The third Irish Hotels Federation people day conference has taken place in Portlaoise, focusing on career development, leadership, wellbeing, inclusivity, and AI.
Expert speakers included Performance Psychologist Caroline Currid, Broadcaster David Meade, and Social Entrepreneur Dil Wickremasinghe who discussed HR trends and innovative practices.
The conference provides a platform for meaningful discussions on issues within the sector, such as inclusiveness, personal growth, and innovation, and highlights the career opportunities and flexibility available in tourism
Michael Magner, IHF President, said: “in our profession, we speak at length about the guest experience and take pride in the outstanding service and world-class welcome that we offer. Today, we take a step back from that and look at how we can best accommodate, encourage and enable the many wonderful people who have chosen a career in hospitality.
“Today’s event not only brings us together, but it also provides a platform to engage in meaningful discussions about vital issues within our sector. We have an exceptional line up of expert speakers, alongside panels of our peers, who will share their insights into how we can create a culture of inclusiveness, personal growth and innovation where our teams have the support they need to achieve their goals.
“This is an essential strategic objective for the IHF and an integral part of our focus on supporting career development and nurturing people within our sector. Right across the country hoteliers are investing in their teams, whether through bespoke education and training initiatives such as the IHF Skillnet programme, or through an increased focus on wellbeing, diversity and inclusion at work.
“A career in tourism presents a wide range of exciting options suitable for individuals at any stage of their working lives. One remarkable aspect of pursuing a career in our sector is the unparalleled flexibility it provides.
“We understand the growing demand for greater flexibility over work hours, especially among those re-entering the workforce, and hotels and guesthouses are uniquely positioned to accommodate these needs.”
