CONFERENCE CONTENT
The Irish Hotels Federation will host Strategic Agility in a Digital Age, the 2025 Annual Conference and Showtel Exhibition at the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry from Sunday 23rd February to Tuesday 25th February 2025.
The 2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Annual Conference will be an exciting and highly relevant event for those in the hospitality and tourism sectors. With its diverse range of sessions and workshops, it's designed to address some of the major challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. From navigating a fractured global economy and embracing digital transformation, to discussing Ireland's role as a key sporting destination with the upcoming Ryder Cup, this event promises rich insights. Additionally, the focus on sustainability, resilience, and the future of air access for tourism will be key topics for those looking to strengthen their businesses in the face of ongoing global change.
The hospitality sector is navigating a complex mix of recovery with unique challenges. Hotels, particularly those with significant food and beverage operations, are grappling with rising costs and evolving guest expectations, which are impacting profitability despite stable or slightly improving occupancy levels.The conference will touch on dynamic and forward-thinking topics, including key areas like sustainability, innovation, and resilience, as well as Ireland's growing position as both a sporting and tourism destination. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the core themes:
Economic Outlook: Insights into Ireland's and the EU's economic trajectory, with a focus on tourism as a vital industry. Digital Revolution: Exploring how digital tools and technologies are transforming tourism and other sectors. Ireland as a Sporting Destination: Positioning Ireland on the global map for sports events and related tourism. Social Sustainability: Addressing tourism's impact on local communities and striving for a balance that benefits both visitors and residents. Tourism Development: Strategic planning and innovation to build resilient and sustainable destinations. Consumer Trends and Mindsets: Understanding evolving traveller preferences to shape future offerings. Sustainability and Resilience: Tackling challenges in air access, regulatory barriers, and environmental considerations to future-proof the industry. Adventure and Team Dynamics: Celebrating cutting-edge teamwork and the spirit required to overcome adversity. Skill Development: Ensuring the workforce is prepared to adapt to changes and challenges in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
It is in this context that the theme of the 2025 IHF Conference is: Strategic Agility in a Digital Age
CONFERENCE OUTLINE
On Sunday afternoon, we will host a golf competition at Dooks Golf Links, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry and a boat trip from Ross Castle to Innisfallen Island on Lough Leane, followed by a historical walking tour to the Ross Island copper mines. That evening the Welcome Buffet and golf prize-giving will take place in the Fiadh Restaurant, Gleneagle Hotel.
The Showtel Trade Exhibition opens on Monday morning and is followed by the Annual General Meeting and elections. On Monday afternoon we are hosting the following two industry workshops: Hotel Sales and Marketing – optimise your hotel channels and Reimagined: Quality Employer Programme, Shaping Brighter Futures.
That evening we will host the Irish Hotels Federation Employee of the Year Awards, and this ceremony will be followed by the President’s Dinner.
On Tuesday the main conference, chaired by Richard Curran, will be opened by Michael Magner, IHF President, followed by brief addresses from the main conference sponsors Electric Ireland and Musgrave MarketPlace. The Gala Dinner will be held on Tuesday evening and Michael Magner will present the IHF President’s Award.
Conference Speaker Sessions Summary
The Tuesday conference sessions with our host, Richard Curran, Irish broadcaster, journalist and writer are as follows:
Economic Outlook - 'in a Fragmented Global Order'
Conall Mac Coille is the Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland. Conall will set the scene in an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress. Ireland’s GDP is estimated to have declined in 2024, mainly due to a contraction in the multinational sector in the first half of the year. However, economic activity is projected to grow in 2025 supported by a strong labour market, low headline inflation and a favourable external environment. While inbound tourism volume to the EU27 is set to increase by 8.1% in 2025, air access and supply pressures are likely to result in a much lower growth in Ireland.
Future and AI - 'embracing the Digital Revolution'
Self-taught, passionate about new technologies and political and social issues, Gilles Babinet has been an entrepreneur since the age of 22. A prolific author and serving as France’s Digital Champion in the European Commission since 2012, he is passionate about technology and big data, and he strongly believes in the positive impacts which digitalisation can have on our societies. He will explain the Digital Revolution and how disruptive innovation and AI can help make your organisation more agile and future proof, focused on education, culture, servicing your customers and increasing their touchpoints in the digital interphase.
Ryder Cup 2027 - 'Ireland as a major sporting event destination'
Alan Evans is the Director of Hospitality & Guest Experience at Ryder Cup Europe. His first Ryder Cup was in 2010 (Celtic Manor) and so far, he has been involved in 5 further Ryder Cup events.
He will provide an update on the Centenary Ryder Cup, which will be hosted by Adare Manor, Co. Limerick in 2027. The Ryder Cup is a growing international event, and it will generate significant economic activity before, during and after September 2027 but more importantly, by positioning Ireland as a premier golf destination, it should help grow the highly important Irish golf tourism industry which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.
The Ryder Cup in 2027 will be a major international showcase for Ireland and a unique opportunity to profile Ireland as an attractive destination to a potential 600 million households throughout the world. Alan will outline how our industry can support and be part of the event.
Social Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality
Peter Jordan, Head of Insights at TOPOSOPHY, is a senior consultant and researcher specialising in place making strategy and tourism development plans. TOPOSOPHY is a global thought leader in destination development, management and marketing with experience in transforming places and destinations around the world. Peter will share his insights in sustainable tourism planning, social sustainability, destination development, consumer trends, shaping perceptions and understanding of tourism’s real impact and how to build relationships with local communities.
Tourism Industry Forum - Ireland and the EU developing a resilient and competitive tourism sector
Following the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, with responsibility for promoting a resilient and competitive tourism sector, in line with the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030, and the new Government recognition of the importance of tourism to the Irish economy by including it in an economic portfolio, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, headed by Minister Peter Burke, tourism is now firmly on the political agenda. In this session, Sean Kelly MEP, Billy Kelleher MEP, Barry Cowen MEP, Alice Mansergh, CEO, Tourism Ireland and Jenny De Saulles, Director of Sector Development, Failte Ireland, will address industry outlook and the challenges ahead, and how Ireland can embrace the EU Vision for Tourism in a panel discussion with Richard Curran.
Air Access: The Life Blood of Tourism
Ireland's aviation sector plays a critical role in its economic landscape, serving as a key pillar for tourism, trade, and global connectivity. The National Aviation Policy for Ireland aims to further enhance the nation's connectivity and competitiveness by:
Ensuring Safe, Secure, and Competitive Access: Meeting the needs of businesses, tourists, and consumers while fostering a responsive and adaptable aviation environment. Encouraging Route and Service Development: Creating favourable conditions for the establishment of new flight routes and services, thereby boosting Ireland's accessibility. Optimising the Airport Network: Ensuring the effective and efficient operation of Irish airports to maximize global connectivity and support the nation's island economy. Adopting Best International Practices in Regulation: Aligning Ireland's aviation regulatory framework with international standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. Facilitating Investment for Growth: Promoting economic regulation that encourages ongoing investment in airport infrastructure to accommodate and drive traffic growth.
This policy underscores Ireland's commitment to leveraging aviation as a strategic asset for economic prosperity and sustained growth.
In this session Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport, Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Airport, Sarah Ryan, Director of Communications DAA, and Eoghan Corry, Editor, Travel Extra, will discuss how best to promote the sustainable development of air access in Ireland and address policy and regulatory barriers to progress.
The Only Way is Up:
Dr. Norah Patten
Dr. Norah Patten’s journey is an extraordinary story of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement. Growing up in the west of Ireland, her life changed forever at the age of 11 when a family trip to NASA sparked a dream that would guide her every step—becoming Ireland’s first astronaut. Today, as an aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), she is turning that dream into reality.
Norah has participated in numerous research campaigns focused on microgravity and commercial spacesuit testing, demonstrating her dedication to advancing space exploration. Her career is marked by inspiring initiatives like managing “The Only Way is Up” project, which launched Ireland’s first student experiment to the International Space Station. This not only showcased her technical expertise but also her commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.
Her dream took a monumental leap forward when Virgin Galactic announced Norah as one of three astronauts chosen for a research flight contract with IIAS. This mission aims to advance scientific understanding of supporting life in space—a challenge that requires not just technical skills but the resilience and teamwork characteristic of space exploration.
In a fireside chat with Richard Curran, Norah will share the incredible journey of her life, touching on the dedication and mindset required to pursue a dream against the odds. Her insights into the dynamics of high-performing teams, drawn from both her space-related work and personal experience, offer valuable lessons in collaboration, resilience, and perseverance. This conversation promises to be an inspiring deep dive into the spirit of exploration and human achievement.