International Takeover conference
The first aesthetics conference to take place in Northern Ireland is set to bring a host of global industry experts to Titanic Belfast on Sunday September 8.
The A List conference, International Takeover, features some of the world’s leaders in aesthetic medicine who will bring their diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights.
The full-day event will give aesthetics practitioners the chance to benefit from their extensive experience and innovative approaches to enhance their practices and elevate patient care.
The conference is being organised by Registered Nurse Lisa Waring, Clinical Director of FaceTherapy NI and one of Northern Ireland’s leading aesthetics industry educators.
The highly experienced panel of speakers at the event includes registered nurse Julie Horne, owner of the Julie Horne Academy in Norway; Dr Kay Durairaj, an internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon and head & neck surgeon based in California; Dr Gideon Kwok, co-owner and medical director of 6 Skin Perfect Medical Clinics in California, who has been named as one of the top injectors in America; and Lori Robertson, who spent 19 years on ABC TV as medical adviser to famed soap opera General Hospital and who today is a sought-after international aesthetics educator.
Registered nurse Lisa Waring, clinical director of FaceTherapy NI, said: “The International Takeover conference is the first of its kind to take place in Northern Ireland and provides an invaluable opportunity for practitioners to gain unique insights from global experts who are at the forefront of medical aesthetics, find out about the latest innovative practices and develop their knowledge as well as enhance their aesthetic business knowledge and build industry connections.”
For further information or to purchase tickets for the International Takeover conference which includes a full day education and Evening Soirée in Titanic Belfast go to www.thealistni.com
Comic Con NI
The highly anticipated Comic Con Northern Ireland will return to the Eikon exhibition centre on September 7 and 8 for the third year running, when fans of all ages will gather to celebrate the best in pop culture, comics, movies, TV shows, and more.
This year’s Comic Con features an array of celebrity special guests, exclusive panels, cosplay competitions, unique merchandise and interactive experiences. Attendees can look forward to meeting their favourite stars, discovering new comics and artwork, and immersing themselves in a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts.
Visitors can meet and greet with actors and creators from the worlds of film, television, and comics including Ming-Na Wen, Giancarlo Esposito, Joseph Morgan, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Billie Piper and Khary Payton (full guest list at www.comicconnorthernireland.co.uk)
They can engage in lively discussions and gain insights from industry insiders during the exclusive panels and Q&A sessions.
There’s also a cosplay competition to show off costume-making skills, while guests can browse a wide selection of merchandise, from collectibles to the latest fan gear.
There are also interactive zones to participate in hands-on activities, including gaming zones.
Andrew Kleek, director of Monopoly Events, said: “We’re committed to delivering an extraordinary experience this year and can’t wait to welcome everyone back to what has become a must-attend event for fans of all ages.”
Tickets for the show are on sale now, and Diamond Pass packages are available for those who want to make the most of their Comic Con experience as well as tickets for autograph & photograph opportunities and after party tickets.
Aspects Festival
The annual Aspects Festival is set to take place from Wednesday September 25 to Sunday October 6, drawing writers, poets, and literature lovers to Bangor for a celebration of some of the best writing this island has to offer.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year marks the 33rd edition of Aspects, making it the north’s longest-standing literature festival.
The 2024 programme presents a selection of writing events covering many diverse genres, including crime, songwriting, poetry, politics, memoir, nature writing and storytelling, featuring writers from all over Ireland as well as talented local writers.
This year’s line-up includes some very special events that will explore careers and lives in writing. Aspects is delighted to kick off the Festival with Bangor songwriter Foy Vance, who will discuss his favourite books, writing inspiration and stories from over three decades of honing his songwriting craft.
The poetry lover is in for a real treat this year with the renowned Michael Longley, Theo Dorgan, Paula Meehan, Victoria Kennefick, Emma McKervey and Mícheál McCann all reading from recent work.
Award winning writers Evelyn Conlon, Mary Costello and Andrew Hughes will discuss their latest books. As always, these events offer a chance to hear the writer read their own work, along with giving the audience a chance to ask questions they have always wanted to know.
The Festival’s workshop programme caters to a wide range of interests, including two new workshops - Storytelling and Ulster-Scots Poetry. There are also events that mix poetry, writing and music in Bangor’s Ghost and Four, a special event with Glenn Patterson and Anthony Toner and friends.
John Hume: The Full Picture, will be a unique evening at Bangor Castle with John Hume’s biographer and portrait artist Stephen Walker and Colin Davidson, where they will give revealing insights into the life of a political icon.
The full programme and tickets are available at www.aspectsfestival.com
Employability event
Belfast City Council will highlight a host of free training and employability opportunities at an event in the city’s Europa Hotel on Tuesday September 3 from 10am-1pm.
Registration has opened for the free event, providing information on the council’s extensive range of Employment Academies, which offer tailored, intensive training in customer services, fibre optic installation, self-employed childminding, social care, technology, transport and logistics, working with children, working at sea, and academies delivered in the Irish language.
As well as hearing from employers outlining available jobs in each sector, attendees will be able to chat with expert advisors from the Gateway to Choices (G2C) service, funded by the Belfast Labour Market Partnership. They’ll help people decide on the academy that’s best suited to them, signpost to other support services available across the city, and assist with CV preparation.
Belfast City Council employment academies provide free, intensive and industry specific training and employability support, as well as personalised guidance to help people identify career goals and develop strategies to achieve them, help with job searches, making job applications, and the interview process; with ongoing aftercare to support the move into sustained employment.
To register to attend go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/europa and to find out more about the range of employment academies on offer, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employmentacademies.
Viking Boat Race
Could you be a Viking for a day and raise vital funds to help protect children and young people from abuse?
NSPCC Northern Ireland has issued a ‘call to oars’ to businesses, families and individuals to form teams of 10 people and sign-up for the 2024 Viking Boat Race which will take place at Cutters Wharf Belfast on Sunday August 25.
On the day, hundreds of ‘Vikings’ will have the opportunity to race replica Longships on the River Lagan in pursuit of the coveted Viking Horn Trophy, all while raising money for NSPCC NI. Boats will be supplied by Ardglass Viking Association, who will accompany each crew during ‘battle’.
For those who prefer dry land, admission to Cutters Wharf is free and spectators and competitors can enjoy lots of family fun and entertainment, including music, a raffle and barbecue.
Each team is asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £500 (this includes race entry fee) or go the extra mile and raise £750 or more to receive a goody bag, BBQ item, drink and lots of other goodies. Teams can register at: www.cutterswharf.co.uk
Belfast Restaurant Week
Belfast Restaurant Week, led by Belfast City’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) - Belfast One, Destination CQ, and Linen Quarter BID - will return for 2024 from October 7-13.
Food establishments across the city are being encouraged to register to participate in the acclaimed event, now in its fifth year.
Whilst in previous years, the event’s format has focused on value, this year the celebration has evolved to allow hospitality venues to host creative experiences from food pairings to tasting menus to demonstrations and masterclasses.
In 2023, Belfast Restaurant Week saw 49 restaurants taking part, leading to an estimated £190,000 additional spend across the city centre.
Damian Corr, manager at Destination CQ BID, said this year’s fresh concept hopes to address the challenges faced by the hospitality industry by unlocking more opportunity for venues to get involved.
Over the coming months offers and experiences available will be listed on the Belfast Restaurant Week website.
For more information on Belfast Restaurant Week and upcoming offers visit belfastrestaurantweek.org. Hospitality businesses interested in participating should contact Lesley@theeventor.com
All-Ireland 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.”
Entry to the awards is free, and applicants can enter as many projects as they wish across multiple categories, offering businesses and individuals a fantastic opportunity to showcase their sustainability efforts and gain recognition on a prestigious platform.
2024 welcomes a few other exciting new introductions, including a beautiful, new ceramic trophy commission designed by Babs Belshaw of The Blackheath Pottery in Coleraine. The new ‘Green Legacy Award’ will also be introduced, set to honour individuals who have contributed a significant impact on sustainability in Ireland through leadership in advocacy, policy, education, or innovation.
With 15 categories ranging from ‘Tech for Good’ and Sustainable Tourism to Green Marketing and Net-Zero Initiatives, there are plenty of options for showcasing projects across the wider sustainability agenda. 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.
For a full list of categories and to enter, visit allirelandsustainability.com. The deadline for entries is 1pm on September 6.
European Heritage Open Day
This year’s European Heritage Open Day programme includes an exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes at Belfast’s iconic venue, the Ulster Hall.
On Saturday September 14, ticket-holders for three limited release guided tours will get a unique opportunity to see and hear some of the Ulster Hall’s best kept secrets, including its role in landmark moments in Belfast’s culture, politics and history.
Designed by the same architect as Belfast’s famous Albert Clock, for more than 160 years the Ulster Hall has played host to famous figures such as Charles Dickens and the Dalai Lama, and legends of music including the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, who debuted their classic Stairway to Heaven at the venue in 1971; visitors will also learn why Winston Churchill was once barred from a political event there.
The Annual European Heritage Open Days celebrate local architecture, history and culture and in Northern Ireland are organised by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The once-a-year event allows visitors to look behind the scenes at familiar landmarks and learn more about their heritage and architecture.
Ulster Hall tours will be limited to just 20 places, at 10am, 11am and 12noon. To secure your place book via https://www.ulsterhall.co.uk/what-s-on/european-heritage-open-day/
Chamber Golf Day
NI Chamber will host its highly anticipated annual golf day on Friday September13.
In partnership with G4S and MCS Group, members from across the north will tee off at the popular event, which returns to the prestigious Malone Golf Club.
Eagerly awaited day in the business calendar, the day is designed to help member businesses broaden their business network, whilst also allowing for some fun competition as members battle it out to take home the renowned Golf Challenge Trophy, which last year went to the team from JMC Electrics.
Wine To Dine For
Beefsteak Club Wines has teamed up with award-winning chef Niall McKenna and his Waterman Restaurant in Belfast to host a special culinary experience for local wine enthusiasts and food lovers.
Distributed in Northern Ireland by Craigavon-based United Wines, Beefsteak Club is inspired by London’s dining clubs of the 18th century and offers a cracking range of quality wines from around the world, all perfect for pairing with your favourite food dishes – something guests will have an opportunity to experience at Waterman House on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
As part of Beefsteak Club’s ‘Wine to Dine For’ campaign, this exclusive ‘supper club’ style event will be hosted by Ciaran Meyler, wine manager at United Wines, who has enjoyed an outstanding career as a wine professional from server to seller.
Guests will receive a glass of wine on arrival, followed by an opportunity to indulge in four delicious small plates, each paired perfectly with a glass of Beefsteak Club wines.
Tickets for the ‘Wine to Dine For’ event are available now at just £55 per person and are expected to sell out quickly with only 80 seats available – so early reservations are recommended. To secure a place, tickets can be purchased at www.waterman.house/collections/events/products/beefsteak-club-wine-evening.
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
BRILLIANT BY DESIGN
An innovative one-day event from John Kelly Connects and FXL Executive Solutions Ltd, will take place at Titanic Hotel Belfast on September 26.
Brilliant by Design will feature a variety of inspiring speakers aiming to help individuals and businesses untap their potential to flourish and deliver transformational change in business success, relationships, well-being and creativity.
Event speakers include: John F Kelly, Laura O’Neill, Eileen Beamish, Yvonne Moore Smyth, Paul Barbour and Cormac Neeson.
For further information and booking details visit johnkellyconnects.com. Tickets are £225pp with early bird £175 available until end of June. Price includes lunch and refreshments.
CO3 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Northern Ireland’s largest leadership summit returns on September 26 2024 at the La Mon Hotel.
The CO3 Leadership Summit will see over 250 senior leaders meet for the biggest networking and learning event for leaders of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.
World leading social entrepreneur and campaigner Josh Littlejohn will be making his return to CO3 after five years, and will examine how things have changed in that time and delegates will learn if John has continued to ‘pay it forward’.
Other speakers will include: Roisin Wood, Community Foundation NI; Lye Ogunsanya, Didean; Colin Catney, National Museums NI; Kate Beggs, The National Lottery Community Fund; Jane Trenaman, The Fundraising Leadership Assembly; and Aine Myler Charities Institute Ireland.
The Future of Funding panel will feature representative from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Halifax Foundation, Fermanagh House and the National Lottery.
ULSTER HOCKEY LUNCH
Ulster Hockey will welcome Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell to Belfast on Friday September 20 as special guest and keynote speaker at its Club 1896 gala lunch.
Set to take place at Titanic Belfast, the event will feature a panel discussion between local business leaders and successful sportspeople, exploring how they have managed challenges throughout their career and obstacles they have overcome.
Panellists confirmed include director of women’s football at the Irish Football Association and chair of the Female Sports Forum Angela Platt; managing partner of Arthur Cox Lynsey Mallon; and international hockey star Eugene Magee.
Tickets for the lunch, which is supported by Arthur Cox, are available via Eventbrite (search Ulster Hockey Club 1896) or from Ulster Hockey.