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.
“As we look forward to the next 100 years of exceptional education in Ballymena, the ball will be raising funds for a key project at St Louis. The demand for science provision has grown exponentially over the last decade, so all proceeds will go towards providing two new science rooms.”
Connor Martin said: “I very much appreciated my time at St Louis Grammar, where its excellent teachers gave me a sound grounding in business, and I’m particularly pleased the ball is raising funds for two new science rooms.
“As a pupil I was always experimenting with different blends of perfumes to create new fragrances. The new science facilities can only improve the current pupils’ experience at St Louis and help to produce the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.”
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.
Jonathan McAlpin, chair of the organising committee and chief executive of East Belfast Enterprise, speaking at the launch in Templemore Baths, said: “I’m honoured to launch the Eastside Awards in a building which is steeped in history and heritage right in the heart of east Belfast where thousands of people have learnt to swim.
“If you are making a splash at a grass roots level in east Belfast and further afield, we want to know about it and I would encourage you to dive in and submit your entry in awards which shine a spotlight on this vibrant, diverse and dynamic corner of Belfast.”
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.
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