DROP-IN CLINIC
* A free business clinic for companies and new start-ups in the Newry/Dundalk area will take place on January 29 in the Carrickdale Hotel, Co Louth. It will operate on a 'drop-in clinic' format where business representatives can call in at any stage between 9.30am and 1pm. The event, jointly hosted by the Newry and Dundalk Chambers of Commerce and supported by InterTradeIreland and Louth County Enterprise Board, will also feature a workshop on writing tenders. To register or for more information email info@newrychamber.com
DIGITAL SUMMIT
* The Management & Leadership Network (MLN) will present its Digital Marketing Summit in W5 at the Odyssey on Thursday February 5 (8am-11.30am) as part of Management Month 2015. It will bring together leading experts from the fields of academia, law, PR and digital marketing to challenge conventional thinking on digital marketing and will appeal to those with responsibility for their organisation's online activity. The summit, which is free to attend, will provide attendees with fresh insights, ideas and inspiration to create digital strategies that deliver in 2015 and beyond.
INAUGURAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL
* The inaugural Northern Ireland Science Festival (www.nisciencefestival.com), the first large-scale festival celebrating the wonders of science, technology, engineering and maths in the region - is due to take place from February 19 to March 1. It will comprise more than 70 entertaining and informative events, internationally recognised speakers and will also witness a science-themed Guinness Book of
World Record attempt in the Odyssey Arena. Funded by the Department of Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council, Queen's University, Ulster University and the British Council, events will take place primarily in Belfast but extend to other areas throughout Northern Ireland. Festival director Chris McCreery said the region's rich heritage in the fields of science, technology and engineering are the equal of any on the world stage and worthy of recognition. "We aim to celebrate, educate and engage our next generation of scientists and technology professionals," he said. "Northern Ireland is the home of a whole host of innovations across engineering, physics, aeronautics and health - this festival is all about taking pride in our contribution to science and creating a really engaging celebration suitable for folks of all ages and levels of knowledge."
VENTURE CAPITAL CONFERENCE
* The 14th InterTradeIreland annual venture capital conference, hosted north and south on alternate years and always a sell-out, takes place at The Helix, DCU, Dublin, on March 11. It brings together the island's new and growing companies seeking investment along with all of the funds and individuals with money to invest. Speakers include Cathal McGloin, chief executive of FeedHenry recently acquired by Red Hat; and Niamh Bushnell, Dublin's first Commissioner for Start-ups. Delegates can also share the experience of four companies and how they raised funding for their businesses. Registration is now open with an early bird rate of £129 available if you book before the end of January.
DIGITAL MARKETING DIPLOMA n RUA Digital has been selected to deliver the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing in partnership with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). The diploma - which is recognised in more than 40 countries - provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the various channels and activities required to plan, implement and manage a comprehensive digital marketing plan for a business. It is suitable for anyone who is involved in the implementation of an organisation's online strategy. The course is available in four different locations (Belfast, Derry, Newry and Sligo) from early March and runs over 10 weeks on a part-time basis. Places are limited for the Diploma and the deadline for booking your place is Friday February 20. You can book by phoning RUA Digital on 028 87759784 or online at www. digitalmarketinginstitute. com. The full course fees including accreditation are £1,200 VAT.
* ON TOUR: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board's 37th annual Tourism Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in the industry, take place at the Whitla Hall in Belfast on Thursday May 14, with 11 gongs up for grabs, including two new categories for Sustainable Tourism and Best Marketing Mix. The deadline for submission of entries is Monday February 9, and details on all the categories and how to enter are available at www. nitourismawards. com. Pictured launching the awards are Susie McCullough, NITB director of business support and events, and UTV's Marc Mallett, who will compere the ceremony