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.
Danielle McCormick, founder of the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, said: “We have a lot to shout about and celebrate in 2024 as the sustainability agenda continues to accelerate and evolve across the Island.
“I am absolutely delighted to welcome our new headliner, Climeaction, and all of our fantastic event partners in celebrating those who integrate sustainability into their core values, and to recognising those who have made long-standing contributions to sustainability in Ireland in our new Green Legacy Award.”
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.
TITANIC AFTER HOURS
Titanic Belfast is giving guests the opportunity to visit After Hours with the launch of two unique experiences on Thursday and Friday evenings throughout August.
The world-leading visitor attraction has partnered with local drinks experience, The Spirit Circle to introduce Titanic by the Glass which takes guests on an immersive journey through the galleries of Titanic Belfast with brand new incredible audio-visual installations telling stories of Belfast, its people, its past and its drinks.
Throughout the 90-minute experience each Thursday evening, visitors will enjoy four cocktails which have been expertly created by skilled mixologists by combining tastes, innovative ideas and historical information to reflect the particular story that is being told.
The second After Hours offering to be launched is Titanic Experience By Night, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a guided highlights tour of the Titanic Experience each Friday evening after it has closed to the public.
Tickets are priced at £45 per person for Titanic by the Glass (non-alcoholic options available) and £30 per person for Titanic Experience by Night. For further information or to book, go to www.titanicbelfast.com
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.