Waterford Institute of Technology is gearing up to host a world-class business and education conference from July 28 to August 1 with the event featuring representatives and guest lecturers from as far a-field as Malaysia and the US.
The Institute’s School of Education & Professional Development and the International Society for Business Education (SIEC-ISBE ) are hosting this the 80th International SIEC-ISBE Conference, "Global Changes - Local Challenges."
SIEC-ISBE is a worldwide organisation established in 1901 with the objective of promoting links between business and education. It is the first time the week-long conference has come to Ireland and hosting it is a major coup for Waterford Institute of Technology. During the week-long programme, conference delegates will combine the business of the conference proceedings with company visits to Waterford Crystal, AOL, Genzyme and Showerings (Clonmel ) along with a range of cultural and social activities.
According to Mary Fenton, Head of Adult & Continuing Education, WIT, the week-long event is a major boost for Waterford and the South-east region. "This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Waterford and the South-east to some 140 international delegates from Australia, the US, Bahamas, Malaysia, South Korea and most EU countries.
“The conference is important in that it creates a platform for sharing best practice in business education and for creating networks with international partners. With global economies coming under strain, it is critical that businesses across the world adapt to change and prepare to meet the challenges ahead,” she added.
“The delegates will be attending this conference, discussing pertinent issues ranging from innovative learning strategies to social media and the business of globalisation.
“Waterford and the southeast will be showcased to the delegates from 20-plus countries. Local employers will also share their knowledge and experience with presentations from Hasbro Ireland, Bausch & Lomb and Nemeton as indigenous enterprise development is a key part of the event,” Ms Fenton concluded.
Among the guest speakers are Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, TD; Dr Venie Martin, Head of Development at WIT; Peg Saragina, International President, SIEC-ISBE and Lucy Fallon Byrne, Director, National Centre for Partnership and Performance. Eugene Crehan, Manager of Education and Development Programmes at WIT’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Monica Leech, CEO Waterford Chamber of Commerce will also address the gathering.
Those who are interested in attending the event at WIT should book online at www.siecisbe.org or contact Mary Fenton on (051 ) 845584.
