A business visitor is worth up to three times that of the leisure tourist and meetings tend to take place outside the main summer months, which will lead to an extension of the season for the tourism sector in Galway. This has a very positive effect on the local economy in ensuring that jobs are kept in the west.
In order to ensure this sector thrives, the member-led non-profit organisation Galway Convention Bureau, whose mission is to sell Galway as a destination for international conferences and events, is looking for people throughout Galway to become its ambassadors. An ambassador for Galway is a person who loves Galway and has membership of international professional, corporate and industry associations and also has the influence to bring an international conference home.
For 2022 there is a confirmed €7.6 million business for Galway in MICE ((Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Events ) led revenue. “There are so many things that make Galway a unique and special MICE destination. Galway is a vibrant, thriving city with lots of different options to offer our meetings and events visitors. Galway is a compact and walkable city, we have world class conference facilities along with a host of stunning venues to choose from. We are a city of festivals, culture and arts and we are home to some of the World’s top Medical Device and ICT Companies. Our stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop for any conference or event,” said Niamh Stack of Galway Convention Bureau.
Earlier this year in July over five days, the 11th European Solid Mechanics Conference (ESMC 2022 ) took place at the University of Galway. With over 1200 delegates in attendance, it was the largest international conference to have ever taken place on the campus. In addition, the economic impact of the conference to the local area was almost €2,000,000.
Talking on the importance and economic benefit of this conference to Galway Professor of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering University of Galway Peter McHugh commented: “Solid mechanics is fundamental to biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil and structural engineering, and is multidisciplinary in that it encompasses the mathematical, physical, biological and clinical sciences. Solid mechanics is a critically important element in the design and development of almost all technologies and products in a wide range of critically important industrial sectors, including medical implants and devices, aerospace and transport, energy generation and construction. Most importantly, solid mechanics is a key enabler in the development of new technologies that address the major global challenges of our time in health, renewable energy, and sustainability.”
“This conference is a fantastic win for Galway and a massive boost for the economy in the city and across the county. We know we have world-class conference facilities in University of Galway and will continue to collaborate with Fáilte Ireland to build on the success of this event and attract other major conferences and business events to Galway in the future, “explained Niamh.
Paul Mockler, head of Commercial Development, Fáilte Ireland, commented that “Business events bring high economic and knowledge value to Ireland. We currently have a pipeline of business worth around €1-billion as far out as 2032. Each conference delegate is worth €1600 to the Irish economy, up to three times the value of a leisure visitor, but by bringing international thought leaders to Ireland for their events, we demonstrate Ireland’s prowess in many fields while at the same time learning from global leaders. Fáilte Ireland invests in our regional convention bureaux as business events benefit the country regionally and out of the main tourism periods.”
“Galway is not just a City on the Edge of the Atlantic but it is on the Cutting Edge of so much more - high quality accommodation, event centres that can cater for up to 1000 delegates and hospitality like no other, Galway is at the forefront for Academic, Med tech and International Association based conferences. Galway Convention Bureau provides expertise, guidance, and impartiality for those looking at bringing a conference of their field and expertise to this great City, “ said Darragh O’Connor, Chairperson Galway Convention Bureau.
The convention bureau is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Galway City and Galway County Council and trade memberships. The convention bureau’s strategic partners include University of Galway, ATU, the Galway Chamber of Commerce and the Galway branch of the Irish Hotel Federation.
Contact Galway Convention Bureau on LinkedIn and Twitter, phone on 091 339920 or email [email protected]. For all information check out www.galwayconventionbureau.com
