Registration is now open for MeetWest 2014, the largest business networking event in the West of Ireland this year. Hosted by Galway City Council, MeetWest 2014 is a two-day business networking forum taking place at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway on November 20th and 21st 2014.
Organised in partnership with the local authorities, local enterprise offices and state development agencies in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, MeetWest brings together a wide range of companies from the West of Ireland and further afield to network and do business. Now in its 4th year, organisers have tailored this year’s programme to maximise new and innovative networking opportunities for attendees in a variety of formats.
It is anticipated that up to 300 delegates will participate during the event making it an essential addition to every business diary.
Launching Meet West 2014 Mayor of Galway City Councillor Donal Lyons said how delighted Galway City Council is to host the event this year.
‘Galway City Council is working with Galway, Mayo and Roscommon County Councils, the Local Enterprise Offices in Roscommon, Galway and Mayo, Údarás na Gaeltachta, SCCUL Enterprises and the Western Development Commission on MeetWest 2014. Other agencies including Enterprise Ireland and IDA, are also actively encouraging businesses to attend the event.
‘A key objective of this event is to highlight the range of companies that are operating successfully in the region and create a momentum for further economic growth and recognise the potential synergies between businesses operating in the West and how business can support one another’, he said.
Galway City Council Chief Executive Brendan McGrath said: ‘Galway City Council is delighted to to host MeetWest 2014. This event will provide businesses in the west region with a great opportunity to generate new business and new business partnerships. The experiences of those who participated in previous years highlight the benefits that this type of structured networking offers business. I would recommend to all businesses in the region to join in MeetWest 2014 and start doing new business.’
MeetWest 2014 will begin on Day 1 with a workshop and panel discussion with procurement officials from a range of public sector organisations on procurement processes and the opportunities available for SMEs in the West of Ireland. Organisations participating in the discussion include local authorities, HSE, Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board, NUI Galway and the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre. The workshop will be chaired by Dr. Emer Mulligan, Head of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway.
New this year is an opportunity for delegates to experience the creative economy in Galway while participating in informal networking. Delegates will be able to able to sample top quality produce from artisan producers based in Galway City and County
Enabling delegates access the best advice for their businesses, consultation areas will be available at MeetWest for delegates to meet with experts in the areas of business finances, physical wellness, occupational health and psychological being.
Day 1 will finish with a networking dinner addressed by guest speaker Billy Walsh Head Coach of the Irish Amateur Boxing (IABA ) High Performance Team.
Day 2 of MeetWest 2014 features the pre arranged business networking meetings. The purpose built software system supporting the event will allow participating delegates to have up to seventeen pre-arranged meetings on the day. In response to demand this year there will be a number of ten to one meetings where delegates can meet selected businesses with up to ten other delegates.
Registration for the event is now open on www.meetwest.ie According to Sheila Byrnes, who has co-ordinated the event for the past four years “it is critically important for businesses to engage fully with the online registration process”.
“In order for delegates to get the most from the two day
