Hoteliers are gathering today for the Irish Hotels Federation Annual Conference and Showtel Trade Exhibition at the Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney.
The conference will open on Tuesday with a speech by Michael Magner, IHF President, and will feature addresses from key sponsors Electric Ireland and Musgrave MarketPlace, followed by the IHF President’s Award presentation during the gala dinner.
Pre-conference events include a golf competition at Dooks Golf Links in Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, a boat trip to Innisfallen Island on Lough Leane, and a historical walking tour of Ross Island’s copper mines, concluding with a welcome buffet and golf prize-giving at the Fiadh Restaurant.
On Monday, the Showtel Trade Exhibition will commence, followed by an Annual General Meeting and workshops focusing on hotel sales and marketing, culminating in the Irish Hotels Federation Employee of the Year Awards and the President’s Dinner that evening.
The speakers include:
- Gilles Babinet – A self-taught entrepreneur and author, Gilles serves as France’s Digital Champion since 2012. He will explore how the Digital Revolution and AI can transform organizations for the better, emphasizing agility in the face of technological change.
- Mary Considine – CEO of Shannon Airport, Mary will join the discussion on enhancing Ireland’s air network and supporting sustainable solutions for tourism growth.
- Eoghan Corry – Editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan will provide an industry perspective on the promotion of sustainable air access and the associated challenges within Ireland’s aviation sector.
- Barry Cowen – Also an MEP, Barry will contribute to the dialogue on tourism’s role in the economic landscape and the implications of EU policies for Ireland.
- Jenny De Saulles – As the Director of Sector Development at Fáilte Ireland, Jenny will address the industry’s challenges and the path forward for sustainable tourism development.
- Alan Evans – Director of Hospitality & Guest Experience at Ryder Cup Europe, Alan will provide insights on the upcoming Centenary Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027 and discuss its potential impact on Ireland’s golf tourism industry.
- Peter Jordan – Head of Insights at TOPOSOPHY, Peter specializes in sustainable tourism planning. He will share expertise on the social sustainability of Ireland’s tourism sector and the importance of community relationships in destination development.
- Billy Kelleher – Another member of the European Parliament, Billy will participate in discussions on Ireland’s tourism outlook and the challenges in achieving sustainable growth.
- Sean Kelly – A member of the European Parliament, Sean will address the strategic development of a resilient tourism sector in line with the EU’s Agenda for Tourism 2030 during the panel discussion.
- Conall Mac Coille – Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland, Conall will discuss the economic challenges facing Ireland in a fragmented global order, including a projected GDP decline in 2024 due to multinational sector contractions.
- Niall MacCarthy – Managing Director of Cork Airport, Niall will discuss the role of air access in promoting tourism and addressing regulatory barriers in Ireland’s aviation policy.
- Siobhan McManamy – Director of Markets & Partnerships at Tourism Ireland, Siobhan will engage in discussions regarding market strategies to enhance Ireland’s position in the tourism sector.
- Norah Patten – An aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher, Norah will share her inspirational journey toward becoming Ireland’s first astronaut, discussing her groundbreaking work and the mindset required for success in high-performance teams.
- Sarah Ryan – Director of Communications at DAA, Sarah will share insights on effective communications strategies that promote the sustainable development of air access in Ireland.
A written statement shared: Michael magnierThe hospitality sector is navigating a complex mix of recovery with unique challenges. Hotels, particularly those with significant food and beverage operations, are grappling with rising costs and evolving guest expectations, which are impacting profitability despite stable or slightly improving occupancy levels. The conference will touch on dynamic and forward-thinking topics, including key areas like sustainability, innovation, and resilience, as well as Ireland’s growing position as both a sporting and tourism destination.
