“Prepare to be stimulated, inspired and amazed,” says Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC) as the final countdown begins to one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious business events. The EBN Congress is now only 10 days away from its debut appearance in Northern Ireland to be held in Derry~Londonderry from 29th-31st May 2013.
Headlined by Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, the Derry-based organisers NORIBIC, have secured an unparalleled line-up of 50 top class speakers from throughout Europe and as far away as China and Australia. Over 450 delegates have already signed up to attend with new registrations coming in on a daily basis. Exhibition space at the Millennium Forum conference venue is sold out with over 40 exhibitors confirmed and a growing waiting list. Sponsorship has also exceeded targets with top line support from Invest Northern Ireland, DCAL and ILEX as well as another 19 well-known private and public sector organisations from throughout Northern Ireland.
Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of NORIBIC says that the EBN Congress provides a unique opportunity to hear and engage with some of the world’s leading innovators and entrepreneurs. “In my experience there has never been a line-up to match this in Northern Ireland. Focusing on the themes of Digital, Social and Cultural Innovation, the breadth of expertise and experience on offer is nothing less than awesome and we cannot wait to get started. Our European delegates and those from closer to home will not only be informed and inspired but also entertained by an eclectic mix of cultural experiences so it really is a conference with a difference. There are still a few delegate places left and with a specially reduced fee specifically for Northern Ireland businesses we would encourage registration without delay.”
Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, will be joined by Sir Tim Smit KBE, famous for his work creating the Eden Project which is often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’; USA based Richard Florida, the best-selling author on the economic importance of the creative industries and described as an ‘intellectual rock star’; and Benjamin Southworth, Deputy CEO and Head of Community of the Tech City Investment Organisation in London.
EBN Congress 2013 will include a series of events and exhibitions including the Digital, Cultural and Social Innovation networking Villages. It will begin on 29th May with a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Derry, followed by a cultural welcome event in the Craft Village. The Millennium Forum will then stage the main conference on 30th and 31st May with a Gala Dinner and Concert showcasing many local acts at The Venue at Ebrington on the Thursday evening (30th May).
In addition to the Principal Sponsors, the EBN Congress is also supported by SEUPB’s INTERREG IVA Programme, the Irish BICS, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB), Derry City Council, Pi Communications, the Nerve Centre, Learning Pool, Bombardier, Concentrix, Matrix, Carson and McDowell, Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP), Seagate, North West Regional College (NWRC) the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), Tayto and Bushmills.