Despite the challenging economic situation, bookings for the Network Ireland conference in Westport on October 9 are coming in at a brisk rate. “If you want to be sure of a place, get your booking in now,” is the strong message from Una Murphy, National President, Network Ireland.
Una Murphy attributes this high demand to two separate causes: the quality of the speaker line up and the fact that costs have been kept to a minimum. Places in the conference venue, Knockranny House Hotel, are limited and almost 200 delegates have already reserved their spaces. A surprising proportion of delegates are businessmen, proving that business messages are universal, not restricted to one sex.
Entrepreneur Denis O’Brien heads the bill along with Josephine Feehily, the first woman chairman of the Revenue Commissioners. Economist and broadcaster David McWilliams chairs the afternoon discussion panel which includes Darina Allen of Ballymaloe, Martin Territt from the European Commission, Michelle McDonnell of Glasshammer Designs and David O’Flynn from EcoCem, makers of environmentally friendly cement.
The theme for the conference is “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things” and each of the speakers reflects that in his or her own unique way. Conference attendees can expect to learn how each speaker developed his/her career and pick up tips and hints relevant to their own business. Darina Allen steered Ballymaloe through the dark recession days of the 1980s and her experience will have a lot of relevance to businesses today.
The conference is strongly supported by local and national organisations – Mayo County Enterprise Board, the Western Development Commission, O2, Corrib Gas, RSVP Media and the European Commission.
Booking is available online through the Network Ireland website (www.networkireland.ie ) or through any member of the conference committee. The day conference and gala evening dinner can be booked as a package or as separate elements.
