Together We Thrive: Realising Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Enterprise, Tourism and Communities in the Midlands
Together We Thrive: Realising Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Enterprise, Tourism and Communities in the Midlands
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Climate Change brings many significant challenges across the environment, society, economy and technological dimensions. This conference will explore how enterprise, tourism and communities across the Midlands, in addressing and responding to climate change, are realising unique business opportunities, diversifying and strengthening both the local and regional economy. It will provide insight into available supports, case studies and will provide important lessons for enterprise, tourism, communities and local authorities alike, to create new projects, employment opportunities in taking positive and effective climate action. These valuable learnings can provide inspiration and an opportunity to replicate in other areas.
This conference is supported by the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Transition, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Just Transition Fund, 2021-2027 and Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026, working collaboratively with regional partners.
The conference will showcase how businesses, communities, tourism providers, local authorities and skills providers are capitalising on new opportunities and collaborating to become a more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant Midlands economy. Together we Thrive!
Why Attend?
This event is designed to support businesses, local authorities, and community groups in harnessing the opportunities created by climate action and regenerative tourism. Attendees will:
- Join a Growing Movement: Be part of a regional push towards a more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant Midlands economy.
- Gain Actionable Insights: Hear from practitioners, local and international on successful green economy and regenerative tourism initiatives
- Explore Business Opportunities: Learn how climate action can create new business opportunities and underpin economic growth in the Midlands.
- Develop Partnerships: Connect with tourism, enterprise, and community development leaders to foster long-term collaboration, driving economic successful.
Who Should Attend?
- Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to pivot towards sustainability
- Tourism and hospitality businesses
- Local authorities: Enterprise, Community, Climate & Tourism Teams
- Sustainable Energy Communities and remote working hubs
- Community groups and leaders, and development groups
- Skills providers and enterprise support agencies
Welcome: Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment
8.45-9.30 |
Registration |
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MC: Helen Carroll |
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9.30-9.50 |
Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Alan Dillon T.D. Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council |
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Session 1: Supports |
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09.50-10.05 |
Climate Proofing Business - First Stop Shop Orla Martin, Head of Offaly LEO |
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10.05-10.20 |
Sustainability is a Business Imperative Kathleen O’Regan, Sustainability Solutions, Enterprise Ireland |
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Session 2: Regenerative Tourism, Facilitated by Julie O’Brien, Sustainable Tourism Development Expert |
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10.20- 10.35 |
Regenerative Tourism – Spotlight conversation Paddy Mathews, Head of Irelands Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland
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10.35-11.00 |
Panel on Architects of Sustainable Tourism Destinations
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11.00-11.15 |
Behind The Green: Reimagine, Reset, and Reinvent Tourism Hans Pfister, Cayuga Collection, Costa Rica |
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11.15-11.40 |
Networking and Coffee |
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Session 3: Regional & Local Authority Initiatives |
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11.40-11.55 |
Driving STEM in the Midlands – Collaboration in Action Christine Collins, Broadband Officer, Longford County Council |
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11.55-12.10 |
Portlaoise Low Carbon Town – Decarbonisation Zone Angela McEvoy, Director of Services, Laois County Council |
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Session 4: Community Initiatives |
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12.10-12.25 |
Promoting Community Planning, Collaboration and Empowerment in Offaly Roisin Lennon, CEO, Offaly Local Development Company |
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12.25-12.45 12.45-14.00 |
Q&A Lunch |
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Session 5: Running Concurrently: Future Skills and Career Pathways (main stage) & Connecting and Collaborating, Tourism Networking Event, PH Egan Suite Session 5: Future Skills and Career Pathways – Panel Discussion, Main Stage Facilitated by Padraig Boland & John Costello |
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14.00 -15.30 |
Skills for Sustainability LEAN - Caroline Spollen Sustainable Agriculture – Grainne McGrath Modern Methods of Construction & Retrofitting –Yvonne Foy |
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Session 5: Connecting and Collaborating, Tourism Speed Networking Event, PH Egan Suite
14.00 -15.30: MC: Julie O’ Brien.
Playing your Part – be inspired by:
Role of the Individual - Malzards Pub & Hurling Experience, Fred Malzard
Inspiration from Midlands Heroes –
- Glamping under the Stars, Kyra Fingleton
- Fiona Egan, Fiona Egan – Cloughan Farm & Cookery School
Followed by Speed Networking, explore partnerships and opportunities
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027
Location
Tullamore Court Hotel, Offaly, R35 D406