A graduate of the Kemmy School of Business in University of Limerick, Karen has an extensive background in business and sports tourism with over 25 years’ experience in the Tourism industry in Ireland and internationally.

A native of Co. Roscommon, John is a lecturer and researcher in the Galway International Hotel School, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT).

Dr. Ruth Craggs is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, Technological University Dublin.

Lorraine Dunne has been employed at Dundalk Institute since 2001 and is a lecturer in Event & Hospitality Management. She has an honours degree in Hospitality Management from The University of Ulster, Jordanstown and an MBA from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).

Rose Finn is the General Manager of Galway Convention Bureau her role involves attracting international business events to Galway.

Maria Roddy Freyne is an Event Management Lecturer in Dundalk Institiute of Technology. She has a Degree in Hospitality Management, a Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Masters in Learning & Teaching and is a member of EMEI (Event Management Educators Ireland).

Becky Hargrove CIS DES is an award winning business events and destination marketing strategist. Becky has extensive experience working with event planners as they source MICE destinations, providing guidance with venues, hotels & activities selection alongside helping develop creative & meaningful programme itineraries.

Dr. Kelly Maguire is a Lecturer in Tourism Management at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus. She has previously held the position of Senior Lecturer in International Tourism Management and Events Management at Liverpool John Moore’s University.

Niamh is the Event Sales & Marketing Manager for Seasons at Guinness Storehouse. With over 16 years events experience, she has worked in many areas of the industry. In 2017, Niamh was awarded EIA best inhouse person of the year.

Dr Emmet McLoughlin is the Programme Director for Tourism Studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University. His research interests include data driven approaches to sustainability, indicators for sustainable development and sustainable planning for tourism and events.

Rachelle O’Brien is a lecturer in the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism at TU Dublin. She lectures across a number of tourism and event management modules including Conference Management, Event Industry Studies, Event Operations and Business Tourism.

Mary O'Rawe lectures in Innovation Management at the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism at TU Dublin and is a tutor and subject specialist in the Management area on the B.Sc. Event Management programme.

Evelyn O’Sullivan’s experience in the conference, meetings and incentive industry spans from 1999 to present. Her career has progressed in a very fluid way from Operations, Project Management and Client Relations to Destination Marketing.