MINORITIES RECOGNITION AWARDS
In the wake of the recent deeply troubling acts of violence and vandalism targeting businesses within minority communities in the north, the Minorities Recognition Awards NI (MRANI) at Titanic Belfast on October 4 will celebrate diversity, equality, and the invaluable contributions of these communities to local society.
The awards will serve as a powerful platform to challenge these harmful stereotypes and highlight the positive, substantial contributions made by the ethnic minorities to the economic and social fabric of our nation.
The event, sponsored by Titanic Belfast, Sensata Technologies, Danske Bank, Queen’s University, Ulster University, Ulster Bank, Go Succeed, Belfast City Council and Craic NI, will spotlight the achievements of individuals and businesses who have excelled in various fields, demonstrating the immense talent and potential within these communities.
Awards founder Diane Davis says: “By uniting as one, we not only overcome challenges but also create a society where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.”
“The Minorities Recognition Awards will be a celebration of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. We invite the public, media, and community leaders to join us in honouring these exceptional individuals and organisations as we collectively work towards a more just and harmonious future.”
Tickets are available at www.minorityawardsni.org.uk or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mrani-awards-ceremony.
CONVEYANCING WEEK
The Law Society of Northern Ireland will hold its second annual Conveyancing Week from October 14-18, which aims to help create a better understanding of the conveyancing process for the public and parties involved in the local property market.
The initiative will include the Society’s annual Conveyancing Conference in Titanic Belfast, as well as events for law students, property professionals and the public.
All of the events have been designed to highlight the central role of the solicitor in helping people move home.
A consumer information evening is planned on Thursday October 17 at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, when attendees will be able to get an understanding of the common questions about the legal buying and selling process and mingle with solicitors, estate agents, and mortgage brokers. Co-ownership will also be present to answer some common questions about the process.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE PITCH
A £90,000 fund from Belfast City Council has opened to incentivise and boost Belfast-based social enterprises and co-operatives.
The Social Economy Incentive Fund will provide grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to new or developing social economy businesses in early growth stages, or in need of support to begin trading in the next six months.
To apply, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/socialincentivefund with the deadline for applications 5pm on Friday 1 November.
Shortlisted organisations will be invited to make a five-minute pitch on December 4/5 to a judging panel of local social enterprise stakeholders, where they will outline the social value and impact an award would have on their organisation and customers.
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.”
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
AI CON 2024
Ireland’s leading artificial intelligence-focused conference AI Con, taking place in Titanic Belfast on Thursday October3, will once again draw hundreds of experts, researchers and innovators together to explore the latest developments in AI and machine learning.
More than 400 technologists and business leaders will gather to hear from global experts in the artificial intelligence space, including representatives from the University College Dublin Innovation Academy, Beyond Reach Consulting Limited, Kainos, Axial3D, and ASOS.
Now in its sixth year, AI Con will feature a twin-track approach with two programmes running simultaneously: ‘AI Now’ and ‘AI Next’.
The conference will explore best practice for leveraging AI in a safe, transparent, and accountable way, and will also provide insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Dr. Lollie Mancey, programme director for innovation and entrepreneurship at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, will deliver the keynote address, drawing from her extensive experience in digital transformation, technology, and resilience.
Currently, Dr. Mancey is working on a TV project exploring technological innovations in Ireland that could shape society by 2050. This project aligns with her involvement in RTÉ's “Welcome to Futureville,” which envisions Athlone as a futuristic city, addressing challenges such as housing, transport, and the environment, and creating a virtual reality model of the town in 2050.
Other notable speakers include Patricia Shaw, CEO of Beyond Reach Consulting Limited; Rory Hanratty, chief technology officer at Axial3D; and Suzanne Brink, head of AI ethics and governance at Kainos.
William Hamill, head of engineering in digital services at Kainos, will chair a panel discussion on creating an AI Avatar that can engage in a real-time dialogue with multiple participants.
AI Con 2024 will be hosted by Kainos, supported by Allstate, Invest NI, Matrix, Synechron, Belfast City Council and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC). On Friday October 4, the AICC will host exclusive AI workshops at Ulster University, open to all AI Con 2024 conference attendees.
For further information or registration details, please visit: https://ai-con.ai/.
NIFDA DINNER
Ivan Ryan, regional managing director for Lidl Northern Ireland, will be the keynote speaker at the 28th Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) annual dinner, the largest gathering of the north’s food and drink processing industry, which takes place on Thursday October 3 in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast.
With 300 people expected to attend, the event, which is run in partnership with KPMG Ireland, is seen as an opportunity for food and drink leaders to come together to celebrate the industry, discuss challenges it faces and look to opportunities for growth.
For more information on the 2024 NIFDA dinner and to buy tickets, visit https://nifda.co.uk/nifda-annual-dinner-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
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
HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE
Hospitality Exchange 2024 marks a significant milestone as the event enters its 25th year, offering an engaging and insightful experience with a focus on the themes shaping the future of the industry.
This year’s programme, on Tuesday and Wednesday October 15 & 16, will reflect on the journey since 1999, exploring the evolution of the north’s hospitality sector.
NIHF chief executive Janice Gault said: “Hospitality Exchange 2024 is not just an opportunity to reflect on our industry’s past successes but а critical forum for discussing its future. We have had great support from all elements of the industry and there is a real appetite to see the industry grow and contribute further to the future of Northern Ireland.
“The themes we’ve chosen this year reflect the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in areas like AI integration, sustainable practices and tourism’s evolving landscape.”
The conference (www.hospitalityexchange.org.uk) will culminate with a gala ball, hosted by Pamela Ballantine, offering a perfect blend of networking, celebration and entertainment.
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.
For more information on Belfast Restaurant Week and upcoming offers visit belfastrestaurantweek.org. Hospitality businesses interested in participating should contact Lesley@theeventor.com
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
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.
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