NI hotel sector launches search for ‘Rising Stars’
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) has announced a competition aimed at discovering ‘Rising Stars’ within the hotel sector.
The Rising Stars awards aim to recognise and celebrate young, emerging talent who are making significant contributions to the hotel and hospitality industry.
The competition is a platform to showcase talented personnel, reward those who contribute significantly to the hotel sector’s success and highlight the career potential within the industry.
This year’s Rising Stars will also hear from Tanya Oxtoby, the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Manager, who will share her perspective on what makes a winning team.
The Rising Stars Awards, supported by Ulster Bank, will be presented as part of Hospitality Exchange 2024 at a Lunch, hosted by the renowned broadcaster Pamela Ballantine. At the Crowne Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 2024.
Entries for the Rising Stars Awards close on September 6. Interested participants can submit their applications via nihf.co.uk.
A new perspective on workplace health
NI Chamber and BT are set to host a business-focused guide to creating resilient, sustainable and high-performing workplaces on September 12.
A panel of experts including John Ryan, CEO of Healthy Place To Work and Dr Michael Burchell, the co-authors of ‘Make Work Healthy’ will discuss where business leaders should focus their efforts to create healthier, more sustainable and productive workplaces.
This will include insights into the pivotal role of health in achieving sustainable high performance and what companies here can learn from global research on workplace health. It will also cover pain points specific to Northern Ireland businesses and delve into opportunities for the region to become a leader in workplace health.
The event takes place at 4pm on Thursday September 12 in BT Riverside Tower, Belfast. It is free for NI Chamber members to attend. To register visit www.northernirelandchamber.com.
Big Data Belfast Conference returns for 10th anniversary event
Big Data Belfast will celebrate its 10th anniversary when it returns on Wednesday October 23 2024 at the ICC Belfast.
This milestone event, presented by Analytics Engines, promises to be the most expansive and impactful yet, supported by headline sponsor EY.
Over the past decade, Big Data Belfast has established itself as the premier conference for data enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators.
In 2024, the conference 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.
Early bird tickets are now available at £75 (+VAT) and can be purchased at bigdatabelfast.com. For a glimpse of what to expect, check out the highlights from the 2023 conference: BDB23
Oxford professor to headline Belfast’s Diversity and Inclusion Summit
University of Oxford Professor Tim Soutphommasane has been announced as keynote speaker of the upcoming Diversity Mark Annual Summit in Belfast.
Taking place on October 8 in Titanic Belfast, tickets for this full day Summit are now on sale with over 300 business and diversity leaders expected to attend Northern Ireland’s largest conference focussed on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
As chief diversity officer at Oxford, Professor Soutphommasane will leverage his pragmatic insights and expertise to help local organisations navigate complex issues such as political polarisation, identity, culture, and leadership. His guidance will support businesses in their journey toward a future where EDI will benefit everyone.
To secure your seat, visit diversity-mark-ni.co.uk/diversity-mark-summit or contact info@diversity-mark-ni.co.uk
Applications open for 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list
Applications are now open for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50.
Now in its 25th year, the programme ranks the fastest growing technology companies based on revenue growth over a four-year period.
The ranking features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.
The closing date for entries is September 27 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on November 28 2024. Full details can be found at deloitte.ie/fast50
North’s first ever screen sustainability event to empower a greener industry
Northern Ireland Screen, in partnership with BBC Northern Ireland and Belfast Harbour will host the inaugural Screen Industry Sustainability Showcase, an event dedicated to fostering sustainability within the screen industry.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at Belfast Harbour Studios.
As part of the BBC Climate Creatives initiative, the event will feature panels with representatives from Albert, PACT and the team behind Studio Ulster alongside local suppliers who will present their sustainability policies, funding, production support, products and services to the Northern Ireland screen industry.
This showcase underscores the collective responsibility of the industry to adopt sustainable practices that ensure long-term environmental responsibility, economic viability, and continuous creative innovation.
It will also create the opportunity to discuss the editorial and production challenges and opportunities for local producers and broadcasters.
Tickets available on the NI Screen website.
ScaleX Summit
The ScaleX Summit will take place at ICC Belfast on Wednesday, November 13 with 900 businesspeople from across the UK and Ireland expected to attend.
The event will offer insights and practical strategies that leaders can implement on their scaling journey.
From entrepreneur, Daniel Priestley to Mac Lackey, the event will welcome leaders from across the business world.
It will also provide opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors and innovators from diverse industries and backgrounds. For more information and to secure your place at the summit, visit scalexsummit.com.
Action Cancer’s Breast Foot Forward fundraising walk
A sea of pink will sweep through Finnebrogue Estate when it hosts Action Cancer’s Breast Foot Forward fundraising walk on Sunday 29th September. The walk will take place just ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October and the charity is encouraging men, women and children of all ages to take part and help raise vital funds for Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening and cancer support services.
The Breast Foot Forward Walk is Action Cancer’s flagship fundraising event that annually takes place in Belfast but this marks the first occasion of it taking place in Downpatrick.
For further information or to register visit www.actioncancer.org, contact Mark Irwin-Watson on 028 9080 3371 / 07580 133752, or email mriwin-watson@actioncancer.org
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 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.
For further information or to purchase tickets visit 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.
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, To register to attend go to belfastcity.gov.uk/europa.
Belfast Restaurant Week
Belfast Restaurant Week 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
All-Ireland Sustainability Awards
The 2024 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards have been set for October 24 at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club.
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.
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.
For a full list of categories and to enter, visit allirelandsustainability.com. The deadline for entries is 1pm on September 6.
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.
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.
