WORKFORCE SUMMIT
NI Chamber of Commerce’s Future Workforce Summit will return to Titanic Belfast on Thursday October 17 (8am to 1.30pm), when Economy Minister Conor Murphy will join business leaders to discuss some of the most significant people and skills challenges facing the north’s economy.
The most comprehensive event of its kind will see more than twenty subject matter experts share their ideas, experience and insight into issues like ‘Good Jobs,’ developing future talent, green skills, the adoption of AI and the development of a healthy workforce.
It will also address major economic policy priorities including cross-border mobility and competitive advantage, focusing on solutions to address the distinct skills and training needs of the region.
Attendees will hear from Paul Healy, chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, who will share his experience at the helm of an organisation which is a prominent force in skills development for Irish enterprise, as well as a diverse range of panelists from organisations including the NI Skills Council, Young Enterprise and the AI Collaboration Centre alongside businesses like Energia, Microsoft and Analytics Engines.
Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor NIE Networks and supporting sponsors Workplus, EY and Finnebrogue, the event is free for NI Chamber members to attend. The cost for non-members is £60.
APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS
The NI Apprenticeship Awards, which recognise apprentices, their mentors, employers and training organisations who have demonstrated exceptional progress as well as personal achievement and commitment, will culminate in a special awards ceremony on Wednesday March 26 2025.
Applications are open from now until noon on Friday November 8 across eight categories: apprentice of the year (Levels 2-3); higher level apprentice of the year (Level 4+); public sector apprentice; large employer in partnership with a training provider (employers with 250 employees and over); SME in partnership with a training provider (employers with fewer than 250 employees); mentor; diversity and inclusion; and public sector employer in partnership with a training provider.
Economy minister Conor Murphy said: “Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our economic strategy. They provide invaluable opportunities for people of all ages, from young people starting out on their career to those who wish to retrain or return to the workforce. They also provide employers with the pipeline of talented people they need to grow their business and be competitive.
“These Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic platform upon which the many outstanding achievements of our apprentices, employers and training providers can be rightly recognised and publicly celebrated. The awards celebrate the vital role apprenticeships play in building a prosperous future for all. I encourage everyone involved with apprenticeships to participate in this year’s awards, because your stories of success can inspire others to embark on this rewarding career path.”
More information, including full details on application criteria for each of the awards, along with how to apply, is available at: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/northern-ireland-apprenticeship-awards
SUSTAIN EXCHANGE SUMMIT
The Sustain Exchange Summit, now in its fourth year, will bring leaders from organisations of all shapes, sizes and sectors together to explore how they can help avert the climate crisis.
Taking place on Wednesday October 16 (10am–2.30pm) at ICC Belfast, it will provide a platform for local leaders to address today’s most pressing sustainability challenges and learn how they can ensure a future for our children and grandchildren – the greatest leadership challenge of our time.
The summit will feature John Elkington, widely regarded as the ‘Godfather’ of global sustainability and creator of the ‘triple bottom line’ concept, alongside a host of world-renowned speakers including writer and broadcaster Lucy Siegle, serial change-maker and environmentalist Chris Hines MBE and UN Committee member Eimear Manning.
Further contributions will come from a panel of local pioneers of sustainability including Kartrina Thompson from Artemis technologies, the Belfast based company on a mission to lead the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
The summit is delivered by the non-profit Management and Leadership Network (MLN) and supported by Belfast City Council, Danske Bank, ICC Belfast, Carbonfit and Solmatix Renewables.
There are a limited number of in-person places available for purchase for the event. Tickets have been heavily subsidised by the event partners but pre-registration at www.sustain-exchange.com is essential.
HYDROGEN CONFERENCE
Construction giant Graham will host a hydrogen conference on Thursday November 7 at its offices in Hillsborough entitled “Exploring the opportunities and barriers surrounding the use of green hydrogen within the construction sector”.
The free event, which will run from 10am to noon, will bring together industry leaders and experts from the construction, environment, sustainability, and renewable energy sectors to explore the critical role hydrogen can play in decarbonising the built environment.
Attendees will have the opportunity to share insights into the sector’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
With the built environment accounting for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, Graham recognises the urgent need for the construction industry to adopt alternative energy sources.
The conference will focus on its own pioneering hydrogen trial, conducted in partnership with Hydrologiq and Connected Places Catapult, which replaced diesel generators with hydrogen-powered alternatives on a live construction site.
Lianne Taylor, Graham’s head of environmental sustainability, who will lead the discussions and share the project’s findings, said: “Green hydrogen presents a real solution to the challenges facing the construction sector as we work towards net zero. Our trial has shown that hydrogen can be introduced. However, whilst the findings we will present at the conference will demonstrate that hydrogen is a viable alternative for the future of construction, there are a number of barriers yet to overcome.”
Benjamin Lindley, co-founder and COO of Hydrologiq, and Stuart Blackburn, technical operations manager at Hydrologiq, who supported Graham in delivering the hydrogen trial, will share their expertise on the deployment of hydrogen technology in construction.
Nathan Skillen, co-chair of the research and development working group at Hydrogen Ireland, and a lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, will provide academic perspectives on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising industry, and Rachel Sankannawar, head of green economy development at Invest NI, will discuss how the local economy is positioning itself to embrace the green hydrogen revolution.
To book a free place email environment@Graham.co.uk
VOICES OF LEADERSHIP
Northern Ireland’s leading business voices will explore how purpose-driven leadership can deliver a sustainable future at the 2024 Women in Business Voices of Leadership Conference, with NIE Networks as headline sponsor.
Taking place on November 14 at Mandela Hall, Belfast, the premier event is set to welcome over 400 women from a broad range of sectors to discuss the conference theme of ‘People, Purpose, Planet’.
Among the key speakers are Danske Bank chief executive Vicky Davies, Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott, and Northern Ireland’s first chief scientific and technology adviser Professor Helen McCarthy, who will each bring insights into how purpose-driven leadership can ignite meaningful change for both people and the planet.
The 2024 conference will be delivered in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast in conjunction with the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils’ Global Innovation Summit (GIS), taking place in Belfast from November 11-15.
Women in Business managing director Lorraine Acheson said: “By bringing together an esteemed line-up of local and international Voices of Leadership, we have an opportunity to delve deep into the principles of leading with purpose.
“In today’s changing world, there is an urgent need for leadership that prioritises people and planet equally. Women in Business and the wider WiB Group aims to bring greater gender parity to senior management positions across Northern Ireland and beyond, empowering today’s female leaders who can have a greater impact on tomorrow.”
Paula Leatham, head of human resources at conference sponsors NIE Networks, added: “On the day, our senior manager for sustainability and environment Judy McElroy will be part of the leadership and sustainability panel, discussing the ways in which we can work collectively to unlock the business benefits inherent in more sustainable practices. NIE Networks are committed to making Northern Ireland a greener, cleaner and more prosperous place to live for generations to come.”
SCHOOL CENTENARY BALL
The worlds of business education will collide when St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena hosts a gala ball in the Tullyglass House Hotel on Saturday November 9 as the culmination of its centenary celebrations, at which the headline sponsor is the JAQ Group, a fragrance and skincare company founded by past pupil Connor Martin.
Funds raised from the event will go towards providing two modern new science rooms at St Louis’ - the first at the school in more than 30 years.
And the winning bidder of a special auction on the night will have the opportunity to work with Connor, who is seen as a key innovator in perfume and e-commerce, to create their own bespoke perfume, name it and even design the packaging.
Jacqui O’Neill, principal of St Louis, said: “I’m delighted JAQ Group and its founder Connor Martin will be the main sponsor of the ball.
“As a recent past pupil here, Connor has achieved great success with JAQ. It has been wonderful to watch his career and to see the business grow and create many jobs locally.”
The gala ball (details at www.friendsofstlouisballymena.com) will be compered by former pupil Declan Lawn, fresh from his success with ‘Blue Lights’, and will feature a selection of entertainment and performances from past pupils, including the talented ‘Celtic Woman’ Tara McNeill.
EASTSIDE AWARDS
The ninth Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport, which recognise the best of business in East Belfast, are opened for applications, with a number of new categories added for 2025.
And this year the public is being encouraged to cast their vote for eight online categories, while the remaining 10 categories will be judged from either written application or video entry.
Entries must be submitted by October 18 via www.eastsideawards.org and east Belfast TV presenter Tara Mills will then host the awards ceremony on Friday January 31 2025 in Hastings Stormont Hotel, with the finalists’ drinks reception sponsored by Catalyst.
CINEMAGIC FESTIVAL
The Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People has begun its 35th annual run in Belfast.
Festival goers will have the chance to experience a thought-provoking world cinema programme, film industry master-classes, contemporary shorts, classic and brand-new family and teen films, the Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition, and film jury panels for young film critics, with over 120 events in Ulster Museum, Queen’s Film Theatre, The Belfast Barge, Accidental Theatre, Black Box, and Odeon Cinemas Belfast.
The 2024 line-up features film previews from all over the world with a major highlight, the Northern Ireland preview of a new adaptation of literary sensation Peter Brown’s beloved The Wild Robot from DreamWorks Animation. The much-anticipated animation, directed by Chris Sanders, previewed at Toronto International Film Festival to high acclaim and Belfast audiences will see it on October 14 in advance of its release in UK and Ireland.
Screen industry guests sharing their knowledge and expertise at workshops for the next generation include directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor (Baltimore), Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise), Lisa Mulcahy (Lies We Tell); actors Frankie Corio (Aftersun), Agnes O’Casey (The Miracle Club), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack), Jenny James (The Madame Blanc Mysteries);and producer Ameenah Ayub Allen (Rocks).
Additional disciplines that emerging film-makers can delve into include film music supervising, visual effects with Framestore, and creating animation puppets with Mackinnon and Saunders. Cinemagic screen industry stalwart, film critic Mark Kermode, will visit for the 20th anniversary of the Mark Kermode Film Night, to presents a rock n’ roll evening screening of Slade in Flame!
Cinemagic chief executive Joan Burney Keatings said: “As a leader in the area of youth film exhibition and engagement with world class talent from the screen industry, we are excited to utilise film to provide a window to the world and celebrate cultural diversity. With continued support from our funders Cinemagic can inspire and educate young people, nurture skills, and develop tomorrow’s creatives. I really encourage festival supporters and new audiences to get involved this autumn and enjoy the wonder of cinema.”
MENOPAUSE CONFERENCE
The inaugural Menopause NI Conference will take place on Friday October 18 in Belfast. Coinciding with World Menopause Day, it aims to bring together women and employers to understand and address the unique challenges faced by women experiencing menopause in the workplace.
The one-day event in the Clayton Hotel on Ormeau Avenue will serve as a platform for education, discussion, and collaboration, focusing on what women need from their employers during this pivotal life stage.
The event is being hosted by Siobhan Kearney, founder of Menopause NI, who has been working extensively with businesses in the north to create more awareness of the impact menopause can have on women in the workplace.
She has carried out research into women’s experiences of menopause in Northern Ireland and created the first Menopause Manifesto highlighting what support women need when they are experiencing menopause symptoms.
Siobhan will also be joined by GP Dr Andrea Latimer, an occupational health doctor, primary care women’s health and menopause specialist. Her extensive experience with a focus on holistic care and women’s health in the workplace, positions her perfectly to address the challenges of menopause for both employers and employees.
Also speaking and delivering interactive workshops at the event will be Michelle McGinley from the Employers Federation, personal trainer and menopause coach Geraldine McAleenan, author and founder of Be Inspired to Be Belinda O’Neill and nutritionist Jane McClenaghan. Menopause advocate and BBC NI’s health correspondent Marie Louise Connolly will be facilitating the event.
For more information about the Menopause NI Conference and to register, visit www.menopauseni.com
BIG DATA BELFAST
Big Data Belfast’s 10th anniversary conference takes place on October 23 at the ICC Belfast.
Over the past decade, Big Data Belfast, organised by Analytics Engines, has established itself as the premier event for data enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators.
This year’s conference, Supported by headline sponsor EY, will delve into cutting-edge developments in data and AI, with expert speakers and dynamic panel sessions on pivotal topics including generative AI, digital transformation, and business analytics.
The global generative AI market is projected to reach a staggering £110 billion by 2030 and will feature strongly on this year’s agenda with many local and top international experts taking to the stage.
The conference will feature in-depth discussions on AI-powered solutions, AI-enabled search, AI-generated content, and more, providing invaluable insights into the technology’s transformative potential across industries.
Dr Aislinn Rice, managing director of Analytics Engines, said: “As one of Northern Ireland’s leading innovators in AI and data, we have a deep understanding of the complex challenges businesses face today and how data can unlock transformative value. We are excited to bring Big Data Belfast back to the ICC for our 10th anniversary, a milestone that reflects not only the growth of this event but also the significant advancements in the data and AI landscape.
“This year, we’re excited to showcase ground-breaking innovations, including our own, that are creating significant value for users and solving real-world business challenges. We’re confident that Big Data Belfast 2024 will continue to be a pivotal platform for driving meaningful dialogue, fostering collaboration, and inspiring impactful solutions across industries.”
More details on the event at www.bigdatabelfast.com
SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
The 2024 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards have been set for October 24 at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Belfast, where the best in sustainable innovation will be recognised.
Cork-based sustainable consultancy firm Climeaction has come on board as the main sponsor. Renowned for its cutting-edge solutions in reducing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental performance, Climeaction who is expanding its influence to the United States, continues to champion green initiatives across the Island of Ireland.
Its chief executive Paul Murphy said: " We are delighted to partner with the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards in recognising the critical role businesses play in driving sustainable growth. It’s an honour to celebrate those paving the way for a better future.”
Supported by NIE Networks, Danske Bank, Everun, AD Sustainability, Adler & Allan, Visit Belfast and media partner U105 to name but a few, the awards promise to be a landmark event in the sustainability calendar. More details at allirelandsustainability.com.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS
The 2024 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza, Shaws Bridge, Belfast on Friday November 8, compered by BBC NI radio presenter and SENI Ambassador Cate Conway.
Organised by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI), the awards, now in their 12th year and which have Go Succeed as headline sponsor, have rapidly become extremely popular and well attended event, with over 600 people from the private, public, and charitable sectors.
They recognise and celebrate excellence in the social enterprise sector and the outstanding achievements of those organisations, individuals and leaders delivering amazing impact in local communities.
SENI chief executive Colin Jess said: “This has become one of the most anticipated awards evenings of the year, with attendances growing year on year. We continue to be amazed by the level of networking that takes place on the evening so just because you haven’t entered or been short-listed, make sure to come along and enjoy the night with other likeminded individuals”.
More details and booking details at https://socialenterpriseni.org/events/ni-social-enterprise-awards-2024
BIG MARKETING MEET UP
Some of the biggest names in marketing will appear at ICC Belfast on November 14 at the Big Marketing Meet Up, day of learning and networking, which is designed to leave them passionate about upcoming projects or with a reignited fire for the industry to ensure they excel at their careers.
The 10-hour programme is filled with plenty of presentations from industry experts including best selling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin, who will 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, as is Joe Glover, founder of the Marketing Meet Up.
Joe has managed to create a community of over 10,000 members, and will be urging marketers not to sweat the small stuff and will share 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.”
To find out more about the programme and to secure tickets visit www.bmmubelfast.com
FOOD TO GO AWARDS
The first ever NI Food to Go Awards, in association with Henderson Foodservice, take place on November 19 at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, hosted by radio presenter Ibe Sesay.
As well as title sponsor, Henderson Foodservice, category sponsors are Smartpay, Riada NI, Towergate Insurance, Flipdish, Evolve HR, Pro-Active Accounting, Eat Local, Frylite, Coca Cola, Biopax and Zeus Packaging.
For more information visit https://www.foodtogoawards.co.uk/
BLUE LIGHT AWARDS
Emergency services personnel are set be recognised for their exceptional dedication and bravery at the inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards.
The awards, which are free to enter, will recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment in serving and protecting the people of Northern Ireland.
Hosted by Pamela Ballantine, the prestigious gala awards ceremony will take place on Thursday February 27 2025 at the Culloden Estate and Spa.
Graham Given and Jason Gillard, co-founders of CTS Connect Through Service and the NI Blue Light Awards, said: “Our emergency services personnel face formidable challenges daily, often risking their lives to ensure community safety. These awards serve as a testament to our profound gratitude for their unwavering commitment and professionalism. We are honoured to launch this initiative and anticipate it becoming an annual celebration.”
The Blue Light Awards will honour the vital statutory and voluntary services in the north who respond to keep the public safe, including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, search & rescue practitioners, paramedics and ambulance services and police.
For further information about the Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards, including how to enter, ticket details, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.bluelightsawards.com