Ireland’s call answered by Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassadors
Fáilte Ireland will honour 80 Conference Ambassadors at the National Conference Ambassador Recognition Awards ceremony, which will take place in Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 23rd November 2018. The recipients, from a variety of professional and academic backgrounds, will be given the awards for bidding and hosting an international conference of scale in Ireland between 2015 and 2017.
Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme was developed to support individuals deliver international conferences to Ireland. The programme provides relevant impartial assistance and financial support to anyone seeking to bring an international conference to Ireland, from the initial bidding stage all the way through to the marketing and promotion of the event.
Speaking ahead of the event, Fáilte Ireland Head of Commercial Development Paul Mockler emphasised:
Over 75 per cent of all international conferences in Ireland do so at the direct invitation of a local Irish member or host and would not have been won without Conference Ambassadors. Therefore, we are recognising them not only for their significant contribution to the local economy, but also for the part they have played in building Ireland’s reputation as a compelling knowledge hub and attractive destination in which to do business.
Each business tourism delegate that comes to Ireland is worth approximately €1600, three times as much as the average leisure tourist. Conferences like this are not only important in terms of generating significant revenue for Ireland, they also leave a lasting legacy in terms of being recognised as a centre of innovation and excellence in their field.
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The 2016 Conference Ambassador of the Year, Brian Stapleton, Managing Director of Periploi Aviation said:
I was delighted to be the inaugural recipient of the Conference Ambassador of the Year Award and am incredibly proud of how Ireland has competed against stiff international competition to host these conferences, and bring these aviation business leaders to Ireland where they have enjoyed our unique culture and personality.
“While hosting these conferences, we have seen many great friendships renewed; memories created and opportunities for business being done in Ireland, all of which benefits our economy and makes being a Conference Ambassador so worthwhile.
I could not have done it alone and must also acknowledge everyone—individuals, government agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, and companies who supported me in winning the various bids, and who worked tirelessly in delivering outstanding service and experience to the thousands of international delegates during their time in Ireland.
I would encourage anyone who is influential to use it, and become a Conference Ambassador. While it has its challenges, it is incredibly rewarding to see international delegates coming to our country and having a great time here. Be bold and brave, go out there and tell the world how good we are at delivering business conferences.”