- Over 300 delegates attended the conference.
- The event took place on 21 May 2026.
- Speakers included Niall Breslin and Dr Mary Collins.
- The sector employs over 69,000 people directly.
- A national database of opportunities exists at tourismcareers.ie.
The Irish Hotels Federation has hosted its fifth annual People Day Conference at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise and explored the theme The Human Workplace in the Age of AI. Over 300 delegates including general managers, owners and HR professionals attended the event on 21 May 2026. Sessions covered AI in HR, leadership wellbeing and human-centred digital transformation.
Niall Breslin, Dr Lollie Mancey, Dermot Whelan and other speakers addressed topics such as menopause in the workplace, the power of mattering and leading across generations. Matt O’Connor highlighted the sector’s employment of over 69,000 people directly. The conference coincided with International HR Day 2026.
Delegates examined opportunities and risks of AI while stressing the human element in hospitality. The event included keynote talks, panels and interactive sessions. Support came from Alkimii, Fáilte Ireland and IHF Skillnet.
Matt O’Connor shared “At the heart of every great hotel and guesthouse is our people. One concept that really struck me today is the importance of ‘mattering’.”
