point Village, Dublin 1

+353 (0) 1 230 5400 +353 (0) 1 230 5430 alicia.kenny@fitzpatricks.com

+353 (0) 1 665 4000 +353 (0) 1 655 4099 sales.dublin@fourseasons.com

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

www.fitzpatrickcastle.com

www.fourseasons.com/dublin

www.thegibsonhotel.ie

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

5HHHHH 25 minutes from Dublin Airport via Port Tunnel, near to main shopping area, IFSC and The Convention Centre 197

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

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

A range of dining options are available at the hotel offering international cuisine using the finest Irish ingredients The Lobby Lounge Bar, the perfect meeting place and the chic Ice Bar with extensive list of wines by the glass Full service spa including fitness area, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and relaxation lounge Elm Park, Portmarnock, The European

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

The RDS, Aviva Stadium, Trinity College Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland

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

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

500 6 meeting rooms including 2 ballrooms Aline Fitzgerald aline.fitzgerald@fourseasons.com

300 delegates and 6 break-out rooms 7 On-site assistance on request Stephanie Hughes

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 Complimentary throughout 3

3 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

On request On request On request 3

3 3 3 3

11/04/2014 17:20:59

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

The Green Isle

The Kildare Hotel, hotel name here Spa & Country Club

The Hunt Museum

Conference & Leisure Hotel

89

The Killeshin Hotel

Straffan Co. Kildare

Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

+353 (0) 1 459 3406 +353 (0) 1 459 5828 info@greenislehotel.com

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

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

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

www.greenislehotel.com

www.huntmuseum.com

www.kclub.ie

www.thekilleshin.com

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

4HHHH N/A

5HHHHH 35 Minutes from Dublin Airport

N/A

69 Bedrooms Plus 12 Courtyard Suites

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

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

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

The River Room Restaurant & Legends Restaurant

Cedar Bistro and Cedar Bar

Live music in the main bar every Friday & Saturday

Wine license

Smurfit Bar & Legends Bar

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

Fully equipped gym, swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna & steam room

N/A

Newlands Golf or Grange Castle golf course close by

N/A

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

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

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

N/A

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

Emo House & Gardens, Slievebloom Mountains

750 delegates 3 Suzanne McCabe

Up to 100 7 Naomi O'Nolan naomi@huntmuseum.com

3 7 Adrian Mooney

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

3 3 7 3

3 3 3 7

7 Microphone available 3 3 7 Flip Charts, Conference Phone

3 3 3 3

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

3 3 7 3 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 On request 3 On request

7 7 7 3

3 3 7 3

3 3 7 3

3 Limited, photocopying etc.

7 3

Newlands Cross, Nass Road, Dublin 22

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 89

11/04/2014 17:21:43

90

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa

Lyrath Estate Hotel & Convention Centre

Venue Directory Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details: Audiovisual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: Other: Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: Video conferencing: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other: Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: Disability access:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 90

Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon

Lough Eske, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

+353 (0) 71 961 8000 +353 (0) 71 961 8001 enquiries@kilronancastle.ie

+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.kilronancastle.ie

www.solislougheskecastle.com

www.lyrath.com

4HHHH Located 2.5 hours from Dublin & 1 hour from Knock International Airport. Located 12KM from Carrick on Shannon Bus 84

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

5HHHHH One hour to Dublin Airport, 1.5 hours to Cork Airport, 30 minutes to Waterford Airport. Five minutes to train and bus 137

One Fine Dining Restaurant The Douglas Hyde Restaurant, plus all Day Menu available in The Drawing Room 2 Bars The Drawing Room & The Dungeon Bar. Entertainment available on request State of The Art Spa & Leisure Centre including pool & gymnasium

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

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

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

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

10-800 Delegates Theatre Style 3 Ciara Maxwell cmaxwell@hanlycastle.com

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

1,500 theatre 3 Dervla O’Connor +353 (0) 56 770 5852

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request Natural daylight in all meeting rooms

3 On request On request 3 7

3 3 3 3 3

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

On request 3 7 3

3 3 3 3

3 On request On request 3

N/A

Fishing, Walking Trails, Archery, Falconry, Bike Riding, Arigna Mines, Moonriver Shannon Cruise, Lough Key Forest Park

Mount Juliet, Gowran Golf Club and Kilkenny Golf Club all nearby Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Craft Trail, Smithwicks Brewery and outdoor activies on Lyrath Esate with Dynamic Events

11/04/2014 17:22:19

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Conference & Events Venue

The Mansion House

The Morgan Hotel

The Morrison, a DoubleTree by Hilton

91

Mount Wolseley Resort & Spa

Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Temple Bar, 10 Fleet Street, Dublin 2

Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

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) 1 887 2400 +353 (0) 1 874 4039 events@morrisonhotel.ie

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

www.mansionhouse.ie

www.themorgan.com

www.morrisonhotel.ie

www.mountwolseley.ie

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

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

4HHHH Luas stop is 200m behind hotel and links to Heuston and Connolly train stations.

11km from Dublin Airport 138

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

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

Browse the tapas menu in the funky Morgan Bar

The Morrisson Grill is our all-day restaurant and dining area, featuring Dublin’s first Josper Grill Quay 14, all-day destination bar.

Signature cocktails created like songs.

Aficionados of Irish whiskeys and beers On site Fitness Room with cardio vascular equipment & free weights

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

N/A

Within close proximity to local Dublin golf courses

Within 5km

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

Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Trinity College, Grafton St, Henry St & Shopping centre within walking distance

Team building activities on-site, historial gardens and walks

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

70 On request Leila Ryan meetings@themorgan.com

240 Theatre Style 7 James Byrne, +353 (0) 1 887 2458 jbyrne@morrisonhotel.ie

900 theatre, 450 banquet Part of the hotel Lisa Morrissey lmorrissey@mountwolseley.ie

3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available

On request On request On request On request

3 3 3 3 Flipchart, Podium & mic in larger rooms

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

3 3 3 3 3 Upgrades for all requirements available

On request On request On request 3 On request

3 3 Charge payable for use 7 3 7

3 3 On request Complimentary Wi-Fi in meeting rooms 7

3 3 3 On request 3

On request On request On request 3

Basic support onsite Printing & faxing at a charge 7 3

On request 3 On request 3

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 91

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

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Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

O’Callaghan Alexander Hotel

Palmerstown House Estate

Pillo Hotel Ashbourne

Venue Directory Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

Conferencing Conferencing Capacity: Dedicated conference centre: Conference co-ordinator: co-ordinator contact details: Audiovisual Equipment Sound system: Screen: Projector: Video Equipment: Other: Technical Equipment Laptop connection to LCD: Teleconferencing: Video conferencing: Internet/Broadband access: Remote conferencing: Other: Support Services Technician: Secretarial Support: Interpreter: Disability access:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 92

Fenian Street, Dublin 2

Johnstown, Co. Kildare

The Rath, Ashbourne, County Meath

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

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

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

www.ocallaghanhotels.com

www.palmerstownhouse.com

www.pillohotelashbourne.com

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

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

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

Extensive bar menu served all day until 10pm

Sansorino Restaurant, Empery Bar & Bistro

Grill 21 Restaurant and Red Bar/Lounge

Bar

Empery Bar & Bistro

Red Bar/Lounge and Karaoke Room

Fitness centre

Archery, Clay Pidgeon Shooting, Falconry

Local golf courses within a 30-minute drive

On site – 18 hole championship course

Modern gymnasium, 16m pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy area.

Jule spa on site Ashbourne Golf Course is 5km away

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

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

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

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

180 3 Marian Coughlan events@palmerstownhouse.ie

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

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 Helicopter Landing

3 In-built sound system 3 10ft screen, 6ft screen first floor 3 On request from our AV supplier

3 On request On request 3 7

3 3 3 3 3

3 On request from our AV supplier On request from our AV supplier 3 On request from our AV supplier

On request On request On request 3

3 3 7 Can be arranged by prior appointment 3

On request from our AV supplier 7 7 3

20

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Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Town Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

93

RDS

Golden Lane, Dublin 8

Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

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

Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow +353 (0) 1 274 8888 +353 (0) 1 274 9999 info@powerscourthotel.com

+353 (0) 1 898 2900 +353 (0) 1 898 2909 sales.dublin.royal@radissonblu.com

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

www.theheritagehotel.com

www.powerscourthotel.com

www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin

www.rds.ie

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

5HHHHH Located in picturesque Enniskerry village, 20 minutes from Dublin city, 30 minutes from Dublin Airport 200

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

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

Sika Restaurant, the Sugarloaf Lounge & McGills Pub

Our onsite restaurant opens for dinner daily from 18.00h – 22.00h

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

The Charter Bar, which is the hotels residents’ bar, and Molly’s Bar, offering live music each weekend 22m pool, full gymnasium, sauna, steam room and spa

McGills Pub

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

Yes

A state-of-the-art fitness suite and the luxurious ESPA featuring a 20metre Swarovski-lit swimming pool.

Two championship golf courses on the Estate

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

N/A

Slieve Bloom mountains, fishing, horseriding

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

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

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

2-550 3 Sandra Brennan/Carol Dempsey sales@theheritagehotel.com

400 3 Lisa Ferrick, +353 (0) 1 274 8888 lisa.ferrick@powerscourthotel.com

400 pax 3 Lisa Sinclair , +353 (0) 1 898 2934 lisa.sinclair@radissonblu.com

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

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3 AV menu upon request

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 On request

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 3 3 Complimentary 3

3 3 3 3 3 Complimentary Wifi

3 On request On request 3 On request

On request 7 7 3

3 7 7 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 On request 3

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

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 93

150

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

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94

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Residence

The River Lee Hotel

Royal Marine Hotel

Venue Directory Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Star Rating: Location: (proximity to transport links, etc) No. of bedrooms: Dining facilities:

Bar & entertainment facilities: Leisure centre facilities:

Golf course: (on-site or nearby) Activities & local attractions:

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:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 94

41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Western Road, Cork

Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

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

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

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

www.residence.ie

www.doylecollection.com/riverlee

www.royalmarine.ie

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

4HHHH City centre location, 8km from airport

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

182

228

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

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

Dún Restaurant and Hardy’s Bar

Weir Bar

Hardy’s Bar

N/A

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

The Pier Health Club and sansana SPA

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

In close proximity to many golf courses

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

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

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

Dún Laoghaire pier and promenade, shopping, walking, trekking, watersports

3 7 Karen Doyle, +353 (0) 1 662 0000 karend@residence.ie

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

750 3 Gina Passi events@royalmarine.ie

3 3 3 3 Conference phone; iPads

On request 3 3 3 1 flip chart

3 3 3 3

3 3 7 3 7

3 3 On request 3 On request

3 3 3 3 3

3 3 7 7

On request 3 On request 3

3 3 7 3

11/04/2014 17:25:57

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club

Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club

95

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Thomand Park

Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan

Pearse Road, Sligo

Cratloe Road, Limerick

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

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

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

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

www.slieve-russell.ie

www.sligoparkhotel.com

www.thomondpark.ie

www.tulfarrishotel.com

4HHHH 90 minutes from Belfast and Dublin via M1 or N3 Motorways

4HHHH 2.6km from Sligo Train Station, 3.4km from Sligo Bus Station, 51.8km from Ireland West Airport Knock 136

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

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

Conall Cearnach Restaurant looks out over the hotel’s gardens. The Setanta offers exquisite European cuisine The Kells Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks before dinner

Carvery Lunch, Evening Bar Menu, Evening Restaurant Menu

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

3

All suites feature natural lighting and private bars

Fitness Suite – 20-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna & smoothie bar. On-site spa and wellness facilities On-site 18-hole championship course and 9-hole par-3 academy course

3

N/A

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

A variety of golf courses in close vicinity

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

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

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

18 hole championship course set across 3 peninsulas of the Lakes plus driving range and short game facilities Team Building, archery, hiking, kayaking.

Russborough House & Punchestown Race Track 10 minutes drive

2-1,200 delegates 3 3 +353 (0) 49 952 6444

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

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

3 3 Lillian Mahon lmahon@tulfarris.com

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 3

3 7 7 3 7

3 3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3 3

On request On request 7 3

7 7 7 3

3 7 7 3

3 7 7 3

222

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 95

N/A

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

11/04/2014 17:26:32

96

Venue Directory Conferencing 2014

Tullamore Court Hotel

The Westbury Hotel

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:

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:

081 Conf.2014_Directory final.indd 96

Tullamore, Co Offaly

Grafton Street, Dublin 2

+353 (0) 57 934 6666 +353 (0) 57 934 6677 info@tullamorecourthotel.ie

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

Dublin City Council, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 +353 (0) 1 222 2857 +353 (0) 1 222 3329 woodquayvenue@dublincity.ie

www.tullamorecourthotel.ie

www.doylecollection.com/westbury

N/A

4HHHH Town centre location just over 60 minutes from Dublin & Galway 500m from train station in Tullamore town 103

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

N/A N/A

205

N/A

The Restaurant, the Bistro & the Furlong bar private dining is also available

Wilde – The Restaurant, Café Novo, The Gallery, The Marble Bar

N/A

The Furlong Bar. Lively entertainment every Friday and Saturday night

Café Novo, The Marble Bar

N/A

Award winning leisure centre, 20m swimming pool, fitness suites, fitness classes. sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi 18 golf courses nearby such as Tullamore Golf Course and Esker Hills Golf Club

Fitness Suite

N/A

7

N/A

Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, Lockes Distillery, Lough Boora Parklands, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Clonmacnoise walking

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

N/A

5 – 750 3 Donna Duffy, +353 (0) 57 934 6689 donna@tullamorecourthotel.ie

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

120 theatre style. Other layouts possible 3 Ailish McCarthy +353 (0) 1 222 2857

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 7

3 3 3 3

3 Speaker Phone 7 3 7

3 7 7 3 7

3

3 7 7 3

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

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

7 7

11/04/2014 18:21:57

Aviva Stadium Where Ireland Does Business

Make Your Next Event Stand Out A purpose built conference and event venue which marries a spectacular event space with an award winning team to deliver outstanding results At Aviva Stadium we plan corporate meetings, car launches, exhibitions, award ceremonies and association conferences.

Guests have dined amongst the newest vehicles in our Atrium and collected prizes on the impressive stage sets in the 1872 suite. Clients have created supermarket aisles in our President’s Suite and raced Formula 1 cars in the tunnel.

Aviva Stadium’s Meeting and Events team create memorable corporate events with the added wow factor.

The versatility and scale of the venue means we can accommodate an extensive range of events within our 50 event spaces.

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

s e c n e r e f n Co 4 1 0 2

22nd May 2014

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

Ciaran Budds, Diageo

2014

An enormous thank you to the team at Aviva Stadium for your huge efforts in making our Gathering for Action Conference such a success.

Your help with planning; at the walk through stage and throughout the execution of a very complex two day programme was invaluable.

Yve O’Driscoll British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

A full-day conference, the HR Directors Business Event will explore HR’s role in fostering innovation. Contributors will include leading HR experts and senior business leaders, giving you the ultimate bench marking experience and best practice insights.

11TH June

Retail Conference Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

This practical, informative full day event will focus on how the business sector and individual retailers can inspire and best connect with consumers. Delegates will be provided with a unique opportunity to listen and learn from industry gurus and experienced practitioners and to network with fellow retail colleagues.

Conf Cover 2014.indd 2

2014

12TH June 2014

Supply Chain Management & Procurement Event Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

The Legal Services Regulatory Authority – What to Expect In association with McDowell Purcell Solicitors

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

The various amendments adopted at the Select Committee stage in the Oireachtas mean that many provisions of the Legal Services (Regulation) Bill 2011 are now significantly different to those initially proposed. With a strong likelihood that the Bill will come into force within the next twelve months, this half day conference will provide a comprehensive update on recent changes to the Bill and will be of interest to all practising solicitors and barristers, in-house counsel, regulatory bodies, judges, consumer rights groups, legal costs accountants, insurers, court and departmental officials and all other parties involved in the administration of justice in Ireland.

18TH June 2014

The Supply Chain Management & Procurement Event will unravel the issues facing modern supply chains and examine how firms can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its procurement processes.

Phone: 01-238 2388 Email: sales@avivastadiumevents.ie www.avivastadiumevents.ie

28TH May

HR Director’s Business Event

Change to State Pension Age and Challenge to Mandatory Retirement Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

This half day conference will examine how increases in State Pension Age will inevitably result in employees seeking to work beyond the age of 65 which, for many employers, has traditionally been the normal contractual retirement age. An expert panel will examine what employers should do when faced with such requests, or indeed, what happens if an employee challenges an employer’s entitlement to retire him/ her at age 65.

For more information on any of these conferences, contact denise.maguire@ashvillemediagroup.com or call 01 432 2238

11/04/2014 18:49:07

CONFERENCING Your complete guide to conferencing and corporate hospitality in Ireland

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Google, Intel, IBM, Emirates, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, KPMG and Teradata are some of the most dynamic giants of today’s business world.

this professionalism has won us no less than 25 industry awards.

They all share a relentless commitment to innovation, service and excellence. So it’s not surprising that they’ve hosted events somewhere with an identical attitude: The Convention Centre Dublin.

Located in Dublin’s rejuvenated docklands – home to many of the capital’s most progressive companies – The CCD has 18,500 hotel rooms nearby, Dublin Airport only 15 minutes away and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities on its doorstep.

The CCD distils all the forward-thinking attitudes that now make Dublin so attractive to world-class businesses like Facebook, Kellogg’s, Pfizer plus many others. And since we opened our doors in 2010,

So if you want a world-class venue for your next event, visit www.theccd.ie today. You’ll soon see why we’ve inspired such confidence in some very inspiring companies.

Contact our Sales Team on: T: +353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

Conf Cover 2014.indd 1

CONFERENCING 2014 – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORPORATE HOSPITALITY IN IRELAND

DUBLIN INSPIRES:

2014

Welcoming

THE WORLD The Convention Centre Dublin One Young World 2014 Promoting youth leadership • Making it Memorable Engaging Your Delegates • Covering the Costs Attract event sponsorship • Identity Parade Expanding corporate identities • PLUS A comprehensive directory of Ireland’s best conferencing venues

11/04/2014 18:47:49