Some of the biggest names in Marketing are set to appear at ICC Belfast on November 14th for a remarkable day of learning and networking.

The Big Marketing Meet Up will return this Autumn to bring professionals together in one place and the 10-hour programme is filled with plenty of presentations from industry experts including best selling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin.

Following his surprise appearance at last year’s event, Seth  has announced his return to the event this year to speak on his upcoming book, This Is Strategy, which all attendees will receive a free digital copy of.

Appearing via video link from his NYC studio, Seth’s inspirational talk will delve into the importance of strategy and how a seemingly small action today can result in a monumental change tomorrow.

Emmy award winning former CNN White House correspondent, Gina London will also be presenting at the event. With the conference taking place 9 days after the much-anticipated 2024 US election, Gina’s topical speech “Trump vs Harris, who stands out as the master of persuasion will examine their real life communications styles with real life application beyond political podiums.

Rounding off the initial three speakers announced for the event is Joe Glover, founder of the Marketing MeetUp.

Joe has managed to create a community of over 10,000  members, and will be urging marketers not to sweat the small stuff and why the craft of marketing is just as important as the tactics you use.

Organiser Treena Clarke has specifically curated an awe-inspiring list of speakers to make sure that guests will get the most out of the event, embracing networking opportunities as well as facilitating learning.

She said: “The success of our last meet-up showed the demand for a programme that provides key insights and discussions in a fun environment. 

“Our speakers and attendees ensure that this will be an event created by marketing professionals, for marketing professionals. It’s time for marketers to take time out, learn, and energise.”

The Big Marketing Meet-Up is designed to stimulate marketers, leaving them passionate about upcoming projects or with a reignited fire for the industry to ensure they excel at their careers moving forward.

To find out more about the programme and to secure earlybird tickets, go to bmmubelfast.com

Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. 

Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the ‘Land of Legends’.

The €500,000 investment in Adventure Lights reflects a commitment to creating a standout winter attraction for the region. As visitors traverse the illuminated path, they will be drawn into an interactive adventure that merges ancient Irish myths with engaging, family-friendly activities.

Edward Fuller, General Manager of Skypark, highlighted the significance of the event: “This event is not only a celebration of the unique heritage of Ireland, especially County Louth but also a crucial driver of local employment. By attracting thousands of visitors, we are creating new opportunities for local businesses and seasonal jobs, ensuring that the benefits are felt across the entire community.”

The event’s path takes visitors through themed zones including the Dolmen Adventure, Maze Adventure, Skynet Adventure, Mythology Adventure, and Extinction Adventure. These zones are brought to life through striking 2D and 3D illuminated statues, creating a magical atmosphere against the winter backdrop. As part of the adventure, participants can solve clues while learning about legendary figures from Irish folklore.

For a fresh take on exploration, visitors can experience Ireland’s Ancient East maze or enjoy the Skynet Adventure—a whole new experience after dark.

Alongside the activities, Adventure Lights will feature a range of food options. From pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries to sweet treats like crepes, donuts, and toasted marshmallows, visitors will have plenty of delicious choices to enjoy during their evening.

Thomas McArdle, Managing Director of Skypark, praised the hard work of the team, saying: “The Skypark team has truly gone above and beyond in bringing our Adventure Lights event to life. In partnership with Decoled, a specialist European lighting company, whose expertise will transform Skypark into a captivating winter destination, the team on the ground has been working tirelessly around the clock. Their dedication is turning Skypark into a one-of-a-kind event that promises to captivate visitors from near and far.”

As Carlingford is only one hour from Dublin and one hour from Belfast, and the Adventure Lights is expected to attract visitors from across the country, providing a much-needed boost to local tourism during the off-peak winter months. The opening hours of 4pm to 8pm and style of the event is designed for families, schools, and groups, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to combine outdoor adventure with the allure of Irish mythology.

This event is kindly supported by Failte Ireland and Louth County Council and Louth Leader.

For tickets and more information go to skypark.ie

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has opened applications for its highly anticipated Innovation Labs, an eight week programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to innovate with technology.

The forward-thinking initiative will empower women who have identified big problems they want to solve, applicants aren’t required to have a tech background or experience as the programme will teach them how to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, low-code/no-code tools,  to overcome business challenges, optimise workflows, and accelerate product development. 

“The Innovation Labs programme isn’t just for people who have tech industry experience, it will support all women regardless of their tech knowledge. We’re  busting the myths surrounding the idea that you need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech driven product or service” explained Mairin.

Funded through the Shared Island initiative, a collaboration supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, the programme is set to begin in mid-October and aims to create a supportive environment for 35 women entrepreneurs from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

A Unique Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs are part of a larger mission to address the gender gap in the tech industry by empowering women who may not come from a coding background. 

The programme is open to women founders who have already created a prototype or concept for a tech-driven product but may lack the technical expertise or roadmap to bring their ideas to market. 

Over the course of eight weeks, participants will be introduced to AI-driven tools, innovative frameworks, and hands-on learning, providing them with the confidence to lead tech product development.  

The women participating will benefit from a series of  hands-on workshops in Dublin and Belfast, complemented by a  schedule of online tool demonstrations, webinars, and mentoring sessions with industry experts. 

In addition to hands-on practical learning which requires only four-five hours per week commitment, the programme fosters a network of like-minded women founders who can share experiences and support each other throughout the process.

Building on Previous Success

The Innovation Labs builds upon the success of previous TechFoundHer Boot Camps held in 2023 and 2024. These one-day events provided an introduction to tech-driven business strategies and offered insight into how women founders can leverage technology for success. 

However, the Innovation Labs go one step further, offering a more comprehensive, deep-dive experience into specific tech topics, with an emphasis on learning by doing. The programme will have a focus on practical takeaways showing entrepreneurs how they can use tools to make progress fast

Mairin Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, explained the importance of such initiatives in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“Many women want to have an impact and solve big global problems and they want to use tech to achieve this.  But if you’re not a techie or coder – where do you start? The Innovation Labs programme maps out the steps” she said.

“The Innovation Labs aim to bridge the know-how  gap by building the skills and confidence needed to lead tech product development no matter what your background.

“The programme’s approach ensures that participants are not only introduced to tools and templates but also given the opportunity to put what they learn into practice immediately. 

“From prototyping tools to AI-driven insights, the Innovation Labs are designed to turn ideas into actionable solutions that can be implemented into participants’ businesses straight away.”

Supporting Cross-Border Innovation and Collaboration

In line with the Shared Island initiative the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs programme will promote cross-border innovation and collaboration, with a particular focus on helping female entrepreneurs in Ireland and Northern Ireland build the necessary tech skills to drive business success. 

Mairin added: “With only 20% of computer science graduates being female, programmes like this are critical to addressing the gender imbalance in tech-driven industries.

“The Shared Island initiative has recognised that many women founders face barriers due to a lack of technical skills. As a result the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs were developed with this in mind, providing tools and resources that allow non-technical founders to lead product development without relying on a technical co-founder.”

Applications and Eligibility Criteria

Applications for the Innovation Labs, also supported by KPMG, are now open and will close on Friday 4th October. The programme is open to women founders who have identified a tech-driven solution to grow their business and have at least a prototype or wireframe of their product. 

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to participate in the programme and a willingness to attend in-person labs in Dublin and Belfast.

The programme is limited to 35 participants, with places split between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants will be selected based on their business concept, potential for growth, and readiness to integrate technology into their operations.

How to Apply

Women entrepreneurs interested in joining the programme are encouraged to submit an expression of interest as soon as possible. 

The programme will kick off in October followed by a series of events and labs running until December 2024.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest go to techfoundher.com/innovation-labs 

A Northern Ireland disability rights campaigner has launched a new initiative that will allow wheelchair users to enjoy ‘all inclusive’ accessibility at local hospitality venues and hotels.

Shelley Cowan, from Enniskillen, was confined to bed, tube fed and unable to use her limbs for 12 years as a result of severe ME and spent a further decade as a wheelchair user.

She is now using her lived experience and research findings into the ‘purple pound’, the spending power of disabled people and their families, to help make all venues accessible with her campaign #accommodationforall.

She said: “When people think of ‘all-inclusive’, they think of ‘all you can eat’ food and drink. I want it to mean that hotels and venues are fully accessible for all.

“In 2024, it is shameful that there are not adequate facilities available for everyone. I know of people who have had to sleep on pool loungers at hotels because the hotel rooms aren’t accessible.

“Negative hospitality attitudes are commonplace, causing guests with severe disabilities to feel humiliated, ignored, unwanted and a nuisance. It isn’t good enough.”

Placing her passion into a project, Shelley founded Access Avenue, a business venture which she hopes will help people with disabilities to be included in society.

Speaking on her first-hand experience of the difficulties that disabled tourists are forced to accept, Shelley said: “I was a wheelchair user and it was following personal experience of ineffective hospitality venues that I researched the area to improve accessibility within hospitality and tourism.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to fully participate and explore equal, effective, enjoyable experiences – the campaign follows these 5E’s.

“For me, as a wheelchair user, travelling was inaccessible, unaffordable and too cumbersome to gain any real benefit from the experience.”

Speaking on the shocking conditions that guests with disabilities are faced with due to hotels frequently exaggerating their accessibility status, Shelley said her research concluded that: “75% of tourists with severe physical disabilities perceive current hotel venue barriers as excessive, increasingly difficult or unreasonable to navigate.

“50% of tourists with severe disabilities bring, purchase or rent their own heavy, expensive hoisting devices to be able to stay in hotels.”

Shelley herself shared that she fit into this category: “I had to purchase and transport a portable hoist, blow-up pressure relieving mattresses for myself and a mattress for a carer.”

To combat this, Shelley created the ‘Hotel Accessibility Grading Classification’, a system which aims to help guests understand the level of accessibility within certain venues.

From today, her outlined plan to work with hospitality providers in an attempt to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how they can change their premises in a positive move towards being more accessible is underway.
Shelley has previously conducted research into the problems faced by those with disabilities as part of her MSc in International Business.

The findings highlight major failings for people with disabilities and vast access barriers within the hospitality sector in the country, including how, despite there being hundreds of pet-friendly accommodation options in the UK, there are only 17 fully accessible hotels for disabled guests to choose from, with zero of these being found in Northern Ireland.

Shelley believes that her personal experience as a wheelchair user for ten years, and throughout her illness has fitted into all three categories of the grading system, has offered a unique insight into the daily barriers faced by those who have disabilities, developing a fail-proof of adequate provision for the hotel industry.

Shelley said: “Overall, Northern Ireland hotel accessible offerings are limited, basic, impractical and inadequately designed, however this was found to also be a global issue.

“Hospitality, particularly hotels, lose millions of pounds due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

“To be able to stay away from home for even one night took weeks of rigorous planning and several phone calls to the hotel to ensure the venue and facilities were suitable for my needs.

“The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

Having conducted numerous interviews with domestic and international wheelchair-using tourists, Shelley discovered they find accommodation providers in Northern Ireland inadequate, inaccessible and unavailable for the severely disabled.

Shelley said her findings show that this is a regional, national and global issue, impacting the tourism industry, and she believes that accommodation providers lose millions of pounds annually due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

She said: “Hotel guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests.
“Guests with disabilities want barrier-free travel with accommodation as stated. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

The purple pound is the spending power of disabled households, currently valued at £274 billion per year in the UK alone and $8 trillion globally; £12 billion of the former figure is in accessible tourism, signalling the potential that hospitality companies are excluding by ignoring this demographic.

Rounding off her remarks with advice for the sector, Shelley Cowan said: “I believe accommodation providers with full accessibility will benefit from an increase in trade from the ‘purple pound’.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone if we work together.”