Kerry Ambassador Programme recruits academics to attract international conferences to the region
Working in partnership under the banner of the Kerry Ambassador Programme, Kerry Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland joined forces last Friday to recruit academics from Munster Technological University to bring more international conferences to the area.
Following an invitation extended by MTU President Maggie Cusack and founding Kerry Ambassador Mary Rose Stafford, twenty leading academics across multiple disciplines were given a special briefing at a ‘Lunch and Learn’ event in MTU’s North Kerry Campus, detailing how they can help bring major international events and conferences to Ireland with the support of the Kerry Ambassador Programme.
The Kerry Ambassador Programme is a pioneering county initiative designed to drive economic growth through business events and raise Kerry’s profile as a global business hub. Launched in October 2022, and led by Kerry Convention Bureau, it is managed in partnership with Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Meet in Ireland, Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry SciTech and Prosper Kerry.
As part of a drive to grow the programme’s pool of Kerry Conference Ambassadors, the ‘Lunch and Learn’ event was focused specifically on academics and their ability to bid for international conferences in their area of expertise.
Providing examples from MTU academics recognised as founding Kerry Ambassadors, who had already successfully attracted events to the region, the event highlighted how Kerry Conference Ambassadors are hugely important in sourcing and winning this lucrative tourism business for Kerry.
A presentation was given by Patrice O’Mahony, Commercial Development Officer as to how Fáilte Ireland’s support helps shoulder some of the financial costs associated with bidding for international business, while Becky Hargrove, Manager of Kerry Convention Bureau explained how they are on hand to offer practical advice and assistance from the start to end of the bid journey.
Quote: Kerry Convention Bureau
Becky Hargrove, Manager of Kerry Convention Bureau says “We were delighted to have so many from MTU attend this education session, and to have the opportunity to inspire them as to the benefits of becoming a Kerry Conference Ambassador”
She said, “We were able to share with them the many notable benefits associated with becoming a Kerry Conference Ambassador, including the opportunity to raise the profile of their work and MTU amongst their peers, become recognised as a leader in their field of expertise, establish platforms for research projects and international collaboration and also playing in an important role in generating economic benefits and profile for Kerry”.
“As Kerry continues to build on its reputation as both a future focused premier business events destination and one of Ireland’s leading knowledge and innovation hubs, where industry collaboration drives success, the call out for new Kerry Conference Ambassadors is timely.”
Quote: Fáilte Ireland
Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development at Fáilte Ireland said “Over 75% of all conferences confirmed for Ireland each year are secured by an ambassador and this is why the Kerry Ambassador Programme is so important. By supporting academics to bid for an international conference in their area of expertise, Failte Ireland and the Kerry Convention Bureau provide practical assistance to these new Conference Ambassadors to not only play a role in generating significant revenue for the region but also to leave a lasting legacy in terms of being recognised as a centre of innovation and excellence in these fields”
“As Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority, we are delighted to partner with Kerry Convention Bureau and Munster Technological University on this initiative.”
What is the Kerry Ambassador Programme?
The Kerry Ambassador Programme has been created for community and industry leaders who are interested in supporting the county by influencing and attracting business events and investment opportunities to Kerry.
The initiative provides a platform for founding Kerry Ambassadors, Kerry Conference Ambassadors, and programme partners to work together in pursuit of a common goal – to advocate for Kerry and to contribute to Kerry’s ongoing economic growth and recovery, by placing Kerry on the national and international stage as a premier business events destination and a place to do business.
The programme is led by Kerry Convention Bureau, in partnership with Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Meet in Ireland, Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry SciTech and Prosper Kerry.
For more information on the Kerry Ambassador Programme, visit www.kerryconventionbureau.com/ambassadors
Who are Kerry Convention Bureau?
Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) is a non-profit organisation specialising in attracting and developing convention, meeting and group business to the county and increasing the contribution of business and conference tourism to the Kerry economy.
It has a county wide membership comprising venues, hotels, activity and transport providers, travel companies and conference organisers who have joined forces to attract business events to the area.
Supported by Fáilte Ireland and Kerry County Council, Kerry Convention Bureau works closely with its members and industry partners to engage with event planners to create awareness of what Kerry has to offer for all types of business events and to provide a wide range of services, practical supports and expertise which meet the needs and requirements of both event planners and Kerry Ambassadors.
For further information on Kerry Convention Bureau, visit www.kerryconventionbureau.com or contact Becky Hargrove on +353 83 848 2564 | becky.hargrove@kerryconventionbureau.com
