Day 2 – Insights & Inspiration

DAY 2 | DISCUSSIONS, PRESENTATIONS & NETWORKING

From 10am in the Gleneagle Hotel | Thu 28th November
(Registration open from 8.30am, with refreshments available)

Day 2 will feature a series of brilliant, practical insights and inspiration from industry leaders and operators through talks and panel discussions, as we gather once again to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we face.

MORNING SESSION:

Opening: Brendan Kenny (CEO, IAAT) and Colin Wolfe (Chair, IAAT)
Welcome from Breandán Fitzgerald (Mayor Kerry County Council)
The State of Irish Tourism – Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (CEO, ITIC)
PANEL: Of Land, Air & Sea – Notes from the activity tourism sector.
With Clare Wheatley (Real Adventures), Pat Falvey (Pat Falvey Adventure), Jamie Flannery (Dingle Sea Safari) and Barry Flanagan (Erne Water Taxis).
Moderated by Pól O Conghaile
A panel discussion with IAAT members, reflecting on their business, how the season went and what lies ahead!
[Networking Break]
PANEL: Dúchas, Dualgas agus Fiontar – Imagining a future for Activity Tourism: the role of community, ecology and culture Moderated by Tina O’Dwyer
A discussion on the role of community, ecology and culture in the future of activity tourism in Ireland.
Blueways in Ireland – An update and IAAT member opportunities with Chris Scott, Blueway Coordinator and Development Advisor
Coillte – An update and member opportunities with Recreation Team Leader Bryan Fennell at Coillte
[Lunch at 1pm]

AFTERNOON SESSION:

Brian Hanley – CEO, the Alliance for Insurance Reform
PANEL: Our Adventure Island (Leaders Panel)
With Alice Mansergh (CEO, Tourism Ireland), Colin Wolfe (Chair IAAT; Director, Wild Escapes), Eimear O’Callaghan (Tourism NI), Miriam Kennedy (Head of Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland)
Moderated by Pól O’Conghaile
A panel discussion with industry leaders, reflecting on 10 years of adventure tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way, challenges faced by the sector, and what the future holds
Practical AI Marketing for Adventure Tourism – Ciaran Connolly, ProfileTree
KEYNOTE: Dermot Whelan – multi-award-winning Radio & TV broadcaster, comedian, bestselling author, and meditation expert.
CLOSING ADDRESS: Brendan Kenny (CEO, IAAT)
NETWORKING: Catch up with industry colleagues at the end of the conference, with complimentary tea, coffee and treats available!

BUSINESS SUPPORT EXHIBITORS

INFORMATION POINTS & CLINIC STANDS offering practical supports will also be available in the foyer for practical supports throughout the day. Exhibitors include the Alliance for Insurance Reform, FareHarbor, Sustainable Tourism Network, Arachas Insurance, Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland-Wild Atlantic Way, Discover Kerry, Digital That Delivers, MicroFinance Ireland and more to be announced shortly!

*all times and content may be subject to change

4 GREAT REASONS TO ATTEND!

1. BE INFORMED
by hearing from and meeting industry colleagues and leaders on the key issues facing our industry, and the future of adventure tourism

2. BE CONNECTED
through networking and collaboration opportunities across both days

3. BE INSPIRED
by an extraordinary keynote and other speakers

4. BE EXHILARATED
by enjoying the local adventure activities on offer

People. Process. Place

The Conference theme is ‘People. Process. Place‘, reflecting our role in showcasing outdoor activities in a culturally sensitive manner that protects and regenerates our natural environment & communities. We are determined that the next generation has pride of place through extensive access to outdoor adventure, not just as users, but as custodians of our stunning natural landscape.

About IAAT

Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT) is the representative body for over 250 adventure activity tourism operators, in a sector that employs over 8,000 people across every county on the island of Ireland.

Our members include adventure centres, waterparks, tour operators and businesses offering kayaking, biking, hiking, rafting, horse-riding, coasteering, and many more activities. These businesses offer enjoyable activities to both domestic and international markets, activities that promote positive physical & mental health, as well as risk education in controlled settings and pathways to long-term participation.

IAAT is partnered with the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA), Fáilte Ireland, FareHarbor, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Sustainable Tourism Network, the European Confederation of Outdoor Employers (EC-OE) and the European Platform for Sport Innovation (EPSI).

Benefits of IAAT membership include representation & lobbying, being part of a community of industry peers, free or discounted access to training workshops and events, insurance support including access of application to the member group scheme, and discounted access to equipment.

The adventure activity sector brings in over €1bn / £870m in annual tourism revenue to Ireland.