Brewing Success: Connect Ireland 2023 – a pouring of Insights, Innovation and Hospitality
Last Thursday, 23rd of November 2023, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin played host to a dynamic gathering of over 60+ hoteliers for our Connect Ireland event. Nestled within the iconic home of Guinness, attendees were treated not only to an insightful lineup of speakers and panellists, of learning and networking, but also to the perfect blend of hospitality—a hearty lunch and a pint of the famed Irish stout. The event, masterfully MC’d by the skilled Orlaith Carmody, a coaching and consulting facilitator, and hosted by Clio O’Gara, Guestline's Country Manager for Ireland, provided a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge. The keynote speaker, Tom Kennedy, Change Management Expert from Agility Hospitality, took the stage to delve into the transformative concept of creating an 'environment for change' within the hospitality business. Emphasising the importance of continuous improvement, he outlined a 4-step approach, shedding light on the value-adding activities that captivate guests and why stagnation is a recipe for falling behind. The panel discussion on 'How Guest Expectations are Changing Operations in Hotels' featured industry experts such as Allison Chambers of Oaky, Allan Nelson of For-Sight, Sharon Power Cowley of Net Affinity, and the spontaneous addition of Ciara Crossan from WeddingDates.ie. The conversation revolved around the interconnected nature of technology, underscoring the need for seamless collaboration among partners to meet evolving guest expectations, in particular the younger generation, who expect a fully connected experience from start to finish.
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