By Patrice O’Mahony, Business Development Officer - Conferences, Meet in Ireland

What effects has Covid had on our industry, in your view?

Covid-19 decimated the events sector in Ireland and globally; however, post pandemic, there has been huge pent-up demand to return to face to face engagement, and recovery has been strong. Hybrid working has resulted in a reduction in the numbers of office workers and regular business travellers in city centres and, for this reason, in person business events and networking opportunities are even more important than ever before.

During Covid-19, Meet in Ireland had the honour of standing side by side with trade partners to help them survive. The nature of our work completely changed, and we had to flex and adapt to the needs of our industry partners. Our work focus shifted to supporting business survival throughout the most challenging time for our industry, and we developed and implemented a re-boot plan so that together we could create our best future. During the pandemic, industry partners pulled together to fight for sector survival and to set ourselves up to build back better. The Irish Government recognised the importance of the tourism and events industry and provided much needed supports to aid survival. Collaboration, collective thinking and problem solving was the order of the day to help find solutions to challenges that we had never experienced. We came together as an industry and helped each other manage uncertainty, cancellations, rescheduling of events, and in some cases, we simply provided human support to our fellow colleagues. Covid-19 has taught us that we are a truly resilient industry and that by pulling together we can emerge stronger from a crisis.

Did you know, that…?

The Dublin Bounce – An ideal association conference destination, Dublin is a modern, vibrant city with a rich heritage and state-of-the-art facilities. Research shows that Dublin typically sees an increase of 10% on delegate numbers for international association conferences due to destination appeal.

Sustainable Dublin – Dublin is home to the world’s first purpose-built, carbon neutral convention centre. Dublin is also proud of the fact that 100% of its congress and exhibition centres are third party certified for sustainability and 95% of hotel room stock is easily accessible (within 30 minutes) by public transport to these exhibition centres. It was the first city in Ireland to join the Global Destination Sustainability Index

Our People – We are an English-speaking population that are known around the world for our warm hospitality and our enduring ‘Irish welcome’. We are proud that Dublin has been voted the ‘Lonely Planet Guide’s Friendliest City’ – twice! We’re always happy to tell you about the craic, atmosphere, culture, music and history of Dublin, but really, there’s no substitute for experience.

Where to meet?

Dublin boasts more than 120 venues and hotels with capacity to host MICE events and offers a fascinating mix of historic venues from medieval crypts and 17th century theatres to castles, Georgian townhouses, libraries and old military hospitals. Iconic venues such as Trinity College Dublin, the Mansion House, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Powerscourt Townhouse and the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) offer an incredible delegate experience. The purpose built and multi award winning Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) was awarded World Travel Awards, World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre in 2022 – the third time it has won this title since 2017, and it has been awarded Europe's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for the past six years in a row!

Where to stay?

Dublin boasts over 20,000 hotel rooms within a six-mile radius including the city’s largest conferencing hotel, the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (over 500 bedrooms and 20 meeting rooms) and Georgian delights such as the Merrion Hotel, the historic Shelbourne Hotel, and the Westin Hotel located on the doorstep of Trinity College. Dublin’s world class educational institutes are also home to over 4,400 on-campus accommodation beds to complement the exceptional 3, 4 and 5 star hotel offering across the city.

Dublin has also had some exciting recent hotel openings including:

• Radisson Blu / Dublin Royal Convention Centre (opened November 2022)
• Travelodge Plus (opening to the public in April 2023), which will offer 393 bedrooms close the CCD
• The Samuel (opened 2022)
• Dublin One
• StayCity Aparthotels
• Hampton by Hilton Four Courts

How to get there?

Ireland makes things easy. Located on the edge of Europe and less than six hours from the east coast of the United States, we’re easy to get to, easy-going, and most importantly, easy to do business with. Only two hours from many mainland Europe capitals and 50 minutes from London, access to Ireland is simple from most parts of the world. Over 189 US flights, 1,368 EU flights and 1,159 UK flights arrive into Ireland every week, with Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Kerry and Belfast Airports always ready to cater for international visitors. As the only country in Europe to offer US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance prior to departure at both Dublin and Shannon airports, travelling back across the Atlantic from Ireland couldn’t be more convenient.

Do you offer any special services/assistance for associations?

Meet in Ireland is here to help you deliver exceptional events every time you bring delegates to Ireland. If you are thinking about hosting an Association Conference in Ireland, get in touch with us early in the bidding process. We provide Site Inspection Funding to help with site inspections, we offer Bid Support Funding to support the bidding process and Programme Enhancement Funding to help boost delegate numbers. We also offer excellent Practical Supports including access to our presentation toolkit with images and videos to help sell Ireland. We can also introduce you to our network of approved partners including Professional Conference Organisers, Destination Management Companies, or Dublin and Regional Convention Bureaux. Further information can be found here
https://www.meetinireland.com/supports

Personal recommendation/insider tips?

Explore our coastlines! Dublin’s a great city – but it’s so much more than that. Travel north or south of the city centre by DART rail service, car, bus or bike, and you’ll find a sparkling string of coastal towns, beaches, harbours and bracing sea views. There is nothing better than enjoying the freshest Irish seafood accompanied by a local craft beer or our famous Guinness after a refreshing walk on the beach or a hike in the Dublin Mountains!

Whom to contact?

Patrice O’Mahony
Business Development Officer – Conferences, Meet in Ireland
patrice.omahony@failteireland.ie
https://www.meetinireland.com/