Network Ireland has announced that tickets for its Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards have sold out in record time in advance of the event at Galway’s Salthill Hotel on Friday, October 7. More than 70 women across all industries will be celebrated for their work on the day ranging from artists to entrepreneurs.
The Irishwoman who was the first female to become head coach of a professional men’s team in Ireland and the UK has joined the line-up for the conference. Lisa Fallon currently works at the highest level of world football, in FIFA’s Global Football Development Division as part of Arsene Wenger’s Technical team.
The keynote speakers include Sharon Keegan, Founder and CEO of Peachylean.com, a female led brand, empowering women to love their bodies; Business Development Manager and Coach, Claire Scanlon; and Steven Wilkinson founder of Good and Prosper. Panellists include the first female Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Nancy Smyth; RTÉ’s Eoin McGee; Marion Finnegan, Chief Economist, Sherry Fitzgerald; and Diane Nevin, CEO of GDT Health Network.
The gala occasion is the highlight event in the Network Ireland calendar and will be hosted by Irish broadcaster and writer Mary Kennedy. She said it is an honour to be asked to host the much anticipated Network Ireland National conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2022.
“I have had the privilege of meeting and being inspired by some wonderful female entrepreneurs over the years. What I admire most about Network Ireland is how the members believe in each other and push each other to rise to whatever challenge is facing them.
“There is something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by people who want you to succeed. I’m really looking forward to meeting businesswomen from all over Ireland at the event in Salthill in October.”
Enterprise Ireland is the event partner for the gathering. The conference takes place from 9.00am until 4.15pm and the audience will enjoy a programme packed full of expert business insights, real-world advice and entertainment.
The conference will be followed by the Businesswoman of the Year awards which get underway at 6.30pm. A total of 350 applicants put their names forward for the awards through 14 regional branches of Network Ireland, and a hectic season of selection events across the country in recent months has resulted in the selection of 71 finalists going forward to October’s event.
A fundraising raffle will be held at the event in aid of Network Ireland’s charity partner for 2022, ACT for Meningitis as well as child loss project Rosabel’s Rooms. A charity swim is also due to take place the following morning from Blackrock in Salthill.
Network Ireland’s National President Noreen McKenzie, said “After two years of virtual and hybrid events there is great excitement about celebrating in-person once again which shows by how quickly our tickets sold out this year. Our Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards is Network Ireland’s flagship event and we are delighted to be working with Enterprise Ireland as event partner once again. We’re preparing a fantastic line up of keynote speakers who will be sharing their expert views, experiences and insights covering the important topics for ambitious businesswomen.”
This year’s awards are divided into eight categories:
Emerging New Business
Solo Businesswoman
Established Businesswoman
Creative Professional
STEM Professional
Employee - Rising Star
Employee - Shining Star
‘Power Within’ Champion - this award was first introduced in 2020 and is the only one of the awards open to all members who have used the power within themselves to great impact
Sheelagh Daly, Entrepreneurship Manager with Enterprise Ireland said, “We’re delighted to partner with Network Ireland for its 2022 National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards. The energy and positivity at last year’s hybrid event in Waterford was remarkable and this year’s event in Galway promises to be even bigger. Enterprise Ireland recognises that increasing the participation of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership benefits Ireland’s economic success. Organisations like Network Ireland are central to fostering and supporting the talent and expertise of businesswomen across the country. We’re looking forward to seeing this wonderful organisation in action again in October.”
AIB is the Official National Partner of Network Ireland and has supported the organisation since 2013.
AIB’s Head of SME Market Engagement, Lorraine Greene said, “The Network Ireland Annual Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards is always a great opportunity to honour the amazing achievements of women at enterprises across the country. The creativity, resilience and teamwork they have shown in meeting the challenges of recent years is enhanced by the support that Network Ireland offers. AIB is proud to back the awards and I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved. It is so important that we celebrate the success of Irish businesses who help communities thrive and grow, and I am looking forward to meeting the extraordinary finalists in Galway this October.”
Would you like unlimited FREE access to all that the Galway Advertiser has to offer? Find out more here!
